Romans 13

Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 29, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 13. In this chapter, Paul teaches that a Christian’s outward life should be marked by willingly submitting to governing authorities as an act of submission to God, while still prioritizing obedience to Christ above all. It emphasizes that believers carry an ongoing “debt” of love toward others, fulfilling God’s law through love rather than obligation. Finally, Paul urges Christians to live with urgency in light of Christ’s return—“putting on Christ” and rejecting sinful behavior so that their actions align with their identity in Him.

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1. What does it practically look like in your life to “order yourself under” governing authorities while still obeying Christ first?

1. How do you respond when you disagree with or feel frustrated by those in authority over you?

2. In what ways can you actively pray for and support the leaders and systems God has placed over you?

3. Paul describes love as a debt we can never fully repay—how does that perspective challenge the way you treat others daily?

4. Who in your life is hardest for you to love right now, and what would it look like to “owe them love” this week?

5. How does loving others naturally lead to fulfilling God’s commands without focusing on rules?

6. What are some “nighttime” behaviors (patterns of sin or complacency) that you may be tolerating in your life?

7. How would your daily choices change if you lived with a stronger awareness that Christ’s return is closer today than yesterday?

8. What does it mean for you personally to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” in your current season of life?

9. How can you better align your actions with your identity as a Christian, especially in moments of stress, conflict, or temptation?

Romans 7

Pastor Marshall Ochs | FEBRUARY 15, 2026

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 7. In this chapter, Paul teaches that believers are no longer bound to the law but are made alive in Christ, moving from slavery to sin and death into freedom through the Spirit. Paul explains that the law itself is good but exposes and even provokes sin, revealing humanity’s need for Jesus to bring true freedom and power to obey. The chapter concludes by emphasizing that Christians now live under the “law of Christ”—loving God and others—and are empowered by the Spirit rather than trapped in the cycle of sin.

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REFLECT

Paul’s message in Romans 7 is directed toward the Jewish believers, emphasizing that the law itself cannot save them. The law, while important, does not have the power to deliver individuals from sin. It actually condemns those trying to keep the law because they cannot live up to it.

Have you had the realization in your life that there is no way you could be “good enough” or “work your way to heaven?”

Paul uses marriage to illustrate his point.  When a spouse dies, the law of marriage no longer applies.  The living spouse is allowed to marry another.  In the same manor, when we accept Christ as our Savior, we have a life no longer bound by the law.  We now have a life united – married to Christ.  The law and the sin struggle of the inability to keep it no longer condemns us.  Christ has set us free from that condemnation.

Have you accepted Christ as your Savior and still struggle with the feelings of shame or guilt?  Jesus died to set us free from that shame and guilt!  Let today be the day that you cry out to God and lay that down!

Paul explains that the law showed people what they should not be doing and yet, it only made them want to do it more.  Sin took advantage of the law in this way.  In Romans 7:14-8:2, Paul speaks to this very issue.  The unbeliever’s life is centered around their own desires.  The Christian’s life is centered around the desire to live for and please God.  However, we cannot do this in our own power.  It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we live for Christ.  He transforms us day by day to live for Him.  Jesus sets us free from being slaves to sin.

Do you find yourself struggling with sin?  Have you asked the Lord to help you lay it down and live for Him?  Only He has the power to transform your life and set you free.  You cannot do it in your own power.

We cannot keep living by a set of rules in our own power.  We can live by the power of Christ in us which motivates us to gladly serve God and others.  God’s law is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love others as yourself.  If we make this our plea to God, He is faithful to answer.

Is this your desire?  If so, pray to the Lord to transform your mind and set your desires on Him.  Watch what He will do!

Sermon on the Mount - Week 5

Message: Sermon on the Mount - Week 5

Teacher: Pastor Marshall Ochs

Date: June 8, 2014

Summary: This message is part 4 in the message series "Sermon on the Mount". This series focuses on Mathew 5-7 and what Jesus has to say about the Kingdom of God.

In this message we talk about the currency of God's kingdom: Love. 

Our prayer is that it informs your view of Jesus and causes you to worship Him more deeply.