Pastor Marshall Ochs | MARCH 1, 2026
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Romans 9. In this chapter, Paul starts by expressing deep sorrow over Israel’s unbelief and clarifies that God’s promises have not failed, because “true Israel” has always been defined by faith rather than ethnicity. Paul explains that God chooses nations, individuals, and roles for His purposes in history, but people are responsible for how they respond in faith. Ultimately, salvation is not about heritage but belief—anyone, Jew or Gentile, who trusts in Jesus is part of God’s true people and will not be put to shame.
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Paul expresses concern for his Jewish brothers and sisters who do not know Jesus. His great love for them and his desire to see them come to a saving knowledge of Jesus is of utmost importance to him.
Have you made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior?
If you have accepted Jesus, do you have a burden for others to know Him?
How open are you about your faith to others?
Israel was God’s chosen people, from which He would bring the Messiah. However, they were not all followers of the one true God and accepting of Jesus as the Messiah. Those who chose to come by faith to Christ were considered the true Israel – Jew and Gentile alike. This was hard for the Jewish people to accept. They felt that heritage and good deeds were the way to God.
Have you found yourself trying to earn your salvation through good works or because you were born into a Christian family?
The question that has been debated for centuries is: If God is all powerful and all knowing, does He pick some people to come to faith in Jesus and go to Heaven, and others to reject Him and go to hell? Paul shows us in God’s word that He does not. We all have the choice to embrace Jesus or reject Him. God certainly chooses how and through whom He will accomplish His will (see Pastor Marshall’s notes for more details). However, we are ultimately responsible choosing to place our faith in Jesus.
Paul uses scripture to make his point to the people (see notes for references). If we are believers in Christ, we must know the Word of God! It is our greatest weapon against the enemy and our greatest resource for knowing our Savior and living according to His will.
How much time are you investing in reading God’s word?
Why or why not is it part of your daily routine? If it isn’t, it’s never too late to start today!