The Book of Acts - Chapter 10

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 20, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 10. This chapter shows how the gospel message spread to a Roman Centurion named Cornelius, his family, and many other gentiles. The Holy Spirit spoke to Peter and Cornelius in a vision. God confirmed His work through multiple people, and the message was clear — gentiles are welcome in God’s kingdom and receive the same full benefits as Jewish believers.

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Reflect

  1. We see in Isaiah 56:6-7 God’s plan from the beginning of time is for His house to be a house of prayer for all people; we are all equal members. Meditate on this truth, that 700 years before what we read in Acts 10, this was God’s plan. God is always faithful.

  2. Scripture describes Cornelius as a devout man who feared God and prayed continually. Do you have a regular time devoted to prayer and study of God’s word? How is the Holy Spirit leading you to make this a priority?

  3. Reflecting on God’s timing to meet Cornelius at 3 pm during his prayer time, how does this change your view of ways God will meet you through obedience and submission to His ways?

  4. This chapter in Acts tells us of the conversion of Cornelius and Peter’s transformation in heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any hidden or obvious bitterness or bias you have towards other people. Will you allow the Holy Spirit to change your heart?

  5. We see in this chapter both Peter and Cornelius have visions and an experience with an Angel of God. Read Acts 2:17-20 and John 14:12. Meditate on these passages and the truth that in the last days God will pour out His Spirit on all flesh and we shall see visions and dream dreams. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to all of the ways He is speaking to you.

  6. God spoke to both Peter and Cornelius, not just one of them. Reflecting on this, are there any instances God spoke to you and then confirmed it either through His word or another believer? How does this grow your faith to trust, surrender and obey when God speaks to you? Are you living in a community with other believers where God can confirm what He says to you through other witnesses?

  7. God gives each believer different spiritual gifts to use for His kingdom and His glory. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to the gifts He has given you and how He wants you to use them. (1 Corinthians 12)

  8. In this chapter, we read about people receiving visions from God and new believers receiving the gifts of tongues. The kingdom of God does not make sense to the world; we serve a King who rose from the dead. Do you have any preconceived ideas or beliefs that may not align with God’s word? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach and transform your heart.

  9. How is the Holy Spirit leading you to submit, surrender, and turn from the desires of this world to Jesus? Jesus will do everything; He will change you then change the world through you.

The Book of Acts - Chapter 9

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 13, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 9. This chapter shows how the gospel message impacted the people in the first century. The message resulted in transformed lives, healed bodies, and resurrection power. The message also challenged people to overcome prejudice, forgive their neighbors, and reconcile relationships. The gospel results are seen in our lives as well, and this chapter reminds us to quit working against God’s kingdom and submit to it.

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Reflect

  1. Meditating on Saul’s experience in Acts 9, how is your heart encouraged for those in your life who do not yet believe in Jesus Christ? God’s power transforms the hearts and lives of those far away from God. I encourage you to write down the name of a loved one or friend who does not know Jesus and commit to pray for them by name.

  2. What are some of the ways the gospel has changed your heart and life? May we never lose the awe of what God has done in us, the transformation from dead in our trespasses to now alive with Him.

  3. Spend time reflecting on the contrast of Saul’s mission and God’s mission - are there any ways you are pursuing your mission instead of God’s? Jesus sent us to open the eyes of the blind.

  4. How can you lead and challenge your family to get on your knees, seek God through prayer and walk in God’s mission for you and your family?

  5. In Act 26, Jesus tells Saul, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” Goads were a stick used to prod cattle or donkeys in the direction they were to go. Reflecting on this message in prayer, is there anything you are kicking against the goad, not wanting to go in the way God is leading you?

  6. In verse 17, we see Ananias address Saul as “Brother Saul” when laying hands on him. Contemplating how Saul persecuted followers of Jesus Christ, would “brother” be how you would address someone who had been coming against you, your family, and the family of believers? How might this change our hearts toward the people we have held grudges or ill will against?

  7. Ananias was an ordinary disciple, like you and me, that the Spirit spoke to. How might this truth open your eyes to what God can do through a surrendered and obedient Christ follower?

  8. The time frame between when Paul encountered Jesus on the Damascus’ road and when he began his missionary journeys was thirteen years. How might we learn from Paul’s devotion to studying God’s Word and allow the Holy Spirit to grow our knowledge in Jesus Christ?

  9. In verse 31, we see the church multiply as they had peace, being built up, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to give you the fear of the Lord and comfort of the Holy Spirit. May we walk fully in our calling to open the eyes of the blind.

The Book of Acts - Chapter 8

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 6, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 8. This chapter tells the story of Philip and the first missionary journey to Samaria. Philip was a young man, filled with the Holy Spirit, and God used him in miraculous ways. In the midst of early church persecution, Philip preached Jesus and people groups all over the world were impacted. His life is a reminder that titles, power, and prestige are not required for God to work in our lives.

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The Book of Acts - Chapter 6-7

Pastor Marshall Ochs | January 30, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 6-7. These chapters tell the story of Stephen the martyr and his bold preaching before the Jewish High Council. Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit and preached with such wisdom that he frustrated many leaders in Jerusalem synagogs. He was accused of blasphemy but preached a powerful sermon that further angered the religious leaders. The trial ended in his murder, but the gospel continued to spread.

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The Book of Acts - Chapter 4-5

Pastor Marshall Ochs | January 23, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall Ochs teaches from Acts 4-5. These chapters contrast the unity and generosity in the early church with the selfishness of Ananias and Sapphira. They also capture the persecution and defiance of the early church in their mission to obey God rather than men. The Holy Spirit was working in the early church in unprecedented ways, and it created a general fear and awe of God.

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The Book of Acts - Chapter 3 - 4

Pastor Marshall Ochs | January 16, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 3-4. These chapters tell the story of Peter and John healing the lame man at the gate called Beautiful. The healing sparks a revival where 5,000 men get saved and the disciples are arrested. They stand trial before the Sadducees, and boldly proclaim the gospel to the religious elite. This begins a period of heavy persecution in the early church, but the Holy Spirit fills the believers and they continue to preach with boldness.

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The Book of Acts - Chapter 2

Pastor Marshall Ochs | January 9, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 2. This chapter captures the exciting moments of Pentecost and the salvation of 3,000 people. This week, we look at the history of Pentecost and how it relates to the Feast of Weeks, and why God used the gift of tongues to express His sovereignty at Pentecost. We also learn how the Spirit fills God’s people with resulting boldness for ministry, preaching, and building His kingdom.

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The Book of Acts - Chapter 1

Pastor Marshall Ochs | January 2, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 1. This chapter recaps the events following Jesus’ resurrection and the moments before Pentecost. Jesus spent 40 days with the disciples and commanded them to wait for the Holy Spirit to accomplish the work of God. The disciples could only accomplish God’s work with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

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