The Letter to the Hebrews - Chapter 3

Pastor Marshall Ochs | January 15, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Hebrews 3. This chapter expands the supremacy of Jesus, with an appeal from Numbers, that Christ is greater than Moses. The author of Hebrews describes the unbelief in Israel, under Moses, and how it resulted in Israel forfeiting their rest in Canaan. This becomes the basis for the author’s appeal to believers to avoid hardness of heart today, because it can also lead to a forfeiting of entering rest. This chapter is a powerful exhortation to grow in faith.

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The Letter to the Hebrews - Chapter 3

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Monday: Read Hebrews 3:1-6 and Numbers 12

Hebrews 3:1 says, "we who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus...."

Will you meditate on this truth and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you through His Word? First, we have a heavenly calling; as Pastor Marshall said, we are not here to become our "best self"; although culture tells us that should be our focus.

Second, the writer tells us to consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him...." Will you fix your eyes and hearts on Jesus? Will you spend considerable time at the feet of Jesus, the One who gives us access to the Father, and meditate on His superiority and sovereignty?

Tuesday: Read Hebrews 3:1-9 and Numbers 13

Moses was faithful in leading the Israelites and preparing the way for the Messiah. Throughout the Old Testament, God uses His people to accomplish His purposes. Will you ask the Holy Spirit to give you eyes to see Jesus throughout the Old and New Testament?

Wednesday: Read Hebrews 3:1-13 and Numbers 14

The Israelites are a warning to us today. Do not let your heart grow hard, or you will not enter Jesus' rest. A hardened heart does not happen suddenly; it results from choices to disregard God and drift away from God and His people. However, God is faithful and can give us new hearts and desires if we ask Him (Ezekiel 36:23-27).

Thursday: Read Hebrews 3:1-19 and Psalm 95

The Israelites did not receive the gift of God's promised land for them because of their unbelief and lack of trust in Him. The letter of Hebrews calls us to learn from them by caring for our hearts and encouraging one another every day. Will you commit to being in God's Word daily and living in community with other believers?

Friday: Read Hebrews 3:1-19

Will you spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to give you a passionate desire to pursue Jesus over all other things? We are ambassadors for God's Kingdom, a light in a dark world. Are you living in a way that brings glory to Jesus?

The Letter to the Hebrews - Chapter 2

Pastor Marshall Ochs | January 8, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Hebrews 2. This chapter continues the argument from chapter one — Jesus is superior to angels. Building on that argument, the author describes the human nature of Jesus and what Christ accomplished in the flesh. Specific attention is given to Jesus’ victory over the fear of death and the implications that holds in daily life.

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The Letter to the Hebrews - Chapter 2

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1. Last week we studied Hebrews 1 and saw how believers were struggling with faithfulness to God. Due to social pressure, they were shrinking back and drifting in their faith. Today, as we study Hebrews 2, we are warned about the results from drifting away from our faith. In what ways have you drifted away from God?

2. We are encouraged to not merely hear the word of God, but to obey. We must examine everything in the light of Christ and take what He has said to us seriously. Pray and ask the Lord to show you what areas of your life need to be surrendered fully to Him.

3. If we do not hear and obey, we will drift away, like a boat that is not tied to the dock. This drifting isn’t an act of conscious disbelief, but rather happens due to neglect. If we neglect to study God’s word and pray – we drift. This drifting ultimately will lead to a spiritual life that is shipwrecked! Tie your boat to the dock!

4. Mankind was made a steward over creation, and then mankind sinned. This made us slaves. Jesus, through His suffering and death became the atonement for our sin and gave us the gift of freedom. The creator of mankind took on flesh, dwelt among us, experienced temptations, suffering and death in order to wash away our sins and satisfy the wrath of God! As you think on this, spend time thanking God for all that He has done for us through His Son, Jesus.

5. Jesus destroyed the devil and the power of sin! Jesus set the captives free from the fear of death and the grave! As believers in Jesus, we no longer have to live afraid anymore of anything or anyone! What have you been living in fear of? May today be the day that we lay down any fears we have been enslaved by and walk in freedom in and through Christ Jesus!

The Letter to the Hebrews - Chapter 1

Pastor Marshall Ochs | January 1, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Hebrews 1. The letter to the Hebrews is a powerful study in the supremacy of Jesus. The author uses Old Testament scripture to argue for the lordship of Jesus over all things in our life. Chapter 1 is an example of the sovereignty of Jesus over angels, but his argument extends far beyond God’s messengers.

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The Letter to the Hebrews - Chapter 1

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Monday: Read Hebrews 1:1-4 & Psalm 2

• What do these scriptures say about God and His Son, Jesus Christ?

• What should our response be, knowing God communicates to us by His Son?

• What is your response to knowing Jesus holds everything together?

• Is there anything that has been ruling your life other than Jesus?

Tuesday: Read Hebrews 1:1-6 & reflect on 1:5-6 & 2 Samuel 7:1-17

• Will you pray and ask God to reveal His Son’s superiority over all your struggles?

Wednesday: Read Hebrews 1:1-8 & reflect on 1:7-8 & Psalm 104 

• Will you meditate on the splendor and majesty of our King?

Thursday: Read Hebrews 1:1-12 & reflect on 1:9-12 & Psalm 102

• Will you meditate on the truth that the Lord laid the foundation of the earth; the heavens are the work of His hands? Things of this world will perish, but He will remain. God is the same, and His years will have no end.

Friday: Read Hebrews 1:1-14 & reflect on 1:13-14 & Psalm 110

• Jesus is exalted at the right hand of God. Will you pray and ask God to reveal the power of His anointed Son to you?

• The author reminds the church that Jesus is above all things, including angels. Are there any “angels” in your life that hold the power or authority that belongs to Jesus?

• May the truth of who Jesus is, penetrate our hearts and lives. May our prayer this week be to see, know and feel the superiority of Jesus in our lives.

Advent 2022

Pastor Marshall Ochs | December 18, 2022

In this special Advent message, Pastor Marshall teaches on the wisdom of Christ. In Proverbs, wisdom and foolishness were personified by women. Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 1:24 that Jesus was the wisdom of God. If Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of wisdom personified, what can we glean from the wisdom of Proverbs and the parables of Jesus?

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Advent 2022

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Monday: Read Proverbs 8:1-11

• On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand; beside the gates in front of the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud.

• O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools learn sense.

• Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right

• All my words are righteousness; they are all straight to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge.

• Take my instruction instead of silver and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

Will you spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to reveal if you are treasuring the wrong things?

Tuesday: Read Proverbs 7:6-23

• The woman foolishness has perceived among the youths, a young man lacking sense, passing along the street near hercorner.

• And behold, the woman meets him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart, loud and wayward, her feet do not stay home.

• She lies in wait in the street, the market, at every corner. She seizes him and kisses him, and with a bold face, she says to him, I had to offer sacrifices, paid my vows, and now have come to meet you, to see you eagerly.

• Come, let us take our fill of love till morning; delight ourselves with love; my husband has gone on a long journey.

• With much seductive speech, she persuades him; with smooth talk, she compels him.

• He follows her all at once, as an ox goes to the slaughter, as a stag is caught fast, an arrow pierces its liver, and a bird rushes into a snare. He does not know it will cost him his life.

Will you choose wisdom over foolishness? Foolishness will cost you your life. Meditate on the imagery of verses 22-23. It is not just one image we are given.

Wednesday: Read Mathew 1:18-25

• Mary was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Joseph resolved to divorce her quietly.

• An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

• All of this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel” (which means God with us).

• Joseph did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.

God gave us Jesus, Immanuel; God is with us. God gave us literal wisdom. Will you meditate on the gift God gave us?

Thursday: Read Proverbs 8:27-36

• When He established the heavens, I was there; when He drew a circle on the face of the deep, when He made firm the skies above, when He established fountains of the deep, when He assigned the sea its limit so that the waters might not transgress His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth, I was beside Him like a master workman, I was daily his delight, rejoicing before Him always, rejoicing in His inhabited world, delighting in the children of man.

• And now, O sons, listen to Me: blessed are those who keep My ways. Hear instruction and be wise, do not neglect it.

• Blessed is the one who listens to Me, watching daily at My gates, waiting beside My doors. Whoever finds Me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD. But he who fails to find Me injures himself; all who hate Me love death.

Will you meditate on the ways of Jesus? Jesus was beside God like a master workman, daily His delight, rejoicing before Him always. Blessed are those who keep the ways of Jesus; Blessed are those who listen to Jesus, watching daily at His gates. Will you read scripture through the lens of an invitation to live wisely, not through the frame of right or wrong?

Friday: Read Romans 15:1-7

• We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, not to please ourselves.

• Christ did not please Himself.

• May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.

• That you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Will you spend time in prayer, asking God to make you wise? Will you ask Him to empower you to live a life not pleasing yourself but to live in harmony with one another, in accord with Jesus Christ, for the purpose of glorifying our glorious Heavenly Father?

Revelation 22

Pastor Marshall Ochs | December 11, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Revelation 22. This chapter concludes John’s vision of eternity and gives an invitation for all mankind — come and drink. This chapter is filled with symbols and Old Testament references that speak of the supremacy of Christ and His open invitation for salvation. Christmas is also filled with symbols that preach the supremacy of Christ, and this season is when we reflect on the first arrival of Jesus while we prepare for His second arrival.

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Revelation 22

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This week as you spend time in Revelation 22, will you spend time meditating on one segment each day, spending time in prayer, and allowing the Holy Spirit to teach and reveal His truth to you?

Monday: Revelation 22:1-5

• The river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flows from the throne of God and the Lamb.

• The tree of life with twelve kinds of fruit.

• The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

• No longer anything accursed, but the throne of God and the Lamb will be in it & His servants will worship Him.

• They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads

• No more night!

Does the imagery of Revelation stir up joy and peace within you? If not, will you ask God to enable you to see His beauty through His Word?

Tuesday: Revelation 22:6-7

• These words are trustworthy and true.

• The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel.

• Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal if there are any ways you are not walking in complete obedience and trust in Him.

Wednesday: Revelation 22:8-10

• John heard and saw, and when he heard and saw, he fell down to worship the angel who showed him.

• The angel stopped John; “You must not do that!” Those who keep the words of this book worship God.

• Do not seal up the words of the prophecy, for the time is near.

Are there any things or people you are worshipping other than God?

Thursday: Revelation 22:11-16

• Let the evildoer still do evil, the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right and be holy.

• Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me to repay each one for what he has done.

• I am the Alpha and the Omega!

• Blessed are those who wash their robes so that they may have the right to the tree of life and enter the city by the gates.

• Outside are the dogs & sorcerers, sexually immoral murderers, idolaters, and everyone who loves falsehood.

• Jesus said, “I have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches.”

Will you get holy or stay filthy? Are you team Jesus or team Dragon?

Friday: Revelation 22:17-21

• The Spirit and the Bride say, come. Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

• Warning for everyone who hears the words of this book.

• Jesus said, “Surely I am coming soon.”

• Come, Lord Jesus, Come!

Are you thirsty? Jesus says come drink! If you are not thirsty, ask God to give you a hunger and thirst for Him!

Revelation 21

Pastor Marshall Ochs | December 4, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Revelation 21. This chapter contains a vivid picture of eternity. The church is described as a new city where God dwells with His people. The city is fortified and secure, with symbols from the entire Bible. This picture is designed to cultivate a heart of worship and expectation that God will bring a new heaven and new earth for His people to dwell for eternity.

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Revelation 21

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1. Will you spend time this week intentionally removing distractions, reading, and meditating on Revelation 21, and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you through prayer and His Word?

2. Will you meditate on John’s description of what eternity will be? The most beautiful part of the final vision is his portrait of Jesus among His people throughout eternity. May that stir you to worship.

3. Will you praise God that He saved you from your wickedness through His great mercy and ask Him to use you to tell others about the One who provides the only living water where we will thirst no more?

Revelation 20

Pastor Marshall Ochs | November 20, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Revelation 20. This chapter contains a vision of a millennial reign of Christ and a binding of Satan’s influence over the nations. There is disagreement over when this period of time transpires, but this chapter paints a glorious picture of Christ’s supremacy over the earth.

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Revelation 20

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1. In Revelation 20, John shows us the picture of Christ’s return, the dead in Christ will rise and we will enjoy a glorious period of time here on earth. Satan is bound for 1,000 years (literal or symbolic) and earth will become like Eden! As a follower of Christ, how does this picture encourage you?

2. Scripture tells us that even though we will be living in a world where the conditions are perfect, humanity still rebels. Satan is released and allowed to tempt people to believe his lies and wage war against Christ and his people. How has Satan tempted you to believe his lies in this life? Pray and ask the Lord to reveal His truth to you.

3. Ultimately, Satan is crushed and thrown into the lake of fire, and the final judgment takes place. The books are opened, and the Book of Life reveals the names of those who follow Christ. If the Book of Life was read today, would your name be there? If you aren’t certain, PLEASE reach out to someone in our church and settle that matter today!

4. Those whose names are not in the Book of Life (nonbelievers) are judged and thrown into the lake of fire. There are only two options - eternity with Christ or eternity in the lake of fire. This should give us a passion to share Christ and His message with those around us. Pray and ask Him to give you the ability and opportunity to share with others.

5. As believers this message should encourage us greatly! Are you filled with an attitude of gratitude? As you approach Thanksgiving, give praise to the Lord for all He has done for you! Write it down – sing, shout and live with joy in expectant anticipation of His return!

Revelation 19

Pastor Marshall Ochs | November 13, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Revelation 19. This chapter is a vision of worship and the second coming of Jesus. It contains vivid imagery that reveals Christ as a divine warrior who will save His people and punish wickedness. This chapter shows how history will come to an end, and Jesus will be exalted among the nations.

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Revelation 19

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1. Revelation 19 begins with a song of praise for Jesus’s return and the end of Babylon! We see the angelic host and all believers praising Jesus and worshiping together! As you imagine this day, what feelings or thoughts does this provoke in you?

2. This passage should encourage us to see things from heaven’s point of view. Babylon (representing this world and those who are in love with it) is repulsive to God. Are there any areas of your life in which you are holding hands with or embracing the temptations of this world?

3. We are called to keep our garments clean and live expectantly for our Lord’s return, just as a bride prepares for her wedding. If the Lord’s return was today, are you spiritually ready?

4. John is reminded as he bows in worship to not worship the angels, but only Jesus! Anything/anyone that pulls our attention away from Christ is a false prophecy/prophet. Pray and ask the Lord to reveal any false teaching that you have agreed with.

5. In verses 11-16 we see the triumphant return of Jesus! As we consider this biblical picture it should change our perspective on this life. Every worry or concern is seen with Jesus over it. How does this change your view of what you are going through today? How does it change your priorities?