1 Samuel 7-8

Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 7, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 7-8. These chapters cover Israel’s repentance, the stone of hope in Mizpah, and Israel’s cry for a king. The story has powerful application for God’s people today in how we view repentance, understanding Jesus as our high priest, and the foolishness of the education fallacy.

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Monday: Read 1 Samuel 7:1-6

One of the first things that stood out to me in this passage was that the Israelites lamented for twenty years. Pastor Marshall reminded us that James tells us faith without works is dead. It is easy for us to complain about our problems but not act. But not just any action. Ephesians tells us that God has prepared in advance good works for us to do. The second thing we see in this passage is Samuel stepping up and calling the Israelites to repent. One man, following God’s calling on his life, willing to walk in obedience by himself, calls an entire nation to repentance. Will you pray today and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal if there is anything He has asked you to do, and you have not been obedient? Are there any ways you worship idols and need to repent? Is there anything you love more than Jesus? Don’t rush; He will illuminate.

Tuesday: Read 1 Samuel 7:1-17

In 1 Samuel 7:10-12, we see the Lord intervene on behalf of the Israelites and give them a great victory. How have you seen God intervene in your own life in times of trouble? Creating a timeline of your life and marking the significant places where you have seen God rescue you from the storm is a practical way to intentionally remember and thank God for His victories. In addition, it will encourage you and remind you to share with others.

Wednesday: Read 1 Samuel 8:1-9

In 1 Samuel 8, the Israelites demand a king to rule over them instead of following the Lord's leadership. Israel was called to be a holy nation, separate from all others. Their motive in asking for a king was to be like the nations around them. Are there areas in our own lives where we resist God's guidance and seek control instead?

Thursday: Read 1 Samuel 8:1-22

Samuel warned the Israelites of all the consequences of having a king. Nevertheless, they were blinded by their desire to be like other nations. Will you spend time in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal if you are praying for things outside of God’s will?

Friday: Read 1 Samuel 9 & 10

1 Samuel 5-6

Pastor Marshall Ochs | April 30, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 5-6. These chapters tell the story of the Philistines bringing the ark of God to their capital cities. This proves to be an unwise decision because Yahweh humiliates their god and releases a plague on the people. The Philistines move the ark from town to town, but eventually return the ark to Israel. This story reveals how little help God needs to accomplish His plans, and how his plans include the humiliation of imposter gods and using pain to teach humanity the wisdom of trusting in Yahweh.

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1. This passage shows us that while God invites us to participate in His plan, He does not need us to accomplish His divine will. Have you ever felt that the accomplishment of God’s plans depends on you? Have you felt God inviting you to participate in His plan and yet you resisted?

2. We see in 1 Samuel 5 that the Philistines are worshiping an idol named Dagon. Deuteronomy 32:7-9 and 1 Corinthians 10:20 tell us that these idols are fallen angels or demons. They manipulate humanity into idol worship and corrupt God’s image bearers through perverse allegiance and sexual immorality. These demons have not gone away, but take new forms and work to infiltrate the church. 1 Timothy 4:1 warns against the increase of deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons in the latter days. Are there areas of your life in which you have embraced the world and its corrupt teachings?

3. In 1 Samuel 6, the Philistines conjure up a plan to try and end the plagues they have caused by their rebellion. It never occurs to them to submit to God’s authority rather than their false gods, or to ask why this pain is happening. There was no humility or repentance. In 1 Samuel 6:10-7:2 we find that the Levites didn’t follow God’s instructions either, which ultimately leads to over 50,000 men dying. Are you currently experiencing a season of pain, challenge or trial?

4. Some pain is due to living in a sinful world. Some pain is self-inflicted due to disobedience to God. Sometimes pain is because Jesus is using it to reveal His superiority over our life. When we experience pain or trials, we must consider the truth that is standing just behind our pain. We must also ask the question, “What is God trying to teach me?”

5. We must learn from this passage to not be like the Philistines or the Israelites and refuse to see and embrace the truth. If this has happened to you, repent and turn back to God! Ask His forgiveness and start obeying His teaching and instruction.

1 Samuel 3-4

Pastor Marshall Ochs | April 23, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 3-4. These chapters tell the story of young Samuel growing in ministry and learning to hear the voice of the Lord. In contrast to Samuel’s growing ministry, the ministry of Eli and his sons comes to an end. In a battle with the Philistines, Eli’s boys are killed and the ark is stolen. This story reveals powerful truths about God’s character and principles for living in a community of faith.

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Monday: Read 1 Samuel 3:1-15

This passage tells us that “the word of the Lord was rare” in those days. The people either refused to listen to God or allowed sin to stand in their way. Is the word of the Lord rare in your life? Will you spend time in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal things distracting you from hearing the voice of the Lord? Will you ask Him to give you a hunger and thirst for Him?

Tuesday: Read 1 Samuel 3:1-21

Verse 7 tells us Samuel did not know it was the Lord calling because “the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.” Accordingly, he did not recognize His voice. We identify God’s voice when we have an intimate and personal relationship with Him. This close relationship comes from spending time with Him in His Word and prayer.

Verse 15 says that Samuel was afraid to tell Eli what the Lord had spoken. Yet, Eli obeyed God despite being fearful. Are you faithful to deliver God’s message of salvation even when intimidated?

Wednesday: Read 1 Samuel 4:1-11

The Israelites tried to use the ark of the covenant as a good luck charm to protect them from the Philistines in battle. Victories come through a continual relationship with Jesus Christ, living in complete surrender, walking in obedience, and honoring God. What can we learn from the Israelites?

Thursday: Read 1 Samuel 4:1-22

What happens when we live in spiritual darkness as the Israelites did? We see time after time God use tragedy to open spiritual eyes. As Pastor Marshall said, turn to God now, and ask for His mercy to open your spiritual eyes without suffering.

Friday: Read 1 Samuel 5 & 6

1 Samuel 1-2

Pastor Marshall Ochs | April 16, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel. Chapters 1 and 2 contain the stories of two families. These families are filled with hope and despair; obedience and wickedness. These two families contrast the spiritual state of the God’s community of Israel and they reflect the condition of God’s church today. In some corners of the church, barren women are praying for God to change their situation. In other corners of the church, leaders are exploiting the people. However, God has a plan for all aspects of His community and it includes answering prayers and judging sin. This story is filled with real people, with real names and it invites us to consider how God is working now and has always worked in the everyday lives of His people.

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1. In 1 Samuel 1, we see Hannah dealing with great sorrow over not be able to have children. She was struggling with the mocking of her husband’s other wife. Hannah went to the Lord with her grief. We often go to others for comfort when we are sad or grieved before we go to the Lord. Man’s words can never comfort us like the Lord can. Are you in a season of sorrow, grief, trial or tribulation? Where are you going for comfort or answers?

2. In Samuel 1:19-20, we see Hannah’s prayer answered. Hannah’s prayer was exactly what the Lord wanted, and He was faithful to answer her according to His will. The Lord planned to use her son for His purpose. We see here that we are to align our prayers with God’s desires and plans. Our lives should be about His kingdom and not our own agenda. In what ways are you needing to seek God’s plans and not your own?

3. In Samuel 2, we see that there is spiritual barrenness in this land, and Eli and his family are part of the issue. Eli’s sons were wicked and self serving. They did not respect the priestly responsibilities that they had been given. Eli allowed this behavior to go unpunished. Unfortunately, Eli’s choice to not discipline his sons caused the gift of the priestly calling to be removed from his family and his son’s deaths. There are consequences when we don’t follow God’s will and do as He has asked us. Pray and ask the Lord to reveal the areas of your life where you have disobeyed His instruction. Then repent and do as He has instructs you.

4. The community we see in 1 Samuel is not that different from out society today. There are some who are walking with God and serving others, and those who are choosing to walk away from God and be self serving. Which category do you fall into?

5. We are part of a community – at home, at work and at church. How connected are you to your “community?” Do you know and truly see those around you? Are you investing in them? Are you getting to know the people you attend church with? Do you know people’s names and information about their lives?

Easter 2023 - The Bronze Serpent

Pastor Marshall Ochs | April 9, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from John 3, Numbers 21, and 2 Kings 18. In John 3, Nicodemus speaks with Jesus one evening. The Pharisee affirms the miracles he sees Christ performing among the people, but not what the miracles point toward. In the conversation, Jesus declares, in the same way that Moses lifted the bronze serpent in the wilderness the Son of Man must be lifted up. This message explores the history of the bronze serpent, the role it played in Solomon’s Temple, and the symbolic power it held in foreshadowing the work of Jesus.

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Monday: Read John 3:1-15

Nicodemus was a teacher of Israel and believed his position in the Kingdom of God was secure because of his race, obedience to the law, and prestige. Yet, Jesus tells him he needs to be born again. Entry into the Kingdom of God is personal, not based on family or status but requires repentance and spiritual rebirth. Who is Jesus to you?

Tuesday: Read Numbers 21:1-9 & Psalm 78:1-12

In verse three, we see the Lord listened to Israel’s plea and gave the Canaanites over to them. Yet so quickly, they grew impatient and spoke against God & Moses. In Psalm 78, we discover the cause of Israel’s complaining. (78:8) They were not faithful to God, (78:10) they refused to obey God’s law, (78:11-12) they forgot the miracles God had done for them. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal if there are any ways you are not walking in faithfulness and obedience. What practical ways can you intentionally remember all the mighty things God has done for you?

Wednesday: Read Numbers 21:1-9 & 2 Kings 18:1-4

The bronze snake had been made to cure the Israelites of venomous snakes. It was a demonstration of God’s power, mercy, and forgiveness. But it had become an object of worship instead of a reminder of Who we worship. Pastor Marshall likened this bronze serpent to the cross. Are there ways we misuse the cross? When you see the cross, are you reminded of the life Jesus has called us to, one of death to self, suffering, new life, and forgiveness?

Thursday: The Book of Judges

Pastor Marshall encouraged us to be reading through the book of Judges as we prepare to start the new sermon series in 1 Samuel. This book is a clear reminder that rebellion against God leads to disaster. Idolatry can gain footholds in our hearts when we make anything more important than God. Israel refused to learn from their past mistakes, yet when they turned to God and repented, God would show His mercy and deliver His people.

The Letter to the Hebrews - Chapter 13

Pastor Marshall Ochs | April 2, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Hebrews 13. This is the final chapter of Hebrews and it contains exhortations for the church. The focus of this chapter is to encourage believers to order their lives around faith in areas of brotherly love, hospitality, marriage, contentment, and gospel submission. These encouragements were valuable to believers in the early church and they are valuable to us today.

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Monday: Read Hebrews 13

Passion week! This week will you intentionally fix your gaze on Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice He made for us, humbling Himself by becoming obedient, even to the point of death?

Tuesday: Read Hebrews 13:1-6

If we believe the Letter of Hebrews to be true, we must examine our lives against the commands in chapter 13. Do we show hospitality to strangers, empathy to mistreated people, and live in the bounds God created for sexual purity and contentment with what we have? Do we leave margin in our calendars to demonstrate hospitality and to show love to others?

Wednesday: Read Hebrews 13:1-8 & Hebrews 11

Looking back to chapter 11 gives us examples of those who have gone before us and lived a life pleasing to God. Jesus is the ultimate model of how to order our lives. What is God asking you to change in your life to walk in obedience to Him?

Thursday: Read Hebrews 13:1-12

Verse nine of chapter thirteen tells us not to be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. How can we discern truth from strange teachings? Be in God’s Word daily, actively engaging our minds to learn God’s truth.

Friday: Read Hebrews 13

The sacrifice in Hebrews 13 is not a sacrificial animal or giving up something. Instead, it is an outpouring of our praise and thanksgiving to Jesus Christ. So, on this Good Friday, will you fill your home, car, and wherever you are with praise and thanksgiving to our King of Kings and Lord of Lords?

The Letter to the Hebrews - Chapter 12

Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 26, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Hebrews 12. This chapter gives three examples of how believers can understand the way we order our lives around faith. The christian life looks like a race, a family, and a kingdom that can’t be shaken. These pictures empower us to cultivate endurance in our lives and grow in holiness.

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Monday: Read Hebrews 12 & Genesis 25-26

To run the race God has set for us, we must let go of the weight that slows us down. How can we do that? First, choose friends committed to the race, which can encourage us in our faith, pray for us and hold us accountable. We were not created to run this race alone.

Tuesday: Read Hebrews 12 & Genesis 27-28

No one enjoys discipline and correction, but God’s discipline shows His love for us. Is there a “shaking” going on in your life? If so, how will you choose to respond? In anger, self-pity, or graciously surrender to what God is doing in your life.

Wednesday: Read Hebrews 12 & Deuteronomy 29

Moses warned the people of Israel about the root that bears bitter fruit. When we lose sight of the grace of God, or when we allow disappointment with God or others to nurture, the heart of unbelief can develop. So, when you recognize bitterness or hurt rising, immediately ask the Holy Spirit to remove it from you.

Thursday: Read Hebrews 12 & 13

In our reading earlier this week in Genesis, we saw through Esau’s life that sins sometimes have lasting consequences. Esau took his eyes off God’s promise and traded everything for a meal. How often do we make decisions based on what we want right now instead of keeping our eyes on God’s promises?

The Letter to the Hebrews - Chapter 11

Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 19, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Hebrews 11. This chapter is a chronological study of our ancestors in the faith. It shows how men and women believed God’s promises and that belief shaped their daily lives. The author of Hebrews ends the chapter with a contrast of how these people of faith lived extraordinary lives but never inherited any of God’s promises. However, we have inherited these promises, through Christ, and should therefore live by faith in our daily lives.

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1. We saw today in Hebrews 11:1 that people of faith “have the assurance of things hoped for.” We should believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that we can trust God and are confident about the future He declares. Are there areas of your life where your faith is being challenged?

2. Read Hebrews 11:3-31 and take notice of all those who never saw the day of Christ, and yet – they were confident in God’s promise to them and faithful in the waiting. Are you confident and faithful in the waiting? As you read Hebrews 11, ask the Lord to fill you with faith like those who came before us.

3. Our faith in God and His word shapes our daily life. We should be living out our faith in God with obedience to Him. Our daily activities should not be done because we feel obligated, but rather as an expression of our faith. Abraham was willing to give up his only son because he trusted God. Has God asked you to surrender or give up something that has given you a sense of security or comfort?

4. Read Hebrews 11:32-40. These verses summarize the lives of some of the great men and women of faith. Some had great victories, and others experienced great adversity, persecution and even death. Faith in God does not promise us a life without difficulty. We may not see the reason for our struggles here on earth, but we can be confident in God’s promises to us for the future. Are you confident in God and His provision even when you are suffering?