Luke 10

Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 3, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 10. These verses reveal the growing and consuming nature of God’s kingdom. It increases in numerical value, expands into enemy territory, and produces change in our outer life. Luke communicates this reality through the sending of the 72, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the posture of Mary at the feet of Jesus.

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• Read Luke 10:1-20. In this passage we see Jesus sending out 72 other disciples to go ahead of Him and spread the Good News. His instructions for these disciples were to fully rely on God for their provisions, to pray for the people and share the message of Christ, and to not take rejection of the message personally. God’s kingdom begins to grow like wildfire! These disciples went boldly into enemy territory and saw amazing miracles happen and lives changed! God is still doing this today!

  • We can learn a lot from this passage as we go about our daily lives. Do you fully rely on God as your Provider? Has there been a time in your life (or are you currently in a season) when you needed God to supernaturally provide? Pray and ask Him to remind you of His faithfulness to you.

  • How easy or challenging is it for you to pray for and/or share the message of Christ with those in your realm of influence? If it is not comfortable for you, what holds you back?

  • Fear of ridicule or rejection is often an obstacle we face. As Jesus told the disciples, the rejection is not personal. They are rejecting Jesus – not you. Pray and ask the Lord to equip you and show you the opportunities to share Christ with others around you. Your personal testimony is a powerful tool when sharing Christ with someone else. What is your personal testimony? Find a trusted Christian friend and practice sharing your testimonies with each other. When we practice saying it out loud, opportunities will come along, and it will be much easier to share about your Savior boldly and lovingly. Leave the results up to God!

  • When the disciples return, they are amazed and rejoicing at how the demons obeyed them when they used the name of Jesus. Jesus reminds them that while they have been given authority over demons, (referred to as snakes and scorpions) they must stay focused on what is most important – the Good News of Christ and joining Him in Heaven one day. We are reminded that we have authority over evil and darkness and a responsibility to spread the Light of Christ to others. Marshall reminded us today that we should not be spending our days under the enemy’s control! Is there an area of your life where you have given over control to the enemy? Take authority in Jesus’ name!]

• Read Luke 10:21-24. Jesus rejoices at how the Kingdom is growing and expanding. We see how Jesus discipled 12 men, which led to 72, which led to 3,000, which is now in the billions! Jesus remarks that rulers and spiritual leaders were missing His message, but yet those with a childlike faith were seeing it clearly. This is still true today! No one is a nobody to God! Are you participating in God’s plans and at work to do what He has called you to do, or are you missing it?

• Read Luke 10: 25-37. This parable is used to answer a lawyer’s question. Marshall helped us see this parable in a better light today. We are not meant to see ourselves as the Samaritan, but rather as the Jew left for dead. Jews saw Samaritans as the enemy. This parable begs the question, can you see your enemy as your neighbor? We must see ourselves correctly, our neighbors and the needs around us.

  • It’s not enough to just know God and know our neighbors – we should be compelled to action. The sign of inner spiritual growth is seen by how we live outwardly. Do others see Jesus in you by how you live, serve, love and interact with them?

• Read Luke 10:38-42. In this second parable we see a contrast between Mary and Martha’s choices. Mary chooses to take this opportunity be at the feet of Jesus, rather than serving food. This reminds me that we can serve all day long and miss the most important thing – sitting at Jesus’ feet. Serving others is a good thing, but doing it out of a sense of duty or so that others will think highly of us is the wrong motivation. Doing anything without making our daily time with the Lord a priority is having our priorities in the wrong order. If it is not your current practice to sit at the Lord’s feet daily, please take the time to change your priorities and watch what happens in your life – and in the lives of those around you!

Luke 9:28-62

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 25, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 9:28-62. These verses cover the transfiguration and the disciples inability to cast out a demon form a young boy. These two important stories are followed by the journey to Jerusalem. This message looks at what happens when Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem and the impact it has on anyone who follows Christ.

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In Luke 9:28-36, we witness the transfiguration of Jesus, where Moses and Elijah appear, conversing with Him. This event is significant because it underscores that the entirety of Scripture, including the Law and the Prophets, ultimately points to Jesus. They serve as arrows, directing us toward the fulfillment found in Christ. Jesus fulfills all that the Law and the Prophets anticipated. Jesus is our Redeemer.

When faced with conflicts between our feelings, traditions, or experiences and the teachings of Jesus, there's only one course of action – listening to Jesus. His words carry unparalleled authority and wisdom. If our emotions or experiences clash with His teachings, we prioritize His Word above all else.

We see in Luke 9 that, like many of us, the disciples were prone to moments of inadequate faith and astonishment at the majesty of God. Despite witnessing miracles and experiencing divine encounters, they faltered in their belief when faced with challenges. (It bears a bit of resemblance to what we've recently read about the Israelites) How often do we find ourselves in similar circumstances, marveling at God's glory in special moments yet struggling to maintain faith when things don’t make sense to us?

As we read further, Jesus revealed the truth that He would soon face death. This truth was difficult for the disciples to grasp. How could it be that their Messiah would face death? That was not how it was supposed to be - He was the Messiah, the King of Kings. He was here on earth, surely to conquer evil, and it couldn't possibly come in the form of His death. How many times have we experienced hard things and thought the same thing? This is not how it is supposed to be.

Surrender is essential in following Jesus. Just as Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, we are called to fix our eyes on the road ahead, letting go of earthly attachments, distractions, and concerns. What distractions are we allowing to divert our gaze from Jesus? The path we are called to walk is the narrow road of surrender and death to self.

In a world filled with noise and distractions pulling at us from every direction, may we choose to fix our eyes on Jesus and the road of surrender. Surrendering is a daily activity; we will never be done until we meet Jesus face to face.

Luke 9:1-27

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 18, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 9:1-27. These verses outline a pattern of identifying God’s provision and recognizing the response to that provision. Jesus gives authority to the 12 disciples and feeds the 5,000. Between each provision Luke injects a question — who is the Lord? Peter ultimately answers with a bold declaration that Christ is Lord. Luke follows the declaration with a somber reality check of what that confession means — death.

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1. Read Luke 9:1-6. Today we are studying about Kingdom authority. In this passage, Jesus is giving his disciples the authority to cast out demons, heal the sick and to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God. This giving of authority is a lesson to us about how we are to do the same. Authority is not a position or power to be lorded over others. If a place of authority has been given to you, it is a gift from the Lord and should be treated as such. Are you the type of person who is willing to delegate authority to others? Do you see the gifts that those around you have and find ways to help them use those gifts, or do you prefer to hoard your authority?

2. The disciples could help more people by dividing up instead of only being where Jesus was. Jesus knew that one day soon He would be leaving them, and they would need to be able to minister to the people with boldness in their faith. As a spouse, parent, boss or ministry leader, are you equipping others to continue on in confidence if you are not physically with them? Are you a person who feels the need to always be in control? Do you enjoy the feeling of power or superiority over others? We like the feeling of being needed, liked or esteemed by others. However, this gets in the way of helping others learn and grow into what God has called them to accomplish. How is the Lord prompting you to give authority to those around you? Pray and be obedient as to how He is leading you to lead and equip others. Fair warning here – not everyone will do it the way you would have done it. Keep in mind this is not about you building a kingdom for yourself – it’s about building God’s Kingdom!

3. What does Jesus tell the disciples to take with them? Nothing! He is teaching them what real faith looks like. He is their provider! Marshall reminded us today that the message from Genesis to Revelation is that GOD WILL PROVIDE! I don’t know about you, but I need to remind myself of that every day! Are you currently going through a challenging time, physically, financially or circumstantially? Are you willing to trust that God will provide? He is all we need, and He has the answers to every circumstance we face! He knows our needs before we do, and He has already provided before we even see it. Don’t lose hope, faith or trust in Him!

4. Read Luke 9:10-20. Jesus uses the feeding of the 5,000 to prove this very point! The Lord provided in abundance! Look at Peter’s response when Jesus asked Him, “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered correctly. What is your answer? Who is Jesus to you? We are reminded that He is our Creator, Provider, Deliverer, Healer…! HE IS ALL WE NEED!! Preach this to your heart!! Everything we have is from Him. What is your response to all that He has given? Will you give it back to Him and let Him use it for His glory? Will you fully surrender ALL and live for Him rather than self?

5. Read Luke 9:21-27. In this passage Jesus tells of His death and resurrection. He goes on to tell the people that if they want to follow Him, they must turn from their selfish ways and leave this world behind for a much greater reward. Taking up our cross means putting away selfish desires, understanding that we belong to Christ, and we live to serve His will and purpose in our lives. Anything less is not being a disciple of Christ; it is merely superficial lip service.

Luke 8

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 11, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 8. This chapter begins with a summary of who is following Jesus in Galilee and moves to the parable of the seed and lamp. Jesus warns the crowd to take heed when they listen to these parables because we are accountable for what we know. When God spreads the seed of His Word in our life there is an expectation that we would obey and experience His blessing in our life. However, if we hear the Word of God and ignore it or disobey, our hearts grow hard. The encouragement from God's Word is to receive the Word with joy and respond with obedience, lest we become dull and stiff necked.

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In the parable of the sower, Jesus speaks of different types of soil that receive the seed of God's Word. Some seeds fall on the path, some on rocky ground, some among thorns, and some on good soil. Each type of soil represents a different condition of the heart; only the seed that falls on good soil can take root and bear fruit.

But what makes the soil good? What allows the Word of God to take root and flourish within us? Take care of how you hear! Read Isaiah 6:9-10. Humble soil, a heart that wants nothing more than God’s Word. Our responsibility is to obey the Word and let it take root. If you have a hard or stubborn heart, cry out to God for healing.

The seed is the Word of God and everything in it needs to land on soil that produces fruit. If it gets choked out because you are more concerned with things of this world, then you will never grow in your faith.

Read Hebrews 12:28-29. We have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken. And for that, let us offer acceptable worship in reverence and awe to God. What does it look like for us to offer acceptable worship in reverence and awe?

Reverence is more than just outward behavior; it is an attitude of the heart. It is an acknowledgment of God's greatness, holiness, and power. It is an awareness of His presence and a deep respect for His Word. When we approach God with reverence, we recognize Him as the Creator of the universe, the One who holds all things together, and the One who is a consuming fire.

A lack of reverence often manifests in casual behavior. When we treat Sunday gatherings, our prayers, and our study of Scripture as mundane tasks to check off our list, we miss the transformative power of God's Word. We become like the rocky ground or the soil among thorns, where the Word cannot take root deeply.

So, what does it look like for reverence and awe to take root in our hearts?

Firstly, it requires a humble recognition of our need for Jesus. When we approach God humbly, acknowledging our need for His grace and mercy, we position ourselves to receive His Word with open hearts.

Secondly, reverence involves a deep love for God and His Word. When we truly love someone, we honor them, cherish them, and prioritize them above all else. Similarly, when we love God, we hold His Word in high esteem, meditating on it day and night and allowing it to shape every aspect of our lives.

Finally, reverence leads to obedience. When we truly revere God, we cannot help but obey Him. We understand His commands are for our good, and we submit our will to His.

Let us cultivate reverence and awe in our hearts so that the Word of God may take root deeply within us. Let us approach God with humility, love, and obedience, knowing that He is a consuming fire, and His Word has the power to transform our lives from the inside out. May casualness not mark our Sunday gatherings but a deep reverence for the One who holds all things together.

Luke 7

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 4, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 7. In Luke 6, Jesus teaches about the kingdom but in Luke 7 Jesus demonstrates the power of the kingdom. This message tracks the power of God’s kingdom and the marvelous ways it transforms our life. The wisdom of God is not a collection of abstract theories, it has real power and brings about real change. Luke wants us to consider the difference between the wisdom of this world and the wisdom of our God — the results speak for themselves.

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1. Read Luke 7:1-10. In this passage we see Jesus entering Capernaum and a centurion sends word to Jesus that his servant is in need of healing. Jesus agrees to go to the centurion’s house. The centurion sends word that Jesus doesn’t need to come to his home – even feels it would be disrespectful to Jesus to come to his home, but knows that if Jesus just speaks the word that his servant will be healed. This shows great faith and Jesus marvels at it. Before the centurion’s messengers return home the servant is healed. This is a perfect example of how faith is put into practice. Jesus did not find this kind of faith among His own people. A person who hears the word of God, believes it and then puts it into practice is the kind of faith God is looking for. You can say you believe, but if you don’t act on it or live it out, you’re lying to yourself. What kind of faith would Jesus find in your life if He visited you today? Looking over your faith journey, can you recount times that you have put your faith in God into practice? What happened? Are you in need of putting your faith in Him into practice in other areas of your life? What is holding you back?

2. Read Luke 7:11-17. In this story we see Jesus having great compassion on a widow who has just lost her only son. Jesus touches his coffin and raises him to life! This brings the teachings of Luke 6:20-26 into greater understanding. This also brings up questions for some of us. Why doesn’t God do something like this for me? Have there been times of sorrow or struggle in your life and God didn’t answer the way you wanted? Did you grow angry or bitter? Has this hindered your willingness to put your faith into practice in other areas of your life?

3. Read Luke 7:18-35. This passage helps to answer the question above. John the Baptist is in prison, and he is questioning God’s ways. He hears of all that Jesus is doing and yet, John is still in prison waiting to be killed. The answer is “blessed is the one who is not offended by Me.” Jesus is in control. We are to follow and trust His plan – not our own. I can especially relate to his point that God’s “No” is exactly what we need – whether we can see it or not at the time. We must trust God, even when we can’t see what or why He's doing what He’s doing. Are you in a season of struggling with accepting or seeing God’s plan? Let me encourage you to talk to God about it, ask Him to strengthen your faith and trust Him in the unseen.

4. In this same passage, Jesus makes the point that people were seeking John because they were seeking to know about Jesus. However, when He didn’t act or teach the way they wanted, they were upset. Jesus points out that the people were acting like children. They were playing games with each other and God. Jesus explains that true wisdom comes from not just hearing the teachings of God, but putting them into practice and producing fruit. We have a choice. We can listen to the teachings of this world or the teachings of God. Each bear very contrasting fruit. What wisdom are you listening to? When facing life’s challenges do you seek the world’s advice, or the teachings of God’s word?

5. Read Luke 7:36-50. Jesus is invited to a religious Pharisee’s home for dinner. This Pharisee is examining Jesus and trying to decide if He is worth following and obeying. The stark contrast between the Pharisee and the sinful woman is striking. She has faith and acts on it! The Pharisee is proud and judgmental. The woman is humble, grateful and worships Jesus. There are only two paths – those who believe and follow Jesus, or those who trust in this world and their own path. Which path are you on? Choose today to listen to God’s teachings, believe His word, obey it/put it into practice and watch how God will change your life!

Luke 6

Pastor Marshall Ochs | January 28, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 6. This chapter covers the contrast between the old way and the new way. Jesus picks his 12 disciples and teaches the multitude about the kingdom of God. The sermon reveals the expectations of those who follow Christ and the contrast with those who live for the world. This is a powerful chapter that invites the reader to consider how we should live and who is instructing us to live this way.

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The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Sabbath commandments. They raised objections when Jesus performed a miraculous healing on a man with a deformed hand on the Sabbath day (Luke 6:11). Jesus used this opportunity to highlight their profound misunderstanding of God's laws, emphasizing that these laws were intended to bring life rather than destroy it (Luke 6:9).

The Pharisees had turned the Sabbath into a burden through a multitude of rules and regulations, making it appear as if humanity was enslaved to the Sabbath itself. However, at its core, the Sabbath held a deeper meaning. In the book of Hebrews (Hebrews 4:9-11), we see that the Sabbath serves as an illustration of salvation and eternal rest in God. Just as we cease from our own works on the Sabbath, we find spiritual rest in God's grace through Christ.

The purpose of Israel and God's laws, including the Sabbath, was to direct people toward God. Regrettably, these had been transformed into human constructs used for the exercise of power and control.

When we reflect on the stories of Jesus picking grain and healing on the Sabbath, we are reminded of the transformative power of Jesus Christ, who came to bring freedom. As we seek spiritual nourishment, it's essential to go beyond merely receiving teaching and preaching on Sundays. We must also dedicate time to read God's Word, draw nearer to Him through prayer, and allow the Holy Spirit to mold us into Christ's likeness. Our character is shaped by what or whom we worship, and if we invest more time in the teachings of worldly influencers like popular culture and media, they can become our teachers. Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of what we allow into our hearts and minds and prioritize our relationship with God.

Let us fully embrace the freedom and grace that the Sabbath signifies, and may it lead us to a deeper and more intimate relationship with Jesus!

Luke 5

Pastor Marshall Ochs | January 21, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 5. This chapter covers the early ministry of Jesus and the call of His disciples. We see Jesus call Peter, heal a leper, a paralytic, and call Levi to forsake everything and follow Him. The joy in this chapter is found in the simple message — forsake everything, follow Jesus, and He will change your life.

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As we read through scripture, remember to summarize the story, see the larger story (the deeper lessons and hidden meanings) and ask ,“what is required?”

• In our study of Luke 5:1-11, we see Jesus teaching on the Sea of Galilee. After his teaching, He asked Simon Peter to lower his nets again. After a long night of unsuccessful fishing, Peter obeyed. To Peter’s surprise, the nets were so full, they started to tear, and the boats were so full they started to sink. What a great miracle to witness! This miracle was a blessing for the fishermen and their families. Have there been times in your life when you have seen and experienced God’s miracle of provision for you and your family? As we look at the larger story, we see that Jesus was teaching the importance of being a follower of Christ and a “fisher of men. ” When Peter witnessed this miracle, he immediately recognized his own insignificance and his need for Jesus. Now comes the question, “what is required?” Are you keenly aware of your need for Jesus? Like the fish, we will all be captured by God’s message of salvation. The question is, what will we do with that? Like Peter, are you willing to do what He says, leave the things of this world behind and follow Him? Do you tend to cling to self-sufficiency rather than Christ? Pray and ask the Lord to reveal the areas in your life where you have lacked surrender and tried to handle things on your own. (I am reminded of Proverbs 3!)

• In Luke 5:12-26, we see Jesus perform two miracles of healing. When Jesus healed the leper, he told him to go to the priest. Jesus used the law of Moses to force the priests to affirm His power and divinity. Here is the deeper meaning! As Marshall explains, the whole system is set up to testify for Jesus! The same is true when we look at the healing of the paralytic man. Jesus forgives his sins and then heals his body. Thus, proving the point that Jesus has the power to both heal the body and the soul. One important thing to notice is that when God’s message of salvation has touched your soul – everything becomes different, and people can see the evidence of that transformation by the way you live and conduct your life. When others look at your life, do they see the evidence of Christ in you?

• What is required? These stories are being used to point out our deep, desperate need for our Savior! Our only response should be complete surrender! Our soul should cry out, “Lord, I need You, and NOTHING is more important than You!!”

• In Luke 5:27-39, Levi (Mathew) is invited by Jesus to follow him. As a tax collector, Levi left a lucrative lifestyle in order to follow Christ. His money and possessions were not as important to him as Jesus was. Can you say the same? Levi throws a party to celebrate his new journey and choice to follow Jesus. The religious leaders question why Jesus’ followers are eating with such “sinners” and don’t practice fasting. His response sheds great light on the sin ofpride! Jesus is making the point that He is here for those who recognize that they need Him. The deeper meaning? Everyone is sick and in need of the Great Physician! Unfortunately, like the Pharisees, we can become comfortable with our old ways and rigid in our religious practices. This hinders us from seeing the new things God is desiring to do in us and through us. What is required? Understanding our deepest need. We have a sin problem and Jesus is the ONLY solution! We MUST completely and totally surrender to Jesus! There is no better choice!

Luke 4

Pastor Marshall Ochs | January 14, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 4. This chapter covers the temptation of Jesus, his early ministry, and His authority over the physical and spiritual realm. To help the church cultivate a hunger for God’s Word and a deep understanding of scripture, Pastor Marshall uses a summarization method of Luke 4 to model healthy Bible reading habits. When reading the Bible, it is important to pause regularly to summarize the story, summarize the larger story, and summarize what scripture is requiring of you.

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Read Luke 4

In Luke 4, verse 1, we learn that Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, was guided by the Spirit into the wilderness for a period of forty days. During those 40 days in the desert, He fasted in preparation for His ministry. It's important to see that the enemy attempted to lead Jesus away from His mission, using distorted interpretations of scripture. This highlights the significance of understanding scripture in its entirety so that we are well-prepared to face spiritual battles when they arise.

So, as we read these passages, what does God require of us? Will you spend time in prayer asking God to speak to you through His Word, to guide your steps according to His Word?

I want to continue emphasizing the significance of what Scripture reveals about the power of the Holy Spirit. Verse 14 states that Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit. Remarkably, this same Spirit resides within us as followers of Jesus Christ. As you approach your time with God through His Word, may you earnestly seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to teach, grant understanding, and guide your steps.

In this passage, we witness Jesus go to the synagogue, where He read the prophecy from Isaiah 61 and then proclaims, I am the fulfillment of this prophecy. Interestingly, the people's first response was of marvel and praise as they desired blessings, miracles, and healings, yet they did not fully embrace Him or His message of repentance and turning towards Him. Where are you? Do you want His miracles and blessings more than you want Jesus? Will you sit in His presence and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal hidden things of your heart and ask Him to give you the desire for Him and Him alone?