The Book of Acts - Chapter 20

Pastor Marshall Ochs | April 10, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 20. This chapter covers the final leg of Paul’s third missionary journey. After spending 3 years in Ephesus, Paul visits the churches in Macedonia and Greece. After a few months in Corinth, Paul backtracks to Philippi, Troas, and meets with the Ephesian leadership in Miletus. As we trace Paul’s final journey, we learn a lot about a man that treasured Jesus. We see what he valued most, where he spent his time, how he handled crisis, and what he talked about with his closest friends. These principles challenge us to ask, “Does my life look like I treasure Jesus?”

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1. Reflecting on Matthew 13:44, what does a life completely surrendered to Jesus look like? Is there an “old field” you need to let go of?

2. We see in Acts 20, and throughout scripture Paul was not concerned with his comfort or safety but focused on finishing the race that Jesus set out for him to run. Spend time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal if you are more concerned with comfort and safety or completing the work that Jesus has for you to do.

3. Paul surrounded himself with other believers who would encourage him and had the same mission, not people who would challenge or question his work. Do you surround yourself with other believers with the same charge? Are you close to people in our church where they would know what is going on in your life?

4. Eutychus fell out of the 3rd story window as Paul preached; Paul reacted to this crisis with compassion. Do you respond to problems with this type of compassion?

5. In Acts 20, Paul reminded the elders from Ephesus of how he lived and ministered when he was with them and throughout his missionary journeys. His life was characterized by humility, tears, perseverance, and boldness in preaching in private and public. Are these the things that describe your life?

6. Do you treasure Jesus above all else? Does your calendar, business, thoughts, words, and bank account reflect that Jesus is your treasure?

The Book of Acts - Chapter 18-19

Pastor Marshall Ochs | April 3, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 18-19. These chapters cover the first leg of Paul’s third missionary journey. He begins the journey with a trip to the region of Galatia, and continues into Ephesus where he stays for over 2 years. While in Ephesus, he meets multiple people who struggle with their identity. This region is deeply rooted in magic, witchcraft, and the worship of Artemis. This lifestyle shapes their identity and hinders their new identity in Christ.

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1. Paul’s friends Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos aside and explained some things he was missing. Do you have a heart of humility where you are willing and want to be taught the way of Jesus accurately? Or are you defensive?

2. Where is your identity currently rooted? Maybe it is words spoken over you, a career, a political viewpoint, sexuality, an experience, a disease, or illness. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where your identity is rooted. Is it in anything other than Jesus Christ?

3. Some of the Jewish exorcists tried to mimic what Paul was doing to make a name for themselves. Are there any ways you are trying to make a name for yourself instead of Jesus? Holy Spirit, show us how to minimize ourselves to lift the name of Jesus on high.

4. Acts 19:19 says many who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them. Is there anything you need to burn symbolically or literally? We can’t have two identities.

5. Galatians 3:26 says, “In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.” God adopted us as sons and daughters. Does this identity inform every aspect of your life? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you His power, strength, and vision to live fully rooted with your identity in Jesus and Jesus alone.

The Book of Acts - Chapter 17-18

Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 27, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 17-18. These chapters cover the final leg of Paul’s second missionary journey. He travels to Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, and Ephesus. This message focuses on Paul’s evangelistic strategies in these cities, and how God encouraged Paul to stay faithful through difficult times.

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1. At the beginning of Acts 17, Luke tells us that Paul spent 3 Sabbaths in a row at the synagogue in Thessalonica having conversations with the Jews. However, it was not the only work Paul did while in Thessalonica. According to 1 Thessalonians 2:9, Paul worked day and night. Paul’s only evangelism was not just in the synagogue but also at work. Do the people you work with see Jesus because of you? Not that you are perfect, but that you are different, your language, the conversations you join, your character, and your actions. Spend some time asking the Holy Spirit to reveal ways you can be a light for His Kingdom at your workplace.

2. Are there ways you currently live, trusting in things and people of this world to be your provider, or are you living as God is sovereign and in control of all things?

3. When you have conversations with people about Jesus and the gospel, do you share from your experiences or scripture as the basis? We see a contrast between the way Paul evangelized in Thessalonica and then in Athens. What can we learn from him in how we share Jesus?

4. In Acts 17:16 Luke tells us that Paul was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw in the city of Athens. Do you see idols in our modern society? Does this trouble you?

5. If we genuinely treasure Jesus above all things, our heart's desire is to share Him with the world around us. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal if there is anything you adore more than Jesus. And if there is, will you repent and lay it at the feet of Jesus?

6. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Paul shares he was with the people in Corinth “in weakness and in fear”. Going back to Acts 18, what is the first thing Luke tells us about Paul when he enters Corinth? God used a new friendship to comfort Paul. Paul didn’t run to isolation in his weakness and fear. What can we learn from Paul’s faithful obedience?

7. Paul was opposed and reviled in the city of Corinth. Although Paul’s response was to shake out his garments and move on, what happened in Acts 18:7-11? Reflecting on this scripture, if you are reviled and opposed, is your reaction to continue to speak the name of Jesus? That is indeed what Paul did, and we see God then came to him one night in a vision.

8. Spend time this week prayerfully reading 1& 2 Thessalonians, Colossians 3, and Hebrews 11. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what He has for you in His Word.

The Book of Acts - Chapter 16

Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 20, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 16. This chapter covers the first leg of Paul’s second missionary journey. He begins with a visit to Lystra and follows the leading of the Spirit to Macedonia. During this entire trip, Paul models a valuable decision making strategy — what does Jesus want? Paul is not concerned with his own desires or plans, he wants to magnify Jesus above all else and make decisions that align with God’s will. As we make decisions in our daily life, big and small, Paul’s example is helpful to us.

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1. Before Timothy accompanies Paul on the mission journey, Paul takes Timothy to be circumcised. It can appear to be contradicting what we learned in chapter 15, through the Jerusalem Council; however, Paul wants to remove every obstacle for people to hear and receive the gospel message. Are you willing to remove the barriers in your life that might keep people from hearing the gospel message? Spend time asking the Holy Spirit to reveal if there are any ways you are more focused on your freedom than the spread of God’s Kingdom.

2. In chapter 16, we see Paul had desires of where he wanted to go, but the Holy Spirit was the One to lead. We see the Holy Spirit closed doors and gave Paul a vision of where to go. Are you living in a way where you can hear the Holy Spirit speak? Are there any doors He has closed where you are trying to still go through them? Will you spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit, what does Jesus want? God promises to take us by the hand and lead us. Holy Spirit, please open our eyes to what You are doing and how You want us to join You in Your work.

3. As you make big and small decisions, are you willing to ask, “would this magnify Jesus?” Spend time asking the Holy Spirit to align your desires with His. May we magnify Jesus and minimize ourselves.

4. Do you steward your time, money, and words for the glory of God? Spend time asking the Holy Spirit to reveal ways you can be a good steward of what God has given you.

5. Paul and Silas were beaten and arrested for casting the demon out of the young girl. Their response in prison was to sing and pray. Would that be your response? Or would your reaction be more frustrated about not getting the results you anticipated as you do the work of Jesus? We see the prisoners listening to their songs and prayers, and the jailer's response was, "what must I do to be saved?" Does the world hear you complain or praise? Would the unbelievers around you ask, "what must I do to be saved?"

6. As we close out this week's devotion and reflection, spend time in prayer asking, "What does Jesus want?". Then, be still and listen. In making your decisions this week, will you ask this question and commit to obedience to God's lead?

The Book of Acts - Chapter 14-15

Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 13, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 14-15. These chapters show the many conflicts that rose up during Paul’s first missionary journey and how he worked to manage them. Conflict rose up with non-believers and members within the church. How Paul worked to manage these conflicts gives us insight into managing conflict today and becoming true ministers of reconciliation.

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1. Acts 14:3 says that Paul and Barnabas “remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord.” Culture tells us to “dismiss or avoid people who don’t agree with us.” However, often God is calling us to just “remain.” Sometimes, it’s not the words we say, it’s the life we live out in front of them.

2. Do you know any unbelievers and are they open to a conversation about faith? Pray for discernment – for eyes to see. (Acts 14:9) Is their desire to debate with you or are they truly hungry for the message of faith? Is a conversation with them going to produce fruit or is this a case of “casting your pearls before swine”? (Mathew 7:6)

3. In Acts 14:19-28 we see Paul and Barnabas risk their lives to revisit all of the hostile cities on their trip home. Why? Verse 22 tells us it was to “strengthen the believers and remind them of tribulations.” Taking a risk of being persecuted communicates the value we place on others and the message of Christ we carry.

4. As messengers of faith in Christ, we must be careful to not elevate ourselves above the message. We must value others more than ourselves. When we do this, we remove any question about our motive. Christ did this for us! Romans 5:8 “But God showed His great love for us in that while we yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

5. When we encounter conflict with other believers we must look to a higher authority. (Pastoral or Biblical council) We are called to seek wisdom and the authority of God. We are to avoid issues that create division. We see this in Acts 15:7-21.

6. We are called to not elevate our preferences above others. If your conscience won’t allow you to let go of your preference, then we are to part ways with grace. We must also understand and accept that not all conflict is resolved. Sometimes we must move on.

The Book of Acts - Chapter 13

Pastor Lyell Walker | March 6th, 2022

In this message, Pastor Lyell teaches from Acts chapter 13. In this chapter, we read that Paul begins his first missionary journey. During his travels, he is confronted with several groups who oppose his teaching of the Gospel. What we learn from these encounters is that we, like Paul, must keep our eyes on Jesus when confronted by those who disagree with us or who oppose the Gospel. We must be those who are led by the Spirit and act out of love towards the Bar Jesus’ around us.

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1. Barnabas and Saul were given direction, but not directions. Has there been a time when you heard the Holy Spirit speak and give you a direction but not directions? What is/was your response, move forward or wait on the Lord?

2. The Holy Spirit sent Barnabas and Saul to Paphos, and there they encountered a false prophet named Bar-Jesus as they were meeting with the proconsul named Sergius Paulus. When Bar-Jesus opposed them and the gospel message, Paul, “filled with the Holy Spirit,” spoke boldly and intently the truth. His motivation was not to be right but to speak the truth in love. When you encounter opposition because of the gospel message, how do you respond? Prayerfully or reactively? We have a choice to prayerfully respond or emotionally react.

3. Do you ask for wisdom of when to speak and what to say?

4. We, like Paul, have been sent out with the message of salvation and the ministry of reconciliation. How can you live in this way, sharing the message of Jesus and living as a reconciler?

5. We see from chapter 13 that Paul gained a following and was also met with opposition from those filled with jealousy. Reflecting on his response in verses 51-52, what can we learn from Paul and Barnabas in keeping our eyes on Jesus and the work that He has set out for us to do? Will we be distracted by opposition or fame or be diligent in keeping our eyes on Jesus? Are we prepared to respond like Paul if we gain a following or encounter persecution?

6. Spend some time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to reveal if there is anything that is distracting you from Jesus and walking in complete surrender and obedience to Him.

7. Did Paul get offended when people disagreed with him? Can we be a people who will hate evil and love our neighbors?

8. Spend some time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to reveal if there are any ways you are creating division instead of living as a bridge builder for the gospel message of Jesus. Do you see your world as a mission field? The people around us need to hear the message of Jesus.

The Book of Acts - Chapter 11-12

Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 27, 2022

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 11-12. This chapter shows how individual, gospel transformation impacts local churches. When God changed Peter’s heart toward the gentiles, his testimony changed the heart of the entire circumcision party in Jerusalem. When God moved on Barnabas’ heart in generosity, the church in Antioch followed his lead. These chapters make it clear that healthy, vibrant disciples create healthy, vibrant churches.

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Reflect

1. Healthy growing churches are filled with healthy and growing Christians. Does that describe you and your current walk with Jesus?

2. When Peter went up to Jerusalem, we see the circumcision party criticize him for entering the home of the uncircumcised. Reflecting on Peter’s response, does this represent your usual response when confronted by other people? Do you share what God has done in you or argue?

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes if there are any ways you are more committed to church tradition, what people think, or anything more than you are committed to Jesus.

4. Earlier in Acts, Barnabas sold his property and gave his proceeds to the apostles. We see his generosity triggered the disciples in Antioch to be generous for the need in Judea. It wasn’t something they were asked to do. They watched Barnabas walk in obedience and generosity, that then was their natural response when a need arose. Is there anything the Holy Spirit is asking you to do or change? Your obedience affects the people around you.

5. Fire cannot be contained. What kind of fire are you creating? Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to stir you up, draw you into Him, sanctify you and the way you walk and talk? Or are you stirring up strife, conflict, bitterness, human anger, gossip, greed? Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas you might need to repent and ask Him to cleanse you and give you strength to walk in His power and love.

6. Acts 12:5 says, “So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.” We then see God send an Angel to free Peter. May we sit and behold the beauty of how God works, how He uses His people through earnest prayer. Do you spend time in earnest prayer for specific requests? What specific requests has God answered for you? Will you take time this week to tell a friend? Share with a friend the ways God has answered your specific requests. It allows them to share in praise to our Jesus and grows their faith also.

7. Do you go to the world for answers, or do you go to Jesus? Do you rely on hearing the word of God one time per week, or do you abide in His word daily? Do your daily decisions reflect a devotion to Jesus or to something or someone else?

8. Healthy disciples make up healthy churches. Are you a healthy and growing disciple? Spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide you in growing in a relationship with Him.

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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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.