1 Samuel 11-12

Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 21, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 11-12. These chapters reveal the early days of Saul’s reign as king. Israel has never had a king before, therefore Saul has no palace, no military, and no job description. However, the new king is presented with an opportunity to grow as a leader, united the nation, and save an oppressed people. This story teaches us about leadership and the importance of following through on our commitments to the Lord.

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1. Read 1 Samuel 11 and Judges 19-21. We see the Israelites being threatened and oppressed by the Ammonite King Nahash in the city of Jabesh-gilead. When this message reached Saul, he sent a clear message to every tribe of Israel and told them to assemble for war. Marshall showed us why Saul sent his message the way he did by reminding us of what happened in Judges 19-21. Saul knew this would significantly impact the Israelites. We see the Israelites defeat the Ammonites and are then led into a renewal ceremony in Gilgal. Can you recall a time in your life when God delivered you from a season of struggle, trial or tribulation? What was your response to Him?

2. We were reminded today that while victories, renewals and rededications are great, what happens when a few days, weeks or months pass? Do we forget what God has done and then return to our old ways or sins? In the book of Judges, we see this cycle of sin, crying out to God, being delivered, experiencing freedom and then returning back to sin. Can you identify with this cycle?

3. Read 1 Samuel 12. Notice that Samuel takes inventory of his own life and then delivers a tough message to Israel. Like Samuel, we must take inventory of our own lives before we can help someone else who is in the midst of a sin struggle. Relationships need to be treated with great care. Kind words, quality time and caring gestures are like deposits. Tough conversations are like withdrawals. Pray and ask the Lord to reveal any area in your relationships where you need to make more deposits or mend an offense.

4. We see Samuel deliver the tough message to Israel of the vicious cycle mentioned in the second paragraph above. The only way to stop this cycle is simple – Obey the Lord and you will be blessed, or reject Him and you will suffer the consequences. In what ways have you been blessed by obeying and following the Lord? In what ways have you suffered by your disobedience and lack of surrender?

5. There is good news! We don’t have to live in the cycle of unfaithfulness! Make the choice to end the cycle! Turn your heart to the Lord! Commit, stick with it, and don’t let the emotion of the moment be all there is! Choose to walk in His ways with ALL your heart! Pray and ask the Lord to renew your commitment to Him and give you the strength to be faithful!

1 Samuel 9-10

Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 14, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 9-10. These chapters follow a young man named Saul who is searching for his father’s donkeys. While searching for the lost livestock, Saul meet the prophet Samuel and his life takes an unexpected turn. Samuel greets Saul with hospitality and a message from God — Saul will be the new king of Israel. This story highlights the miraculous ways God works in our lives and invites us to consider how God is working today.

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Monday: Read 1 Samuel 9

In the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 8, we witness a significant event where the elders of Israel come together and tell Samuel to appoint a king to lead them, just as the other nations had. In response to their plea, God grants them their desire and provides them with a king who resembles those of other nations. This king is Saul, a man of impressive physical stature, good looks, and wealth but lacking in spiritual understanding and the heart of a shepherd.

This story prompts us to reflect upon our own prayers and cries to God. Are we merely seeking to conform to the ways of the world and be like everyone else? Or are we genuinely and earnestly searching for God's guidance and His purpose for our lives?

God has unique plans for each one of us. He has equipped us with individual talents, passions, and opportunities to fulfill His purpose. Therefore, we should focus on deepening our relationship with God, seeking His guidance through prayer, and surrendering ourselves to His divine will.

Tuesday: Read 1 Samuel 9

It may often seem like the events in our lives are simply random coincidences, but if we reflect on the story of Saul, we realize that God has the power to use ordinary occurrences to direct our paths. Let's pause for a moment to contemplate the recent positive and negative experiences that have influenced us. God is actively at work in every aspect, in complete control of every detail. It's conceivable that He is nurturing certain qualities within us or leading us down a specific path for a purpose that remains hidden.

Wednesday: Read 1 Samuel 10

When Saul's friends witnessed his prophetic utterances, they immediately recognized a remarkable transformation within him. It became evident that God had profoundly changed Saul's heart. God conveyed a message to him to engage in whatever tasks come his way. The divine ability to transform our hearts belongs solely to God. Yet, our duty remains to respond obediently to His calling and actively pursue His will. We should not harbor any fear, for the power lies not within us but within God Himself.

Thursday: Read 1 Samuel 10

As Pastor Marshall concluded our Sunday service, he urged us to contemplate the ways in which God is working among us. He encouraged us not to overlook the ordinary or inconvenient aspects of our lives but rather to implore God to unveil His intended purposes and grant us the courage to follow His guidance faithfully.

Friday: Read 1 Samuel 11-12

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?