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?

Luke 2:41-3:38

Pastor Marshall Ochs | January 7, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 2:41-3:38. These verses track the story of Jesus in the temple at age 12 and the early ministry of John the Baptist. Luke uses these stories to highlight the value of family and how the good news flows from family to the world.

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• After a week of celebration, Mary and Joseph head home and didn’t realize that Jesus was not with them and the group they traveled with. When they went back to Jerusalem, they searched for Jesus for 3 days and finally found him in the Temple. This is the first indication we see in scripture where Jesus understands who he is and desires to follow God above all else. One can only begin to imagine what was going through Jesus’s mind as he experienced the Passover rituals.

• Luke is showing us what it looks like when a father leads his family toward the Lord, what a mother looks like who treasures God and what He is doing in her family and what a child looks like who is learning to do the same. Do you desire your family to look like this? What steps can you take this year as a spouse and/or parent to lead your family into a deeper understanding and following of God? What steps can you as a teenager take to break free of social norms and choose to follow God rather than the world? Please be encouraged to read the Bible together and discuss it as a family – especially with this wonderful opportunity to participate in The Bible Recap we are doing as a church family.

• In Luke 3, we begin to see the life and ministry of John the Baptist. John receives his calling from the Lord, and he obeys. John was raised in a home where he was taught the gospel message and the importance of following Him. The gospel message starts at home. Family is where we first learn and grow in every aspect of life – especially spiritually. Church is the reinforcement of our beliefs, but should not be the only place we are being taught the Good News of Jesus. If this was not your experience in your childhood and/or has not been your experience in your family today – don’t live in the past! Start today to make changes that will focus on Christ and his message for you and your family. Out of the family that seeks to love and serve God, our communities are affected. The Good News is spread outward by our inward change.

• We see John teaching people the importance of repentance. Repentance is turning to God and away from selfish, wicked and sinful ways. What has been more important and received more attention in your life and in your home other than Jesus? Focus on removing those obstacles (idols) and replacing them with the ways of the Lord. Repent, read God’s Word, pray and watch what God does in your life and the lives of your family and places of influence!

• The Church is responsible for preparing the way of the Lord and His second coming. This begins in us and in our family. Be encouraged to begin making those changes today!

Luke 2:21-40

Pastor Marshall Ochs | December 24, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 2:21-40. These verses track the faithful obedience of God’s people during the first advent. Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna are all portrayed as obeying God’s word and receiving a reward for their faithfulness. The picture Luke paints is an invitation to consider our obedience to God’s word on the eve of the second advent.

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Read Luke 2:21-24

We begin today, one week after Jesus was born, first reflecting on the ceremony of circumcision. As we dive into this, we see lessons for us today. According to Leviticus 12:3, a male child was circumcised eight days after birth. This act was not a mere tradition but a divine commandment from God. It was a sign of obedience. The act of circumcision symbolized something profound. It marked God's people as a set-apart community, a people who had undergone a literal cutting away of flesh. It reminded them they were to be holy and distinct from the world. As Christ's followers, we are called to live lives set apart for God's purposes, to cut away the fleshly desires and selfishness that can entangle us.

Read Colossians 3:1-10

It is true that we no longer need to fulfill the sacrificial laws as Christ, through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, has accomplished redemption for us. His atonement cleanses us from sin, offering us salvation through faith in Him. This is a cornerstone of our faith, and we should hold fast to it, recognizing the completeness of Christ's work.

However, even though we no longer need to follow the Mosaic laws, we have commands to obey as believers. Colossians 3:1-10 guides how we should live as people of the Second Advent. It encourages us to set our minds on heavenly things, to put off the old self with its sinful nature, and to put on the new self, which is being renewed in the knowledge of God. These commands remind us to live lives characterized by love, compassion, humility, and forgiveness.

Read Luke 2:25-40

In this passage, Luke tells us about a man named Simeon, who was described as righteous and devout, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. The Holy Spirit revealed he would not die before seeing the Lord's Christ.

Simeon possessed the Spirit of God, a guiding light that led him. And so, when the Spirit stirred within him to go to the Temple, Simeon obeyed without hesitation. Walking in obedience that day, he beheld the Messiah. There, in the arms of humble parents, rested a child. Yet this was no ordinary child; it fulfilled a promise made to all humanity. Simeon's unwavering faith in the promise, obedience to the Spirit's leading, and reward of beholding the Messiah testify to the importance of obedience in the First Advent.

As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded that obedience is not confined to the pages of Scripture but remains a cornerstone of the Second Advent, as John 14:15-31 reminds us of Jesus' teachings on obedience.

Obedience is not a mere adherence to rules; it is the revelation of what we truly love. Just as Simeon's love for God and his unwavering faith led him to the Messiah, our obedience reveals the depths of our love and devotion.

Today, as we reflect on the birth of Jesus, we must ask ourselves: What does it mean for us to prepare for the second coming of Christ? Our response should mirror the gratitude, awe, and obedience of those who witnessed His first coming.

Luke 2:1-20

Pastor Sean Doughtie | December 17, 2023

In this message, Pastor Sean teaches from Luke 2:1-20. These verses track Joseph and Mary's trip to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus. The story serves as a character study in faith and obedience, that leads to action — culminating in the first Advent. This message also looks at the significance of God announcing the arrival of Messiah, not to the religious leaders, but to lowly shepherds and what that means for the Church, awaiting the second Advent.

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Read Isaiah 9:6-7

During the season of Advent, we celebrate and reflect on the birth of Jesus and look forward to His triumphant return. First, we look back on the birth of Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah whose arrival was foretold by Isaiah. Second, we eagerly anticipate Christ's return, when He will fulfill the promises of His eternal reign.

Familiarity with the story of the birth of Christ can sometimes breed complacency. When we've heard the Christmas story countless times, it's easy to let its significance fade into the background. The birth of Jesus can become just another story, and the anticipation of His return can lose its urgency. Will you spend time today meditating on Jesus's sacrifice for us? Will you meditate on the names given Him – Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace?

Read Luke 2:1-5

In the heart of the Christmas story lies an often-overlooked aspect – the census. While seemingly mundane, this historical event is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to use corrupt systems and broken individuals to accomplish His divine plans. As you reflect and look forward, where is your hope? Is it in a job, a career, the future, family, a politician, government, or anything other than Jesus Christ? May our eyes, hearts, minds, and hope be firmly planted and fixed on Jesus Christ—the One who works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

Read Luke 2:6-20

Can you imagine how inconvenient it must have seemed for Mary to travel while pregnant? In these moments of apparent inconvenience and adversity, we often lose sight of God's divine plan. God is in every detail. He planned to fulfill the prophecy of Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah. His sovereignty, which stretches beyond human understanding, orchestrated the circumstances leading Mary and Joseph to the humble place where Jesus would be born.

This reminds us that His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). Even when we find ourselves caught up in the systems and circumstances of this world, God is at work, fulfilling His promises and accomplishing His purposes. Our responsibility is to walk in faith and obedience.

Luke 1:39-80

Pastor Marshall Ochs | December 10, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 1:39-80. These chapters cover Mary, Elizabeth, and Zechariah’s response to God working in their life. The prominent theme of advent is the transformative nature of this season. God is working peculiar things in His people and changing the lives of those who follow Him. On the eve of God’s second advent, God is still looking to transform the lives of men and women.

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Read Luke 1:39-45

As the women greet each other, Elizabeth’s unborn child (John) leaps in her womb, and Elizabeth is fill with the Holy Spirit. Evidently, the Holy Spirit revealed to her that Mary was carrying the Messiah. We see Mary, Elizabeth and her unborn son full of joy. This scripture shows us how precious human life is. No mistake in this message regarding the sanctity of life as the unborn child leaps for joy in the presence of the unborn Savior. Just as all of them were full of faith and joy at this first advent, we are reminded that we too should be full of faith and joy as we wait expectantly for the second advent – Christ’s return. In what ways are you preparing for Christ’s return?

Read Luke 1:46-56

Mary responds to Elizabeth’s cry of joy and proclamation with a song. This song is very similar to Hannah’s song of praise in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Mary knew the song of Hannah, which shows us an important fact. We need to KNOW the word of God! We need to be able to recognize when God is speaking and have the ability to stand firm when we face difficulty. It is easy to live on what you THINK the Bible says, rather than what you KNOW it says. Marshall reminded us today that “snacking” on God’s word is not the same as FEASTING on it! How much time are you spending in God’s word each day? Are you snacking or eating a full meal?

Read Luke 1:57-66

In this passage, we see the transformation taking place in Zechariah. A man who was once filled with doubt and unbelief becomes a man who is filled with faith and a willingness to follow God rather than cultural traditions. Elizabeth and Zechariah named their son John, which went against the customs of their time. They obeyed God, not the opinions of man. Are we willing to do that? When the world tells us how we should act, think, speak or respond in any given situation, are we quick to go along or do we listen to the voice of God and do as He instructs us? Another great observation in this passage is that while Zechariah couldn’t speak for 9 months, he had no other choice but to do a lot more listening! Marshall reminded us that we can learn a lot if we stop talking so much and listen more! This reminds me of two passages – James 1 and Proverbs 10. Are you quick to speak before you think? Do your words often cause pain, destruction or lack of faith rather than comfort, healing and encouragement? If you struggle with your tongue, ask the Lord to take control of it and use it for good rather than evil.

Read Luke 1:67-80

Zechariah went from a man full of religious ritual and doubt, to a man filled with faith and boldness in declaring God’s faithfulness. God is looking for those who are filled with faith and willing to surrender ALL of themselves. Do you desire to be that kind of person? If your answer is “yes,” but you struggle with the “how,” the answer is pretty clear and basic – PRAY! Prayer changes everything! If prayer has not been a regular daily part of your life, please be encouraged to start today! Let this advent season be a season of transformation for you this year! Watch and see how God transforms your life as you seek Him through prayer and the study of His word.

Luke 1:1-38

Pastor Marshall Ochs | December 3, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 1:1-38. These verses cover the angelic announcement of John’s birth and Jesus’ birth. The two accounts are recorded together so we can see the parallels in the story. The message from Gabriel was similar, but the reactions were very different. Zechariah responded with unbelief, but Mary responded with faith. These responses are important as we ponder our reactions to the second advent of Jesus.

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Read Luke 1:1-4

Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts compiled his accounts from first-hand experiences and eyewitness testimonies. Theophilus, for whom Luke wrote, had been taught but needed certainty. Luke's message provided that certainty by offering a well-documented and truthful account of the life, teachings, and miracles of Jesus Christ.

In many ways, we all share a common thread with Theophilus. We, too, need constant reminders. Just as God instructed Joshua to meditate on His laws and follow them carefully, we should also be disciplined in studying God's Word. Confidence in our faith takes root when we are disciplined to be in God's Word daily. This commitment should not be viewed as a mere checklist item for us every morning but rather as a sincere heart to seek God wholeheartedly and surrender ourselves entirely to Him.

How can you relate to Theophilus in your own spiritual walk? Have there been times when you needed greater certainty or a deeper understanding?

Read Joshua 1:1-9

Reflect on the comparison with Joshua meditating on God's laws. How can discipline in daily Scripture help build your faith and deepen your relationship with God?

Read Luke 1:5-38

As we move through the first chapter of Luke, we encounter two parallel accounts that reveal the contrasting responses of two individuals when confronted with the divine message of the first advent – the coming of Jesus. Zechariah, a priest, and Mary, a young girl, both received a visitation from an angel, but their reactions were profoundly different.

Zechariah's encounter with the angel left him in disbelief. On the other hand, Mary, a young and humble girl, responded to the angel with faith and surrender. She accepted the incredible news that she would conceive and give birth to the Savior, declaring, "I am God's servant; let it be to me according to your word."

Luke presents these two accounts side by side to highlight the stark contrast in their responses. It serves as a reminder that at the first advent of Christ, those who should have known and believed often struggled with doubt, while those who might have been overlooked by society, such as Mary, demonstrated unwavering faith.

Consider your own response to God's promises and plans in your life. Are there areas where you have doubted or questioned, like Zechariah? How can you grow in trust and surrender to God's will?

Zechariah and Mary's story reminds us that Christ's advent is marked by unexpectedness. It challenges us to examine our faith and readiness for the second advent, encouraging us to trust in God's promises and to embrace the unexpected ways His plans may unfold in our lives and the world.

2 Thessalonians 2-3

Pastor Marshall Ochs | November 19, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Thessalonians 2-3. Paul closes his letter to the church with a warning against Christians who live idle lives. In light of the glorious new life Christ has given to us, we should be hard at work in God’s vineyard. When Jesus returns He should find us accomplishing the Lord’s plans and building His kingdom. If a church member refuses to stay busy with God’s work, Paul’s instruction is to disassociate with them until they turn in repentance.

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Read 2 Thessalonians 2:9-17

In 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 Paul paints a vivid picture of the end times, where Satan will empower the antichrist to perform signs and wonders, deceiving the nations. Why? Because the nations, tragically, have chosen deception over truth. They have embraced darkness and lies, and in response, God allows them to sink deeper into their delusion. I can’t help but continue to think of the quote Marshall shared this morning from C.S. Lewis: “God is love, but the world sees love as God.” It's such a slight change in words but a complete lie.

Now, why is this important? Paul is setting up a powerful contrast in verses 13-15. On one side, we have the nations, deceived, condemned, and blind, chasing after darkness. On the other side, we find you, dear believers, saved, called beloved, and sanctified. You are no longer blind; you see the light of truth. While the nations chase after darkness, you pursue the light. God has chosen you and called you out of that darkness. You are no longer who you used to be.

So, what do we do with this profound reality? Paul's message is clear:

Stand Firm: In this new reality, stand firm in your faith. Let nothing shake your mind or deter you from the path of truth. The storms of deception may rage, but you stand unshaken.

Hold to the Traditions and Commands: Obey God's Word faithfully. It is your guide in this world filled with deceit. Let the Word of God shape your character, actions, and speech.

Comfort Believers: Walk out this reality daily and speak it out to others. Comfort your fellow believers with the truth. Let your life be a testimony to the transformative power of God's grace.

As Pastor Marshall noted, this echoes a theme we find in the life of David in 1-2 Samuel. What David believed about God shaped his character, actions, and speech. Similarly, Paul emphasizes that who you are and belong to should change everything about you. When you truly grasp the reality of your salvation and sanctification, you handle life differently. Your perspective and speech are different, and your actions reflect the light you now walk in.

As we reflect on these words, let us remember that we are the chosen, the beloved, and the sanctified. We are the ones who walk in the light of truth while the world may

stumble in darkness. May our lives be a testament to this reality as we stand firm, obey God's Word, and comfort one another in the knowledge of our transformation through Christ. May the lost see our joy amid chaos and long to know more of our hope in Jesus Christ!

Read 2 Thessalonians 3

In chapter 3, Paul implores the Thessalonians to pray fervently for them in specific ways: spread of the gospel, that what happened in Thessalonica would happen everywhere, and deliverance and protection from evil and wickedness. Paul's words carry divine inspiration. Let us embrace them in our prayers, weaving Paul's requests into our time with God. May we pray for a revival, that His light may shine brightly.

As you study and pray through 2 Thessalonians, will you invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate any areas where you might inadvertently focus on idleness? Paul's teaching is straightforward; he commands us to be diligent and active in our work. As Marshall pointed out, the specifics of our work may look very different, but certain practices and aspects remain consistent for all of us. These practices include daily study of God's Word, dedicating time to prayer, engaging in worship, and looking for ways to demonstrate the love of Christ to others.

2 Thessalonians 1-2

Pastor Marshall Ochs | November 12, 2023

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 2 Thessalonians 1-2. The church is concerned that they have missed the Day of the Lord. Paul addresses their concerns by making reference to Jesus’ teaching in the Olivet Discourse. They have not missed the Day of the Lord because certain events must take place before Jesus returns. Paul outlines these events and his message brings comfort to us today.

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• Do I encourage others, boast about their successes and positive qualities, or do I focus on the negative?

• Are you prepared for the coming of Christ? Will He find you to be faithful to Him or simply pretending to truly know Him as your Savior?

• When people look at your life, do they see Jesus?

• How often are you in God’s word? If there is not a daily time of reading God’s word, but you are only listening to other forms of information, (i.e., news, podcasts, books, other people’s opinions) you will not be able to discern truth from lies and can easily be deceived.

• We must live with our eyes open to the signs around us and the knowledge that time is of the essence. If you knew that you only had 7 years of life left before the return of Christ, how would you live differently? Please read Mathew 25: 1-13 in closing and reflect on how God is leading you to prepare for His return.