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?

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.