1 Kings 1

Pastor Marshall Ochs | June 30, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teach from 1 Kings 1. This chapter opens with a striking look at Israel under an aging King David. David has suffered the consequences for his poor decisions with Bathsheba and the entire nation has felt the impact. Solomon has been declared the next king of Israel, but Solomon’s brother wants the throne. Competition erupts and David must declare which boy will become king. The entire chapter is filled with rich application for our life; the most prominent is how our decisions shape us.

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1 Kings 1:1-4

The once mighty warrior David is now an old and frail man, relying on his servants to care for him. They chose to find a beautiful young woman, Abishag, to keep him warm—with no sexual relations involved. David's love for women and his sin with Bathsheba had long-lasting repercussions: the death of his son, turmoil with Absalom, and the future sins of Solomon.

Reflection: The opening of Kings warns us of the long-term impacts of our decisions. Our good and bad choices shape our lives and influence those around us, especially our children. As parents and leaders, we must walk in obedience to God, knowing that disobedience brings consequences and obedience leads to eternal blessings. Consider how you are living and what kind of impact it has on those inside your influence, especially your children.

1 Kings 1:5-10

In contrast to David's frailty, we see the ambitious and handsome Adonijah declaring himself king. Despite David proclaiming Solomon his successor, Adonijah attempts to seize the throne. He throws a grand feast, inviting key military and religious leaders, notably excluding Solomon.

Reflection: Adonijah's actions highlight the dangers of unchecked ambition and weak parenting. David's lack of discipline and failure to set boundaries for his children led to Adonijah's sense of entitlement and rebellion. As parents and mentors, we must guide and correct our children lovingly, setting them on a path of righteousness. Reflect on how you are instilling godly values and discipline in those under your care.

1 Kings 1:11-27

Seeing the unfolding events, Nathan the prophet devises a plan to ensure Solomon's rightful place on the throne. He instructs Bathsheba to plea to David, followed by his own support as a second witness. Nathan is very much aware of David's affection for Bathsheba and her influence over him.

Reflection: Surrounding ourselves with wise, God-fearing people is essential. Nathan's intervention reminds us of the importance of having mentors and friends who will speak truth into our lives and help us stay on the narrow path. Do you have a Nathan in your life who provides godly counsel and encouragement?

1 Kings 1:28-40

Despite his failings as a father, David demonstrates his ability to govern by organizing Solomon's anointing. He orders a public ceremony with priests, prophets, and military leaders, establishing Solomon as king.

Reflection: Leadership requires decisive action and sometimes a public acknowledgment of God's will. David's actions illustrate the need to follow through on God's will, even when we have made mistakes.  Do you find it easier to govern and lead outside your family than lead your children well? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how you can lead your children, set proper boundaries, and demonstrate the love of Christ to them.

1 Kings 1:41-53

The noise from Solomon's anointing reaches Adonijah's feast, signaling that the people support Solomon. Solomon, showing mercy, offers Adonijah a chance to live peacefully if he proves himself worthy.

Reflection: Solomon's mercy towards Adonijah mirrors God's grace towards us. Though we deserve punishment for our sins, God offers us a chance to repent and walk in obedience. Our choices have eternal consequences, and we must choose to follow God faithfully. Reflect on how you can extend grace and seek forgiveness in your own relationships.

As we reflect on the opening chapter of 1 Kings, we see the profound impact of obedience and disobedience. Under the old covenant, blessings, and curses were direct consequences of adherence to God's law. Under the new covenant, while our salvation is secured by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, our obedience still reflects our love for Him (John 14:15).

May we choose to walk in obedience, remembering that our choices matter. Consider how God is working in your life through both your obedience and your disobedience. Trust in His grace, seek His wisdom, and surround yourself with godly counsel. As you meditate on these passages this week, ask God to reveal areas where you need to align your choices with His will and strengthen you in your walk with Christ.

Luke 24

Pastor Marshall Ochs | June 23, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 24. This chapter covers the resurrection narrative and the several appearances of Jesus following the resurrection. The chapter reveals a pattern of people feeling confused, an invitation out of that confusion into deeper understanding, and the results of an expanded Kingdom connected to the deeper understanding. When the early church revisited scripture, their eyes were opened and the gospel was spread. Luke wants us to see this pattern so we recognize it in our lives too. Evangelism is always fueled by seeking of the Lord.

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Let’s begin by reading Luke 24:1-12. The women who went to the tomb that day were consumed with sorrow. They didn’t go to the tomb to see if their Savior was risen as He had told them. They went there to anoint the body of Jesus with spices and perfume to help mask the smell of a dead body. They had to be reminded by the angels who appeared to them as to what Jesus had told them would happen on the third day. Once their eyes were opened to the promises Jesus made, they believed and ran to tell the disciples. Before we think critically of these women, let’s ask ourselves a couple of questions.

1. When faced with sorrow, grief, anxiety, etc., what is your first reaction? Is it to doubt God, or is it to trust Him, His Word and His promises? Do you get caught up in the circumstances that so easily entangle us, or look for God’s provision and direction?

2. These women were visiting a graveyard. Have you been living in your graveyard? This is where we can often get stuck in our hurt and pain. God invites us to remember His Word – read it – feast on it – know it – and give testimony to others with our actions and our words.

Continue reading Luke 24:13-25. Once again, we see followers of Jesus walking along a road to Emmaus feeling confused and sorrowful. They are discussing all that had happened over the last 3 days. Jesus appears to them and reminds them of the Scriptures that prophesied what the Messiah would have to endure before entering into Glory. They too needed reminding from the Word of God. Jesus broke bread at their meal and their eyes were opened to see who He was. They returned to Jerusalem to tell the others.

• When you feel confused about the circumstances you’re facing, do you try to talk it out with others before you read God’s Word and tell Him how you’re feeling? I heard a teacher once ask, “Do you go to the throne before you go to the phone?” Powerful question!

• Do you seek the wisdom and advice from man, before you seek God in His Word or through prayer?

Read Luke 24:36-53. Here’s the third story Luke shares with us concerning Jesus’ resurrection and it repeats the same pattern. The disciples are consumed with fear from religious leaders and doubt concerning His resurrection. Jesus addresses their doubts and opens their minds to understanding of the Scriptures. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to spread the Good News to the people.

• Have you been experiencing a season of fear and doubt?

• What are you doing about it?

• Are you in the Word and talking to God in prayer?

As Christie reminded us today, when we are facing all kinds of circumstances in our lives – chaos, confusion, hurt, grief, etc., begin to praise the Lord. Seek Him! Start your day in His Word and in communication with Him! Remind your soul who HE IS! Forget not all His benefits! As Marshall reminded us today, there is a pattern here.

• You may be experiencing a graveyard, traveling down a road of confusion, filled with pain, sorrow, doubt, anger or unforgiveness.

• No matter where you are or what is happening around you, the answer is the same. Revisit Scripture! Read it again and again! We should not have a ‘once and done’ approach to the Word of God!

• Revisiting Scripture opens our eyes to His truth!

• Open eyes enable us to spread the Good News of Christ to others!

Luke 23

Pastor Marshall Ochs | June 16, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 23. This chapter argues for a literal and historical account of the crucifixion of Jesus. In light of this account, we must make a decision about what we believe about Jesus. The chapter includes major and minor characters that demonstrate different responses to Jesus, but the chapter extends the invitation for us to make a decision about Jesus as well. The man who taught for three years and made bold claims about His divine nature can’t be ignored. Everyone must make a decision about what they believe about Jesus.

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In Luke 23, we encounter the events leading up to and including Jesus’ crucifixion. This chapter is filled with various characters, each responding to Jesus in their own ways. Despite their different roles and actions, they share a common question: "What do you do with Jesus?"

Characters and Their Responses:

Pilate - The Roman governor faced political pressure and tried to avoid responsibility by sending Jesus to Herod. Despite recognizing Jesus' innocence, Pilate ultimately sentenced Him to death to protect his career. Pilate represents those who know the truth but choose self-preservation over righteousness. Pilate feared losing his political power. Fear can either immobilize us or push us to act courageously. Joseph of Arimathea chose the latter, reminding us that our faith should lead us to take bold steps, even when difficult.

Herod - He ridiculed and mocked Jesus before sending Him back to Pilate. Herod embodies those who treat Jesus and His teachings with contempt and disregard, seeing Him as a mere spectacle. The Elders and Religious Leaders - They manipulated the situation to ensure Jesus' death, lying and twisting His words to fit their agenda. This group represents those who alter Jesus’ message to suit their purposes, leading others astray in the process.

The Crowds - They envisioned their Savior arriving as a warrior to save them, but they turned on Him when He didn't do what they thought He should. How often do our own lives not turn out as we imagined, and in our frustration, we turn away from Jesus?

Joseph of Arimathea - a member of the Jewish high council who kept his faith in Jesus private until after Jesus’ death. However, when the time came, he boldly requested Jesus’ body to ensure a proper burial. Joseph’s actions show that true faith can overcome fear, leading to courageous deeds.

Reflection Questions:

1. “What will you do with Jesus?" His teachings are radical and demand a response. Will you change His message to fit your needs, ignore His commands, or follow Him wholeheartedly?2. In what areas of your life are you tempted to act like Pilate, knowing the truth but choosing the easy way out? How can you stand firm in your faith in Jesus Christ and His truth?

3. Have you ever been swayed by the opinions of others in your walk with Jesus? How can you ensure that your decisions about Jesus are based on God’s Word rather than societal trends?

4. Reflect on your personal response to Jesus' radical teachings. How do you interpret His commands to "take up your cross," "die to self," and "love your enemy"? What steps can you take to live out these teachings more fully?

5. Reflect on how you respond to Jesus in your daily life. Do you alter His teachings to fit your lifestyle, ignore His commands, or follow Him despite the cost? Like Joseph of Arimathea, let your faith lead you to bold actions, regardless of the cost.

Luke 22:39-71

Pastor Marshall Ochs | June 9, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 22:39-71. This chapter covers the events following the Passover meal, leading to the midnight arrest and trial of Jesus. The tribulations of the evening begin in the garden where Jesus tells His disciples to pray against temptation. The Lord’s instructions invite the disciples to consider the spiritual war in their midst and how to endure through prayer. The trials of that evening mirror many trials for disciples today, but the exhortation from Luke is the same — pray!

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In this passage Luke tells us what happened immediately following the Passover celebration. There are important lessons from this passage that are imperative for us to hear, understand and put into practice.

Read Luke 22:39-46. As was customary, prayer followed the Passover meal. Jesus and the disciples walked to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. Jesus instructs them to pray so they will not fall into temptation. Why? He knows that the battle is on, and they are entering into spiritual warfare. They need to pray in order to be prepared and guarded against the enemy and his schemes. What does Jesus do when He is facing spiritual warfare? He prays!

• Are you aware that we are standing on a spiritual battlefield daily? How do you prepare yourself for battle?

• Are you in the Word daily and actively pursuing a relationship with God through prayer? If not, why?

Jesus prays for this cup to pass from Him. However, we see Him follow that with, “Yet not my will, but Yours be done.” Jesus is then visited by an angel to comfort Him.

When we face trials, tribulations or suffering, we want God to remove it. We don’t enjoy the suffering, but God will see us through it and provide what we need.

• The question is, do we trust Him? Are we preparing for the battles we face with the weapon of prayer? We should not face our day without starting it in prayer! (Please refer to Marshall’s notes today for important scripture references on spiritual warfare.)

Read Luke 22:47-53. As Jesus is speaking to the disciples on how important prayer is, a crowd approaches. Judas and this angry mob are being controlled by the enemy. They are under demonic influence. Scripture tells us that Satan entered Judas and manipulated the Pharisees into participating in his plans. Just like the religious leaders of Jesus’ time, the enemy will try to use us to accomplish his will. The enemy will use whatever means necessary to manipulate and tempt us into doing and/or saying the wrong thing. He will use fear and dread to influence us to listen to the wrong voices. Like the disciples, we can miss the fact that we are not fighting a physical battle, but rather a spiritual one against the powers of darkness.

• As you reflect on the challenges you’re facing, are you allowing the enemy to tempt you to live in fear, anger, sorrow, grief, etc.? The only way to avoid this and fight is to PRAY! We must fight our battles on our knees!!

Read Luke 22:54-71. We see Jesus arrested and beaten. Peter denies being a follower of Jesus. In His hour of need, his closest friends abandoned Him.

• Have you been abandoned by someone who was close to you? The Lord sees and understands your pain. The only One who is faithful and true is Christ! He is with you always. Give your sorrow to Him and allow Him to heal your heart.

• Have you been tempted to deny Christ for fear of persecution or rejection? Have you been tempted to follow the crowd and not stand for what you know is holy? Repent and ask the Lord to help you stand strong in the face of persecution – to be alert to the enemy’s ploy to use you to accomplish his plans. PRAY!

• We will face trials and temptations, but like Jesus, we must face them in prayer. As Marshall encouraged us today – Prayer is essential, and we should take it seriously! May we be doers of the Word and not hearers only!

Luke 22:1-38

Pastor Marshall Ochs | June 2, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 22:1-38. This chapter covers the final Passover meal Jesus celebrates with His disciples. The meal is filled with symbolic imagery of the exodus and Jesus reinterprets that imagery for a new covenant. The new covenant is marked with the bread and wine of communion. The moment takes place over a meal and helps the disciples focus on the work of God, the strengthening of God’s people, and preparation for the upcoming tribulations.

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In Luke 22, we witness Jesus transforming the Passover meal into a profound symbol of the New Covenant. The Passover meal was filled with symbols like candles, washing, sacrifice, bitterness, bread, and wine, each representing key elements of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. Jesus, however, reinterprets these symbols, giving them new meanings.

Jesus takes the bread, breaks it, and declares it as His body given for us. This act signifies that His body will be broken as a sacrifice for our sins. He takes the cup, which represents the wine of redemption, and declares it as His blood poured out for the forgiveness of sins. This act signifies the establishment of a new covenant through His sacrificial death. In verse 18, Jesus speaks of the final cup of praise, reserving it for the marriage supper of the Lamb. Through this, the Passover meal became a way to view the New Covenant where Christ Himself is the sacrificial lamb.

Even in the sacred moments of the Passover dinner, the disciples were caught up in a petty argument about who among them was the greatest. This is a convicting snapshot of God's church. Here was Jesus, preparing to lay down His life, and His disciples were too busy looking at each other, too focused on their own status and righteousness to see what was unfolding before them. Isn’t this often the case with us today? Jesus calls us to look at Him, to focus on His work and what He is doing in our lives and the world. But we get distracted, caught up in comparisons, arguments, and self-righteousness.

1. Reflecting on the significance of meals in Jesus' teachings, how can be intentional to use shared meals to remember God’s faithfulness, strengthen relationships, and prepare for the trials of this world that lie ahead?

2. How can we shift our focus from self-centered comparisons to Christ-centered servanthood?

3. How can you actively pray for and support your fellow believers, helping them endure trials and strengthen their faith?

4. What steps can you take to ensure that your focus remains on Jesus and His work rather than getting caught up in arguments or distractions?

Luke 21

Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 26, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 21. This chapter begins with a picture of religious excess and ends with a warning against worldly excess. The middle section is a lengthy teaching on the destruction of the temple and the return of Jesus. The sermon on Christ’s second advent is bracketed with a warning against religious hypocrisy and a warning against worldly indulgence. The focus of this chapter is to prepare God’s people for the arrival of Jesus with a deep examination of our hearts.

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In the conclusion of Luke 20:45-47, we see Jesus warning His disciples to be careful to not become like the religious leaders who are arrogant, pious and consumed with money and power. This is a warning to all of us. It is easy to become puffed up as we grow spiritually and look down on others who we think appear weaker in their faith. This is the sin of pride.

In Luke 21:1-4 we see the stark contrast between those giving out of their abundance and the widow who gave all she had. This teaching on giving is a picture of the difference between total surrender – giving all that we have to the Lord vs giving something that costs us nothing. Total surrender is a sacrifice to God. What costs us nothing is worth nothing.

1. What have you been holding tightly and not surrendering to the Lord? This can be more than just material possessions. We can hold on to bitterness, unforgiveness, secret sin, etc. Pray and ask the Lord to reveal the area or areas of your life that you have been holding back from Him. Ask Him to help you surrender your ALL to Him.

2. The temple of Jesus’ day was adorned lavishly. It took 83 years to build this temple that was beautiful on the outside, but was void of God. Through the acceptance of Christ as our Savior, we are to be the temple where God dwells. Like the temple building, we can look good on the outside and be Godless on the inside. As you examine your life, have you been more concerned with looking like a follower of Christ, rather than really being a follower of Christ?

In Luke 21:5-19, Jesus explains that the temple building will one day be destroyed. The disciples ask when this will happen. He goes on to explain that His followers will also be persecuted. Jesus is addressing both the destruction of the temple and the final days before His return. This is also addressed in Matthew 24:3. (Please refer to Marshall’s notes for a more detailed explanation.) Jesus explains that false teachers, wars, famine and natural disasters will occur. In verse 12, Jesus says that before all this there will be great persecution of believers. We see this happening in our world today.

1. Have you been persecuted or rejected by others for your faith in Christ?

2. Have you tried to blend in with the world in order to avoid being ostracized by others for your faith?

Read Luke 21:20-28. Jesus is explaining what will happen to the nation of Israel in the future and explaining what will happen in the last days before His return. He is saying that His second coming will be like His first. Let’s continue reading Luke 21:29-33 for furtherunderstanding. Jesus is using this parable to show us that just like we know when summer is coming due to seeing sprouts on trees, there will be signs to let us know that His return is near. What are we to do with this knowledge? Read Luke 21:34-38. We are to be mindful of His return, but not consumed by watching for religious signs. We should be more concerned with knowing our own heart towards God. We should be careful to avoid the pitfalls of religious hypocrisy and worldly excess. We are to be watchful! Stay awake and aware! We are to be ready! Examining our life – inspecting our hearts!

1. Is your heart right with God?

2. If Christ returned today, are you ready? If not, pray today and ask the Lord to transform your heart and life to be fully surrendered to Him.

Luke 19

Pastor Marshall Ochs | May 12, 2024

In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Luke 19. This chapter includes the salvation of Zacchaeus and the events of Palm Sunday. Each story and parable reveals a king that approaches His people to inspect their faithfulness. The king rewards the faithful and brings consequences to the unfaithful. This entire chapter speaks to the responsibility Christians have to serve as faithful stewards and use the gifts God has given us to build His kingdom.

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1. In Luke 19:1-10, we see Jesus headed to Jerusalem. As He was passing through the new Jericho he sees Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector who was desperate to see Jesus. In Luke 18 we encounter a rich man who was much more challenged to truly “see” Jesus because his wealth, and the things of this world meant more to him than a life spent following after Jesus. This contrast is especially important to notice. Having material blessings in this life is not the sin – loving them and chasing after them more than a life surrendered to Christ is the sin.

a. Have you been blinded by the things of this world and worshiped them more than Jesus?

b. Would you be willing to give up the comforts of this world in order to do what God is calling you to do?

2. Jesus tells Zacchaeus that He wants to come to his home and visit with him. Zacchaeus gladly receives the invitation and appears to understand his need to surrender his life and his worldly possessions to the Lord. He chooses relationship over riches. Like Zacchaeus, Jesus calls each of us by name! Jesus loves you and wants you to know that just like Zacchaeus, you are not beyond His redemption!

a. Have you heard the Lord inviting you into a deeper relationship with Him?

b. What is your answer to His invitation? What is holding you back from accepting His invitation?

c. If Jesus returned today, would He find you embracing His mission with complete surrender, or rejecting His mission with grumbling and complaining?

d. What would He find in your home or in your heart if He came to inspect it today?

3. Read Luke 19:11-27. In this parable, Jesus is shining a light on the condition of the hearts of the people. The Lord has put each of us in charge of the time, money and talents He has given us.

a. Are you being a good steward of what the Lord has blessed you with?

b. Are you sitting on your hands, or are you living for Him by using the gifts He has given you to further His Kingdom?

4. Read Luke 19:28-44. Jesus arrives in Jerusalem, and it is the week of Passover. Jesus is the final Passover Lamb! What does Jesus find when He arrives? The people want what Jesus can do or provide for them, rather than embracing the greatest gift of all a relationship with Him.

a. Has this been true in your life? Have you been treating God like Santa Clause – asking God for blessings, comforts and gifts in this life instead of focusing on relationship with Him?

b. Do you desire to really “see” Jesus?

c. The reality is that He sees us! He sees where your heart truly is. If you are not truly sold out and pursuing a relationship with Jesus, pray and ask Him to open your eyes and heart to His transformation and will in your life.

5. Read Luke 19:45-48. Jesus inspects the Temple. He finds a marketplace! The Temple has been defiled with leaders who have turned a holy place meant for teaching and prayer into a business to make money.

a. When you go into His Temple, (your church home) it shouldn’t be about your preferences or leaders who are holding hands with this world. It should be about worshiping the One True God, studying His word and seeking Him through prayer. This should be our daily practice at home as well – Monday through Saturday – not just on Sunday! What does your heart look like? A temple where the Lord dwells or a place where sin reigns? Make today the day that you allow Him to sit on the throne of your life instead of your relationships, accomplishments and possessions. Watch and see what great things He will do in you and through you as you surrender your all to Him!