Orchard Hill Church Blog
Explore. Grow. Engage.
Guardrails
In this message from James 4:11-17, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund reveals how God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble, offering three essential guardrails for the new year: avoiding slander, holding plans with open hands, and embracing godly obligation. Discover how these biblical principles can help you invite God's favor rather than his opposition as you step into the year ahead.
Why Do We Celebrate Christmas Anyway?
Have you ever wondered if Christians should really celebrate Christmas traditions like stockings and gift-giving? In this post, Will Stevens explores the surprising Christ-centered origins of these customs and reveals why they point us back to the ultimate gift—Jesus himself.
Christmas Eve 2025
In this Christmas Eve message, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund challenges our familiar assumptions by showing from John 8:36 that Christmas isn't a religious event—it's the announcement of freedom through Jesus Christ. Whether you've walked the straight and narrow your whole life or wandered far away, discover how the gospel offers real freedom from fear, pretending, and the exhausting treadmill of trying to earn God's love.
Family Caroling - Two Gifts
In this message from Matthew 18:21-35, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund explores how God's extravagant forgiveness—canceling a debt we could never repay—should transform how we respond to those who've hurt us. Discover why refusing to forgive others reveals we may not fully grasp the incredible gift of grace we've already received through Jesus Christ.
The Power of Invitation: Stories of Connection and Community
Emily DeAngelo shares how a simple airplane conversation led to life-changing connections, reminding us that invitations have the power to transform lives and build community. Discover how you can embrace the art of invitation this Christmas season and create meaningful moments that reflect Christ's love.
Message and Music - O Come Emmanuel
In this special Message and Music service, Russ Brasher, Bryce Vaught, Emily DeAngelo, Jonathan Thiede, and Dr. Kurt Bjorklund explore "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" unpacking how God's 700-year-old promise of "God with us" was fulfilled in Christ. Discover how Jesus embodies God's wisdom, fulfills the law, brings light to darkness, and establishes peace—offering hope and presence for your life today.
Touching the Hem After a Hard Year
Alexis Shippy explores why year-end reflection feels impossible when life has been messy and complicated. Through the story of the Woman with the Issue of Blood, she shows how faith gives depth to our unknowns and helps us trust God's goodness even in confusing circumstances.
The Light Shines
In "The Light Shines," Dr. Kurt Bjorklund explores John 1:1-14 to reveal how Jesus Christ is the true light who pierces through life's darkness and offers hope to everyone. Discover how turning from temporary solutions to the true light transforms not only your own life but empowers you to guide others out of darkness this Christmas season.
How to Change the World #3 - Part Three
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund explores Ephesians 4:7-10 to reveal how Jesus changes the world through three powerful movements: His descent to provide salvation, His ascension demonstrating ultimate authority, and His promise to fill all things with God's intended goodness. This message offers hope for those overwhelmed by brokenness, showing how we participate in bringing God's kingdom to earth while trusting in Christ's power to ultimately restore all creation.
How to Change the World #2 - Part Two
Pastor Russ Brasher explores Ephesians 4:6-12, revealing God's perfect strategy to change the world through service. Discover how understanding God's sovereign plan—to unite all things under Christ through lavished grace—transforms our service from burdensome obligation into joyful participation in His mission, equipping each believer to make an eternal difference one act of ministry at a time.
Thankful to Who?: Why Your Gratitude is Looking for God
Jake Williams explores why gratitude feels incomplete when there's no one to thank—why "thank you" becomes a letter with no address. Discover how recognizing the Giver behind every good gift transforms gratitude from a fragile mood into the fruit of a relationship that grounds your joy and dignifies even the smallest blessings.
How to Change the World #1 - Part One
In "How to Change the World," Dr. Kurt Bjorklund explores Ephesians 4:13-16 to reveal God's transformative plan: changed hearts lead to changed lives, and changed lives change the world. Discover how individual alignment with Christ and corporate engagement through the church create lasting impact in our communities and beyond.
A Government That Will Never Shut Down
Brady Randall examines why we're so disappointed by human government and offers a better alternative. Discover how Jesus's eternal Kingdom provides the perfect leadership and lasting peace that no earthly government can deliver—and how you can be part of it.
Why did this happen to me? #8 - I Know You Can Do All Things
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund explores Job 42, showing how Job's journey through suffering leads to four profound movements of faith: from doubt to awe, presumption to surrender, perplexity to understanding, and isolation to intimacy with God. Through Job's story and James 5:11's reminder that "the Lord is full of compassion and mercy," discover how your hardest seasons aren't the end of your story—God promises restoration for those who persevere.
Three Reasons to Care About Church History
Nick Hettinger explores why church history matters for every believer, addressing three key reasons Christians should care about the past. He hopes readers will discover how studying historical doctrines, recognizing our extended spiritual family, and understanding God's faithfulness through the ages can deepen their own faith and appreciation for the church's rich heritage.
Why did this happen to me? #7 - God Responds
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund explores Job 38-41, where God finally responds to Job's suffering—not with direct answers, but with powerful questions that reveal His infinite wisdom and control. This message offers instruction, comfort, and challenge for anyone wrestling with pain and disappointment, reminding us that God's ways are higher than ours and He remains sovereign even when we don't understand.
Why did this happen to me? #6 - When Judgment is Hurtful
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund explores Job 32-37, examining Elihu's powerful counter-statements to faulty theology about suffering. Discover how God uses hardship not as punishment but to mature, draw, and equip us—and learn to respond in ways that lead to growth rather than bitterness when life doesn't make sense.
Emotional Maturity: The Key to Influence and Enduring
Bryce Vaught explores why many pastors and leaders struggle with burnout and conflict, revealing how emotional intelligence can be the key to lasting ministry impact. Learn the four essential elements of emotional intelligence and practical steps to develop self-awareness, manage your emotions, and build healthier relationships that help you endure for the long haul.
Why did this happen to me? #5 - Reflect and Evaluatee
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund explores Job 29-31, examining Job's claim of blamelessness and what it reveals about God's grace. He shows that when we confess our sins, God removes them "as far as the east is from the west"—freeing us from both the fear of divine punishment and the burden of wondering "Why did this happen to me?"
Why did this happen to me? #4 - When God Seems Distant
Pastor Bryce Vaught explores Job 22-27 to address one of life's most pressing questions: Why does God feel distant in our suffering? He offers three biblical prescriptions—repent, rejoice, and remain—reminding us that through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, God has closed the gap sin created, ensuring we're never truly separated from His love and presence.