Orchard Hill Church Blog
Explore. Grow. Engage.
Beyond the Blizzard: Discovering God’s Hand in 19 Inches of Snow
After shoveling 19 inches of snow seven times in one day, Brady Randall discovered a profound shift in perspective—from frustration to awe at God's sovereignty over creation. Through powerful passages from Job and Isaiah, learn how even winter storms can remind us of God's majesty and His grace that makes our scarlet sins "white as snow."
Gift of Grace #4 - The Self-Help Lie
In this message from Romans 2:1-16, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund dismantles the self-help lie that our goodness can earn God's favor, showing that even compared to the worst people we know, we all stand equally in need of grace. Discover why recognizing your desperate need for mercy—rather than comparing yourself to others—is the only path to experiencing the transformative beauty of the gospel.
Joy That Endures: Why Christian Joy Outlasts Secular Happiness
Jake Williams explores why the world's prescription for happiness often leaves us fragile when life gets hard. Discover a deeper, more resilient joy rooted in gospel truth that holds steady through every season.
Gift of Grace #3 - The Downward Spiral
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund explores Romans 1:24-32, examining how the consequence of sin is more sin—a downward spiral where God gives people over to their desires. Whether you're at the top of the slide or already in the pool, this message shows how God's grace can pull you out and redirect your path toward something better.
Gift of Grace #2 - The Universe Speaks
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund explores Romans 1:18-23 to reveal how understanding God's justified wrath against our self-directed living is essential to appreciating His amazing grace. Discover why coming to Jesus isn't just about making life better—it's about recognizing our desperate need for salvation from the consequences of suppressing truth and exchanging God's glory for lesser things.
Clothe Yourself: How to Live with Confidence in Christ’s Character
Bryce Vaught explores how the Apostle Paul's metaphor of "clothing yourself with Christ" can transform your daily Christian walk from feeling out of place to living with confidence and purpose. Discover three practical ways to actively put on Christ by trusting in His finished work, removing old patterns, and practicing His character in everyday life.
Gift of Grace #1 - The Truth Before Us
In this message, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund explores Romans 1:1-17 to reveal the gospel as God's good news that we cannot earn righteousness through our own efforts—Jesus paid the price to make us clean and restore our relationship with the Father. Discover how moving from obligation to eagerness about this truth can transform not only how you see yourself, but how you engage with the world around you.
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.