Orchard Hill Church Blog
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Navigating Life Challenges #2 - Navigating Desire
Dan Irvin turns to Genesis 39, where Joseph flees Potiphar's wife, to show that sexual desire is God's good design and that His grace reaches even those who feel too far gone. In a culture saturated with sex, discover why an identity rooted in God's love, not anyone's approval, offers real freedom.
Christian Singleness: Reflecting Christ Through All of Life’s Seasons
Shawn Barrett spent his twenties longing for a wife and wondering why God seemed to withhold one, so is singleness just a season to wait out? Walking through 1 Corinthians 7, he shows why singleness and marriage are both holy callings, each a unique way to reflect Christ to a world that needs him.
Navigating Life Challenges #1 - Navigating Pain
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund opens Genesis 37:3–11 and the story of Joseph, favored by his father and sold by his own brothers, to show that God's providence is at work even in our most painful seasons. For anyone facing loneliness, betrayal, or broken dreams, this message offers a way to navigate pain by looking above the circumstances to a God who has not let go.
Why is God so Angry?: A Short Guide to Reading Judgment Passages in the Bible
Why does a God of love seem so angry in books like Isaiah? Pastor Jonathan Thiede takes on this honest question, showing how reading judgment passages in context, and through the lens of the gospel, reveals a God whose judgment ultimately highlights His mercy.
The Holy Spirit #5: What are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit? (Part 2)
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund looks at 1 Corinthians 12:14–26 and shows that the Holy Spirit's gifts aren't only meant to be given but received, bringing accountability, perspective, and support through others. For anyone who'd rather go it alone, it's an invitation to stay close to community and open to what God does through people.
Live With Purpose. Here’s How.
In this blog, Seana Scott explores what it means to live with purpose—not by making a big impact, but by being faithful in the ordinary moments of everyday life. Through the story of two often-overlooked women in Genesis, Shiphrah and Puah, she reminds us that God can use simple acts of obedience in ways we may never see. Our purpose isn’t measured by success or impact, but by faithfully following where God leads.
The Holy Spirit #5: What are the Gifts? (Part 1)
Russ Brasher turns to Galatians 5:22–24 to show that the fruit of the Spirit isn't nine separate goals to master but one fruit: the character of Jesus, grown in us by the Holy Spirit. For anyone worn out from trying harder to be patient, kind, or at peace, it's an invitation to stop chasing the list and start staying close to Christ.
Who were the Nephilim?: Three Views on Genesis 6
Who were the mysterious Nephilim of Genesis 6: giants, tyrant kings, or something far stranger? Nick Hettinger walks through three classic views of the "sons of God" and shows how this puzzling passage reveals a God who answers evil with justice and makes a way of rescue.
The Holy Spirit #4 - Who is the Holy Spirit? (Part 4)
Russ Brasher turns to Galatians 5:22–24 to show that the fruit of the Spirit isn't nine separate goals to master but one fruit: the character of Jesus, grown in us by the Holy Spirit. For anyone worn out from trying harder to be patient, kind, or at peace, it's an invitation to stop chasing the list and start staying close to Christ.
Every Chapter, Analyzed: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe - Chapter 1
What can a rainy day and an old wardrobe teach us about following God? In the first entry of Every Chapter, Analyzed, Tyler Thomas explores Chapter 1 of C.S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, showing how disappointment can open new doors and why trusting God sometimes means taking the risk to just open the door.
The Holy Spirit #3 - Who is the Holy Spirit? (Part 3)
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund unpacks Galatians 5:16-21, showing that walking with the Holy Spirit — not rule-keeping or willpower — is what actually reorders our desires. A candid, hope-filled look at temptation, relational conflict, and what it means to stay in step with God today.
Forget Not His Benefits: A Reflection on Psalm 103
After meeting Steelers legend Mel Blount at the recent Men's Breakfast event, Bryce Vaught asks a question we all overlook: what exactly are the "benefits" Psalm 103 tells us not to forget? Discover the five gifts God gives through Christ — forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, and renewal — and why intentional praise is the key to never losing sight of them.
The Holy Spirit #2 - Who is the Holy Spirit? (Part 2)
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund explores Ephesians 5:18–21, showing that being filled with the Holy Spirit isn't a one-time gas-tank fill-up but an ongoing, repeatable experience marked by spiritual encouragement, worship, gratitude, and deference. Learn what it looks like to raise your sail so God's Spirit can fill you again.
The Long Work of Becoming | Luke 10
Alexis Shippy wrestles with feeling in over their head—whether training for a marathon or chasing spiritual growth—and asks how we keep showing up when progress feels invisible. Read on to see why faithfulness, not feelings, fuels both the run and the walk of faith, pointing us back to Jesus above any finish line.
The Holy Spirit #1 - Who is the Holy Spirit? (Part 1)
Brady Randall opens Orchard Hill's new series on the Holy Spirit with John 14:16-18, showing the Spirit is a person, not a power, sent to help, convict, and shape believers into the likeness of Jesus. Discover what it means to truly experience God's presence in everyday life, not just know about it.
What Does it Mean to Follow Jesus?
What does it mean to follow Jesus? What does it look like to follow Jesus? I think we've all asked these questions at one time or another. Following Jesus isn't just a checklist of religious habits — it's a changed heart and a daily response to what He has done for us. In this blog, Suzanne Pietro explores what Jesus himself says it means to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him.
Impact of Grace #8 - Gospel Ambition (Part 2)
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund closes out a year in Romans with Romans 16, showing what a church shaped by the gospel actually looks like: radically inclusive, radically truth-oriented, and radically outward. Discover why resting in what Jesus has done—not self-justification—frees you to welcome others, speak truth in love, and live for something bigger than personal comfort.
How Do I Know God’s Will For My Life?
"I want to be in the center of God's will!" Brady Randall tackles the question every Christian wrestles with—how do you actually know what God wants for your life? He unpacks God's sovereign, revealed, and permissive will, then offers a practical five-step framework to help you make big decisions with confidence and freedom.
Impact of Grace #7 - Gospel Ambition (Part 1)
In this week’s message, Kurt Bjorklund explores Romans 15:8–33 to show how the settled hope believers have in Christ is meant to turn outward toward others. He offers four practical ways—having, embodying, speaking, and partnering for hope—that anyone can put into practice this week, no matter how uncertain life feels right now.
What the Dead Now Know
Death is something we all know is coming, yet most of us spend our lives trying not to think about it. In this blog, Jake Williams explores how the reality of death can reshape the way we live today. Scripture reminds us that eternity is real, God is closer than we realize, and the choices we make in this life matter. For those who are in Christ, death is not the end—it is the beginning of being fully present with the Savior we have trusted all along.