Orchard Hill Church Blog
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Take His Hand: How Jesus Reaches Out to Change Lives
Emily DeAngelo explores whether we come to Jesus or He initiates with us through three Gospel accounts where Jesus takes someone's hand to heal and transform. She hopes readers will discover how Jesus does for us what we cannot do ourselves—lifting us from sickness, death, and isolation into abundant life through His compassionate touch.
Weeping in the Garden
A garden can’t grow on sunshine and rain alone. It needs a gardener—someone to pull weeds, chase pests, and water roots in dry spells. In the same way, our souls need the attentive care of the Good Gardener. In her reflective blog, Emily DeAngelo draws us through the biblical gardens of Eden, Gethsemane, and the garden tomb to show how God meets us in our weeping and tends to our weary hearts. Whether you're wrestling with sorrow or simply battling weeds, this piece is a reminder that Jesus is always at work—restoring, pruning, and preparing us for the day we walk with Him in the garden where every tear will be wiped away.
Messages in Malachi: Minutes, Marriage, and Mindset
In her insightful exploration of Malachi, Emily DeAngelo unpacks three transformative themes—minutes, marriage, and mindset—challenging us to examine how we worship, honor our covenant relationships, and fix our thoughts on Christ's redemptive promise for our everyday lives.
Encountering the Risen Christ #4 - Doubt
Russ Brasher and Emily DeAngelo explore John 20:24-31, revealing how Jesus compassionately meets Thomas in his doubts, demonstrating that our questions aren't obstacles but opportunities for deeper faith. Their message offers profound hope that Jesus isn't intimidated by our uncertainties but instead uses them to strengthen our belief, encouraging us to bring our doubts directly to Him rather than hiding them.
The Power of Forgiveness: Stories of Lives Changed by Jesus
Forgiveness stands as one of humanity's most challenging yet liberating acts. This exploration delves into transformative stories—both ancient and modern—to uncover the profound healing that occurs when we choose forgiveness and how it isn't just something we give to others; but gift we give ourselves.
Dwell with God: 5 Powerful Ways to Deepen Your Relationship with Him
Looking to strengthen your walk with God? Emily DeAngelo unpacks the powerful DWELL framework - a practical approach to growing in faith. From understanding the role of God's Word to experiencing a meaningful church community, this heartfelt guide offers clear steps for anyone seeking a more intimate relationship with their Creator.
Jesus as the Light of the World: A Biblical Guide to Walking in His Light
Emily DeAngelo explores the biblical concept of Jesus as the Light of the World, examining how He dispels spiritual darkness and transforms lives through salvation. She weaves together personal insights, biblical references, and practical applications to show how believers can both experience Christ's light and reflect it to others in a dark world.
What the Psalms Teach Us About Jesus as the Great “I AM”
Discover the profound connections between Jesus' "I AM" statements and the echoes found in the Psalms, revealing His divine identity and purpose. Dive into this exploration to deepen your understanding of how the Old Testament illuminates the New Testament, offering comfort and strength for your faith journey.
The Significance of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh
“Gold for His honor, And frankincense for His pleasure, And myrrh for the cross He will suffer.” These are some of the lyrics from the song, How Many Kings, by Downhere. Gold. Frankincense. Myrrh. What is the significance of these gifts given to the newborn Savior of the world?
Church Words 101: Anoint
Imagine the taste of melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella balls covered with seasoned olive oil to remember this church word: anoint. This word is most frequently used in the Bible with a special sense to set people or objects apart or consecrate them for service to God.
The Importance of Preaching God’s Truth to Yourself and Others
I am not a preacher, but I am preaching truth to myself these days! I’m not preaching carefully crafted sermons with three solid points and illustrated stories. Rather the message to myself is a simple truth about who God is and what that means for me today.
Speaking the Truth in Love
In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul commands his fellow Christians to lovingly speak truth to their fellow church members. So why does this matter and what might speaking the truth in love look like in a post-truth world where truth has become relative?
Great Christmas #3 - The Great Inclusion
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund, Emily DeAngelo, Katie Thomas, and Jenna Bajuszik each teach on the startling history of some women God chose to include in the ancestry of Jesus the Messiah.
What Does it Mean to Contend Hard in Prayer?
Has anyone ever asked you to “pray hard” for a concern in their life? When this has been asked of me, I have honestly wondered what it means to pray “hard.” What does that even look like, and why would it matter in prayer?
What is a Woman?: A Christian Perspective
“What is a Woman?” seems to be the current cultural question of the day since the release of the Daily Wire’s documentary. In this film, experts are interviewed to answer this single question, and repeatedly the “gender-affirming” doctors, therapists, and activists fail to define womanhood. Why?
Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation | Book Review
Jesus promises that those who are willing to hear and keep the words of His love letter to His church will be blessed! Nancie Guthrie’s book, Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation, has helped me recognize the blessings of Jesus in the words of this prophecy.
What’s the Difference Between Judaism and Christianity?
Jesus was Jewish. Born into a Jewish family, He grew up going to the temple and reciting the scriptures from the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. When we consider the differences between Judaism and Christianity, it is on the question of who was Jesus Christ that most Jews and Christians divide.
The Bread of Life in Afghanistan
During the past month of hearing about the atrocities in Afghanistan, I have daily prayed lines of scripture from Lamentations, a book of the Bible that is all about death, desolation, and devastation. But, in the middle of this Old Testament book, we are reminded of God’s love and His compassions, which never fail.
5 Christian Prayer Methods for Individuals or Groups
The possibilities of prayer are countless for individuals and groups, but I am going to share five ways to pray that have helped me deepen my relationship with God. Though prayer is not limited to certain techniques, practicing models for prayer has helped me improve my conversations with the One who created me to be in a relationship with Him and His people.
Books for Every Christian’s Home Library
Asking someone who loves to read and owns a wall of books in her home library to compose a blog that contains the essential books for every Christian’s library is like requesting a favorite recipe from a chef. But here are a handful of specific titles that I think every Christian ought to have in their home library.