Orchard Hill Church Blog
Explore. Grow. Engage.
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.
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.
Family Caroling - Waiting
Wexford Campus Pastor Russ Brasher shares the anticipation the Christmas season brings as we celebrate the greatest gift from God.
Tov #3 - Walk Humbly
Wexford Campus Pastor Russ Brasher concludes the message series entitled Tov, which is the Hebrew word for “good,” exploring what it means to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Palm Sunday 2024 - Yes!
Wexford Campus Adult Ministry Director Russ Brasher teaches from New Testament book of Matthew on Palm Sunday sharing how Jesus said "Yes!" to humanity.
Look Up #11 - Look Up for Moral Purity
Adult Ministry Director Russ Brasher continues the message series "Look Up" teaching out of the New Testament book of 2 Corinthians. God calls us to worship only Him and not the things of this world.
Look Up #3 - Look Up for Restoration
Adult Ministry Pastor Russ Brasher continues the Look Up message series sharing how relationships can be restored.
Why Every Christian (and Non-Believer) Should Join a Group
One of the best places to experience this mission being lived out at Orchard Hill is through Groups. In fact, the reason the ministry of Groups exists at Orchard Hill is to help people (both Christians and non-Christians) grow in community with God and others.
Why Does God Test Us?
Why does God test us? We cannot give an answer to this particular question without each of us personally answering a few other questions first. So, let's explore this commonly asked question together by looking at some Biblical examples.
Quick and Slow
Orchard Hill Church Wexford Campus Adult Ministry Director Russ Brasher vividly describes the key concept of elimination of sin from our life in the New Testament's book of James.
Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?
My simple answer to this question is yes. Celebrate Halloween in a way that can glorify God. There is, of course, more nuance to this topic which means my simple answer needs a little more explaining, so here are some more of my thoughts about how to answer this question.
Soteriology: The Doctrine of Salvation Explained
Today we are going to briefly discuss and cover some of the basic understandings of one of the fancy big words used in various Christian circles ending in “ology”. In its most basic definition, Soteriology focuses on the study of salvation, or saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Happier #5 - Compelled and Flexible
Adult Ministry Director Russ Brasher continues the Happier series speaking out of 1 Corinthians. To win all to Christ, Christians should be flexible in dealings with others, yet disciplined to not stray from the truth of the gospel.
Why is Jesus’ Ascension so Important?
Tim Keller suggests that Jesus’ ascension is typically misunderstood by many including the original disciples. Because of this misunderstanding, Christians will forget about the importance of this event even though this act of Jesus sets up the hope we have as believers of things to come.
Final Hours #5 - 6 Hours (Good Friday 2022)
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund, Russ Brasher, and James Isaac lead the Good Friday service looking deeply at Christ's last remaining six hours on the cross.
Make Reading the Bible Part of Your New Year’s Resolution
The other day I read online that a recent poll of about 1000 people was conducted asking them what their New Year’s resolution will be. The highest answer and 44% of the results were health-related resolutions. But 29% of the resolutions centered around something related to a relationship with God.
It’s Your Move - Grow Up
Wexford Adult Ministry Director, Russ Brasher, continues the "It's Your Move" message series encouraging people to draw closer to God as they Grow Up in their faith.
Living Out our Love of Jesus like a Fan
Regardless of what you are a fan of, we love, if given the opportunity, to tell others why we are fans! As Christians who are fans of Jesus, we should be prepared and excited to answer those who ask why we believe the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Second Message - Russ Brasher
Russ Brasher continues the Second Message series teaching out of the New Testament books of John and Acts illustrating Peter's courage to share the gospel.
Ridiculous Joy #13 - In Confidence
Director of Adult Ministry, Russ Brasher, completes the 'Ridiculous Joy' series looking at Philippians 4:10-23 teaching about finding joy through confidently trusting in God.