Orchard Hill Church Blog
Explore. Grow. Engage.
The Ark Encounter and the Importance of the Gospel
We recently took two of our grandsons to The Ark Encounter in Kentucky. The Ark represents the truth of the message of the Gospel. While every one of us is capable of wickedness and being a sinner, we can be declared righteous before our Holy Father God, through the “door” that is Jesus Christ.
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.
The Benefits of a Multisite Church
If you have been around Orchard Hill for any amount of time, you have likely heard it said that we are “one church in multiple locations.” Over the past 6 months, I have experienced how this reality gives our church a unique opportunity and ability to extend our shared mission in a beautiful, profound way!
How Do I Engage God in Worship Daily?
When asked how to engage God in worship, two words come to mind. Attention and Intention. Giving God our attention and setting our intentions on Him in all that we do. The question is what is the object of our worship?
Tips for Engaging Students with the Gospel
To some students, the Gospel could hold a multitude of perspectives in their minds. Here are some helpful tips if you find yourself engaging students with the gospel. Whether the student is your child, a friend, or yourself, may these words help you in one way or another.
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.
Refined by Christ
“I asked God: Why the cutting? Why the shaping? Why the sanding edges smooth? Why the growing and the pruning, and the constant tweak and tune? Then He answered: There are kingdoms rising, falling full of skewed and blurring lines. I’m not built to fit inside yours; you are made to fit in mine.”
Little Opportunities Can Lead to Miraculous Moments
I recently came across a video lecture on YouTube called “From Atheist to Christian at Yale” by Dr. Paul Lim. His life story is similar, in some regards, to many testimony stories you hear when it comes to faith journeys but his emphasizes the importance of the little opportunities we have the share the gospel.
A New Day, A New Hope
Over the past year, I meditated on Psalm 38:21-22 a lot! What I love about this scripture is that God always answers. You can talk to God at any time, any place, in any circumstance, and He will answer. He brings the gift of light, peace, and hope.
Remember the Promises of God in 2021
For Advent, I spent some time in a “Love God Greatly” study called Everlasting Covenant with some of my sisters, and I was reminded again and again that God is a Promise Keeper!
Back to the Basics: What is our Purpose in Life?
A lot of us do feel like 2020 defeated us: our plans, our identity, our purpose, our hopes and dreams, our joy. But I urge you to not go into this year feeling pressure to have the best year of your life. If we want to know why we were placed on this planet, we must begin with God.
Becoming Alive in Christ
In an interview Bill Murray was asked, "What is one thing you wish you had that money can’t buy?” Murray responded that he “would love to have the ability to be really here, really alive, more here all the time.” Is his desire simply the wish of a man or does it express a greater truth from a Holy, Omnipotent God?
Beauty in Brokenness
Brokenness has been on my mind a lot lately, partly because of the work I get to do each day, but also because I have come to better understand that being broken is exactly the condition of all humans. Sometimes stories of brokenness are so ridiculous that in the sharing of them, we discover laughter together, which helps to mend our fractured souls.
Barriers to Joy
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! If you are a follower of Jesus that verse may be familiar to you. And if you are in a season where the last thing you feel like doing is rejoicing then that may make you feel guilty or irritated. How can I possibly rejoice in the Lord always if my circumstances are lousy?
Deeply Rooted in Jesus
When a tree has strong deep roots, it produces a crop. When a tree is deeply rooted, scary things like chainsaws can come and attack it but its roots hold strong. Being deeply rooted in Jesus is about understanding the Gospel.
Christian Single
The perspective many single adults encounter in the church is often more representative of the values of culture than the teachings of scripture and that can be a frustrating and even discouraging thing. So how do the teachings of the Bible come to bear on this conversation?
Joy in the Journey
In a world that has been turned upside down by a global pandemic, racial unrest, and a perpetual political slugfest, I wonder... where is the joy in this journey? As a counselor I have seen an increasing number of people who are struggling.
Goodbye Religion, Hello Relationship
A Dear John – Love Letter to a Religious System. It’s been a long while since I broke up with you. Actually, I guess the feeling was mutual. I was staying true to my conviction and I guess you were too. Still, it was painful to hear your words of rejection.
Don’t Forget the Beginners in Faith
Last year I took a painting class for beginners. As it turned out, I was the only “beginner” in the class of fifteen students. That experience was a reminder of those who attend church for the first time.
Distinct from the World? – Finding Our Identity in Christ
“Sure, he’s a Christian, but did you hear what he said?” These words were spoken about me several months ago. I don’t remember exactly what I said that merited this critique, but when I heard my coworker’s remark, I recognized a sobering reality: I forgot my true identity in Christ.