Orchard Hill Church Blog
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The Message of “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman”
Many of the old Christmas carols were written and sung over 200-plus years ago. According to online research, there seems to be a much older date for the carol and its message is the Gospel story taken from Luke 2 with a prayer similar to Zachariah’s in Luke 1.
What Does it Mean to be a Humble Christian?
Webster’s definition of “humble”: “is having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s importance”. A humble man or woman is one who, through the Holy Spirit, realizes that they are a sinner, and no number of good deeds can erase our sins.
Church Words 101 - Agape
I did not understand the word “agape” until I did some research, reading, and soul-searching for this blog; but now I believe I have a better understanding. What do I understand a little better about agape love?
Biblical Wisdom that Comes from Age
In the book of Job, Job mocked his aged “counselors” for being older but not wise. “Is not wisdom found among the aged? "Does not life bring understanding?” Job asked. He then told them: “True wisdom and real power belong to God; from him we learn how to live, and also what to live for.”
Come Ye Thankful People: A Thanksgiving Hymn to Remember in 2022
Growing up in the church I remember singing "Come Ye Thankful People, Come”. The words to this hymn are foreign to us in 2022, but it is a call to God’s people to gather, sing praise, and give thanks to God after a successful fall harvest.
We are Never Alone with God
Fears and loneliness can go hand-in-hand when we are bombarded with constant bad news. Our emotions can resemble one of those waving tube men at car lots, but we need to remember where God is in all the bad news we read. He is with us every step of the way.
10 Tips for Leading a Small Group
Can you remember how you felt on the first day of school? No matter what grade you were in there could be fear, excitement, angst, or an anticipation of the possibilities. Groups leaders can feel similar types of emotions when a new study starts so here are few tips to help you out!
Why We Need to Share the Story of the Bible
A favorite hymn from my childhood is I Love to Tell the Story by Katherine Hankey. That hymn is listed under the category of “Service and Zeal” on page 100 of my grandmother’s one-hundred-year-old, hymnal and it’s a reminder of how important it is to share the story of the Bible with others.
Is Christianity an Intolerant Religion?
Why is there a question of Christianity being a religion of intolerance? Because the truth is that there is only one way to know and to have a relationship with God. We are called to reject any religion that is not about Jesus as the only way. We are not called to reject people but rather to serve even those who do not believe.
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.
Memorial Day 2021 - Why Should We Remember?
Orchard Hill Church Butler's Director of Women’s Ministry and Ministry Development, Kay Warheit, shares a message showing appreciation for those who have given their lives in service to our country and to their communities.
Our News Isn’t News to God
There have been many times in the past months when I have heard negative news and, in my mind, have momentarily panicked, thinking today’s news is also news to God. During this Lenten season, my hope is that you find God is closer than you think!
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?
Perspectives Podcast - Depression and Anxiety in Isolation
In this episode, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund, George Palombo, and Kay Warheit have a conversation about anxiety and depression with everything going on in the world and the isolation people find themselves in, how this time has affected them personally, what the Bible has to say about these topics, and more!
How Do Heaven and Nature Sing?
The last words to the first verse of the Christmas carol, “Joy to the World” are: And heaven and heaven and nature sing. So, the question is: How DO heaven and nature sing?
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.
Perspectives Podcast - When Christian Leaders Fall
In this episode Senior Pastor, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund has a conversation with Joel Haldeman & Kay Warheit about when Christian leaders fall, how Christians and non-Christians should think about leadership failures, what the role of grace, restoration, and forgiveness is for leaders, and more!
Preparing for Easter: Worship
Life has become magnified in the past month; our daily schedules and priorities have changed. But when we remember or see for the first time that life is not about us but about God’s desire for us to know Him, this Lenten season becomes even more magnified. Life is short and God is all we need.
God is Still in Charge During “Such a Time as This”
Up until this week, it has been easy to get lost in the details of American life: family, friends, eating, sports, internet, entertainment... so many distractions that could keep us away from the “for such a time as this moments” that God has for us, just as with Mordecai and Esther in 550 AD.
We Need More Words!
It is God’s unique gift to us to be able to communicate through language because words have power; it has been said that one kind word can change the course of someone’s day. And, the more words we know, the more power we have over our own lives.