Orchard Hill Church Blog
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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?
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.
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!
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.
Culture Care (Makoto Fujimura) | Book Review
In his book, Culture Care, Makoto Fujimura presents a solution to our dissatisfaction with today's culture, which is to nourish culture’s soul by raising up those who by their Christ-given creativity introduce both beauty and healing through art.
Mentoring Moments
Mentoring is all about investing in the lives of others. It is intentional discipleship. It was the way of Jesus. As I have spent time studying the life of Jesus in His gospels this summer, I am inspired to share with people what I have learned.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry | Book Review
I received John Mark Comer’s book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, from my grown daughter as a Christmas gift last year. Ironically, I laughed aloud and declared, “I’ll read this when the busyness of life slows down…whenever that will be!?!”