Orchard Hill Church Blog
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What Jesus Really Said about Social Justice and Economics | Book Review
Jerry Bowyer’s new book, “The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice & Economics,” is an eye-opening economic commentary on Jesus’ teaching based on where he was geographically. He successfully rebuts liberation theologians who peddle Marxism by hijacking Jesus’ teaching and caricaturing him as a poor peasant.
Empowered Manhood (Part 2)
Hiding in the dark, whether it was by myself or with someone else, gave me permission to do things I would never consider doing in the light which caused me to live my life out of the fear of being found out, handicapping my faith. But men living empowered by the light have three characteristics in their relationship with God.
Empowered Manhood (Part 1)
I lived most of my life lost in the dark until I was eventually forced into the light. It was through this painful process of being exposed to the light, and learning to walk in it, that I discovered God's grace, gained freedom from the dark, and was empowered by the light.
Preparing for Easter: God's Provision
As we all find ourselves in uncharted waters, in exile as it were, prevented from partaking of what we became so familiar with, I think it would be wise to remember what Israel did in times of exile.
Busting the Myth of "Life Balance"
Without a doubt, one of the most common challenges I hear has to do with finding “life-balance.” Many of us try again and again to achieve this elusive goal. Allow me to relieve your anxiety and boldly proclaim that life balance is a myth!
The Value of Our True Identity
I have two quarters that I keep in my pocket to remind me of a significant truth about our identity in Christ as Christians. The face value of these quarters is the same, but their essence is completely different. They differ dramatically in true value.
You Think That's Funny!?
What does your sense of humor tell you about yourself? When I can't see the humor in life around me it usually means I'm either too prideful or struggling with shame.
Why God Loves Entrepreneurs
I know, I know, this may strike some as a little odd, but I have never been more convinced of this truth than now. I love their passion, their purpose, and their focus in working to impact the community and embrace the redemptive power of capitalism.
Is Profit Evil?
This may seem like a strange question to some, but this was something I personally struggled with for a while without realizing it, but in the last year, the Bible has taught me that profit is a very good thing.
Notre Dame Pales in Comparison to God's True Temples
All eyes have been on Paris this week, with the devastating fire that has recently destroyed much of the Notre Dame Cathedral. As significant as the cathedral has been for nearly 800 years, this unfortunate event serves as a reminder that our hope does not reside in a building or objects regarded a “holy”.
Oh, Christmas Tree!
Yesterday I told my wife, Lisa, I can’t stand our Christmas tree. Technically there is nothing wrong with it, I just think it looks like a messy Christmas ornament yard sale. As I looked upon the mess of ornaments hanging all over our tree, like a badly organized garage sale, it hit me - this looks a lot like God’s love for us.
What Makes Us Human?
Recently I had the opportunity to attend a technology summit here in Pittsburgh. The purpose of the summit was to examine the effects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on humanity and the theme this year was, “What Makes Us Human?”
The Matrix is Upon Us! - Part IV: Identity
As soon as we’re born we’re given a name and told who we are. We understand our identity primarily through the context of our relationship with our parents but, only the gospel provides the assurance of our true identity and the confidence to live in that identity regardless of whether we’re online or in person.
The Matrix is Upon Us! - Part III: Trust
If we can’t trust technology, big tech companies, or even ourselves, who can we trust!? The only trustworthy person is Jesus. He proved His unconditional love for us by dying on the cross for our sin and rising from the grave to conquer death on our behalf.
The Matrix is Upon Us! - Part II: Sovereignty
Technology is rapidly integrating itself in our lives in such a way that gives us the illusion of supremacy over our life. Google acts as our own personal counselor, available to answer our most pressing questions at any moment. Sites like Amazon and Netflix anticipate what we want before we know we want it, and news feeds are personalized to our preferences.
The Matrix is Upon Us! - Part 1: Introduction
In case you haven’t heard, we’re in the midst of a fourth industrial revolution. Experts speculate that our lives are going to change dramatically in the next 5-10 years.