Orchard Hill Church Blog
Explore. Grow. Engage.
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?
Perspectives Podcast - Amy Coney Barrett Supreme Court Nomination
In this episode Senior Pastor, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund has a conversation with Strip District Campus Pastor, Joel Haldeman, and Director of Young Adult Ministry, Josiah Leuenberger, about Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court, should Christians have an opinion at all on the topic, if yes, what it should be, and more!
Upside Down Living #14 - Secrecy in a Time of Boasting
Strip District Campus Pastor, Joel Haldeman, continues the Upside Down Living series in Matthew 6 talking about our motivations in regards to things of faith, the rewards that await us in heaven, and the difference between actions of faith done in public or in secret.
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.
Perspectives Podcast - Navigating Conflict and Tense Conversations
In this episode Senior Pastor, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund has a conversation with his wife and Orchard Hill Counselor, Faith Bjorklund, about navigating conflict in our relationships, how to engage in tense conversations, and more!
Upside Down Living #13 - Love in a Time of Vengeance
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund concludes Matthew 5 with a message on loving and praying for our enemies, how we can live this out in our lives, and the rights that Jesus calls his followers to release.
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.
Perspectives Podcast - Is Christianity more Socialist or Capitalist?
In this episode Senior Pastor, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund has a conversation with Joel Haldeman and Todd Harris about if Christianity is more socialist or capitalist, what the difference is between socialism and capitalism, what the Bible says is good and bad about these ideas, where the church fits in compared to the state, and more!
Upside Down Living #12 - Truthfulness in a Time of Convenience
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund looks at Matthew 5:33-37 on the topic of oaths, 4 aspects of integrity in the commitments we make to others, and the importance of keeping our word when the culture considers truth relative.
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!
Upside Down Living #11 - Purity in a Time of Indulgence
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund goes through the passages on lust and divorce in Matthew 5:27-32, the three views of sexuality that are prevalent in culture, ways we indulge the temptations in our life, and what the Bible says about what is best for our sexual relationships.
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.
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.
Perspectives Podcast - Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement
In this episode Senior Pastor, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund, has a conversation with Josiah Leuenberger, Dr. Terry Thomas, Brad Frey, and Doug Bradbury to have a conversation about the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in America, the difference between the movement and the organization, how Christians can affirm the phrase "black lives matter" while rejecting the worldview of the organization, and more.
Upside Down Living #10 - Cool Headedness in a Time of Hot Headedness
Dr. Kurt Bjorklund looks at Matthew 5:21-26, Jesus' words about murder and anger, presenting three instances of runaway anger that we see in our lives and how Jesus' words seem upside down 2000 years ago and today.
Power in Light of Eternity (Psalm 21 Devotional)
Since the dawn of civilization, societies have admired those who have strength and power. But considering eternity, how important is this? What does it really mean to win the Super Bowl, or get to the top of the ladder in business? The perspective of time often helps.
Perspectives Podcast - Christians in Politics
In this episode, Senior Pastor, Dr. Kurt Bjorklund, Butler County Campus Pastor, Brady Randall, and Life Stage Pastor, George Palombo, have a discussion about politics with the coming election in November, what it looks like to engage in politics as a Christian, and how our Biblical worldview should inform how we vote.
Upside Down Living #9 - Substitution in a Time of Self Effort
Director of Young Adult Ministry, Josiah Leuenberger, looks at Matthew 5:17-20 with the idea of personal righteousness and how our salvation isn't earned through religious rule-keeping but that we should strive to live in obedience because of what Jesus did on the cross.
Dealing with Doubt in Your Faith
I was recently asked the question, “When your Christian faith is threatened by serious and painful doubts, what do you do about it?” At first, I wanted to simply give some Christian cliché answer that I knew would properly answer the question, but this question forced me to pause and think.