Orchard Hill Church Blog
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When Faith Meets the Public Square: Speaking to a Legislature as a Christian
How can Christians engage meaningfully in public policy debates while maintaining both biblical conviction and respectful dialogue? In this legislative testimony, Jake Williams demonstrates how believers can articulate gospel-centered perspectives on complex issues like abortion legislation, showing readers a model for faithful public witness that combines theological depth with civil discourse.
True Fantasy Stories are Inherently Christian Stories
Ever wonder why fantasy stories like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings resonate so deeply with readers across all cultures and beliefs? Tyler Thomas explores how true fantasy inherently reflects Christian themes of sacrifice, redemption, and hope, revealing that our favorite fictional worlds point us toward the greatest true story ever told.
The Ted Cruz-Tucker Carlson Debate: What Does the Bible Really Say About Supporting Israel?
Pastor Brady Randall tackles the complex question of whether Christians are biblically mandated to support modern-day Israel, examining what Scripture really says about God's chosen people today. Discover how biblical passages like Genesis 12 and Romans 9-11 should shape Christian perspectives on Israel, salvation, and Middle East policy.
No U-Hauls Behind Hearses: Embracing God’s Perspective on Wealth
This reflective blog post explores how financial volatility can test our relationship with God when it comes to managing our finances and planning for the future. Drawing from 1 Timothy 6, Brady Randall reminds us that true security comes not from wealth but from trusting God, who provides everything we need and calls us to generosity rather than anxiety over temporary possessions.
Finding Hope and Purpose Beyond Political Outcomes
In the aftermath election, Americans are left grappling with a range of emotions and a fractured political landscape. The Bible encourages us to look beyond temporary political outcomes and find lasting hope and purpose in the eternal reign of Jesus Christ and through treating our neighbors with grace and dignity, regardless of political differences.
Haiti: The Storm is Raging
Despite Haiti’s 2010 earthquake, continuing economic stagnation, challenges in education, health care, and a barely functioning government, 2016 was a year of optimism in Haiti. But Haiti was always one step away from a storm and the years 2017 to 2023 provided the storm.
“Spiritual, But Not Religious” Culture
There is a growing popularity of identifying with the phrase, “spiritual, but not religious” in our culture. The first challenge of this ideology is that it creates perceived common ground so long as the values of relative truth are upheld. So, how do we step into this conversation as a Christian?
Why Does God Test Us?
Why does God test us? We cannot give an answer to this particular question without each of us personally answering a few other questions first. So, let's explore this commonly asked question together by looking at some Biblical examples.
Spiritual Formation of Children
When it concerns the spiritual formation of our children, the stakes are very high. As believers, it is not whether we are spiritually forming our children, but whether the spiritual formation they are receiving is true and biblical.
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.
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?
Responding to Tragedy: A Christian Perspective
There are many different emotions that arise when reading the headline that, yet another school shooting occurred in Texas. I am reminded of a similar time in Jesus’ life and believe it gives insight on how we can navigate through tragedy and in turn respond to those around us.
What is Our Trust Rooted In?: Dealing with Life's Trials as a Christian
While I agree that it’s important to know what’s going on in the world, I also know how much the volume of these things affects my thinking. When we’re constantly bombarded by trials, sadness, and evil, it's easy to allow these things to consume our thinking and warp our view of God.
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.
Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen?
One question many people have thought about or are currently considering is: “If God is good, then why would he allow bad things to happen?” This is a difficult question to answer, and I know that no one will be able to provide you the perfect answer. But together we can explore how God works amid these situations to bring about His purposes.
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.
The Olympics and Misplaced Identity
The 2020 (in 2021) summer Olympics have officially started! For many of these athletes, they have their whole identity, value, purpose, and meaning of their life wrapped up in this one defining event. But, what does the Bible say about where our true identity is found?
How Cultural and Political Crises can Point us to Jesus
Leaders at the top of their field are easy targets for criticism, just ask President Trump or Biden. That is not to say that the criticism is invalid or unwarranted, but it is all too easy to blame the leaders for all that ails the country.
Youth Anxiety, Depression, and Suicide from Isolation: A Christian Response
Man cannot thrive in lonely isolation. Made in the image of God, man was created for community. Social distancing in our day has led to widening socials gaps and one of those glaring gaps has been among the youth. As believers, how are we to respond?
The Limitations of Virtual Church
“Church without the commute, in my pajamas, and on demand – yes please.” Is virtual church a positive or a negative to one’s spiritual life and to the life of the church? While there are some positives, I have come to believe that there are several important limitations to virtual church.