The Orchard Church - Ellijay, GA

Forgiveness is hard.. But a good and faithful servant is a merciful servant. 

In maybe Jesus' most famous servant parable, the master throws a servant out into the darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Wait.. Can he do that? What does that mean for the servant? What does that mean for me?

We all want to hear Jesus say "Well done, good and faithful servant..." But did you know that Jesus actually defines what that looks like? Let's explore Jesus' definition today.

This is content straight from my Biblical Meditation crash course. 

If we are going to put on the new nature, we have to change the way we think. But how can I do that? I have an entire lifetime of thinking the way that I do. Today, I will give you some really practical tips to get started changing the way you think right now.

I think we talk a lot about putting ON our new nature, but for some reason we tend to neglect putting OFF our old nature. Sounds harsh.. Maybe even judgmental. Yet the Scripture talks about it A LOT. Why is that, and why is it so important to do this first?

The New Testament repeatedly challenges us to "put off" our "old nature," and to "put on" our "new nature." But what does that even mean, and how do we do that? That's what this series is about.

On the first Mother's Day after his mom passed, Jonathan shares his story of how God is working in him, and how we should be like his mom and share the gospel. 

Bob Burgess shares his story of how God is working through The Gideons, and in his own life. Let this be an encouragement to you.

Do we talk enough about prayer in church? I don't think we're doing this right. Prayer should be powerful. Life-changing. But far too often it is weak and anemic. How can we change this?

If you're going to grow strong, you've got to have the right diet. We should FEAST on the Word of God. Do we do that? Or do we snack on it?

What am I consuming in my life?

The resurrection of Jesus makes it possible for our citizenship to transfer from the city of this world to the New City! The New Jerusalem! What is that, and what will it be like?

At the Last Supper, Jesus seems to imply something very strange.. That Satan asks permission to attack disciples, and God goes along with it? Why is that? What does the Bible say about this?

We are called to stand and fight and win in this great spiritual war that we are involved in. In this fight, there is one article of battle clothes that makes all the difference. In fact, without it, it seems none of the rest matters! What is this vital article of armor, and how do we wear it?

I am a Christian. That means I am forgiven... For everything! Past, present, and future. Shouldn't I then be able to live however I want? Why does my level of personal righteousness actually matter?

You know your enemy, the devil is on the prowl... He's prowling for you.. For your spouse.. For your kids. What is my responsibility to stand and fight and defeat the enemy?

Peter says to "watch out, your great enemy, the devil, is prowling for you..." But what if he wasn't? What would it take for you and I to NOT be attacked by the devil?

What even is the Gospel? I think we tend to paint a pretty weak, incomplete picture of this incredible gift from God. His gift is SO much better. His death on the cross purchased SO much more than we tend to describe. Don't cheat yourself out of all God has for you.  This is a series about the Gospel. This is part two.. Sanctified in Christ.

We say we are all about "making the Gospel relevant..." But what even is the Gospel? Shockingly, you get a different definition in different places. So.. How does the Word of God actually define and describe the Good News?  This is a series about the Gospel in our lives, and this is part one... Justified by Christ.

I just want my life to be a response to Him for what He has done for me.

Peter's relationship with Jesus was powerful. Jesus completely changed Peter's life, and he can change yours, also.

We tend to think of Jesus' disciples as strong, faithful, believing people... But the crucifixion nearly ruined them! They were hiding out scared in Jerusalem on that Sunday morning. Why? Because what they saw horrified and terrified them. What you see informs what you believe. What do you see in your life, and how does it inform your belief?

The resurrection makes our faith possible... But the way Mark wrote the story almost seems to intentionally undermine the validity of the resurrection! Mark's story repulsed people for hundreds of years. Why is it written this way, and what is the effect it has, and continues to have?

Steven Mansell brings a message about a christian characteristic that is all over the Bible, but that we don't talk about enough. It should be a description of each christian, because it is a clear description of Christ himself.