Orchard Community Church Sermon Audio

Greater Than - Hebrews Series Conclusion

This sermon concludes our Hebrews sermon series with a review and summary of the incredible book of Hebrews. Hebrews confronts us with the greatness of Christ and the call to persevere in our faith because of His greatness. As we conclude this study we consider some ways that we need to be challenged today with the greatness of Christ.

Unquestionable - Romans 8

With Siri on our phones, and Google, Echo and Alexa in our homes, we are not short of answers to questions we have at the sound of our voice. We are inundated with answers to a plethora of questions, some random and others more important. It has been said by some, that if you could only have 1 chapter in the Bible, then Romans chapter 8 should be that chapter. Paul is not short of questions in the verses we look at in this sermon, but he himself, under the guidance of God’s Spirit gives us ...

Equipped - Hebrews 13:20-25

What does it mean to be equipped in the Christian life? This sermon looks at Hebrews 13:20-25 where we learn that God has equipped us with everything we need to follow Him. We look at God who equips us, the ways he has equipped us and why, and we look at how we learn about how he has equipped us.

Watch Where You Are Going - Hebrews 13:7-19

Life on Fire: Hebrews 13:1-6

When a match is struck and tossed into kindling we expect something to happen. The flame should grow. The charcoal or wood should burn and change. Hebrews 13:1-6 builds on chapter 12 which ended with the idea of understanding who we are as God's people saved by Jesus Christ, part of God's kingdom and brought into the presence of a Holy God. Our lives are changed by this reality. We are touched by God's saving grace which makes us holy and our lives, like kindling ignited by a burning match, a...

"Unshakeable" - Hebrews 12:18-29

Have you ever been in an earthquake? It is scary to have things that seem so solid suddenly begin to shake. This sermon looks at Hebrews 12:18-29. Here we are presented with two scenes of the awesomeness of God so that we can understand that trusting in God through Christ is the only solid, unshakeable foundation for our lives.

Loving Discipline - Hebrews 12:3-17

A theme that comes up again and again when looking at successful athletes is discipline. Training, muscle and skill development all take a lot of discipline. Biblical discipline is not primarily about what happens when we do something wrong, it is about the long, focused effort to follow Christ. This sermon looks at Hebrews 12:3-17 where we see God's purpose in using difficulties in our lives to lovingly help us grow in holiness.

The Power of God - Romans 1:16-17

A silver bullet! This is a term used by people in many situations when they want that special something that will fix the particular problem. We want these silver bullets particularly when it comes to our own selves, other people, and especially people we love. This sermon kicks off our Youth and Adult Summer Sunday School series in Romans with a sermon looking at the first chapter of Paul’s letter to the church in Rome.

Unity in Jeopardy - Ephesians 6:10-18

Since the Garden of Eden Satan has used a limited bag of tricks to damage our relationships with God and each other. Over the centuries his methods haven’t changed much. Fortunately, God has given us everything we need to fight off our enemy’s attacks and keep our relationships strong.

Run - Hebrews 12:1-2

The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. A marathon requires extended focus and discipline. This sermon looks at Hebrews 12:1-2 where we are told to "run with perseverance" and we are given several instructions on how to do this. These instructions are challenging but they are also greatly encouraging as we look to Christ, the "author and perfecter of our faith"!

Learning from Heroes of the Faith - Hebrews 11:32-40

This Sunday, given on Father's Day, continues the study of the great "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews chapter 11. We see an incredible list of heroes of the faith that challenge us to consider how we are being a hero of the faith to others - especially our own kids. Do we have faith that trusts in God's power to bring victory but also trusts in God's sovereign plan through great difficulty? This sermon is called "Learning from Heroes of the Faith" and looks at Hebrews 11:32-40.

Promised Based, Enduring Faith - Hebrews 11:17-31

Enduring faith must have firm foundation. This sermon looks at two great examples of faith and several others who were impacted by their faith. We see these examples in Hebrews 11:17-31 where we read about the faith of Abraham and his offspring and then the faith of Moses and several key aspects of the Exodus.

Faith Beyond Seeing - Hebrews 11:1-16

Scripture doesn't tell us to suspend all reason in order to have faith. In fact it is just the opposite. Throughout the book of Hebrews the author has given a reasonable explanation of why Christ is the only way of salvation. Chapter 11 of Hebrews is the great "Hall of Faith" chapter where we see example after example of people who lived trusting God. Faith is looking beyond what we see and trusting that God has a plan and a purpose which he has been carrying out through history.

Persevere - Hebrews 10:26-39

Being a Christian is not easy. Anyone who tells you different does not know Scripture. This sermon looks at Hebrews 10:26-39 where we are encouraged, challenged, and even warned to persevere in our faith. We will face many difficulties in this world but the promises of God to us through Christ will never fail and because of this amazing truth we can persevere.

So What - Hebrews 10:19-25

This important passage is a key turning point in the book of Hebrews where the author takes everything that has been said so far and shifts to the difference these important truths make for our lives.

Theology of Worship

Have you ever thought, "Why do we do what we do on Sundays? Most Sundays contain the same “components”, but why? XYZ Bible Church down the road do things differently. Are we right? This sermon looks at the theology of our worship at Orchard.

Untied - Hebrews 10:1-18

Some people tie a little string around their finger to remind them of things. As long as they look at this string on their finger they will remember that they have to do something. When that thing is accomplished the string is removed. We can live our lives constantly reminded of our sins or we can turn to Christ and understand how he has removed the guilt and stain of sin so that in him our sins are "remembered no more" (Hebrews 10:17).

Once for All - Hebrews Chapter 9

This sermon looks at Hebrews chapter 9 where we see that only Christ can solve the real issues that exist between us and God. His death on the cross cleanses us from the effects of sin and saves us from the guilt of sin and does so once for all time.

New and Better - Hebrews Chapter 8

There are times that new really is better. In Hebrews chapter 8 we see the new and better promise that we have through Jesus Christ. The Old Testament law was good but was always limited. Christ was the new and better way to have a relationship with God. Yet this new and better way was actually planned from the very beginning!

The Resurrection Problem

Critics have always liked to find problems in the biblical resurrection accounts of Jesus. This sermon looks at some aspects of the resurrection that are problems for those who say they don't believe it happened.

A Better Hope - Hebrews Chapter 7

In this chapter of Hebrews the author shows that Christ is a different and better High Priest than what the old law had prescribed. We also see that he is a better hope than anything we may be drawn to during our times of great need.

Anchored in the Promises - Hebrews 6:13-20

We often experience broken promises and sometimes we are the ones who break them. We can't know or control every situation. Yet God does know all things and can control all things so when God makes a promise it is absolutely certain. This sermon looks at Hebrews 6:13-20 which explains that God makes promises, provides proof of His promises, and keeps those promises. Because of this, our hope is secure not in the feelings of our faith, but in the certainty of His promises.

The Crossroads - Hebrews 5:11 - 6:12

We all face times of crossroads in our lives where we have to make decisions. In those moments the maturity of our faith in Christ has a big impact on our choices. Some crossroads are of greater importance than others. This sermon looks at Hebrews 5:11 - 6:12 in part 9 of the sermon series "Greater Than: Unwavering Hope in the Incomparable Savior."

Go to the Source - Hebrews 5:1-10

Going to the Source means cutting through lies and rumors and going right to someone who actually knows what they are talking about. In Hebrews 5:1-10 Jesus is called the source of eternal salvation.

The Lifeline - Hebrews 4:14-16

This sermon looks at how Jesus helps us in our weaknesses. When we are struggling to grab onto something, anything, for hope, the gospel of Jesus Christ is a lifeline that rescues all who grab hold.

Know Pain, Know Gain

How many times have you heard the questions asked, “Why do bad things happen to good people? or “If God is so good and loving, why does He allow His people to suffer?”. This sermon looks at how God views pain and suffering by taking a quick survey of what the author of Hebrews has to say about the topic.

Gifts of the Giver - James 1:17-20

We have all celebrated an occasion in which we have received a gift or many gifts. Occasions such as birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries or even Valentine’s Day. When we receive these gifts, how much time do we spend thinking only of the gift or ourselves, and not the giver and our relationship with that person? This sermon takes a closer look at what James teaches in chapter 1:17-20 and our response to the greatest Giver of our greatest gift.

The Story of Rest - Hebrews 4:1-13

We all need rest, but we live in a world that never slows down. We enter into this frantic action believing that it will eventually lead us to rest, but it seems to never come. In Hebrews 4:1-13 we learn about God's offer of true rest through Christ.

Set Minds and Soft Hearts - Hebrews 3:1-19

Which is most important, our hearts or our minds? We live in a world where feelings define truth rather than the other way around. Even among Christians we often talk about the importance of doing things "from the heart" and we consider "head knowledge" as less important. Yet in the Bible our hearts and our minds are always connected. In Hebrews 3:1-19 we see the importance of having our thoughts firmly fixed on Christ and deeply rooted in the knowledge of who He is. This mindset creates soft...

He Came to Us - Hebrews 2:5-18

When we look at Christ we see something so opposite from what we would expect. The one with authority and honor came to us who did not deserve his presence or his service. He came to us in our suffering and served us by dying in our place. This sermon looks at this amazing truth from Hebrews 2:5-18 in part four of our sermon series on the book of Hebrews called “Greater Than: Unwavering Hope in the Incomparable Savior.”

Jesus is the Greatest Message - Hebrews 1:5 - 2:4

Sometimes we treat the method that God uses to bring us His message as more important than the message itself. God works through our history, our culture, our denominational tradition, a particular worship style, or a certain way of spreading the gospel and we treat that method as if it is the greatest thing in the world and cling to it so tightly that we forget that it was just a carrier for the great news about Jesus Christ. This sermon, called "Jesus is the Greatest Message," looks at Hebr...

The Greatness of Christ - Hebrews 1:1-4

Why should we trust Christ? If our answer to this question is weak then our trust will be weak as well. This sermon looks at Hebrews 1:1-4.

Greater Than: Unwavering Hope in the Incomparable Savior

This sermon is the first in a new series on the book of Hebrews. In this incredible book we are presented with the powerful truth that Jesus is greater than anything else. Because of this truth, we are encouraged and challenged to keep going. We are to hold fast to the hope we have in Christ. We are to cling to the truth of the gospel because there is no greater hope in anything else.

The Mission - Overview of Scripture

On the first day of 2017 we looked at an overview of all of Scripture in a sermon called "The Mission"

Responding to Christmas

Sermon from Christmas morning looking at how several people in the account of Jesus' birth responded to him and the news of his birth.

The Final Word - The Wisdom of the Incarnation

Jesus is the ultimate answer to the question of "Did God really say...?" He is the ultimate message from God to us because not only does he provide the clearest communication of God's will, but through his death and resurrection he accomplishes that will by saving those who believe.

The Wisdom of Jesus

Jesus was a great teacher. When he taught even the smartest people of his time were amazed at his teaching. Even though he taught 2000 years ago, his teaching is still applicable today and even non-Christians often recognize the value of Jesus' teachings in many areas.But was Jesus just a great teacher? The key to understanding the teachings of Jesus must start with WHO is teaching, not just WHAT he taught. Understanding who Jesus is changes everything about how we understand his teachings.

The Foolishness of God - 1 Cor. 1:18-21

Changed by Wisdom

Living in Biblical Wisdom changes us over time. When we allow God's wisdom to shape our thinking we will not remain the same. This is not an easy process as most of us don't like to admit that we need to change, but as we continue to live according to God's wisdom and to grow in our understanding of God's wisdom, that wisdom will change us over time. Our thinking and our actions are changed and refined by God's wisdom.

The Wisdom of the Church

It is no surprise that God does all things according to His great wisdom, but sometimes I think it is easy to overlook just how His wisdom applies to certain aspects of His plan. In wisdom God created the Church (all those saved by Christ) and as we understand why God chooses to work in this way we will better appreciate what it means to be the Church.

Wisdom in Trials

The subject of trials is a tough one to embrace yet, everyone in the world encounters them. Because we are sinful beings who live in a fallen world, we experience trials on a regular basis whether we are Christians or not. Even when we succeed in getting our own little worlds under control, something inevitably messes that up. We do everything we can to attain peace and comfort by protecting ourselves from trials, but trials arise nonetheless. This sermon, by Pastor Al Schuster, looks at Wisd...

Money and Wisdom

Money is a big subject in Scripture because it is a big issue in our lives. Money can be both a blessing and a curse. It can be an avenue for bringing glory to God or a distraction from following God.

Wisdom and Relationships

Wisdom, according to Scripture, is more than just thinking rightly. It is also living rightly. This sermon looks at six lenses Biblical Wisdom gives us through which we should see our relationships. These lenses take the foundation of biblical wisdom and apply it to how we interact with the people in our lives.

Wisdom and Priorities - Psalm 37:1-9

Correct priorities are important in life. We need to know what is most important and then arrange our other priorities accordingly. The problem is that our standards are constantly shifting. This sermon looks at Psalm 37:1-9 in a sermon called "Wisdom and Priorities" where we see how Biblical wisdom applies to our priorities.

Pursue Wisdom

Laziness is easy. You just do nothing and hope good things will happen. This, by the way, is a really bad way to live. To pursue wisdom is to make wisdom a priority and to put effort into getting it. It is also to put effort into living wisely. Wise living doesn't just happen. It takes sustained effort. It is a lifelong pursuit, but is absolutely worth it.

The Way of Wisdom - Proverbs Chapter 4

In his poem, "The Road Not Taken," Robert Frost famously wrote "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." This sermon looks the biblical concept that wisdom is more than just making good, momentary decisions. It is the choice to walk the path of accepting, following and trusting God while rejecting all other paths, no matter how tempting they may look. This, as Frost says, makes all the difference.

God's Wise Plan - Psalm 33

It is important to see the Big Picture when you are working on something. It is easy to get caught up in the moment and working on your little aspect of something and forget that what you are doing is part of something larger. Each day of our lives is part of the overall course of our life. Each choice we make influences us and the those around us. Living wisely means knowing and trusting God's overall plan for creation and for our lives. This shapes our day to day activities and choices.

God's Great Wisdom - Isaiah Chapter 40

Have you ever watched an infomercial? The spokesperson makes bold, amazing claims about the product and demonstrates the amazing things the product can do. Yet many of these products utterly fail in real life away from the hype and controlled environment of the infomercial. It gets to the point where the greater the claim, the more skeptical we should be. But what about the greatness of God? Is it just hype and false claims that don't hold up in real life? This Sunday we will look at Isaiah c...

The Beginning of Wisdom - Proverbs 1:1-7

This sermon begins the sermon series called "On Track - Biblical Wisdom for Today." The Bible has a lot to say about living wisely and with all that is going on in our world we need to know what it means to live according to God's wisdom. Wisdom is so much more than being smart or even making right choices. It is about knowing who God is and what He is doing and living accordingly. This sermon looks at what it means to fear the Lord and why all Biblical wisdom begins with this important truth.

The Great Commission - Second Service

Visiting missionary, Dan Doyle, preached two sermons when he visited.This one is from the second worship service (Pastor Dave made a joke in the first service that we have different sermons in the different worship services. Dan decided to take that challenge!) Dan is a missionary in Nicaragua working with church planters. We were privileged to have him, his wife, and his six girls visiting with us this weekend.