Exodus 3:1-22, Mark 10:45, Eph. 2:10 

God commissions Moses to lead His people. Moses resists, but God assures him, saying, “I will be with you,” and by giving Moses His name, “I AM.”  How is God calling you to serve Him?  Do you trust Him enough to leave your comfort zones?

Exodus Part 1: The Great Escape
The Exodus is the foundational story of God’s people, the Jews. It formed their identity as the chosen people and powerfully illustrated God’s identity as a God who saves. The book of Exodus is filled with stories of the faith of God’s people being forged that still speak powerfully today, and from which we can learn much. However, the Exodus also foreshadowed of an even greater rescue. The Jews were saved from literal slavery and brought into a literal promised land. Hundreds of years later, Jesus would save us from spiritual slavery to sin and bring us into the spiritual promised land of heaven. So, as we walk through the book of Exodus, we’ll also take note of how this story sets the stage for Jesus coming to be our Lord and Savior.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Exodus 2:1-25, Heb. 11:23-26, Acts 7:20-25, Jn. 15:5    

Moses is born, and God’s hand guides his life. He embraces faith, his identity as one of God’s people, and His call. However, when he departs from God’s guidance, it goes badly. Do we follow God’s guidance, or go off on our own?

Exodus Part 1: The Great Escape 

The Exodus is the foundational story of God’s people, the Jews. It formed their identity as the chosen people and powerfully illustrated God’s identity as a God who saves. The book of Exodus is filled with stories of the faith of God’s people being forged that still speak powerfully today, and from which we can learn much. However, the Exodus also foreshadowed of an even greater rescue. The Jews were saved from literal slavery and brought into a literal promised land. Hundreds of years later, Jesus would save us from spiritual slavery to sin and bring us into the spiritual promised land of heaven. So, as we walk through the book of Exodus, we’ll also take note of how this story sets the stage for Jesus coming to be our Lord and Savior.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Israel Enslaved

Exodus 1:1-22, Genesis 12:2, John 13:3 

As Exodus begins, God’s people are enslaved and oppressed. Yet God continues to bless them, and they continue to trust Him. When life get hard, do we trust that God cares and stand firm in our faith, or do we worry that God doesn’t care and let fear take over?

Exodus Part 1: The Great Escape 

The Exodus is the foundational story of God’s people, the Jews. It formed their identity as the chosen people and powerfully illustrated God’s identity as a God who saves. The book of Exodus is filled with stories of the faith of God’s people being forged that still speak powerfully today, and from which we can learn much. However, the Exodus also foreshadowed of an even greater rescue. The Jews were saved from literal slavery and brought into a literal promised land. Hundreds of years later, Jesus would save us from spiritual slavery to sin and bring us into the spiritual promised land of heaven. So, as we walk through the book of Exodus, we’ll also take note of how this story sets the stage for Jesus coming to be our Lord and Savior.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Romans 3:21-26  

Why the Cross? Because there’s got to be a way to deal with the mess of our sin.

Why?

Five Key Questions

With this series, we’re taking on five key questions that people often ask: “Why faith?”  “Why Jesus?”  “Why the Bible?”  “Why Church?” and “Why the Cross?”  We’re doing this because when it comes to faith, questions are important.  Questioning is how we wrestle with truth, how we understand, how we figure out what we believe.  A faith that has no place for questions is weak and afraid, and that’s not what we’re after.  Further, the answers to these questions touch on issues that are foundational to our faith, things we’d like to be sure we fully understand as believers, and things we’d like to be able to better explain to those who may ask us these questions.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

1 Timothy 3:15 & Proverbs 27:17

Why the Church? Because it’s not good to live our life and faith alone.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

2 Timothy 3:14-17 & Psalm 119:105

Why the Bible?  Because we need a road map for our faith.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Matthew 11:28-30

When Jesus offered a warm invitation for people to come to him, he offered rest for all who are weary. But then he started talking about taking on a yoke. Finding rest and carrying a yoke don't seem to go together. Do they?

Guest Preacher - Wes Haystad

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Hebrews 1:1-4

Why Jesus?  Because there’s got to be a better way to understand the meaning of this life and how to live it.

Why?

Five Key Questions

With this series, we’re taking on five key questions that people often ask: “Why faith?”  “Why Jesus?”  “Why the Bible?”  “Why Church?” and “Why the Cross?”  We’re doing this because when it comes to faith, questions are important.  Questioning is how we wrestle with truth, how we understand, how we figure out what we believe.  A faith that has no place for questions is weak and afraid, and that’s not what we’re after.  Further, the answers to these questions touch on issues that are foundational to our faith, things we’d like to be sure we fully understand as believers, and things we’d like to be able to better explain to those who may ask us these questions.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

I John 1:1-4

Why faith?  Because there’s got to be more to life than this, more than what we can see with our eyes.

Why?

Five Key Questions

With this series, we’re taking on five key questions that people often ask: “Why faith?”  “Why Jesus?”  “Why the Bible?”  “Why Church?” and “Why the Cross?”  We’re doing this because when it comes to faith, questions are important.  Questioning is how we wrestle with truth, how we understand, how we figure out what we believe.  A faith that has no place for questions is weak and afraid, and that’s not what we’re after.  Further, the answers to these questions touch on issues that are foundational to our faith, things we’d like to be sure we fully understand as believers, and things we’d like to be able to better explain to those who may ask us these questions.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

VBS Sunday

Psalm 25:5, Mark 1:14-18

A life of faith in Jesus is not a destination; it's a journey. It's about following Jesus and pursuing the mission He's given us.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Colossians 4:7-18        

Gist: With this final passage, Paul lifts up members of his team and basically cheers for them. As we learn from this passage, we will lift up and cheer for our team at Orchard!

Christ Over All

The Book of Colossians

We live in a fast-paced, complex world filled with exciting new ideas and possibilities.  Yet this is also in a time of turmoil and change that can make us feel uneasy.  In the midst of these things, our world is constantly pushing human ideas and philosophies about who we are, what this life is about, and how we should live. With the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul declares that Jesus is supreme over all things, and that in Him we have everything we need. So, whatever our challenges and concerns may be, if we keep our focus on the one who is “over all,” everything else will take care of itself.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Colossians 3:18-4:6

We are to ground the way we understand and go about our relationships in Christ.

Christ Over All

The Book of Colossians

We live in a fast-paced, complex world filled with exciting new ideas and possibilities.  Yet this is also in a time of turmoil and change that can make us feel uneasy.  In the midst of these things, our world is constantly pushing human ideas and philosophies about who we are, what this life is about, and how we should live. With the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul declares that Jesus is supreme over all things, and that in Him we have everything we need. So, whatever our challenges and concerns may be, if we keep our focus on the one who is “over all,” everything else will take care of itself.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Colossians 3:1-17

In Christ, we have been given new life, and because of that, He calls us to live that new life from a new perspective.  

Christ Over All

The Book of Colossians

We live in a fast-paced, complex world filled with exciting new ideas and possibilities.  Yet this is also in a time of turmoil and change that can make us feel uneasy.  In the midst of these things, our world is constantly pushing human ideas and philosophies about who we are, what this life is about, and how we should live. With the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul declares that Jesus is supreme over all things, and that in Him we have everything we need. So, whatever our challenges and concerns may be, if we keep our focus on the one who is “over all,” everything else will take care of itself.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Colossians 2:16-23

We need to stand firm in our faith as we live under constant pressure to go with the flow and accept the popular beliefs and wisdom of this world.

Christ Over All

The Book of Colossians

We live in a fast-paced, complex world filled with exciting new ideas and possibilities.  Yet this is also in a time of turmoil and change that can make us feel uneasy.  In the midst of these things, our world is constantly pushing human ideas and philosophies about who we are, what this life is about, and how we should live. With the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul declares that Jesus is supreme over all things, and that in Him we have everything we need. So, whatever our challenges and concerns may be, if we keep our focus on the one who is “over all,” everything else will take care of itself.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Pentecost Sunday

Acts 19:1-7

Guest Preacher Lynn Hutton

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Colossians 2:6-15

We are to live this life, not by following the ideas and philosophies of this world, but as people who are rooted and built up in Christ and who follow Him.

Christ Over All

The Book of Colossians

We live in a fast-paced, complex world filled with exciting new ideas and possibilities.  Yet this is also in a time of turmoil and change that can make us feel uneasy.  In the midst of these things, our world is constantly pushing human ideas and philosophies about who we are, what this life is about, and how we should live. With the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul declares that Jesus is supreme over all things, and that in Him we have everything we need. So, whatever our challenges and concerns may be, if we keep our focus on the one who is “over all,” everything else will take care of itself.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Colossians 1:24-2:5

In Christ we have something better than this world has to offer; we have the glorious riches of Christ in us and all the promises of God found in Him.

Christ Over All

The Book of Colossians

 We live in a fast-paced, complex world filled with exciting new ideas and possibilities.  Yet this is also in a time of turmoil and change that can make us feel uneasy.  In the midst of these things, our world is constantly pushing human ideas and philosophies about who we are, what this life is about, and how we should live. With the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul declares that Jesus is supreme over all things, and that in Him we have everything we need. So, whatever our challenges and concerns may be, if we keep our focus on the one who is “over all,” everything else will take care of itself.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Colossians 1:15-23

Christ is supreme over all things, and in Him we have everything we need.

Christ Over All

The Book of Colossians

We live in a fast-paced, complex world filled with exciting new ideas and possibilities.  Yet this is also in a time of turmoil and change that can make us feel uneasy.  In the midst of these things, our world is constantly pushing human ideas and philosophies about who we are, what this life is about, and how we should live. With the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul declares that Jesus is supreme over all things, and that in Him we have everything we need. So, whatever our challenges and concerns may be, if we keep our focus on the one who is “over all,” everything else will take care of itself.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Colossians 1:9-14

Our sin and failure enslave us, but we find redemption in Christ.

Christ Over All

The Book of Colossians

 We live in a fast-paced, complex world filled with exciting new ideas and possibilities.  Yet this is also in a time of turmoil and change that can make us feel uneasy.  In the midst of these things, our world is constantly pushing human ideas and philosophies about who we are, what this life is about, and how we should live. With the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul declares that Jesus is supreme over all things, and that in Him we have everything we need. So, whatever our challenges and concerns may be, if we keep our focus on the one who is “over all,” everything else will take care of itself.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Colossians 1:1-8

We are to find our identity, not in the things of this world, but in Christ.

Christ Over All

The Book of Colossians

We live in a fast-paced, complex world filled with exciting new ideas and possibilities.  Yet this is also in a time of turmoil and change that can make us feel uneasy.  In the midst of these things, our world is constantly pushing human ideas and philosophies about who we are, what this life is about, and how we should live. With the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul declares that Jesus is supreme over all things, and that in Him we have everything we need. So, whatever our challenges and concerns may be, if we keep our focus on the one who is “over all,” everything else will take care of itself.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Guest Preacher - Josh Matthews

Luke 24:13-35

Even when hope feels lost, and Jesus seems distant, He is already walking with us; inviting us to see our faith and our very lives in a whole new way.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Matthew 28:1-10

During the Season of Lent, we focused on the seven last words of Christ.  Today we’ll look at the story of the first Easter and remember another important word of Jesus, that He would rise again!

The Seven Last Words of Jesus

If you had been a part of the crowd on the day Jesus died, you would have heard him make seven astounding statements. They are remarkable words, not only due to His distress, but because of the deep meaning they convey. For over a thousand years, Christians have turned to the seven last “words” or sayings of Jesus on the cross to guide them during the season of Lent. This year, we will join in that tradition and focus on the things Jesus uttered with his dying breath. We do so, hoping not only that we might find guidance for living as Jesus did, but also so that we might know Jesus more and understand the meaning of His death more in preparation for the celebration of His resurrection on Easter. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Mark 11:1-11, Luke 23:46

Palm Sunday was the one day the crowds embraced Jesus as the Messiah. Within a week, they’d call for His crucifixion, exposing our sinful and inconsistent human nature. With this word, Jesus experienced the peace of fully entrusting Himself to God. This was at the heart of His ministry: teaching us how to place our lives in God’s hands. Yet, despite our best intentions, we struggle to do so, hindered by the same sinful and inconsistent nature as the crowd.

The Seven Last Words of Jesus 

If you had been a part of the crowd on the day Jesus died, you would have heard him make seven astounding statements. They are remarkable words, not only due to His distress, but because of the deep meaning they convey. For over a thousand years, Christians have turned to the seven last “words” or sayings of Jesus on the cross to guide them during the season of Lent. This year, we will join in that tradition and focus on the things Jesus uttered with his dying breath. We do so, hoping not only that we might find guidance for living as Jesus did, but also so that we might know Jesus more and understand the meaning of His death more in preparation for the celebration of His resurrection on Easter. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

John 19:28-30, John 4:34, Colossians 1:13-14, Romans 3:25

With this word, knowing death is imminent, Jesus indicates that upon His death, His work on the cross will be accomplished, atonement will have been made for our sin, and our redemption secured.

The Seven Last Words of Jesus

If you had been a part of the crowd on the day Jesus died, you would have heard him make seven astounding statements. They are remarkable words, not only due to His distress, but because of the deep meaning they convey. For over a thousand years, Christians have turned to the seven last “words” or sayings of Jesus on the cross to guide them during the season of Lent. This year, we will join in that tradition and focus on the things Jesus uttered with his dying breath. We do so, hoping not only that we might find guidance for living as Jesus did, but also so that we might know Jesus more and understand the meaning of His death more in preparation for the celebration of His resurrection on Easter. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

John 19:28-29, Psalm 22:15, Psalm 69:21, Psalm 42:2, John 4:10, 7:37-38

Gist: With this word, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of scripture as He expressed a desire for a drink to quench his physical thirst, but at the same time, He also pointed to a deeper need. In scripture, Jesus presented himself as “living water,” and here he reminds us of our own need for a savior and of the fact that we are all spiritually thirsty.

The Seven Last Words of Jesus

If you had been a part of the crowd on the day Jesus died, you would have heard him make seven astounding statements. They are remarkable words, not only due to His distress, but because of the deep meaning they convey. For over a thousand years, Christians have turned to the seven last “words” or sayings of Jesus on the cross to guide them during the season of Lent. This year, we will join in that tradition and focus on the things Jesus uttered with his dying breath. We do so, hoping not only that we might find guidance for living as Jesus did, but also so that we might know Jesus more and understand the meaning of His death more in preparation for the celebration of His resurrection on Easter. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Mark 15:33-34, Psalm 22:1-2, 22-24, Hebrews 4:15, Romans 8:38-39

On the cross, Jesus died the death of an unrepentant sinner and thus experienced the separation from God that sin brings. With this word, He expresses the despair of abandonment, and yet these carefully chosen words also point to the hope we have in God, even in the worst moments of life.

The Seven Last Words of Jesus

If you had been a part of the crowd on the day Jesus died, you would have heard him make seven astounding statements. They are remarkable words, not only due to His distress, but because of the deep meaning they convey. For over a thousand years, Christians have turned to the seven last “words” or sayings of Jesus on the cross to guide them during the season of Lent. This year, we will join in that tradition and focus on the things Jesus uttered with his dying breath. We do so, hoping not only that we might find guidance for living as Jesus did, but also so that we might know Jesus more and understand the meaning of His death more in preparation for the celebration of His resurrection on Easter. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

John 19:26-27, Exodus 20:12, Matthew 12:46-50

With this word, Jesus lifts up the importance of family, but also the fact that by faith, believers have a spiritual bond of family, emphasizing the importance of community and care for one another.

The Seven Last Words of Jesus

If you had been a part of the crowd on the day Jesus died, you would have heard him make seven astounding statements. They are remarkable words, not only due to His distress, but because of the deep meaning they convey. For over a thousand years, Christians have turned to the seven last “words” or sayings of Jesus on the cross to guide them during the season of Lent. This year, we will join in that tradition and focus on the things Jesus uttered with his dying breath. We do so, hoping not only that we might find guidance for living as Jesus did, but also so that we might know Jesus more and understand the meaning of His death more in preparation for the celebration of His resurrection on Easter. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Luke 23:32, 39-43, Luke 19:10, 1 Timothy 1:15

With this word, Jesus offers assurance that salvation is open to all who put their faith in Him.

The Seven Last Words of Jesus

If you had been a part of the crowd on the day Jesus died, you would have heard him make seven astounding statements. They are remarkable words, not only due to His distress, but because of the deep meaning they convey. For over a thousand years, Christians have turned to the seven last “words” or sayings of Jesus on the cross to guide them during the season of Lent. This year, we will join in that tradition and focus on the things Jesus uttered with his dying breath. We do so, hoping not only that we might find guidance for living as Jesus did, but also so that we might know Jesus more and understand the meaning of His death more in preparation for the celebration of His resurrection on Easter. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Luke 23:33-34, Psalm 22:18, I John 1:9 

With this word, by asking God to forgive those who were taking His life, Jesus made it clear one last time, in a powerful way, that God forgives even the worst sins.

The Seven Last Words of Jesus

If you had been a part of the crowd on the day Jesus died, you would have heard him make seven astounding statements. They are remarkable words, not only due to His distress, but because of the deep meaning they convey. For over a thousand years, Christians have turned to the seven last “words” or sayings of Jesus on the cross to guide them during the season of Lent. This year, we will join in that tradition and focus on the things Jesus uttered with his dying breath. We do so, hoping not only that we might find guidance for living as Jesus did, but also so that we might know Jesus more and understand the meaning of His death more in preparation for the celebration of His resurrection on Easter. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Genesis 1: 31, Genesis 3:6-11, Isaiah 59:2, Romans 5:10, Romans 5:1

Jesus died on the cross to restore our broken relationship with God. 

The Cross

In the ancient world, the cross was a symbol of shame, death, and defeat. Among the Jewish people, anyone who died on a cross was considered cursed by God, and the Romans viewed those who were crucified with contempt. This is why the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:23, “but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” Even today, the cross remains difficult for many to understand. Yet, the cross stands at the center of God’s redemptive plan and the very heart of the gospel.  Every believer knows Jesus died for them on the cross, but even for people of faith, its meaning can be challenging to fully grasp.  Further, scripture describes the work of Christ on the cross in several different ways, adding complexity to our endeavors to understand it.  With this series, we will examine key biblical passages that illuminate these different dimensions of the cross and help us to grow a deeper and fuller understanding of its profound significance.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Luke 24:13-35

Guest Preacher - Wes Haystead

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Romans 5:12, Romans 6:16, Romans 6:23, Colossians 2:14-15, Hebrews 2:14-15, 1 Corinthians 15: 54b-56

Jesus died on the cross to defeat the powers of evil: sin, death, and Satan, freeing us from our bondage to them and restoring our life-giving relationship with God.

The Cross

In the ancient world, the cross was a symbol of shame, death, and defeat. Among the Jewish people, anyone who died on a cross was considered cursed by God, and the Romans viewed those who were crucified with contempt. This is why the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:23, “but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” Even today, the cross remains difficult for many to understand. Yet, the cross stands at the center of God’s redemptive plan and the very heart of the gospel.  Every believer knows Jesus died for them on the cross, but even for people of faith, its meaning can be challenging to fully grasp.  Further, scripture describes the work of Christ on the cross in several different ways, adding complexity to our endeavors to understand it.  With this series, we will examine key biblical passages that illuminate these different dimensions of the cross and help us to grow a deeper and fuller understanding of its profound significance.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

John 15:13, 1 John 4:10, Romans 5:8, 1 Peter 1:18–19

Jesus laid down his life for us on the cross to demonstrate and magnify God’s love for us. 

The Cross

In the ancient world, the cross was a symbol of shame, death, and defeat. Among the Jewish people, anyone who died on a cross was considered cursed by God, and the Romans viewed those who were crucified with contempt. This is why the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:23, “but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” Even today, the cross remains difficult for many to understand. Yet, the cross stands at the center of God’s redemptive plan and the very heart of the gospel.  Every believer knows Jesus died for them on the cross, but even for people of faith, its meaning can be challenging to fully grasp.  Further, scripture describes the work of Christ on the cross in several different ways, adding complexity to our endeavors to understand it.  With this series, we will examine key biblical passages that illuminate these different dimensions of the cross and help us to grow a deeper and fuller understanding of its profound significance.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Deuteronomy 32:4, Romans 3:23, Romans 2:8, Romans 5:9, Romans 3:25-26

Jesus died on the cross to bring atonement for our sin by satisfying God’s justice and wrath against us.

The Cross

In the ancient world, the cross was a symbol of shame, death, and defeat. Among the Jewish people, anyone who died on a cross was considered cursed by God, and the Romans viewed those who were crucified with contempt. This is why the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:23, “but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” Even today, the cross remains difficult for many to understand. Yet, the cross stands at the center of God’s redemptive plan and the very heart of the gospel.  Every believer knows Jesus died for them on the cross, but even for people of faith, its meaning can be challenging to fully grasp.  Further, scripture describes the work of Christ on the cross in several different ways, adding complexity to our endeavors to understand it.  With this series, we will examine key biblical passages that illuminate these different dimensions of the cross and help us to grow a deeper and fuller understanding of its profound significance.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

John 10:11, 15, 17-18, Romans 3:23, 1 Peter 2:22, 1 Peter 2:24 Romans 6:4-6

Jesus died on the cross in our place, substituting his righteous life for our sinful lives, making atonement for our sin, and bringing us grace.

The Cross

In the ancient world, the cross was a symbol of shame, death, and defeat. Among the Jewish people, anyone who died on a cross was considered cursed by God, and the Romans viewed those who were crucified with contempt. This is why the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:23, “but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” Even today, the cross remains difficult for many to understand. Yet, the cross stands at the center of God’s redemptive plan and the very heart of the gospel.  Every believer knows Jesus died for them on the cross, but even for people of faith, its meaning can be challenging to fully grasp.  Further, scripture describes the work of Christ on the cross in several different ways, adding complexity to our endeavors to understand it.  With this series, we will examine key biblical passages that illuminate these different dimensions of the cross and help us to grow a deeper and fuller understanding of its profound significance.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Matthew 2:1-12, Galatians 2:20 

The Magi were foreigners from far away, yet God called them to come and behold Jesus’ birth. This was a sign that God wants everyone and that the gospel would one day go global.  The Magi brought gifts to Jesus as signs of their faith, but the greatest gift they gave Him was their lives.  Jesus wants us and calls us to give Him our lives as well. 

Behold

To “behold” is to pay special attention to something, to look deeply at it so as to notice the depth and detail beyond what you might simply see on the surface.  The Advent and Christmas seasons are a time to behold the birth of Christ.  With this series, we will focus on Jesus’ birth, seeking to behold it and its meaning with depth and detail as we walk through the scriptures that tell that story and explore how faith enables us to receive, see, and experience some of the amazing gifts of God that Jesus brings us.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Matthew 1:18-25, 1 John 4:10

An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream with the news that he would have a son, the messiah, who would help us to see and understand the gift of God’s love in new and deeper ways.

Behold

To “behold” is to pay special attention to something, to look deeply at it so as to notice the depth and detail beyond what you might simply see on the surface.  The Advent and Christmas seasons are a time to behold the birth of Christ.  With this series, we will focus on Jesus’ birth, seeking to behold it and its meaning with depth and detail as we walk through the scriptures that tell that story and explore how faith enables us to receive, see, and experience some of the amazing gifts of God that Jesus brings us.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Luke 2:8-15, Philippians 4:6-7

An angel appeared to the shepherds with the news that Jesus the Messiah had been born, who would help us to receive and understand the gift of God’s peace in new and deeper ways.

Behold

To “behold” is to pay special attention to something, to look deeply at it so as to notice the depth and detail beyond what you might simply see on the surface.  The Advent and Christmas seasons are a time to behold the birth of Christ.  With this series, we will focus on Jesus’ birth, seeking to behold it and its meaning with depth and detail as we walk through the scriptures that tell that story and explore how faith enables us to receive, see, and experience some of the amazing gifts of God that Jesus brings us.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Luke 1:26-38, Hebrews 6:19

An angel appeared to Mary with the news that she would bear a child, Jesus the Messiah, who would help us to see and understand the gift of God’s hope in new and deeper ways.

Behold

To “behold” is to pay special attention to something, to look deeply at it so as to notice the depth and detail beyond what you might simply see on the surface.  The Advent and Christmas seasons are a time to behold the birth of Christ.  With this series, we will focus on Jesus’ birth, seeking to behold it and its meaning with depth and detail as we walk through the scriptures that tell that story and explore how faith enables us to receive, see, and experience some of the amazing gifts of God that Jesus brings us.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Mark 12:41-44

To embrace stewardship as a lifestyle, we need to shift our hearts and this will require that we begin to practice generosity. 

Shift

Moving to Stewardship as a Lifestyle

God’s word doesn’t just call us to give some of what we have (our time, talent, and treasures) from time to time.  It calls us to something deeper, to stewardship.  True Biblical stewardship is understanding that all we have is a gift from God; therefore, we are to seek to be good managers or stewards of what God has entrusted to us. This means that stewardship isn’t really an action, but a lifestyle.  However, embracing stewardship as a lifestyle means making a major shift involving our priorities, our attitude, and our hearts.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Luke 17:11-19

To embrace stewardship as a lifestyle, we need to shift our attitude and this will require that we embrace gratitude.

Shift

God’s word doesn’t just call us to give some of what we have (our time, talent, and treasures) from time to time.  It calls us to something deeper, to stewardship.  True Biblical stewardship is understanding that all we have is a gift from God; therefore, we are to seek to be good managers or stewards of what God has entrusted to us. This means that stewardship isn’t really an action, but a lifestyle.  However, embracing stewardship as a lifestyle means making a major shift involving our priorities, our attitude, and our hearts.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Matthew 6:19-33

To embrace stewardship as a lifestyle, we need to shift our priorities and this will require that we trust God’s provision. 

Shift

Moving to Stewardship as a Lifestyle

God’s word doesn’t just call us to give some of what we have (our time, talent, and treasures) from time to time.  It calls us to something deeper, to stewardship.  True Biblical stewardship is understanding that all we have is a gift from God; therefore, we are to seek to be good managers or stewards of what God has entrusted to us. This means that stewardship isn’t really an action, but a lifestyle.  However, embracing stewardship as a lifestyle means making a major shift involving our priorities, our attitude, and our hearts.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Guest Preacher - Andrea Messinger

 Ephesians 5:15-17, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Matthew 12:38-42

In the Book of Jonah, we consistently see God’s message of mercy and grace.  Yet, as an OT book in Jonah we’re not able to see this message in its fullness; these things foreshadow a greater message to come!  That greater message is Jesus, and Jesus himself noted that the story of Jonah pointed forward to Him. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Jonah

Jonah 4:1-11

Jonah finally does as God commanded, yet he’s not happy about it. He finds God’s mercy and grace offensive, as people sometimes do.  Jonah still thinks he knows better than God, as we also often do. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Jonah

Jonah 3:1-10

Jonah wanted justice and judgment for Nineveh, but God desired mercy and grace. God wanted the lost people of Nineveh to find redemption. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Jonah 1:17, Chapter 2

In his distress and difficulty, Jonah cried out to God. When we find ourselves in spiritual distress and difficult circumstances, we need to surrender to God and seek His help humbly, transparently, and repentantly.  When we do this, even though we do not deserve it, we will receive God’s mercy and grace. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Jonah

2 Kings 14:25, Jonah Ch 1

Jonah disregarded God’s call and went his own way. We often choose our own agenda over God’s plan, yet amazingly, God still pursues us with mercy and grace even when we’re disobedient. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Job 2:11, James 1:19, 5:16, Romans 12:3-8, Acts 1:8

Pastor Matt Hoyt

We sometimes resist our call as “sent” people because we falsely believe that we have nothing to offer, when in reality, we have a lot to offer.

Sent

God Has a Mission For You!

We have a great God who has a mission to reach the people of this world and to care for them.  The Bible itself is the story of God reaching out to humanity as He carries out that mission.  When we come to faith, God calls us to be a part of His mission.  Therefore, as people of faith, we are “sent” people.  God sends us as part of His response to a broken and hurting world full of lost people who are far from Him.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

1 Corinthians 7:17-24, Colossians 3:23

As “sent” people, God calls us to be a part of His mission by serving Him wherever we are and in whatever we do, on what some have called our “frontline.”

Sent

God has a Mission for you!

 We have a great God who has a mission to reach the people of this world and to care for them.  The Bible itself is the story of God reaching out to humanity as He carries out that mission.  When we come to faith, God calls us to be a part of His mission.  Therefore, as people of faith, we are “sent” people.  God sends us as part of His response to a broken and hurting world full of lost people who are far from Him.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Matthew 20:25-28, John 14:15, John 13:15, Matthew 9:36, Ephesians 2:10

As “sent” people, God calls us to be a part of His mission in order to shape and grow our character, faith, and relationship with Him.

______________________________________________________________

Sent

God has a Mission for you!

We have a great God who has a mission to reach the people of this world and to care for them.  The Bible itself is the story of God reaching out to humanity as He carries out that mission.  When we come to faith, God calls us to be a part of His mission.  Therefore, as people of faith, we are “sent” people.  God sends us as part of His response to a broken and hurting world full of lost people who are far from Him.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Matthew 5:13-16, Matthew 25:40, 45 

As “sent” people, God calls us to be a part of His mission to reach a broken and hurting world full of lost people who are far from Him. 

Sent 

God has Mission for you! 

We have a great God who has a mission to reach the people of this world and to care for them.  The Bible itself is the story of God reaching out to humanity as He carries out that mission.  When we come to faith, God calls us to be a part of His mission.  Therefore, as people of faith, we are “sent” people.  God sends us as part of His response to a broken and hurting world full of lost people who are far from Him. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

As people of faith, we are “sent” people. God has a mission to reach this world, and every one of us is called to be a part of it.

Sent

God has a Mission for you!

We have a great God who has a mission to reach the people of this world and to care for them.  The Bible itself is the story of God reaching out to humanity as He carries out that mission.  When we come to faith, God calls us to be a part of His mission.  Therefore, as people of faith, we are “sent” people.  God sends us as part of His response to a broken and hurting world full of lost people who are far from Him.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Philippians 3:7-11, John 14:7, 1 John 5:11, Mark 1:15 

Being a disciple of Jesus means not just knowing about Him, but also knowing and having a personal relationship with Him. 

Discipleship 

What it Means to Follow Jesus 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Being a disciple of Jesus means seeking to grow spiritually and in our character throughout our lives, becoming more and more like Jesus. 

Discipleship 

What it Means to Follow Jesus 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

James 2:14-19, John 15:14, Ephesians 2:10 

Being a disciple of Jesus means putting our faith in Him into action and seeking to live it. True faith is manifested in our actions. 

Discipleship 

What it Means to Follow Jesus 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Philippians 3:7-11, John 14:7, 1 John 5:11, Mark 1:15 

Being a disciple of Jesus means not just knowing about Him, but also knowing and having a personal relationship with Him. 

Discipleship 

What it Means to Follow Jesus 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Matthew 20:1-16 

Guest Preacher: Josh Matthews

Our preacher this morning is Josh Matthews.  Josh grew up at Orchard and has preached here many times.  He will be filling in for Matt while he is on Sabbatical. However, since Josh serves a church in Garden Grove he will only be with us on a few Sundays.  We are glad he is with today on Matt’s first Sunday away. 

The Parables of Jesus

Jesus used parables, or short stories with a moral or spiritual lesson, to teach his followers and the people around him about the Kingdom of God and spiritual truths. Join us for this series as Guest Preachers guide us through various parables. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

 Mark 4:1-9 

Guest Preacher:  Charlie Little

Charlie is a retired ECO pastor who served the Templeton Presbyterian church for many years and recently served as the transitional pastor at Orcutt Presbyterian Church. 

The Parables of Jesus 

Jesus used parables, or short stories with a moral or spiritual lesson, to teach his followers and the people around him about the Kingdom of God and spiritual truths. Join us for this series as Guest Preachers guide us through various parables. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

 Luke 5:1-11 

VBS Sunday

Guest Preacher: Melinda Hoyt

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

 Luke 11:5-8,  Luke 18:1-8,  Luke 18:9-14 

Guest Preacher: Wes Haystead

The Parables of Jesus 

Jesus used parables, or short stories with a moral or spiritual lesson, to teach his followers and the people around him about the Kingdom of God and spiritual truths. Join us for this series as Guest Preachers guide us through various parables. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

 Luke 15:11-31 

Guest Preacher: Rich Smith

Rich is an Elder at Orchard and recently served as our Interim Youth Director. 

The Parables of Jesus 

Jesus used parables, or short stories with a moral or spiritual lesson, to teach his followers and the people around him about the Kingdom of God and spiritual truths. Join us for this series as Guest Preachers guide us through various parables. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

 Luke 11:1-13 

Guest Preacher: Saona Jackson

Saona is an ECO pastor who serves on the ECO National staff working with ministry candidates. 

The Parables of Jesus 

Jesus used parables, or short stories with a moral or spiritual lesson, to teach his followers and the people around him about the Kingdom of God and spiritual truths. Join us for this series as Guest Preachers guide us through various parables. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Luke 19:11-27 

Guest Preacher: Bruce Greenough

Bruce is the Associate Pastor at our sister ECO church in town, Community Presbyterian Church.  Bruce is an experienced pastor who has served several churches.  

The Parables of Jesus

Jesus used parables, or short stories with a moral or spiritual lesson, to teach his followers and the people around him about the Kingdom of God and spiritual truths. Join us for this series as Guest Preachers guide us through various parables. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Luke 10:25-37 

Guest Preacher: Jim Witty

Jim is an ordained Presbyterian minister and holds doctoral degrees in Psychology and Ministry.  He is the founder and President of Care Corps International.  Jim is a Trauma Specialist and has an extensive background in conflict management. He has served as a pastor, counselor, seminary professor, and missionary.

The Parables of Jesus

Jesus used parables, or short stories with a moral or spiritual lesson, to teach his followers and the people around him about the Kingdom of God and spiritual truths. Join us for this series as Guest Preachers guide us through various parables. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Matthew 7:24-27 

Guest Preacher: Lynn Hutton

Our preacher this morning is our own Lynn Hutton.  Lynn is an ordained minister with preaching experience.  She serves Orchard as a part of our intercessory prayer ministry.

The Parables of Jesus

Jesus used parables, or short stories with a moral or spiritual lesson, to teach his followers and the people around him about the Kingdom of God and spiritual truths. Join us for this series as Guest Preachers guide us through various parables. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Luke 14:15-24

Guest Preacher: Wes Haystead

The Parables of Jesus

Jesus used parables, or short stories with a moral or spiritual lesson, to teach his followers and the people around him about the Kingdom of God and spiritual truths. Join us for this series as Guest Preachers guide us through various parables. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Guest Preacher: Melinda Hoyt

The Parables of Jesus

Jesus used parables, or short stories with a moral or spiritual lesson, to teach his followers and the people around him about the Kingdom of God and spiritual truths. Join us for this series as Guest Preachers guide us through various parables. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Guest Preacher: Josh Matthews

The Parables of Jesus

Jesus used parables, or short stories with a moral or spiritual lesson, to teach his followers and the people around him about the Kingdom of God and spiritual truths. Join us for this series as Guest Preachers guide us through various parables. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Matthew 28:1-10 & John 11:21-44    

When Jesus rose from the grave, He conquered sin and death, showing himself to be Lord over all, the one in whom we hope and who calms our fears.  When Jesus called Himself "the resurrection and the life," He was responding to the death of Lazarus but also to the pain, disappointment, and fear of those who loved Lazarus.  In Jesus, we have a Savior who not only weeps with us but meets us in the hard moments of life and whose resurrection will one day mean the end of pain, disappointment, fear, and death forever.

Easter Sunday

"I Am"

Lent is the season of preparation for Easter, a time to reflect deeply on Jesus- his identity, teachings, and death on the cross—so we can fully understand and celebrate His resurrection. This year, we will focus on the "I am" statements in the Gospel of John. While all four Gospels include instances where Jesus uses the Greek phrase "ego eimi," meaning "I am," John's Gospel records Jesus doing so over 30 times, more than twice the other Gospels combined. Among these, seven instances feature profound metaphors that Jesus used to describe Himself.  Throughout Lent, we will explore these seven metaphors, gaining a deeper and richer understanding of who Jesus was and is.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

John 12:12-16, 15:1-8

On Palm Sunday, the crowds finally seemed to understand and embrace Jesus as the Messiah. Yet, within a week, the same crowds called for him to be crucified, revealing our fickle human nature.  When Jesus calls himself "the true vine" and says that we are the branches, He also calls us to remain connected to Him as the source of our spiritual life, knowing that, given our fickle nature, we are prone not to do so.

Palm Sunday

"I Am"

Lent is the season of preparation for Easter, a time to reflect deeply on Jesus- his identity, teachings, and death on the cross—so we can fully understand and celebrate His resurrection. This year, we will focus on the "I am" statements in the Gospel of John. While all four Gospels include instances where Jesus uses the Greek phrase "ego eimi," meaning "I am," John's Gospel records Jesus doing so over 30 times, more than twice the other Gospels combined. Among these, seven instances feature profound metaphors that Jesus used to describe Himself.  Throughout Lent, we will explore these seven metaphors, gaining a deeper and richer understanding of who Jesus was and is.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

John 14:1-14                  

We live in a world that tells us there are many ways, truths, and kinds of life and that they're all the same and equal.  When Jesus calls himself "the way, the truth, and the life," He is saying that there are absolutes and that they are grounded in Him, the only one through whom salvation comes.  His words are about truly knowing and having a relationship with the Savior of the world.

"I Am"

Lent is the season of preparation for Easter, a time to reflect deeply on Jesus- his identity, teachings, and death on the cross—so we can fully understand and celebrate His resurrection. This year, we will focus on the "I am" statements in the Gospel of John. While all four Gospels include instances where Jesus uses the Greek phrase "ego eimi," meaning "I am," John's Gospel records Jesus doing so over 30 times, more than twice the other Gospels combined. Among these, seven instances feature profound metaphors that Jesus used to describe Himself.  Throughout Lent, we will explore these seven metaphors, gaining a deeper and richer understanding of who Jesus was and is.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

John 10:11-18

Sheep are vulnerable to predators and their own devices, such as getting lost. For these reasons, sheep thrive under the guidance and protection of their shepherd. The shepherd knows his sheep, and they know their shepherd. When Jesus calls himself "the good shepherd," He means that He knows us and will not only care for and protect us but also lay down His life for us.

"I Am"

Lent is the season of preparation for Easter, a time to reflect deeply on Jesus- his identity, teachings, and death on the cross—so we can fully understand and celebrate His resurrection. This year, we will focus on the "I am" statements in the Gospel of John. While all four Gospels include instances where Jesus uses the Greek phrase "ego eimi," meaning "I am," John's Gospel records Jesus doing so over 30 times, more than twice the other Gospels combined. Among these, seven instances feature profound metaphors that Jesus used to describe Himself.  Throughout Lent, we will explore these seven metaphors, gaining a deeper and richer understanding of who Jesus was and is.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

John 10:1-10                        

We tend to think of gates and doors as things that keep people out, but they're also things that can let people in.  When Jesus calls himself "the gate," He means not only is He the door to salvation, but also the door to being filled with new life here and now.  

"I Am"

Lent is the season of preparation for Easter, a time to reflect deeply on Jesus- his identity, teachings, and death on the cross—so we can fully understand and celebrate His resurrection. This year, we will focus on the "I am" statements in the Gospel of John. While all four Gospels include instances where Jesus uses the Greek phrase "ego eimi," meaning "I am," John's Gospel records Jesus doing so over 30 times, more than twice the other Gospels combined. Among these, seven instances feature profound metaphors that Jesus used to describe Himself.  Throughout Lent, we will explore these seven metaphors, gaining a deeper and richer understanding of who Jesus was and is.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

John 8: 12-19            

Without light, we have trouble knowing where we are and what is around us.  By calling himself the "light of the world," Jesus reveals that He illuminates this world like no other.  His light reveals where we are and leads us to where we need to be. 

"I Am"

Lent is the season of preparation for Easter, a time to reflect deeply on Jesus- his identity, teachings, and death on the cross—so we can fully understand and celebrate His resurrection. This year, we will focus on the "I am" statements in the Gospel of John. While all four Gospels include instances where Jesus uses the Greek phrase "ego eimi," meaning "I am," John's Gospel records Jesus doing so over 30 times, more than twice the other Gospels combined. Among these, seven instances feature profound metaphors that Jesus used to describe Himself.  Throughout Lent, we will explore these seven metaphors, gaining a deeper and richer understanding of who Jesus was and is.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

John 6:25-59                      

Food is one of our basic needs; if we don't have it, we can experience discomfort, sickness, and even death. By calling himself the "bread of life," Jesus invites us to believe in and rely on Him.  Like literal food that nourishes the body, Jesus is the spiritual food and the only thing that will truly satisfy our souls.  

"I Am"

Lent is the season of preparation for Easter, a time to reflect deeply on Jesus- his identity, teachings, and death on the cross—so we can fully understand and celebrate His resurrection. This year, we will focus on the "I am" statements in the Gospel of John. While all four Gospels include instances where Jesus uses the Greek phrase "ego eimi," meaning "I am," John's Gospel records Jesus doing so over 30 times, more than twice the other Gospels combined. Among these, seven instances feature profound metaphors that Jesus used to describe Himself.  Throughout Lent, we will explore these seven metaphors, gaining a deeper and richer understanding of who Jesus was and is.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Exodus 3:14, Mark 6:50 & John 8:48-58

"I Am" is God's name that He gave Moses on Mt. Sinai, but it's also a name that Jesus claimed for himself in the Gospels to help us more fully understand who He is.

Ash Wednesday

"I Am"

Lent is the season of preparation for Easter, a time to reflect deeply on Jesus- his identity, teachings, and death on the cross—so we can fully understand and celebrate His resurrection. This year, we will focus on the "I am" statements in the Gospel of John. While all four Gospels include instances where Jesus uses the Greek phrase "ego eimi," meaning "I am," John's Gospel records Jesus doing so over 30 times, more than twice the other Gospels combined. Among these, seven instances feature profound metaphors that Jesus used to describe Himself.  Throughout Lent, we will explore these seven metaphors, gaining a deeper and richer understanding of who Jesus was and is.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

With these closing words, Paul instructs us on how to live together until Jesus returns.  He calls us to live together well in healthy community.

Faith in Uncertain Times

1 Thessalonians

We live in uncertain times.  Wars rage, our nation is deeply divided, and as Christians, we find ourselves in a culture that is increasingly resistant to our faith. In the book of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul writes to a church that was also dealing with uncertain times.  The Thessalonians lived in a world that was hostile to their faith, enduring persecution and even violence at times. As new believers, they also grappled with confusion about their doctrines and faced the divisive influence of individuals sowing discord among them. Yet, unlike most churches Paul wrote to, he offered the Thessalonians no correction, only encouragement and praise.  The Thessalonians provide a great model to learn from as we seek to live our faith in these uncertain times.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11    

Throughout the difficulties and challenges of this life, by faith, we live with hope, knowing that one day Jesus will return to set the world right and bring us into eternity, that he died so that we can live.

Faith in Uncertain Times

1 Thessalonians

We live in uncertain times.  Wars rage, our nation is deeply divided, and as Christians, we find ourselves in a culture that is increasingly resistant to our faith. In the book of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul writes to a church that was also dealing with uncertain times.  The Thessalonians lived in a world that was hostile to their faith, enduring persecution and even violence at times. As new believers, they also grappled with confusion about their doctrines and faced the divisive influence of individuals sowing discord among them. Yet, unlike most churches Paul wrote to, he offered the Thessalonians no correction, only encouragement and praise.  The Thessalonians provide a great model to learn from as we seek to live our faith in these uncertain times.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18       

As people of faith, we have hope in death because of the amazing miracle of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Faith in Uncertain Times

1 Thessalonians

We live in uncertain times.  Wars rage, our nation is deeply divided, and as Christians, we find ourselves in a culture that is increasingly resistant to our faith. In the book of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul writes to a church that was also dealing with uncertain times.  The Thessalonians lived in a world that was hostile to their faith, enduring persecution and even violence at times. As new believers, they also grappled with confusion about their doctrines and faced the divisive influence of individuals sowing discord among them. Yet, unlike most churches Paul wrote to, he offered the Thessalonians no correction, only encouragement and praise.  The Thessalonians provide a great model to learn from as we seek to live our faith in these uncertain times.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

The method God uses to bring about our spiritual transformation is called sanctification.  In the process of our sanctification, we are to seek to work with God in the work He is seeking to do in us.

___________________________________________

Faith in Uncertain Times

1 Thessalonians

We live in uncertain times.  Wars rage, our nation is deeply divided, and as Christians, we find ourselves in a culture that is increasingly resistant to our faith. In the book of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul writes to a church that was also dealing with uncertain times.  The Thessalonians lived in a world that was hostile to their faith, enduring persecution and even violence at times. As new believers, they also grappled with confusion about their doctrines and faced the divisive influence of individuals sowing discord among them. Yet, unlike most churches Paul wrote to, he offered the Thessalonians no correction, only encouragement and praise.  The Thessalonians provide a great model to learn from as we seek to live our faith in these uncertain times.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:23-24; 1 Corinthians 4:2

A little-known character like Aristarchus can sometimes teach us very big lessons, especially if we look closely.

Guest Preacher: Wes Haystead

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13              

The mission of our faith is spiritual transformation. What God desires for us is that we grow and change and become more and more like Jesus.

______________________________________________________________
Faith in Uncertain Times

1 Thessalonians

We live in uncertain times.  Wars rage, our nation is deeply divided, and as Christians, we find ourselves in a culture that is increasingly resistant to our faith. In the book of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul writes to a church that was also dealing with uncertain times.  The Thessalonians lived in a world that was hostile to their faith, enduring persecution and even violence at times. As new believers, they also grappled with confusion about their doctrines and faced the divisive influence of individuals sowing discord among them. Yet, unlike most churches Paul wrote to, he offered the Thessalonians no correction, only encouragement and praise.  The Thessalonians provide a great model to learn from as we seek to live our faith in these uncertain times.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

1 Thessalonians 2:1-16                 

In this passage, Paul advises us on how to go about life and ministry to others, seek to please God alone, encourage others in faith, and rely on God’s word.
_______________________________

Faith in Uncertain Times

1 Thessalonians

We live in uncertain times.  Wars rage, our nation is deeply divided, and as Christians, we find ourselves in a culture that is increasingly resistant to our faith. In the book of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul writes to a church that was also dealing with uncertain times.  The Thessalonians lived in a world that was hostile to their faith, enduring persecution and even violence at times. As new believers, they also grappled with confusion about their doctrines and faced the divisive influence of individuals sowing discord among them. Yet, unlike most churches Paul wrote to, he offered the Thessalonians no correction, only encouragement and praise.  The Thessalonians provide a great model to learn from as we seek to live our faith in these uncertain times.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10                                               

Jesus is the model for our life and faith; we are to imitate him and other models of mature believers as they follow Him.  In time, we should desire to become models for others.

_____________________________________________

Faith in Uncertain Times

1 Thessalonians

We live in uncertain times.  Wars rage, our nation is deeply divided, and as Christians, we find ourselves in a culture that is increasingly resistant to our faith. In the book of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul writes to a church that was also dealing with uncertain times.  The Thessalonians lived in a world that was hostile to their faith, enduring persecution and even violence at times. As new believers, they also grappled with confusion about their doctrines and faced the divisive influence of individuals sowing discord among them. Yet, unlike most churches Paul wrote to, he offered the Thessalonians no correction, only encouragement and praise.  The Thessalonians provide a great model to learn from as we seek to live our faith in these uncertain times.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

The star the Magi saw was a reflection of Jesus’ birth, of the glory of God touching the earth. The Magi could have stayed home; instead, they went seeking after God’s Glory, and they weren’t disappointed. Will we seek after God’s glory too? 

___________________________________
Christmas Glory

This Advent and Christmas season, we’ll focus on the profound theme of God's glory. It can be challenging to define God's glory since it manifests in numerous ways throughout the Bible. It embodies the greatness and perfection of His character and attributes. [1] Additionally, God’s glory reveals His special presence in the world, evident in both creation and His redemptive acts. [2]  We can also glorify God through our worship and praise. However, it was on that first Christmas that the ultimate expression of God's glory entered our world with the birth of Jesus. [3] Yet, Jesus came, not only to display God's glory but to invite us to embody and reflect it in our own lives. This may surprise us; we might think God's glory is reserved for exceptionally spiritual people, for extraordinary acts, or even for the realm of fantasy and escape, but we can experience and reflect God’s glory right here and now by following Jesus and living out God's call in our everyday lives. [4]  In fact, Isaiah 43:7 says that we were created by God for His glory!

[1] Revell Bible Dictionary, 47; https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-glory-of-god/
[2] Revell, 47.
[3] Revell, 47; John 1:14
[4] Revell, 47; 2 Corinthians 3:18, John 15:8.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

On this Sunday, a few members of our Orchard family will share stories of how they have experienced God’s glory through His work in their lives, and together, we'll lift up prayers for the New Year.

Faith Stories Sunday
____________________________________
Christmas Glory

This Advent and Christmas season, we’ll focus on the profound theme of God's glory. It can be challenging to define God's glory since it manifests in numerous ways throughout the Bible. It embodies the greatness and perfection of His character and attributes. [1] Additionally, God’s glory reveals His special presence in the world, evident in both creation and His redemptive acts. [2]  We can also glorify God through our worship and praise. However, it was on that first Christmas that the ultimate expression of God's glory entered our world with the birth of Jesus. [3] Yet, Jesus came, not only to display God's glory but to invite us to embody and reflect it in our own lives. This may surprise us; we might think God's glory is reserved for exceptionally spiritual people, for extraordinary acts, or even for the realm of fantasy and escape, but we can experience and reflect God’s glory right here and now by following Jesus and living out God's call in our everyday lives. [4]  In fact, Isaiah 43:7 says that we were created by God for His glory!

[1] Revell Bible Dictionary, 47; https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-glory-of-god/
[2] Revell, 47.
[3] Revell, 47; John 1:14
[4] Revell, 47; 2 Corinthians 3:18, John 15:8.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

On the first Christmas, the ultimate expression of God's glory entered our world. God himself came to us as a baby in a manger who would grow up to be our Lord and Savior.

Christmas Eve Service

_______________________________________________
Christmas Glory

This Advent and Christmas season, we’ll focus on the profound theme of God's glory. It can be challenging to define God's glory since it manifests in numerous ways throughout the Bible. It embodies the greatness and perfection of His character and attributes. [1] Additionally, God’s glory reveals His special presence in the world, evident in both creation and His redemptive acts. [2]  We can also glorify God through our worship and praise. However, it was on that first Christmas that the ultimate expression of God's glory entered our world with the birth of Jesus. [3] Yet, Jesus came, not only to display God's glory but to invite us to embody and reflect it in our own lives. This may surprise us; we might think God's glory is reserved for exceptionally spiritual people, for extraordinary acts, or even for the realm of fantasy and escape, but we can experience and reflect God’s glory right here and now by following Jesus and living out God's call in our everyday lives. [4]  In fact, Isaiah 43:7 says that we were created by God for His glory!

[1] Revell Bible Dictionary, 47; https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-glory-of-god/
[2] Revell, 47.
[3] Revell, 47; John 1:14
[4] Revell, 47; 2 Corinthians 3:18, John 15:8.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

When an angel appeared to Joseph, it was the glory of God touching the earth! The angel proclaimed that he would have a son, Jesus the Messiah, who would bring with Him the gift of love.

________________________________________________________________
Christmas Glory

This Advent and Christmas season, we’ll focus on the profound theme of God's glory. It can be challenging to define God's glory since it manifests in numerous ways throughout the Bible. It embodies the greatness and perfection of His character and attributes. [1] Additionally, God’s glory reveals His special presence in the world, evident in both creation and His redemptive acts. [2]  We can also glorify God through our worship and praise. However, it was on that first Christmas that the ultimate expression of God's glory entered our world with the birth of Jesus. [3] Yet, Jesus came, not only to display God's glory but to invite us to embody and reflect it in our own lives. This may surprise us; we might think God's glory is reserved for exceptionally spiritual people, for extraordinary acts, or even for the realm of fantasy and escape, but we can experience and reflect God’s glory right here and now by following Jesus and living out God's call in our everyday lives. [4]  In fact, Isaiah 43:7 says that we were created by God for His glory!

[1] Revell Bible Dictionary, 47; https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-glory-of-god/
[2] Revell, 47.
[3] Revell, 47; John 1:14
[4] Revell, 47; 2 Corinthians 3:18, John 15:8.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Luke 2:8-15, Romans 5:1-4

Pastor Matt Hoyt

When an angel appeared to Shepherds, it was the glory of God touching the earth! The angel proclaimed the news that Jesus the Messiah had been born and would bring with Him the gift of peace.

____________________________________________________________

Christmas Glory

This Advent and Christmas season, we’ll focus on the profound theme of God's glory. It can be challenging to define God's glory since it manifests in numerous ways throughout the Bible. It embodies the greatness and perfection of His character and attributes. Additionally, God’s glory reveals His special presence in the world, which is evident in both creation and His redemptive acts. We can also glorify God through our worship and praise. However, it was on that first Christmas that the ultimate expression of God's glory entered our world with the birth of Jesus. Yet, Jesus came not only to display God's glory but to invite us to embody and reflect it in our own lives. This may surprise us; we might think God's glory is reserved for exceptionally spiritual people, for extraordinary acts, or even for the realm of fantasy and escape, but we can experience and reflect God’s glory right here and now by following Jesus and living out God's call in our everyday lives. In fact, Isaiah 43:7 says that we were created by God for His glory!

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

When an angel appeared to Mary, it was the glory of God touching the earth! The angel proclaimed that she would bear a child, Jesus, the Messiah, who would bring with Him the gift of hope.

__________________________________________________________
This Advent and Christmas season, we’ll focus on the profound theme of God's glory. It can be challenging to define God's glory since it manifests in numerous ways throughout the Bible. It embodies the greatness and perfection of His character and attributes. Additionally, God’s glory reveals His special presence in the world, evident in both creation and His redemptive acts. We can also glorify God through our worship and praise. However, it was on that first Christmas that the ultimate expression of God's glory entered our world with the birth of Jesus. Yet, Jesus came, not only to display God's glory but to invite us to embody and reflect it in our own lives. This may surprise us; we might think God's glory is reserved for exceptionally spiritual people, for extraordinary acts, or even for the realm of fantasy and escape, but we can experience and reflect God’s glory right here and now by following Jesus and living out God's call in our everyday lives. In fact, Isaiah 43:7 says that we were created by God for His glory!

.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

God’s word calls us to the destination of becoming people who are generous with all that we’ve given in ways that glorify God.

________________________________________________ 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

God’s word calls us to move toward trusting in God’s provision for our lives and our ability to give.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

God’s word calls us to steer clear of greed and other selfish motives that cause us to place too much value on money and possessions.  We are to trust God, resist temptation, and be willing to give.
________________________________________

Navigating Generosity

God is incredibly generous. He’s given us everything we have, including our very lives.  In turn, God calls us to be generous as well.  The idea of being generous people may appeal to us, but navigating our way to generosity isn’t as simple as we’d like.  It’s easy to get turned in the wrong direction or lost along the way.  With this series, we’ll focus on steering clear of greed and selfish motives and toward trusting in God’s provision so that we can reach our destination of becoming generous people.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

We are called to greet one another as a sign of welcoming and belonging and also as an act of love and care.
______________________________

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Submission is a biblical principle. We are called to submit not only to God, those in authority over us, and in marriage but also to one another as an act of obedience to God and care for one another.  We also need to realize that even Jesus practiced submission, and He is our model for life and faith.

 ___________________________

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Ephesians 4:2, Colossians 3:13, Galatians 6:2, Romans 15:1.

We are called to “Bear with One Another and Bear One Another's Burdens,” which means that we are to walk with one another through the hard things and times of this life and seek to support and help one another as we do.

________________________

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

When we say yes to God's call, even when it seems mundane or insignificant, God can do great things with our lives.
________________________________

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

We are called to instruct/admonish one another when we see another believer getting off track in their life or faith.  This is incredibly hard to do well and very hard to receive well, and yet when we get off track, we need people who are willing and able to warn us and call us to correction. 
_______________________________________

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

We are called to be of the same mind and therefore in harmony in that way.  This comes from seeking to have the same mindset as Jesus rather than focusing on human desires.
_______________________________

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

We are called to serve one another in love.  Serving others is a way to put our love for one another into practice in concrete ways in this world. Serving others is also the model that Jesus set for us, and at the very heart of who he was. Having a servant's heart is one of the greatest attributes we can have in God's eyes.
_______________________________________

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Romans 12:10, I Peter 5:5 and Philippines 2:1-11, Matthew 23:12.

Scripture calls to honor one another, which means to put others above ourselves, and to humble ourselves means to put ourselves below or behind others.  Jesus is our best example of both of these things, and we also see from Him that, in the end, God exalts those who humble themselves.

____________________________________________________________
Community: The One Another Verses

One of the greatest gifts God gives us is the community of the Church.  This community supports and encourages us in so many ways. It is also an important witness to the world and an essential tool for ministry as we reach out to those who don't know Jesus and seek to draw them into the Church.  Yet, life in community isn't always easy.  For that reason, this fall, we'll be looking at what is known as the "one another" passages. To paraphrase Scott Hubbard, the "one another" passages offer a brilliant picture of life together in community, not only under the lordship of Christ but also in the pattern of Christ.  Rightly understood, the one-another passages are nothing less than the life of Christ at work in the people of Christ to the glory of Christ. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

2 Corinthians 13:11, Romans 14:19, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 3:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:18, 1 Timothy 5:1-2, Hebrews 10:23-25  

Life and faith are hard; for these reasons, scripture calls us to "encourage one another" and "build one another up.  We are to be a support system for one another to carry us through hard times and help us thrive.
___________________________________________________________

Community: The One Another Verses

One of the greatest gifts God gives us is the community of the Church.  This community supports and encourages us in so many ways. It is also an important witness to the world and an essential tool for ministry as we reach out to those who don't know Jesus and seek to draw them into the Church.  Yet, life in community isn't always easy.  For that reason, this fall, we'll be looking at what is known as the "one another" passages. To paraphrase Scott Hubbard, the "one another" passages offer a brilliant picture of life together in community, not only under the lordship of Christ but also in the pattern of Christ.  Rightly understood, the one-another passages are nothing less than the life of Christ at work in the people of Christ to the glory of Christ. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Romans 12:3-8 and Matthew 12:46-50

Christianity is not a solo quest, nor is it something we do together with no responsibility to one another.  Scripture says that we are "members of one another," which means we share a deep spiritual bond and commitment to one another in Christ.
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Community: The One Another Verses

One of the greatest gifts God gives us is the community of the Church.  This community supports and encourages us in so many ways. It is also an important witness to the world and an essential tool for ministry as we reach out to those who don't know Jesus and seek to draw them into the Church.  Yet, life in community isn't always easy.  For that reason, this fall, we'll be looking at what is known as the "one another" passages. To paraphrase Scott Hubbard, the "one another" passages offer a brilliant picture of life together in community, not only under the lordship of Christ but also in the pattern of Christ.  Rightly understood, the one-another passages are nothing less than the life of Christ at work in the people of Christ to the glory of Christ.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

John 13:34-35 and Colossians 3:13

To begin this series, we'll look at the two "one another" statements that are most fundamental to our life together in community, the call to love and forgive one another, and note how they both flow from our relationship with Jesus.

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Community: The One Another Verses

One of the greatest gifts God gives us is the community of the Church.  This community supports and encourages us in so many ways. It is also an important witness to the world and an essential tool for ministry as we reach out to those who don't know Jesus and seek to draw them into the Church.  Yet, life in community isn't always easy.  For that reason, this fall, we'll be looking at what is known as the "one another" passages. To paraphrase Scott Hubbard, the "one another" passages offer a brilliant picture of life together in community, not only under the lordship of Christ but also in the pattern of Christ.  Rightly understood, the one-another passages are nothing less than the life of Christ at work in the people of Christ to the glory of Christ. [1]

[1] Scott Hubbard “The Art of One-Anothering; How the Church Loves Like Christ” found at: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-art-of-one-anothering

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

When we’re just going through the motion spiritually, our worship degenerates into an empty ritual because our desire is not for God, so our hearts are not in it.  It’s about worshipping Jesus.

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Going Through the Motions (Tent Series)

Our hope is to have vibrant and alive faith. Yet, try as we might, it’s easy to end up going through the motions in our spiritual lives.  Sometimes, without even realizing it, we can slip into living our spiritual lives on autopilot, falling into tradition and habit, doing what we think we ought to do, what others expect from us, or simply trying to appease God rather than to really know and love Him. With this series, we’ll seek to look at some of the foundational concepts of faith with fresh eyes and open hearts to avoid ending up just going through the motions.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

When we’re just going through the motions spiritually, we inevitably begin to conform to the patterns of this world rather than seeking to be transformed and conformed more and more into the likeness of Christ. It’s about becoming like Jesus.                                                                                                                 

“Good Deeds vs. Serving Jesus”
James 2:14-18, Matthew 23:27, Hebrew 3:6, Ephesians 2:8-10

When we’re just going through the motions spiritually, we may cease to serve God, or we may continue to serve, but since what we’re doing is no longer done by faith, these good deeds fall short of pleasing God and the glory of seeking to build His kingdom. It’s about building Jesus’ Kingdom.

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Going Through the Motions (Tent Series)

Our hope is to have vibrant and alive faith. Yet, try as we might, it’s easy to end up going through the motions in our spiritual lives.  Sometimes, without even realizing it, we can slip into living our spiritual lives on autopilot, falling into tradition and habit, doing what we think we ought to do, what others expect from us, or simply trying to appease God rather than to really know and love Him. With this series, we’ll seek to look at some of the foundational concepts of faith with fresh eyes and open hearts to avoid ending up just going through the motions.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

When we’re just going through the motions spiritually, we begin to believe we belong to ourselves and live for ourselves rather than remembering that we belong to God and seek to live for Him. It’s about belonging to and living for Jesus.

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Going Through the Motions (Tent Series)

Our hope is to have vibrant and alive faith. Yet, try as we might, it’s easy to end up going through the motions in our spiritual lives.  Sometimes, without even realizing it, we can slip into living our spiritual lives on autopilot, falling into tradition and habit, doing what we think we ought to do, what others expect from us, or simply trying to appease God rather than to really know and love Him. With this series, we’ll seek to look at some of the foundational concepts of faith with fresh eyes and open hearts to avoid ending up just going through the motions.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Matthew 13:15, 15:8, Hebrews 11:1-3, 6, John 6:68-69

When we’re just going through the motions spiritually, we can easily slip into religion in the worst sense of the word, which simply means doing religious stuff rather than seeking to have vibrant and alive faith in Jesus. It’s about believing in Jesus.

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Going Through the Motions

Summer Tent Series

Our hope is to have vibrant and alive faith. Yet, try as we might, it’s easy to end up going through the motions in our spiritual lives.  Sometimes, without even realizing it, we can slip into living our spiritual lives on autopilot, falling into tradition and habit, doing what we think we ought to do, what others expect from us, or simply trying to appease God rather than to really know and love Him. With this series, we’ll seek to look at some of the foundational concepts of faith with fresh eyes and open hearts to avoid ending up just going through the motions.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Mark 4:1-9 and Ephesians 17-18

In this parable from Mark, Jesus tells about a farmer who sows seed in some strange places where it’s unlikely to grow, but the seed that does grow produces an amazing yield.  The point is that God reaches out to everyone, and those who respond experience amazing transformation, which the Ephesian passage describes in further detail.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Esther 9:20 - 10:3
As God's people are saved, they respond with a celebration, the Jewish festival of Purim. It's a celebration of looking backward and remembering but also moving forward. All the stories of deliverance in the Bible, including Esther, foreshadow the ultimate deliverance of God's people through the salvation we have in Jesus. In this way, we can see that the whole Bible really is about Jesus and what he has done. May we remember this as we move forward in our lives.

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Esther: God Behind the Scenes

Esther is the only book in the Bible that doesn't mention God. On the surface, God seems absent from this story. Sadly, that's a familiar idea for many of us. Sometimes, we may feel like God is absent from our lives and world. But the story of Esther reveals that God is always present behind the scenes, often working with great power, even when He may seem albescent to us. Esther is the story of God's loving and sometimes hidden providence, the truth that He is over all things working out His will, and the amazing truth that he uses ordinary, flawed people to accomplish His plans. In the end, through a series of stunning reversals, we find that God is definitely not absent but is, in fact, the central character in this story and that He is always at work for the good of His people and for His glory.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Esther 9:1-19 

In another stunning reversal, the decree of life is carried out. People marked for death are spared and given a new lease of life. This reversal feels harsh to us, but it would have been seen as equal justice in the time. And yet this event foreshadows a much greater reversal, one in which life also came out of death—the Cross and the mercy and grace that come from Jesus' death on it.

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Esther

God Behind the Scenes

Esther is the only book in the Bible that doesn't mention God. On the surface, God seems absent from this story. Sadly, that's a familiar idea for many of us. Sometimes, we may feel like God is absent from our lives and world. But the story of Esther reveals that God is always present behind the scenes, often working with great power, even when He may seem albescent to us. Esther is the story of God's loving and sometimes hidden providence, the truth that He is over all things working out His will, and the amazing truth that he uses ordinary, flawed people to accomplish His plans. In the end, through a series of stunning reversals, we find that God is definitely not absent but is, in fact, the central character in this story and that He is always at work for the good of His people and for His glory.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Esther 8:1-17            

God's providence leads to another reversal. An irrevocable decree that brought death to the Jews had been given, but now a counter degree bringing life. In the same way, a decree of death stands against us for our sin that can't be revoked, but the counter decree of the gospel has been issued, bringing life. When we give our lives to Christ, we are united with Him, so His death becomes our death to sin, and His resurrection becomes our resurrection to new life.

___________________________________________

Esther

God Behind the Scenes

Esther is the only book in the Bible that doesn't mention God. On the surface, God seems absent from this story. Sadly, that's a familiar idea for many of us. Sometimes, we may feel like God is absent from our lives and world. But the story of Esther reveals that God is always present behind the scenes, often working with great power, even when He may seem albescent to us. Esther is the story of God's loving and sometimes hidden providence, the truth that He is over all things working out His will, and the amazing truth that he uses ordinary, flawed people to accomplish His plans. In the end, through a series of stunning reversals, we find that God is definitely not absent but is, in fact, the central character in this story and that He is always at work for the good of His people and for His glory.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Esther 7:1-10                                     

God provides another amazing reversal; justice is served, and Hamman meets the fate that he had set for Mordecai. The death of a substitute satisfied the King's wrath. With Mordecai and Haman, it was the guilty dying in the place of the innocent; with Jesus and us, it is the innocent dying in the place of the guilty.
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Esther

God Behind the Scenes

Esther is the only book in the Bible that doesn't mention God. On the surface, God seems absent from this story. Sadly, that's a familiar idea for many of us. Sometimes, we may feel like God is absent from our lives and world. But the story of Esther reveals that God is always present behind the scenes, often working with great power, even when He may seem albescent to us. Esther is the story of God's loving and sometimes hidden providence, the truth that He is over all things working out His will, and the amazing truth that he uses ordinary, flawed people to accomplish His plans. In the end, through a series of stunning reversals, we find that God is definitely not absent but is, in fact, the central character in this story and that He is always at work for the good of His people and for His glory.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Esther 6:1-14            

God's providence leads to a great reversal; Mordecai is honored instead of Hamman. This is really no surprise since scripture says that God "opposes the proud and shows favor to the humble." Both Hamman and Mordecai were servants of the King, but Mordecai had the humble heart of a servant, so he was the man the King took delight in honoring. Yet there is another man, a greater servant, whom God delights in honoring even more.
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Esther

God Behind the Scenes

Esther is the only book in the Bible that doesn't mention God. On the surface, God seems absent from this story. Sadly, that's a familiar idea for many of us. Sometimes, we may feel like God is absent from our lives and world. But the story of Esther reveals that God is always present behind the scenes, often working with great power, even when He may seem albescent to us. Esther is the story of God's loving and sometimes hidden providence, the truth that He is over all things working out His will, and the amazing truth that he uses ordinary, flawed people to accomplish His plans. In the end, through a series of stunning reversals, we find that God is definitely not absent but is, in fact, the central character in this story and that He is always at work for the good of His people and for His glory.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

John 14:15-31

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out with power on all believers, and the church was formed.  With this passage for today, Jesus helps us understand that the Holy Spirit comes to help us to know Him more, to live our faith in Him, and to continue His ministry in the world. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Esther 5:1-14                     

In this passage, we have contrasting characters. Esther approaches the king by faith and with humility. Haman has an approach, too; his is one of foolish pride in his accomplishments. With God, it's never about accomplishment; it's always about relationships. Do we know and belong to Him?

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Esther

God Behind the Scenes

Esther is the only book in the Bible that doesn't mention God. On the surface, God seems absent from this story. Sadly, that's a familiar idea for many of us. Sometimes, we may feel like God is absent from our lives and world. But the story of Esther reveals that God is always present behind the scenes, often working with great power, even when He may seem albescent to us. Esther is the story of God's loving and sometimes hidden providence, the truth that He is over all things working out His will, and the amazing truth that he uses ordinary, flawed people to accomplish His plans. In the end, through a series of stunning reversals, we find that God is definitely not absent but is, in fact, the central character in this story and that He is always at work for the good of His people and for His glory.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Esther 4:1-17              

God will accomplish His purposes. The question is whether He'll do so through or in spite of us. In this passage, Mordechai and Esther's faith comes to life, and they begin to follow God's lead. No matter where we find ourselves, we can be confident that God can use us for his purposes. God's providence leads Esther to become the people's mediator before the king, foreshadowing a greater mediator.
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Esther

God Behind the Scenes

Esther is the only book in the Bible that doesn't mention God. On the surface, God seems absent from this story. Sadly, that's a familiar idea for many of us. Sometimes, we may feel like God is absent from our lives and world. But the story of Esther reveals that God is always present behind the scenes, often working with great power, even when He may seem albescent to us. Esther is the story of God's loving and sometimes hidden providence, the truth that He is over all things working out His will, and the amazing truth that he uses ordinary, flawed people to accomplish His plans. In the end, through a series of stunning reversals, we find that God is definitely not absent but is, in fact, the central character in this story and that He is always at work for the good of His people and for His glory.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Esther 2:19-3:15                      

We live in a broken world where life is often hard and unfair, and we often sin and suffer, but God is always near and at work for the good of His people. So we always have hope, not least of which is for a greater King!

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Esther

God Behind the Scenes

Esther is the only book in the Bible that doesn't mention God. On the surface, God seems absent from this story. Sadly, that's a familiar idea for many of us. Sometimes, we may feel like God is absent from our lives and world. But the story of Esther reveals that God is always present behind the scenes, often working with great power, even when He may seem albescent to us. Esther is the story of God's loving and sometimes hidden providence, the truth that He is over all things working out His will, and the amazing truth that he uses ordinary, flawed people to accomplish His plans. In the end, through a series of stunning reversals, we find that God is definitely not absent but is, in fact, the central character in this story and that He is always at work for the good of His people and for His glory.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Esther 2:1-18                     

While Xerxes is enacting his plan, God's providence leads Esther to become Queen because of the role she will play in His plan. God is often at work in our lives in ways we can't see, and He can use us despite our situations, shortcomings, and sins. 

__________________________________________________________________
Esther

God Behind the Scenes

 Esther is the only book in the Bible that doesn't mention God. On the surface, God seems absent from this story. Sadly, that's a familiar idea for many of us. Sometimes, we may feel like God is absent from our lives and world. But the story of Esther reveals that God is always present behind the scenes, often working with great power, even when He may seem albescent to us. Esther is the story of God's loving and sometimes hidden providence, the truth that He is over all things working out His will, and the amazing truth that he uses ordinary, flawed people to accomplish His plans. In the end, through a series of stunning reversals, we find that God is definitely not absent but is, in fact, the central character in this story and that He is always at work for the good of His people and for His glory.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Esther 1:1-22                    

It may seem to us at times that God is absent when, in fact, He is present behind the scenes. God used one person standing up for what was right, exposing the frailty of this worldly kingdom and creating the opportunity for his plan to unfold. God's power and providence mean we always have hope, not least of which is for a greater Kingdom.

____________________________________________________________________
Esther

God Behind the Scenes

Esther is the only book in the Bible that doesn't mention God. On the surface, God seems absent from this story. Sadly, that's a familiar idea for many of us. Sometimes, we may feel like God is absent from our lives and world. But the story of Esther reveals that God is always present behind the scenes, often working with great power, even when He may seem albescent to us. Esther is the story of God's loving and sometimes hidden providence, the truth that He is over all things working out His will, and the amazing truth that he uses ordinary, flawed people to accomplish His plans. In the end, through a series of stunning reversals, we find that God is definitely not absent but is, in fact, the central character in this story and that He is always at work for the good of His people and for His glory.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

John 6: 32-39

Guest Preacher - Melinda Hoyt

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

After Jesus was crucified, two of his disciples encountered an amazing man on the road to Emmaus, and their lives were forever changed when they realized that Jesus had risen from the dead! As we encounter Jesus, may our lives be changed, too, as we realize that He is the Risen Lord!

(Easter Sunday)

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Encounters with Jesus (Lent)

Throughout the Gospels, people had amazing encounters with Jesus. These were ordinary people who were forever changed by their encounters with Him. With this series, as we walk through the season of Lent, we'll see how these people were changed by Jesus and recognize that through our own encounters with Jesus, He can change us, too.  With this series, we will also refocus our hearts and minds on Jesus, on who he was, what he taught, and the meaning of his death, as we prepare to celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Crowds of people on the road to Jerusalem encountered Jesus, and they adored him because they believed He was the Messiah.  As we encounter Jesus, who do we say that He is, and how could that change our lives?

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Encounters with Jesus (Lent)

Throughout the Gospels, people had amazing encounters with Jesus. These were ordinary people who were forever changed by their encounters with Him. With this series, as we walk through the season of Lent, we'll see how these people were changed by Jesus and recognize that through our own encounters with Jesus, He can change us, too.  With this series, we will also refocus our hearts and minds on Jesus, on who he was, what he taught, and the meaning of his death, as we prepare to celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

A man who could not walk had an encounter with Jesus, and he took a leap of faith that changed his life. As we encounter Jesus, he also calls us to take leaps of faith.

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Encounters with Jesus (Lent)

Throughout the Gospels, people had amazing encounters with Jesus. These were ordinary people who were forever changed by their encounters with Him. With this series, as we walk through the season of Lent, we'll see how these people were changed by Jesus and recognize that through our own encounters with Jesus, He can change us, too.  With this series, we will also refocus our hearts and minds on Jesus, on who he was, what he taught, and the meaning of his death, as we prepare to celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

A Paralyzed man encountered Jesus, and he was healed and forgiven. As we encounter Jesus, He desires to heal and forgive as well.

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Encounters with Jesus (Lent)

Throughout the Gospels, people had amazing encounters with Jesus. These were ordinary people who were forever changed by their encounters with Him. With this series, as we walk through the season of Lent, we'll see how these people were changed by Jesus and recognize that through our own encounters with Jesus, He can change us, too.  With this series, we will also refocus our hearts and minds on Jesus, on who he was, what he taught, and the meaning of his death, as we prepare to celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

A girl and a woman had encounters with Jesus, and they found that He had the power to deal with even the biggest and messiest problems in their lives and that He didn't turn them away because of them. As we encounter Jesus, we find these same things are true of Him for us as well.

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Encounters with Jesus (Lent)

Throughout the Gospels, people had amazing encounters with Jesus. These were ordinary people who were forever changed by their encounters with Him. With this series, as we walk through the season of Lent, we'll see how these people were changed by Jesus and recognize that through our own encounters with Jesus, He can change us, too.  With this series, we will also refocus our hearts and minds on Jesus, on who he was, what he taught, and the meaning of his death, as we prepare to celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

A dishonest tax collector named Zacchaeus encountered Jesus, and when he did, not only did his life change, but his values changed, too. As we encounter Jesus, our lives and values are also supposed to change.

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Encounters with Jesus (Lent)

Throughout the Gospels, people had amazing encounters with Jesus. These were ordinary people who were forever changed by their encounters with Him. With this series, as we walk through the season of Lent, we'll see how these people were changed by Jesus and recognize that through our own encounters with Jesus, He can change us, too.  With this series, we will also refocus our hearts and minds on Jesus, on who he was, what he taught, and the meaning of his death, as we prepare to celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Some random fishermen encountered Jesus.  He called them to repent, believe, and follow Him, and their lives were forever changed as they did so and became his first disciples. As we encounter Jesus, He calls us to repent, believe, and follow Him so that we might also become his disciples.

(Ash Wednesday)
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Encounters with Jesus (Lent)

Throughout the Gospels, people had amazing encounters with Jesus. These were ordinary people who were forever changed by their encounters with Him. With this series, as we walk through the season of Lent, we'll see how these people were changed by Jesus and recognize that through our own encounters with Jesus, He can change us, too.  With this series, we will also refocus our hearts and minds on Jesus, on who he was, what he taught, and the meaning of his death, as we prepare to celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

A woman at a well had an encounter with Jesus, and it changed her life and the lives of others in her town, as she and they came to believe in Him as their savior. As we encounter Jesus, He calls us to believe in Him and receive Him as our savior, too.

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Encounters with Jesus
Lent 2024

Throughout the Gospels, people had amazing encounters with Jesus. These were ordinary people who were forever changed by their encounters with Him. With this series, as we walk through the season of Lent, we'll see how these people were changed by Jesus and recognize that through our own encounters with Jesus, He can change us, too.  With this series, we will also refocus our hearts and minds on Jesus, on who he was, what he taught, and the meaning of his death, as we prepare to celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Effective prayers come from seeking to live God's way, remembering to ask, and doing so by faith without doubting that God can do what we've asked for. 

Prayer Matters

As we move into the new year, we'll begin a new series of messages called "Prayer Matters" because prayer really does matter a great deal. Also, with this series, we will take up different important matters concerning prayer.  Prayer is one of the most foundational pieces of a spiritual life, and yet so many people, even long-time believers, often seem to struggle with it. This series is meant to help dig deeply into the core elements of prayer, like what prayer is, why we should pray, and how to pray effectively.  Each message will move from the basics to deeper places, providing useful insights from scripture for those who are new to prayer, as well as those with developed prayer lives.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

We should pray, seeking an honest and intimate connection with God and using the Lord's prayer as a guide.  We should also pray all kinds of prayers constantly and with confidence.

Prayer Matters

 As we move into the new year, we'll begin a new series of messages called "Prayer Matters" because prayer really does matter a great deal. Also, with this series, we will take up different important matters concerning prayer.  Prayer is one of the most foundational pieces of a spiritual life, and yet so many people, even long-time believers, often seem to struggle with it. This series is meant to help dig deeply into the core elements of prayer, like what prayer is, why we should pray, and how to pray effectively.  Each message will move from the basics to deeper places, providing useful insights from scripture for those who are new to prayer, as well as those with developed prayer lives.

Video Clip
Prayer - According to Michael Jr.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkqDpMUu6Yg&t=12s
As we discussed the importance of prayer, sometimes we just don't know how to approach and amazing God in prayer.  Michael Jr. (as part of the "Thou Shalt Laugh 4" crew) enlightens us with his hilarious experience with prayer for the first time.  (Shown at WNL on 2/17/10)

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

God hears everything, including our prayers. God does answer our prayers.  When people ask faithfully, God frequently grants their prayers, more often than we may realize.  However, God does not always give us what we pray for, and the scripture outlines some good reasons why.

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Prayer Matters

 As we move into the new year, we'll begin a new series of messages called "Prayer Matters" because prayer really does matter a great deal. Also, with this series, we will take up different important matters concerning prayer.  Prayer is one of the most foundational pieces of a spiritual life, and yet so many people, even long-time believers, often seem to struggle with it. This series is meant to help dig deeply into the core elements of prayer, like what prayer is, why we should pray, and how to pray effectively.  Each message will move from the basics to deeper places, providing useful insights from scripture for those who are new to prayer, as well as those with developed prayer lives.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

We should pray for a number of reasons: we are called to pray in scripture because prayer is powerful, but most importantly, we should pray in order to grow a deep and intimate relationship with God. 
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Prayer Matters

As we move into the new year, we'll begin a new series of messages called "Prayer Matters" because prayer really does matter a great deal. Also, with this series, we will take up different important matters concerning prayer.  Prayer is one of the most foundational pieces of a spiritual life, and yet so many people, even long-time believers, often seem to struggle with it. This series is meant to help dig deeply into the core elements of prayer, like what prayer is, why we should pray, and how to pray effectively.  Each message will move from the basics to deeper places, providing useful insights from scripture for those who are new to prayer, as well as those with developed prayer lives.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Prayer is communication and communion with God, which is central to the Christian life.

 _____________________________________________
Prayer Matters

As we move into the new year, we'll begin a new series of messages called "Prayer Matters" because prayer really does matter a great deal. Also, with this series, we will take up different important matters concerning prayer.  Prayer is one of the most foundational pieces of a spiritual life, and yet so many people, even long-time believers, often seem to struggle with it. This series is meant to help dig deeply into the core elements of prayer, like what prayer is, why we should pray, and how to pray effectively.  Each message will move from the basics to deeper places, providing useful insights from scripture for those who are new to prayer, as well as those with developed prayer lives.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

The Magi could have let the messes they encountered stop them. Instead, they sought Jesus in the mess, and they found Him.  May we follow their lead, seek Jesus in the messes, and learn to walk through them with Him.

Epiphany Sunday

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Messy Christmas

 The first Christmas was messy: an unwed mother, a father thinking of leaving, a child born in a stable, and a birth announcement to lowly shepherds.  The first Christmas was messy because life is messy.  Christmas isn't about a picture-perfect moment; it's about a God who meets us in the mess.  In Jesus, God entered into the mess of our world and our lives with the promise and call to something better.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

On this Sunday, a few members of our Orchard family will share stories of how God has been at work in their lives, and together, we'll lift up prayers for the New Year.

Faith Stories Sunday featuring
Neepa DeVries
Micheal McQuillan
June Verloop
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Messy Christmas

The first Christmas was messy: an unwed mother, a father thinking of leaving, a child born in a stable, and a birth announcement to lowly shepherds.  The first Christmas was messy because life is messy.  Christmas isn't about a picture-perfect moment; it's about a God who meets us in the mess.  In Jesus, God entered into the mess of our world and our lives with the promise and call to something better.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

In Jesus, God himself came to meet us in the mess of this world and the mess of our lives in order to be our Savior.

____________________________________________________________
Messy Christmas

The first Christmas was messy: an unwed mother, a father thinking of leaving, a child born in a stable, and a birth announcement to lowly shepherds.  The first Christmas was messy because life is messy.  Christmas isn't about a picture-perfect moment; it's about a God who meets us in the mess.  In Jesus, God entered into the mess of our world and our lives with the promise and call to something better.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream with the news that he would have a son, Jesus the Messiah, who would bring with Him the gift of love in the midst of a messy world and our messy lives.

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Messy Christmas

 The first Christmas was messy: an unwed mother, a father thinking of leaving, a child born in a stable, and a birth announcement to lowly shepherds.  The first Christmas was messy because life is messy.  Christmas isn't about a picture-perfect moment; it's about a God who meets us in the mess.  In Jesus, God entered into the mess of our world and our lives with the promise and call to something better.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

The angels announced the amazing news that Jesus the Messiah had been born, who would bring with Him the gift of joy in the midst of a messy world and our messy lives.

Choir Sunday - To hear more of the amazing, joyful worship of our choir, visit our YouTube page and watch the whole service. 
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Messy Christmas

The first Christmas was messy: an unwed mother, a father thinking of leaving, a child born in a stable, and a birth announcement to lowly shepherds.  The first Christmas was messy because life is messy.  Christmas isn't about a picture-perfect moment; it's about a God who meets us in the mess.  In Jesus, God entered into the mess of our world and our lives with the promise and call to something better.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

An angel appeared to the shepherds with the news that Jesus the Messiah had been born, who would bring with Him the gift of peace in the midst of a messy world and our messy lives.
_____________________________________
Messy Christmas

The first Christmas was messy: an unwed mother, a father thinking of leaving, a child born in a stable, and a birth announcement to lowly shepherds.  The first Christmas was messy because life is messy.  Christmas isn't about a picture-perfect moment; it's about a God who meets us in the mess.  In Jesus, God entered into the mess of our world and our lives with the promise and call to something better.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

An angel appeared to Mary with the news that she would bear a child, Jesus, the Messiah, who would bring with Him the gift of hope in the midst of a messy world and our messy lives. 

Messy Christmas

The first Christmas was messy: an unwed mother, a father thinking of leaving, a child born in a stable, and a birth announcement to lowly shepherds.  The first Christmas was messy because life is messy.  Christmas isn't about a picture-perfect moment; it's about a God who meets us in the mess.  In Jesus, God entered into the mess of our world and our lives with the promise and call to something better.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

The resources we have in this life are gifts from God that we're called to offer to God by seeking to use them according to His will and for His glory.
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Offering

When it comes to stewardship, many people think of offering financial gifts and tithes, but Biblical stewardship is much more than that.  Biblical stewardship is about realizing that everything we have and are is a gift from God to be used according to His will and for His glory.  Romans 12:1-2 calls us to offer ourselves, our whole lives, to God, living according to His will, not the patterns of this world.  In his way, we can see that stewardship really begins with offering our lives.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Everyone has been given gifts and talents from God, and we're called to offer these gifts and talents to God by seeking to use them according to His will and for His glory.

Offering

When it comes to stewardship, many people think of offering financial gifts and tithes, but Biblical stewardship is much more than that.  Biblical stewardship is about realizing that everything we have and are is a gift from God to be used according to His will and for His glory.  Romans 12:1-2 calls us to offer ourselves, our whole lives, to God, living according to His will, not the patterns of this world.  In his way, we can see that stewardship really begins with offering our lives.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Time is a precious gift from God, and we're called to offer our time to God by seeking to use it according to His will and for His glory.

Offering

When it comes to stewardship, many people think of offering financial gifts and tithes, but Biblical stewardship is much more than that.  Biblical stewardship is about realizing that everything we have and are is a gift from God to be used according to His will and for His glory.  Romans 12:1-2 calls us to offer ourselves, our whole lives, to God, living according to His will, not the patterns of this world.  In his way, we can see that stewardship really begins with offering our lives. 

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

__________________________________________________
Authentic Faith 

The Book of Philippians

 We live in a world where there are lots of expressions of faith that fall short of what we'd hope for. We don't want to live our faith in a way that's plastic or fake, or in a way that's for show, nothing more than going through the motions, arrogant, cookie cutter, or so many other lesser things. No, we want authentic faith. The book of Philippians gives us an amazing snapshot of how the Apostle Paul lived his faith. As he wrote to the people of the Church at Philippi, there is an authentic quality, something so natural and genuine about the way Paul lived and the things he taught, that it's compelling. So this fall, we'll look at the book of the Philippines and see how we can live an authentic faith.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Authentic Faith 

The Book of Philippians

We live in a world where there are lots of expressions of faith that fall short of what we'd hope for. We don't want to live our faith in a way that's plastic or fake, or in a way that's for show, nothing more than going through the motions, arrogant, cookie cutter, or so many other lesser things. No, we want authentic faith. The book of Philippians gives us an amazing snapshot of how the Apostle Paul lived his faith. As he wrote to the people of the Church at Philippi, there is an authentic quality, something so natural and genuine about the way Paul lived and the things he taught, that it's compelling. So this fall, we'll look at the book of the Philippines and see how we can live an authentic faith.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

_______________________________
Authentic Faith 

The Book of Philippians

 We live in a world where there are lots of expressions of faith that fall short of what we'd hope for. We don't want to live our faith in a way that's plastic or fake, or in a way that's for show, nothing more than going through the motions, arrogant, cookie cutter, or so many other lesser things. No, we want authentic faith. The book of Philippians gives us an amazing snapshot of how the Apostle Paul lived his faith. As he wrote to the people of the Church at Philippi, there is an authentic quality, something so natural and genuine about the way Paul lived and the things he taught, that it's compelling. So this fall, we'll look at the book of the Philippines and see how we can live an authentic faith.

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Authentic Faith 

The Book of Philippians

We live in a world where there are lots of expressions of faith that fall short of what we'd hope for. We don't want to live our faith in a way that's plastic or fake, or in a way that's for show, nothing more than going through the motions, arrogant, cookie cutter, or so many other lesser things. No, we want authentic faith. The book of Philippians gives us an amazing snapshot of how the Apostle Paul lived his faith. As he wrote to the people of the Church at Philippi, there is an authentic quality, something so natural and genuine about the way Paul lived and the things he taught, that it's compelling. So this fall, we'll look at the book of the Philippines and see how we can live an authentic faith.

Video Clip 
Jan 30, 2019
Tom Brady on winning: There's "got to be more than this"
60 Minutes
In 2005, Brady wondered if winning Super Bowls was all it was cracked up to be: "I think there's a lot of other parts about me that I'm trying to find."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TA4_fVkv3c

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

I will be preaching about the simplicity of just trusting and obeying God and following Him wherever He leads and how God's plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11) comes to fruition through that.

Nita Hanson
God's Hidden Treasures
https://www.godshiddentreasures.org/

Orchard Community Church
8180 Telephone Rd
Ventura CA 93004
www.OrchardVentura.org
Contact us at Info@OrchardVentura.org
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190