The Orchard Church - A Christian Community & Mission Organization

I Don't Want to Break

Stress is a widespread problem with Americans. Attending to it helps improve not only our day to day joy, but the depth of our relationship with God.

1. Good Stress?

Whether you are a Christian or not, stress happens. But God uses some stress to help get us out of ruts, and realign our lives with God. Sometimes it is to help us re-prioritize or downsize our busyness, sometimes it is to teach us humility, and sometimes it is to help us see God's righteousness more clearly.

Message Summary: [Click]

Doug Ellis | September 10, 2023 | Hebrews 12:5-11

2. Controversy

Controversy is a passionate battle between two opposing views, with each side typically unwilling to entertain the other's arguments. The controversy that we mostly encounter in America is stressful, producing quarreling and few solutions. You may see slander, shouting, rage, propaganda, divisiveness, and sometimes violence. It's like an emotion-filled argument where both sides just shout at one another.

There are some very real and important issues that we all face, but there are better ways to approach solutions that are consistent with the mandate of love that God has entrusted to Christians.

Message Summary: [Click]

Doug Ellis | September 17, 2023 | 2 Timothy 2:23-26

3. Greed, Generosity, and Contrast

America is wealthy, and the greed and stress that wealth produces is so infectious that it's hard for any of us to escape, even Christians. In this message, we're exploring the condition of the heart that gives rise to greed, coveting, and the love of money. This is bad stress, because it doesn't help us change or improve. And, we'll look at wisdom from the Bible to help us heal from these stressors, and overcome this condition.

As you follow Jesus, you'll discover that rather than being stressed about not having more and more, you'll became stressed that others don't have enough.

Message Summary: [Click]

Doug Ellis | September 24, 2023 | 1 Timothy 6:17-19

4. Hidden Addiction

There is a shadowy closet that most of us have in our lives. Few know about this closet, because we would feel shame if people discovered it in our lives. Perhaps it is gambling, or compulsive shopping, or pornography, or procrastination, or over-eating, or gaming, or endless social-media. We can't or don't want to stop, and we keep doing it over and over.

These are called behavioral addictions, and though they may not feel as destructive as drug or alcohol addictions, they fill us with stress and do spiritual damage. The good news is that as a Christian, we have power to overcome these cycles of addiction.

Message Summary: [Click]

Doug Ellis | October 1, 2023 | 1 Corinthians 10:6-13

5. Why God? Changing the question of suffering.

The topic of God and Suffering is vast, and I could never hope to address all the questions and the philosophical points that surround it. Countless are the books, sermons, and seminars.

This message is focused on stress in the midst of suffering, and in particular two words that highlight an attitude God desires His people to discover in these times: perseverance and hope. It isn't easy to turn our attention away from the pain and toward hope, but it is possible. And as you are able, eventually, you will find peace in the midst of the pain.

Message Summary: [Click]

Doug Ellis | October 8, 2023 | Hebrews 12:1