Now What: Ascension Sunday

The Orchard Church - GA

Now What: Ascension Sunday

May 12, 2024 • Alex Smith • Acts 1:1–14, Psalm 110:1

In this sermon, Pastor Alex Smith explores the significance of Jesus' ascension and what it means for our lives today. As Jesus ascends into heaven, we find parallels with our struggles, needs, and fears.

After his resurrection, Jesus spends time convincing his disciples he's alive.

He spends 40 days teaching about the Kingdom, preparing them for what's to come. When asked about timing, Jesus gives cryptic answers and then ascends. Sarcastic angels remark on their fixation with timing, urging them to focus on living for the kingdom now.

What does the Ascension mean in 2024?

Jesus is king, seated at the right hand, as Psalm 110:1 indicates. The Ascension was Jesus taking his throne, signifying the beginning of his reign.

All heaven and earth belong to him; evil was defeated in the cross and resurrection. Despite facing significant challenges, Jesus' reign assures us that he is more powerful than we can imagine.

We're empowered by King Jesus:

The Ascension reestablishes the connection between heaven and earth.

Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we have the power of the king within us.

We are called to seek God in prayer, experience his power, and share his love.

Love and power are essential; without them, our beliefs hold no weight.

While the world may be confusing, Jesus' omnipresence and attention give us hope. His return promises the ultimate healing of all things.

Celebrate Jesus as king in worship. Let him be your king, continually growing in your relationship with him. Allow him to send you out in power and love, even if you haven't figured it all out yet.

Join us as we explore the timeless significance of Jesus' ascension and its relevance to our lives today.

Now What: Pentecost

May 19, 2024 • Alex Smith • Acts 2:36–41, Acts 2:1–6, Acts 2:12–24, 2 Corinthians 5:17

In this powerful conclusion to our sermon series, we dive into the transformative events of Pentecost as described in Acts 2:1-6, 12-24, 36-41. After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples find themselves asking, "What happens next?" The answer begins with seeking God in prayer. Join us as Pastor Alex Smith explores how the Holy Spirit’s arrival on Pentecost not only changed the disciples but initiated a new era of community and transformation. We’ll see how Peter, once impulsive and uncertain, becomes a bold preacher of the Gospel, empowered by the Spirit. We’ll reflect on the miraculous signs that accompanied the Spirit’s descent—wind, fire, and speaking in tongues—and their profound significance. Discover how the Spirit’s work at Pentecost extends to us today, urging us not to stay the same but to embrace the new creation we are in Christ. We’ll discuss the importance of community, love, and ongoing transformation through the Spirit’s power. This sermon reminds us that the gifts of the Spirit, whether miraculous or seemingly mundane, are given to bless the church and further God’s mission. Whether you’re tuning in online or joining us in person, let’s commit together to be transformed and to build God’s kingdom. Don’t stay the same. Let the Holy Spirit lead you into a life of prayer, worship, service, and community. Takeaways: Accept the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life. Let the Holy Spirit guide your actions and decisions. Use worship and prayer to connect deeply with God. Engage with others intentionally for spiritual growth. If you’re uncertain, simply ask for God’s grace. Let’s build the kingdom together. Don’t stay the same.

Now What: More Than These

May 5, 2024 • Nick Nixon • 1 John 4:9–11, 1 John 4:21, 2 Peter 1:10, John 21:15–17, Matthew 26:36–39

This sermon examines John 21:15-17, when Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love me?" Peter's journey is marked by moments of boldness and impulsivity, as well as moments of failure. He famously denies Jesus three times, as predicted by Jesus Himself. However, despite his flaws, Peter's love for Jesus is evident. Connection Coordinator, Nick Nixon, explains what Jesus meant by "more than these" and suggests that Jesus was referring to anything that competes with our love for Him. Competing loves distract us from Jesus. These can include: 1. My Reputation: We seek to be liked and respected, often prioritizing our image over our relationship with Jesus. 2. My Preferences: We tend to control what we like and how we want things done, often putting our preferences above God's will. 3. My Relationships: While relationships are important, they can become a competing love if they stand between us and Jesus. 4. My Comfort: We prioritize comfort, avoiding anything that makes us uncomfortable, even if it means neglecting our spiritual growth. 5. My Plans: Our plans for our lives can become a competing love if they don't align with God's plans for us. Jesus challenges Peter to love Him more than these competing loves. He urges Peter to show his love through action, specifically by caring for His sheep. Tending to others reflects our love for Jesus. Competing loves are exposed by how we treat others. Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving others as a demonstration of our love for Him. We can't truly love God if we don't love our neighbors. Jesus calls us to love Him above all else and to demonstrate this love through our actions. When Jesus asks, "Do you love me?" He's challenging us to examine our hearts and prioritize our love for Him over anything else. Loving Jesus means loving others and fulfilling His commandments. The sermon wraps up with a powerful message emphasizing the importance of love for others as a reflection of our love for God. It's not enough to simply attend church or engage in worship; true love for God is demonstrated through love for others. Jesus's repeated question to Peter, "Do you love me more than these?" challenges us to examine our hearts and prioritize our love for Him over anything else. We're urged to be grieved by our competing loves and commit to putting Jesus first every day, making Him our First Love. Acknowledging and addressing these competing loves is the first step. Seeking God's help to keep Jesus as our top priority is essential. And finally, responding to Jesus's command to love our neighbors, in every aspect of our lives, is crucial. The closing verse, 2 Peter 1:10, encourages us to confirm our call and election by living out our faith. The sermon concludes with an invitation for those who are still exploring their relationship with Jesus. We assure you that Jesus is always there, ready to walk alongside you. We would love to support and pray for anyone seeking guidance in their spiritual journey.

Now What: The Great Commission

April 28, 2024 • Alex Smith • Matthew 28:16–20

In this sermon, we explore the significance of the Great Commission as outlined in Matthew 28:16-20. Pastor Alex Smith shares the "Now What?" of our faith journey and our calling as believers. At The Orchard, we exist to encounter Jesus, experience transformation, and embrace everyone. We blend tradition with modern worship to engage the Next Generation and foster community. The resurrection signifies Jesus's identity and the dawn of a new world of love, empowering us to bring justice and build community. Living for the resurrection involves relational wholeness, resisting cultural forces like cynicism, and embracing a life of love and peace. We make disciples by inviting others to follow Jesus, baptizing them into the faith community, and teaching them about the Kingdom of God. Despite our imperfections, Jesus promises to be with us always, providing comfort and strength. Join us as we know the power of the Resurrection, make disciples, baptize new believers, and remember that Jesus is always with us.