Mercy Hill Church

God's goal was never simply to bring Israel out of Egypt—it was to bring them into His presence.In Exodus 30, God gives instructions for the altar of incense, the bronze basin, and the holy anointing oil. While these may seem like details about ancient worship, they reveal a powerful picture of what life with God looks like today.In this message from our series Follow: The Story of the Exodus, Pastor Tommy Orlando explores three essential marks of a life lived in God's presence:• A people who draw near to God• A people who are continually cleansed• A people who are set apart for GodThe altar reminds us to pursue communion with God. The basin reminds us of our ongoing need for repentance and cleansing. The anointing oil reminds us that we belong to God and have been marked by His Spirit.If Exodus 26 was about access to God's presence, Exodus 30 is about abiding in God's presence.

What do curtains, coverings, and the tabernacle have to do with your life today?In Exodus 26, God gives detailed instructions for the construction of the tabernacle. At first glance, it may seem like an ancient blueprint filled with measurements and materials. But beneath the surface is a powerful message that runs throughout the entire Bible: God covers what sin has exposed.In this message from our series Follow: The Story of the Exodus, Pastor Tommy Orlando explores how the coverings of the tabernacle point to God's provision, His holiness, and ultimately to Jesus Christ—the true covering God provides for His people.In this sermon:• Why God covered the tabernacle with multiple layers• What the veil reveals about God's holiness• How the story of Adam and Eve connects to Exodus 26• Why human efforts can never cover sin• How Jesus fulfills the purpose of the tabernacle• What it means to be clothed in Christ and welcomed into God's presenceKey Scriptures:Exodus 26Genesis 3:21Psalm 32:1Romans 3:23-25Galatians 3:22-29The story of Exodus is not only about deliverance from bondage. It is about a God who desires to dwell with His people and provides everything necessary for them to draw near.Subscribe for more sermons, biblical teaching, and resources from Mercy Hill Church.#Exodus26 #Exodus #Tabernacle #JesusInTheOldTestament #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #MercyHillChurch #GodsPresence #Grace #FollowSeries

What does it truly mean to “receive power” from the Holy Spirit?In this message from Acts 2, we continue our Pentecost series Receive Power by examining Peter's sermon after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The crowd asked, “What does this mean?” and Peter's answer reveals the purpose of Pentecost and the ongoing work of the Spirit in the life of the Church.This sermon explores how the Holy Spirit:Creates a prophetic peopleExalts Jesus Christ above all elseLeads believers into total surrender and transformationWe also examine the biblical warnings against resisting, grieving, or quenching the Holy Spirit, and the call for believers to live yielded, Spirit-filled lives that magnify Christ.

Before the power of Pentecost came, Jesus first told His disciples to wait.In this message, we look at Acts 1 & 2 to discover the true purpose of the Holy Spirit's power. The Spirit was not given to glorify us, but to reveal Christ, empower His church for mission, and build up the body of believers.As we prepare for Pentecost Sunday and continue through 10 Days to Tarry, this sermon calls the church to seek the presence of God with the right focus: not chasing experiences, but becoming faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ.“The Spirit glorifies Jesus. The Spirit empowers mission. The Spirit strengthens the body.”Scripture References:Acts 1–2John 16:12–14Romans 8Galatians 51 Corinthians 12–14#Pentecost #HolySpirit #Acts2 #Church #Jesus #ChristianSermon #MercyHill #BibleTeaching #SpiritFilled #Acts1

In Week 20 of our FOLLOW series through Exodus, guest preacher George Flees walks through Exodus 25 and the beginning of God's instructions for the Tabernacle.Why did God ask Israel to build a sanctuary? Why were the offerings voluntary? What was the purpose of the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat? And how does the Tabernacle ultimately point us to Jesus?This message explores:God's desire to dwell with His peopleThe heart of willing worship and generous givingThe meaning of the Ark of the CovenantThe purpose of the Mercy Seat and blood atonementJesus as the true and final meeting place between God and humanityThe assurance of salvation through ChristFrom Mount Sinai to the Tabernacle to the cross of Christ, Exodus 25 reveals a God who desires relationship, communion, and nearness with His people.

What does it actually mean to draw near to God?In Exodus 24, everything changes. After delivering His people and giving the Ten Commandments, God doesn't just give instructions—He establishes a covenant, provides a mediator, and invites His people into His presence.This chapter reveals a powerful truth: following God is not just about being saved from something—it's about being brought near to Someone.In this message, we walk through:• Why we need a mediator to approach a holy God• How covenant is secured by blood—not just good intentions• The deeper meaning behind “the blood of the covenant”• The surprising moment where people see God and share a meal• How all of this points directly to Jesus and the GospelExodus 24 is not just an Old Testament moment—it's a preview of what Christ accomplishes for us. Through Jesus, we have a better mediator, a better covenant, and full access to God.The invitation is no longer “stay back.”In Christ, it is: draw near.

What does real justice actually look like?In Exodus 21–23, God takes the foundation of the Ten Commandments and applies it to everyday life—showing His people how to live in a way that reflects His character. These laws aren't random or outdated. They reveal something deeper: who God is and how His people are meant to live in the world.In this message, we explore how God's justice:• Values every human life• Calls us to take responsibility for our actions• Defends the vulnerable and demands mercy• Is sustained by a life anchored in HimIn a world where justice is constantly redefined, Scripture reminds us that true justice isn't shaped by culture—it's rooted in the character of God.And ultimately, that character is fully revealed in Jesus.This isn't just about laws to follow—it's about becoming a people who reflect Him.

We finish the Ten Commandments with a shift from behavior to the heart.In Exodus 20:15–17, God addresses stealing, lying, and coveting—but underneath all three is a deeper issue: discontentment. This message unpacks how discontentment drives what we take, how we twist truth, and what we desire—and why a society can't truly flourish unless the heart itself is transformed.But this isn't just about what we avoid. It's about what God is forming in us.Contentment isn't found in having more—it's found in trusting that, in Christ, we already have enough.In this sermon, we explore:• Why discontentment leads to breakdown in individuals and communities• How coveting is the root behind so many outward sins• What Scripture teaches about true contentment• How Jesus perfectly fulfilled what we never could—and makes a new way possibleThe call isn't “try harder.”It's to come to Christ, where real contentment begins.

The seventh commandment is about more than morality—it's about what God values.In Exodus 20:14, we see that marriage is not just a relationship, but a covenant designed to reflect the faithful love of God. When that covenant is honored, it brings life, stability, and flourishing. When it's broken, the effects reach far beyond the individual.In this message, we explore how Scripture reveals marriage as a living picture of Christ and His Church—and how Jesus calls us beyond outward obedience to a deeper transformation of the heart.No matter your past or your struggle, the hope of the gospel remains:The One who calls us to faithfulness is the One who restores us when we fail.

The resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in history—but it's not just something to remember, it's something to live in.On Easter morning, Jesus overcame sin, death, and the grave. And through Him, that same victory is extended to us.In this message, we explore what it means to move from knowing about the resurrection to actually living in its power—walking in freedom, standing in victory, and enduring with hope.Because in Christ, the story of your life is no longer defined by defeat.

The crowd was loud.The praise was real.The moment looked like victory.But they still missed Him.On Palm Sunday, Jesus enters Jerusalem as King—but not the kind of King people expected. And while the crowds celebrate, Jesus sees what they cannot… and He weeps.In this message, we look at how easy it is to praise Jesus and still misunderstand Him—and how the peace we're looking for is found not in changed circumstances, but in reconciliation with God.

“You shall not murder.” Four simple words—but they carry one of the deepest truths in all of Scripture.As we continue Follow: The Story of the Exodus, we come to the sixth commandment in Exodus 20:13. In this message, Pastor Tommy shows us that this command is about far more than behavior—it reveals how God sees human life.From the very beginning, humanity was created in the image of God. That means every person carries inherent value, dignity, and purpose. And when that truth is lost, history shows us exactly what happens—life becomes negotiable.But this command doesn't just confront culture—it confronts us. Jesus takes it even deeper, revealing that it's not only about the taking of life, but how we value the lives of others in our hearts, our words, and our attitudes.The gospel ultimately shows us the true worth of human life: that while we were still sinners, Christ gave His life for us.In a world where value is constantly being redefined, this message calls us back to something unchanging:Every life matters—because every life bears the image of God.

As our series Follow: The Story of the Exodus continues, we arrive at the fifth commandment in Exodus 20:12: “Honor your father and your mother.”This command marks a turning point in the Ten Commandments. The first four commandments establish our relationship with God, but beginning with the fifth commandment the focus shifts toward our relationships with others—starting with the family.In this message, we explore how God designed the family to be the first structure of human authority and the first place where we learn obedience, humility, and honor. Scripture teaches that honoring parents is not simply about family dynamics; it forms the foundation for how we understand authority itself—and ultimately how we honor God.Pastor Tommy also examines the Hebrew meaning of honor, the connection between family stability and societal flourishing, and how Jesus perfectly embodied this command through His life and even in His final moments on the cross.In a culture where authority is often mocked and honor has largely disappeared, this commandment reminds us that a culture of honor begins in the home and extends into every part of life—including the church.Join us as we see how the fifth commandment points beyond our earthly families to the perfect Father who shapes His people to live lives marked by humility, respect, and honor.

In the fourth commandment, God does something surprising—He commands His people to rest. In Exodus 20, the Sabbath is introduced as a sacred rhythm woven into creation and given to protect God's people from the slavery of endless work.But the Sabbath is more than a day off. It is a weekly reminder that our identity is not rooted in what we produce, but in the God who redeemed us.In this message from the Follow: The Story of the Exodus series, we explore how the Sabbath reflects God's design for human flourishing and ultimately points to the true rest found in Jesus Christ.

As Israel stands at Mount Sinai, God does not begin with random rules — He begins with revelation. Before command comes covenant. Before requirement comes redemption. “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt.” Relationship comes before regulation.In this message, we explore the first three commandments and the foundational alignment they demand in every generation. These commandments are not merely restrictions; they establish the structure of a flourishing life and a faithful people.They answer three essential questions:What is ultimate? — God alone is the ultimate good. When anything else takes His place, life becomes disordered.Who is God? — He is transcendent and cannot be reduced, reshaped, or controlled. We do not remake Him in our image; He reshapes us in His.Who are we? — We are carriers of His name. To take His name in vain is not only careless speech, but careless representation. We bear His name in how we live.These commandments call us to right allegiance, right understanding, and right representation. They confront our idols, protect God's otherness, and remind us that our lives either honor or misrepresent the One we claim to follow.And ultimately, this alignment is not something we accomplish in our own strength. The Holy Spirit empowers us to make God ultimate, to yield to His transforming presence, and to carry His name faithfully in the world.Follow: The Story of the ExodusExodus 20:1–7

In Romans 1, Paul exposes the root issue beneath sin: not just bad behavior, but dishonor. Humanity did not simply disobey — we exchanged. We traded the glory of the Creator for created things. And when God loses His rightful weight in our lives, something else always takes His place.In this message, Phil Martinez explores what it truly means to honor God. Biblically, honor carries the idea of weight — to treat God as significant, essential, and first. When we treat Him as light, optional, or secondary, our thinking becomes distorted and our hearts grow dark. But when we restore His rightful place, everything changes.This sermon is both a mirror and an invitation. Where has God become optional? What carries the most weight in your decisions — His Word, your feelings, culture, success, comfort? Honor begins in humility. It shows up in worship, obedience, generosity, suffering, and everyday life.God is not looking for perfect people — He is looking for surrendered hearts.Today is an opportunity to reverse the exchange. To give God back the weight He deserves. To honor Him not just with our lips, but with our lives.Passage: Romans 1:18–25

After rescuing Israel from slavery, God brings His people to Mount Sinai — and the story takes a decisive turn. The question is no longer Will God save His people? The question becomes What kind of people will they become?In Exodus 19 we see that salvation was never the finish line. God did not bring Israel out of Egypt simply to forgive them, but to bring them near to Himself. Before a single command is given, God reminds them of His grace: “I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.” Holiness, then, does not begin with performance — it begins with remembering what God has already done.Pastor Tommy shows how this passage teaches four essential truths for the Christian life: grace comes before obedience, identity comes before behavior, God's presence calls for intentional consecration, and His holiness demands reverence. Sinai reveals a tension — God desires His people to come near, yet His holiness prevents them from approaching on their own terms. The gospel resolves that tension. Through Jesus, the veil is torn and access to God is opened, yet we still approach Him with awe because the God of Sinai is the same God who now dwells in His people by the Spirit.This sermon calls believers to move beyond casual faith and into a life set apart for God — not to earn His favor, but because we already belong to Him.Series: Follow: The Story of ExodusPassage: Exodus 19:1–25

This week in Follow: The Exodus Story, we were joined by guest speaker Dontae Brown, Mercy Hill's Youth Ministries Director, teaching from Exodus 18.After the Red Sea and the wilderness provision, Israel enters a new phase of their journey—learning how to live as God's people together. Through Moses and Jethro, we discover an unexpected truth: God often gives His wisdom through other people, and receiving it requires humility.Moses had seen miracles, spoken with God, and led a nation out of slavery. Yet when his father-in-law confronted him about carrying the burden alone, Moses didn't defend himself—he listened. His humility opened the door for God's wisdom, bringing peace, endurance, and shared responsibility among the people.In this message, we learn that pride closes us off from God's guidance, but humility allows us to grow. God never designed one person to carry the work alone—He forms His people as a body, calling believers to support, encourage, and walk together in faith.God's wisdom doesn't only come through dramatic miracles. Sometimes it comes through correction, community, and the people He places around us.Scripture Covered:Exodus 18:5–24Proverbs 15:31–33Numbers 12:3Big Ideas:• Humility is the doorway to receiving God's wisdom• God uses people to shape our walk with Him• The Church was designed to share burdens, not carry them aloneWhether you need to grow in humility, offer support to others, or ask for help yourself, this passage reminds us that God forms His people together.

What do you do when you obey God—and the path He leads you on is uncomfortable?In this message from Follow: The Exodus Story, we continue Israel's journey beyond the Red Sea and into the wilderness. Though God has delivered His people from slavery, the road ahead quickly becomes hard. Thirst, hunger, and frustration test their faith, revealing a deeper struggle—not with circumstances, but with trust in God's character.Walking through Exodus 15–16, Pastor Tommy shows us that the wilderness is not a mistake but a place of transformation. God leads His redeemed people into seasons of testing to reshape their hearts, deepen their dependence, and teach them how to trust Him daily. From bitter waters made sweet to manna falling from heaven, we see that God's provision is designed to form trust—not independence—and that true faith culminates in rest and remembrance.This passage reminds us that redemption may be immediate, but transformation is progressive. The God who parts seas is the same God who faithfully provides daily bread—and invites His people to follow Him one day at a time.Scripture Covered:Exodus 15:22–27; Exodus 161 Corinthians 10:1–13John 6:31–35Hebrews 3:7–15#FollowTheExodus#BookOfExodus#FaithInTheWilderness#DailyDependence#TrustGod#BiblicalTeaching#ChristianSermon#GodOurProvider

What does true unity in the Church actually look like—and where does it come from?In this message from Ephesians 4:1–6, Pastor Tommy Orlando calls Mercy Hill Church into a deeper, Spirit-led unity for the year ahead. This is not unity built on personality, preference, or policy, but a unity that flows from a life fully yielded to the Holy Spirit.Scripture reminds us that unity is given by the Spirit—but it must also be guarded. When we grieve, quench, or resist the Holy Spirit, division takes root. But when we walk in humility, gentleness, patience, and love, the Spirit preserves the bond of peace among us.This sermon challenges us to live worthy of the calling we've received, to pursue the presence of the Holy Spirit personally and corporately, and to reflect the heart of Christ in community. As we look ahead, this is an invitation to become a church marked not by division, but by Spirit-formed unity.Scripture References:Ephesians 4:1–61 Thessalonians 5:19Acts 7:51

What should we expect when we pray?In this message, we continue our teaching during Fervent Week of Prayer by confronting a quiet but common form of spiritual complacency: prayer that speaks to God but never listens for Him.Drawing from multiple passages throughout Scripture—including Acts, James, Jeremiah, and the life of Jesus—this teaching reminds us that prayer was never meant to be a one-way conversation. Again and again, the Bible shows a consistent pattern: when God's people prayed, God responded—with direction, wisdom, correction, comfort, and clarity.In this message, we explore:Why Scripture presents prayer as a conversation, not a ritualHow expectation shapes our experience of prayerWhy apathy often grows when prayer becomes passive or disengagedJesus' own example of withdrawing to hear the Father's voiceHow fervent prayer requires intention, focus, and disciplineWhy learning to hear God's voice begins by actually seeking itHow prayer is meant to build up not only individuals, but the entire body of ChristWe are also reminded that hearing from God is not reserved for a select few—it is part of the normal Christian life and essential for Spirit-led ministry within the church. When believers engage God personally in prayer, the result is a community strengthened by timely encouragement, direction, and care.This message leads into a time of corporate prayer, inviting the church to listen, respond, and trust that God is present and active among His people.If your prayer life has felt distant, routine, or silent, this teaching calls you to re-engage with expectation—believing that God still speaks and desires to lead His people today.

If God is sovereign, does prayer really change anything?In Part 2 of The Prayer of Faith, we continue our teaching during Fervent Week of Prayer by asking a question many believers wrestle with but rarely answer clearly: What does prayer actually do?Rooted in James 5 and Jesus' teaching in Luke 18, this message explores why Scripture commands us to “always pray and not lose heart,” and how prayer functions as the God-ordained means through which His will is revealed, His purposes are accomplished, and His people are transformed.In this message, we explore:Why Jesus taught persistence in prayer as expectation, not enduranceHow prayer genuinely changes circumstances—and why Scripture says it doesWhat to do when prayer doesn't change the outcome you hoped forHow prayer often reveals God's explicit will, not just His powerThe difference between God's permissive will and His determined willWhy prayer never fails, even when circumstances remain unchangedThrough biblical examples from Luke, James, Paul, Elijah, and the prophets, this teaching shows that prayer always brings change—either in what God does or in who we become.If you've ever struggled with apathy, confusion, or frustration in prayer, this message offers clarity, hope, and renewed confidence in the power of praying by faith.

What does the Bible actually mean when it talks about faith?As we begin our new series The Prayer of Faith, this message lays the foundation for understanding effective, biblical prayer as we prepare for our upcoming Fervent Week of Prayer. Drawing from James 5 and Hebrews 11, this sermon challenges common misconceptions about faith and reframes it as confidence not for something—but trust in Someone.In this message, we explore:Why effective prayer is rooted in the prayer of faithWhat Hebrews really means when it says faith is “the assurance of things hoped for”Why biblical faith is confidence in the unseen God, not denial of realityHow faith aligns itself with God's will, not our demandsWhy true faith ultimately finds rest in God's sovereignty, not outcomesThis teaching calls us to move our focus away from results and back onto the nature, character, and will of God—where faith becomes effective, prayer becomes grounded, and peace becomes possible.As we step into a season of prayer together, this message invites us to rediscover faith that is centered on knowing God, trusting Him fully, and resting in His purposes.

What does it mean to truly recognize Jesus?In this final message of our Advent series Come and Behold Him, we turn to the story of Simeon—a man whose entire life was shaped by waiting on a promise personally given by God. In Luke 2, Simeon is led by the Holy Spirit into the temple at just the right moment, where he takes the infant Jesus into his arms and declares, “My eyes have seen your salvation.”This message explores how:Only the Holy Spirit enables true recognition of ChristJesus is revealed as salvation for all people, Jew and Gentile alikeChrist both brings peace and exposes the human heart, dividing and revealing what we truly believeSimeon's encounter reminds us that the Christmas story is not just something to hear—it is something to behold. Christ comforts, confronts, reveals, and redeems. And when we truly see Him, everything changes.Scripture: Luke 2:22–35Waiting ends when salvation is revealed—when the Spirit opens our eyes to behold Christ.#ComeAndBeholdHim #AdventSeries #Simeon #Luke2 #SalvationHasCome #LightOfTheWorld #ChristmasSermon #JesusChrist #GospelTruth

This sermon was recorded at our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

In Week IV of our Advent series Come and Behold Him, we turn to Matthew 2:1–12 and the story of the wise men—Gentile seekers whose long journey culminated in a simple but profound declaration: “We have come to worship Him.”Unlike the quiet, personal announcements given to Mary and Joseph, or the public proclamation to the shepherds, the arrival of the Magi reveals that the birth of Jesus is not only the fulfillment of Israel's hope, but the invitation of the nations. Drawn by a sign in the heavens and centuries-old prophecy, these men traveled great distance and great cost—not to observe the newborn King, but to worship Him.This sermon explores what true worship really is—not merely words or rituals, but a life rightly ordered before God. From the example of the Magi, we see two essential marks of genuine worship:Acknowledging Jesus as King—not only Savior, but LordOffering gifts of sacrifice that reveal His rightful rule in our livesAs Jesus later teaches, the Father is seeking worshipers who worship in Spirit and in truth—worship that flows out of real life, real surrender, and real obedience. The Christmas story challenges us to ask an honest question: Have we truly come to worship Him?This message invites us to behold Christ not only as the child born in Bethlehem, but as the reigning King worthy of our reverence, submission, and sacrifice.

This week in our Advent series Come and Behold Him, we turn to the shepherds—the first public witnesses to the birth of Christ—and the angelic announcement that reveals the true purpose of Christmas.When the heavens opened over the fields of Bethlehem, the angels proclaimed a message that still defines the meaning of Christ's coming: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.” In this message, we explore why Jesus came—not first for our comfort, but for God's glory—and how true peace is found only in receiving the Savior He sent.Through the shepherds' encounter with the angels, we are reminded that:God's glory is the ultimate purpose of creation and redemptionThe peace Christ brings begins with peace with GodFrom that peace flows peace within our souls and with othersThose who truly behold Christ are compelled to proclaim HimThis sermon invites us to see Christmas as more than a sentimental story—it is the declaration that God has entered history to reclaim His world, receive glory, and bring lasting peace to His people.Come and behold Him—the Savior, the Messiah, the Lord.

This week in our Advent series Come and Behold Him, we turn from Mary's encounter with the angel to the story of Joseph—a man standing at a crossroads, called to courageously step into God's redemptive plan.While Mary's calling required her to trust God with a circumstance she could not change, Joseph's calling required him to take action—to obey God in a way that defied cultural expectations, personal logic, and social safety. When the angel told him, “Do not be afraid,” Joseph discovered the truth we also need today: God gives courage to those who step into His purposes.In this message, we explore:How Joseph's obedience reveals the courage required in genuine Christ-followershipWhy we can boldly take steps of faith when we know something is “conceived by the Holy Spirit”How God guides us through His Word and by His SpiritWhy the counter-cultural path of obedience is often the very place where God brings salvation and blessingJoseph's response shows us that courage isn't the absence of fear—it is obedience rooted in trust. And just as the Holy Spirit conceived God's redemptive plan in Mary, the Spirit continues to conceive works of grace, mission, and salvation in us today.Join us as we behold Christ through the eyes of Joseph and learn what it means to follow God with courage this Advent season.

As we begin our Advent series, Come and Behold Him, we step into the four weeks of anticipation and preparation that mark the arrival of Jesus Christ. Advent isn't just a countdown to Christmas—it is a reenactment of the longing, hope, and expectation that filled the people of God for generations as they waited for the Messiah.From the earliest pages of Scripture, God promised a Deliverer—the Seed who would crush the serpent (Gen. 3:15), the Offspring who would bless the nations (Gen. 12:3), the Son who would reign on David's throne forever (2 Sam. 7:12–16). By the time of the first Christmas, the people of Israel were living with a deep yearning for the One who would save, restore, and rule with righteousness.And then—into that centuries-long anticipation—God reveals the identity of the Promised One to an unexpected person: a young girl named Mary.In Luke 1:26–38, the angel Gabriel announces that Mary will bear Jesus—the Son of the Most High, the eternal King, the long-awaited Savior. But Mary's first response isn't about glory or privilege. It's the deeply human question: “How can this be…?” She feels the cost. The risk. The consequences.And yet her answer becomes one of the greatest statements of faith in all Scripture:“Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”Today's sermon explores:• The centuries of anticipation that lead to Jesus• Why God chose Mary and what her response reveals• The real-world cost she faced in obedience• The meaning of yielding to God's will—before understanding the outcome• How Advent calls us to the same posture: “I am the servant of the Lord.”Mary shows us the heart that prepares for the coming of Christ—a yielded, surrendered, servant posture that says:“Let it be to me according to Your word.”This Advent, may we learn to behold Him as she did.Scriptures: Luke 1:26–38; Genesis 3:15; Genesis 12; 2 Samuel 7; Isaiah 9; Romans 12:1–2; Proverbs 3:5–6; 1 John 2:16#Advent #Mary #ComeAndBeholdHim #ChristmasSeries #MercyHill #PastorTommyOrlando #Jesus #Gospel #Christmas #ChristianTeaching #Faith #Surrender

When God leads His people out of Egypt, He doesn't take them on the shortest or most obvious route. Instead, He guides them the long way — into detours, delays, and even places that look impossible. Why? Because God is not just getting Israel out of Egypt… He is forming them to follow Him.In this message from Exodus 13–14, Pastor Tommy shows us why God's leadership so often defies our logic.God leads based on divine wisdom, not human efficiency.Some battles would crush us before we're ready. Some seasons are preparation, not punishment. And sometimes God leads us straight into a place where the world says we are “trapped” — just so His glory can be revealed.Through the pillar of cloud and fire, the incarnation of Christ, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we see the same truth across Scripture:God does not send us from afar. He goes with us.His presence is our safety. His guidance is our security. His glory is our purpose.Whether you're facing a delayed calling, a confusing season, or a situation that feels impossible, this passage reminds us:The safest place is not the easiest place — it's wherever God is leading.

This week in our series Follow: The Story of Exodus, we step into one of the most profound moments in all of Scripture—the Passover.As God brings the final plague upon Egypt, He reveals His ultimate authority over life and death…and the way of salvation that would echo for generations. In Exodus 11–12, we see the spotless lamb, the applied blood, and the night when God both judged and redeemed.But this moment wasn't just Israel's deliverance—it was a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the true Passover Lamb. From the timing of the week to the shedding of blood, every detail pointed forward to the cross where Christ would become our substitute, our atonement, and our life.In this message, Pastor Tommy shows:Why the Passover is the clearest picture of the gospel in the Old TestamentHow Jesus fulfills every part of the Passover patternWhy the blood of the Lamb is our only hopeAnd how remembering His sacrifice keeps our hearts anchored in graceWe closed the service at the Lord's Table, remembering that our redemption came through the blood of a spotless substitute—the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.If you've ever wondered how the story of Exodus connects to the cross, this message will open your eyes to the beauty of God's plan from beginning to end.

What if the obstacles in your life aren't punishment—but God exposing what you trust more than Him?In Exodus 7–10, God unleashes the plagues of Egypt—not as random acts of judgment, but as a divine confrontation with false gods. Each plague tears down an idol Egypt trusted for life, pleasure, security, and control. And the truth is, God still does the same today.He confronts our idols—not to shame us—but to set us free.Freedom begins when we stop worshiping what cannot save and remember that our God alone reigns.

Sometimes, following God makes life harder before it gets better. In Exodus 5–6, Moses obeys God's call — and immediately faces resistance, disappointment, and doubt. But even in the weight of opposition, God is working. When the burden gets heavier, it's not because He's forgotten you — it's because He's strengthening your faith for the miracle to come. This message reminds us to remember who He is, what He has done, and to trust what He will do.

Many believers live forgiven but not free. We believe Jesus can save—but struggle to believe He can truly set us free. In Exodus 4, Moses stands before God still bound by doubt and fear, yet God reveals His power through three signs that foreshadow the Gospel: authority over sin, healing from shame, and redemption through the blood. Freedom doesn't depend on our strength—it depends on His victory already accomplished.

God doesn't just save us—He calls us.In Exodus 3, God meets Moses in the wilderness, reveals His holiness, declares His name, and sends him on mission to set His people free. This same God—revealed in the burning bush as “I AM”—is the One who calls and sends us today. His holiness humbles us, His compassion moves us, and His presence empowers us to go.

Text: Exodus 2:10–25Speaker: Pastor Tommy OrlandoThe story of Exodus is more than ancient history—it's a living picture of our spiritual journey. In this message, Pastor Tommy unpacks how Moses' early life reveals both the futility of human deliverance and the power of divine redemption.When Moses acted in his own strength, nothing changed. But when God knew—when He heard, remembered, saw, and entered into His people's suffering—redemption began to unfold.God still hears. God still remembers. God still knows.

Every believer has an Exodus story—rescued from slavery, walking through the desert, and journeying toward the promised land of God. In this opening message of our new series Follow: The Story of Exodus, Pastor Tommy Orlando shows how the book of Exodus is not just Israel's history—it's our story of redemption.Through the oppression of Pharaoh, the courage of the Hebrew midwives, and God's sovereign hand in suffering, we learn two foundational truths:1. Even in suffering, God's sovereignty is at work.2. The fear of the Lord conquers every tyrant—external or internal.Discover how genuine freedom begins when we fear God above everything else, trust His promises more than our circumstances, and follow Him through every trial.

What is love? What is hate? Our culture's definitions often twist both: love is reduced to blind affirmation, and hate is confused with any confrontation of sin. But the Bible paints a very different picture. True love tells the truth. True hate is not confronting sin, but leaving people enslaved to it.In this message, Pastor Tommy Orlando closes out our series The Way by showing how Jesus redefines love and hate. On the cross, He gave the ultimate confrontation of sin and the ultimate demonstration of love. As His followers, we are called to embody a love that is courageous enough to speak truth, and a hatred of sin that flows from our love for God and others.

For many people, the idea of “faith” seems like blind optimism... believing without evidence. But biblical faith is nothing like that. Faith is not the absence of reason; it is trust rooted in the character and promises of God.

Today's sermon by Jesse Mathews

What did the first Christians call themselves? Before the word Christian was ever common, the earliest followers of Jesus described their faith as “The Way.”In this message, The Way I: All Roads Lead, Pastor Tommy unpacks why that name matters—and how it directly speaks to one of the most pressing cultural questions of our day: Do all roads lead to God?Through Scripture, history, and real-life examples, we'll see why Jesus' words in John 14:6 are the foundation of Christianity:“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”Join us as we launch a brand-new series, The Way, exploring what it means to follow Jesus in a world full of competing ideas, philosophies, and promises of “truth.”

The story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 doesn't just reveal the wandering heart of humanity—it magnifies the extravagant grace of the Father.Last week, we looked at the younger son's rebellion and the way all forms of wandering—whether open rejection of God or subtle resistance to His call—leave us in a place of spiritual famine. But the parable doesn't stop there.This week, we focus on the Father's response: the run, the robe, the ring, and the feast. Each one reveals God's overwhelming grace, restoring us to full sonship, empowering us with His authority, and celebrating our return with joy beyond measure.At the same time, Jesus shows us the heart of the older brother—resentful, legalistic, and blind to the Father's goodness. His reaction warns us of what happens when religion replaces relationship and when we fail to rejoice in the salvation of the lost.

When Jesus taught, He often used stories—parables that cut through confusion and spoke directly to the heart. From the Good Samaritan to the unforgiving servant, the lost sheep to the pearl of great price, His stories carried Kingdom truths that people could not only understand but feel.Among all of His parables, one of the most powerful is the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. It's a story of rebellion, brokenness, humility, and ultimately the overwhelming grace of a Father who runs to meet His wandering child.This message, When We Wander, reminds us that:All forms of rebellion—whether open or hidden—lead us away from the Father.A heart of repentance and humility opens the door to restoration.The Father is always waiting with open arms.No matter how far you feel from God, there is hope. There is a way home. And when you return, you'll discover His love and mercy in ways that will change your life forever.

Baptism Sunday is one of the greatest celebrations in the life of the church. It's a day of joy, testimony, and transformation as believers publicly declare their decision to follow Jesus.Pastor Tommy unpacks the meaning of baptism as more than just a ceremony—it's a profound decision, a new destiny, and a beautiful identification with Christ and His church.Through Scripture, illustrations, and timeless truth, we're reminded that baptism is not about ritual but about following Jesus with no turning back. Whether you're preparing for baptism, remembering your own, or simply rejoicing with others, this message will stir your heart and strengthen your faith.

As we close our study of 1 Corinthians, Pastor Tommy Orlando unpacks Paul's final and most concise challenge to the Corinthian church—and to us. In just a few short verses, Paul gives four powerful instructions: Be watchful. Stand firm. Act like grown-ups in the faith. Be strong. And he wraps them all in one supreme command: Let everything you do be done in love.These aren't just ancient words—they're a practical roadmap for living as a faithful, vibrant community of light in a darkened world. From guarding against cultural creep to standing firm against theological compromise, from maturing in our faith to relying on God's strength, this closing reminder brings the entire letter into focus.

In the final chapter of 1 Corinthians, Pastor Tommy Orlando draws our attention to the deeply personal and pastoral heart behind Paul's boldest letter. After months of unpacking correction, rebuke, and spiritual instruction, we now hear the tone of a spiritual father—full of love, care, and encouragement.Chapter 16 is more than a closing; it's a call to action for the church—care for one another, support the work of the gospel, remain strong in the faith, and let all that you do be done in love. It's here that Paul not only defends truth, but displays the posture from which truth should always be delivered: love.

In A City of Light Part 27, Pastor Tommy Orlando brings us to the climactic conclusion of 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul declares the ultimate hope of the Christian: resurrection life. In a world consumed by temporary pleasures and fleeting achievements, this passage calls us to live with eternity in view.What does the resurrection mean for your daily life? How does it change your motivation, your perseverance, and your perspective on suffering? With compelling clarity, Pastor Tommy explores how our future with Christ empowers our present faithfulness.

What if the resurrection of Jesus was more than just history—what if it was your hope for today?In this message, Pastor Tommy continues our journey through 1 Corinthians 15, exploring the implications of Christ's resurrection for our daily lives. Paul reminds us that the resurrection is not just a doctrinal truth—it's a powerful hope that anchors us beyond the limits of this life. Discover how this foundational reality shapes our endurance, empowers our obedience, and secures our victory over sin and death.

In this powerful message from A City of Light, Pastor Tommy Orlando walks us deeper into 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul confronts a false teaching that denied the physical resurrection of Jesus—and therefore, the future resurrection hope of believers.With personal testimony and scriptural depth, Pastor Tommy reminds us that Christ's resurrection is not just an abstract doctrine—it's the cornerstone of our forgiveness, our future, and our freedom.

In this powerful new chapter of our A City of Light series, Pastor Tommy brings us to the foundational truth of our faith—the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After chapters of pastoral correction and instruction for church life, Paul shifts the focus in 1 Corinthians 15 to the message that makes it all possible: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again.

As we continue our A City of Light series through 1 Corinthians, we reach Paul's final and most practical instruction on the use of spiritual gifts in the church. In chapter 14, Paul emphasizes a truth we cannot afford to miss: God's gifts are powerful—but they must be used with purpose, humility, and order.Paul's concern isn't to shut down the gifts because of misuse, but to pastor the church into maturity. The goal? That everything in our gatherings be done for the building up of the body of Christ.