Mercy Hill is a Christian community in the Milwaukee area that is committed to reaching out with a biblically based, culturally relevant message of God's love, mercy and transforming power. For more info visit mercyhill.org
In this week's sermon of our City of Light series, we dive into one of the most practical and debated passages in Paul's letter to the Corinthians—a teaching on spiritual gifts, particularly tongues and prophecy.In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul builds on the previous chapters by making a clear, pastoral case: spiritual gifts are meant to strengthen and edify the Church, not elevate individuals. While some gifts may seem more “spiritual,” Paul argues that their true value is found in how they build up others in the body of Christ.
As we continue our City of Light series through 1 Corinthians, we arrive at the second half of chapter 13, the famous "love chapter." But this passage isn't just poetic language for weddings—Paul is delivering a powerful correction to a gifted, divided church. He reminds them (and us) that love is not just a virtue; it's the necessary context for all spiritual gifts.In this message, we explore:The timeless primacy of love in Christian communityThe debate over spiritual gifts—have they ceased or do they continue?Why “the perfect” Paul speaks of refers not to the Bible's completion, but to Christ's returnThe stunning truth that we are already fully known and fully loved by GodHow that love liberates us, humbles us, and fortifies us for anything life throws our way
On Pentecost, God sent His presence not just to be with His people, but to dwell in them as tongues of fire. This fire wasn't new—it was the same holy, guiding, powerful, and purifying fire seen with Moses, Elijah, and Isaiah.In this sermon, we explore why the "dangerous" nature of God's fiery presence should inspire a transformative awe in every believer. Discover how the indwelling Holy Spirit works today to:Reveal God's HolinessGuide Us into All TruthEmpower Us for His MissionPurify Us for His GloryDon't take the gift of His presence lightly. Learn to walk in the awesome, fearful, and life-changing reality of the fire within.Key Scriptures: Acts 2, Exodus 3, 1 Kings 18, Isaiah 6, John 16, 1 Peter 1.Connect with us at mercyhill.org/#Pentecost #HolySpirit #FireOfGod #Sermon #GodsPresence #AweOfGod #Acts2
We're continuing our series through 1 Corinthians by arriving at perhaps the most well-known passage in the letter: 1 Corinthians 13—often quoted at weddings, yet rarely understood in its original context.This isn't about romantic love. Paul isn't writing to a bride and groom. He's writing to a divided, gifted, self-focused church—a church a lot like ours. And in the midst of arguments over spiritual gifts, personal rights, and who's more important, Paul offers a radical correction: the greatest gift isn't prophecy, tongues, or faith—it's love.In this message, we unpack:The communal context of 1 Corinthians 13Why love is the essential foundation for every spiritual giftA deep dive into each attribute of biblical love—and how it challenges our modern assumptionsHow this love cannot be manufactured by effort but must be received from Christ and expressed through His Spirit
In this message from our City of Light series through 1 Corinthians, we continue exploring Paul's vision for a Spirit-empowered, unified, and selfless community of faith. In a world plagued by self-promotion and isolation, Paul calls the Church to something radically different: a body where every part matters, every gift is valued, and every believer belongs.Whether it's the more “spectacular” spiritual gifts or the quieter gifts of helping, guiding, or encouraging—each one is indispensable. And when we honor one another's gifts, we defeat division, grow in empathy, and become the kind of Church that truly shines in a dark world.
Discover how the Church shines as a radiant body through the Spirit-given gifts of its members.In this sermon, we explore 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul reveals God's vision for a unified yet diverse community. Learn how your unique gifts matter—not just for your personal growth, but for building up the body of Christ. Whether you feel overlooked or overburdened, this message reminds us that every part of the body is indispensable.
In this message from our ongoing series A City of Light: A Study in 1 Corinthians, we return to a powerful and often misunderstood passage—Paul's teaching on the Lord's Supper in 1 Corinthians 11. Too often, these verses are isolated and stripped from their greater context, missing Paul's rebuke of a fractured, self-focused church and his call to radical, Christ-like community.What does it mean to “eat and drink in an unworthy manner”? Why is disunity such a dangerous threat to the Church? And how is true communion not just about remembering Christ individually, but embodying His sacrificial love together as His body?This sermon calls us to recover the depth and gravity of the Lord's Supper—not just as a personal reflection, but as a community-defining act. We'll explore:Why division in the church undermines our witness to the worldHow the Lord's Supper is meant to form a family, not just individual believersWhat it truly means to “discern the body” and care for one another in humility and unityHow the broken body and shed blood of Jesus call us to a life of shared responsibility and sacrificial loveIf you've ever felt disconnected from the church or struggled to see how communion shapes Christian community, this message will challenge and encourage you to reclaim the power of the table—and the people around it.
1 Corinthians 10:13-33After Easter, we return to 1 Corinthians, where Paul calls the church to resist idolatry and live in light of their identity in Christ. In a culture filled with competing allegiances, we are reminded: there is no neutral ground—our lives either reflect the One who redeemed us or align with the enemy.
He is risen—and that changes everything. Celebrate the victory of Jesus over sin and death, and discover what His resurrection means for your life today.
Palm Sunday is often remembered as a celebration — cloaks on the road, palm branches waving, and shouts of “Hosanna!” But what if we've missed the deeper message? In this sermon, we explore the tragedy behind the triumph, as Jesus weeps over Jerusalem and reveals the danger of false praise, false views of the Messiah, and false peace. Discover the powerful warning hidden in the crowd's cheers — and how it still speaks to us today.#PalmSunday #luke19 #WorshipInTruth #FalseMessiah #JesusWept #TriumphalEntry
In Pastor Tommy's sermon today we explore 1 Corinthians 3:16-23 and Paul's powerful call to unity in the body of Christ. In a world that breeds division and self-centered wisdom, Paul reminds us that *we*—collectively—are God's temple, where His Spirit dwells. This truth is spiritually regulating, calling us away from immaturity and individualism toward a Christ-centered identity that unites us in faith, purpose, and mission. True wisdom is found not in the fleeting philosophies of the age but in the power of Christ's cross. As we embrace our shared identity in Him, we move toward spiritual maturity, deeper community, and a life shaped by sacrificial love.
Join us as we continue our City of Light series, exploring the challenges and calling of the church in a culture much like Corinth—prosperous, diverse, and consumed by self-gratification. In this message, we dive into 1 Corinthians 3, where Paul addresses spiritual immaturity, selfishness, and the critical importance of building on the true foundation: Jesus Christ. We'll uncover how the message, mission, and methods of the church must center on Christ, ensuring that our ministry withstands the test of time and glorifies Him alone. Let's learn together what it means to shine brightly in a dark world.
Pastor Tommy Orlando teaches on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
As we embark on this series through 1 Corinthians, let's remember that we, too, are called to be a city of light. Just as Corinth was a dark, indulgent, and challenging place, so is the world around us. But just as God worked through the imperfect church in Corinth, He will work through us. We are sanctified saints, empowered by His Word and His Spirit, and sustained by His faithfulness. Let's embrace our calling and shine the light of Christ into the darkness.
with Pastor Kevin Oelke from Mercy Hill - Lake Country.
Many of the instructions to the church on building the family of God are the same prescription for building our families.
A sermon from our Uprise Youth Ministries Director, Dontae Brown.
In this message, we explore Psalm 33:16-22, reflecting on the futility of relying on earthly power and resources. Discover how true hope and victory come from trusting in God's unfailing love and sovereign intervention. Learn to place your faith in the Lamb of God, who sees and acts on behalf of His chosen people, offering assurance and peace in all circumstances.
In this message, we explore Psalm 33:10-15, focusing on the contrast between human plans and God's sovereign purpose. When our best-laid plans fall apart, how do we find peace? Discover the profound truth that while our plans may fail, God's purposes stand firm forever. Learn how to rest in His unshakable sovereignty and find true joy and peace that surpasses all understanding. #Psalm33 #GodsSovereignty #ChristianLiving #FaithAndTrust #BiblicalTeaching
Join us as we delve into Psalm 33, exploring the profound truth of God as our Creator. In this sermon, we discuss how acknowledging God's majestic creation leads us to a place of fear, reverence, and worship. Discover how science supports the biblical account of creation and what it means for our faith. Let's stand in awe of the Creator together!
Join us for Pastor Tommy Orlando's sermon on Psalm 33:1-6 as we dive deep into the concept of God's steadfast love. Discover how His unwavering love manifests in His upright word, faithful work, and commitment to righteousness and justice. Be encouraged to shout for joy and worship God with everything you have, recognizing the profound impact of His unending love in our lives. Don't miss this powerful message that will deepen your understanding and ignite your passion for worship. Tune in and be blessed!