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
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.
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.
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.
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