THRIVE | Orchard Church

THRIVE | Orchard Church

Thrive High School Ministry Podcast Welcome to the Thrive High School Ministry Podcast from The Orchard! Thrive exists to help high school students know Jesus, grow in their faith, build real community, and live out their purpose. Join us as we share messages and conversations from our Thursday Night gatherings and Sunday Morning services, encouraging students to take their faith beyond church and into everyday life. More Than Growing. Start Thriving.

  1. 4d ago

    The Unseen Realm | Session 3 - Satan & Hell

    The Unseen Realm Session 3 – Satan & Hell (Ezekiel 28, Isaiah 14, Luke 16:19-31)     Introduction – "The Unseen Enemy"   a)    In our first two sessions of The Unseen Realm, we began exploring a reality that exists beyond what our physical eyes can see. We discovered that the biblical writers understood the world as more than just a physical creation. There is an unseen spiritual realm populated by supernatural beings, operating within a reality that intersects with our own. i)      We also explored how the nations of the world were understood within this supernatural framework. Behind earthly kingdoms, rulers, and conflicts, Scripture reveals spiritual powers and authorities. Daniel's account of the princes of Persia and Greece reminds us that what happens in the visible world is not always disconnected from what happens in the invisible one. ii)    But today, we're going to examine a particular figure within this supernatural rebellion; Satan, the adversary. b)    Perhaps no figure in Scripture has been more sensationalized, misunderstood, or misrepresented. Popular culture portrays him as a red creature with horns and a pitchfork, ruling over hell. Others dismiss him as nothing more than a symbol of evil or a convenient explanation for human wrongdoing. c)    Yet Scripture presents a very different picture. d)    Satan is not God's equal. He is not omnipotent, omniscient, or omnipresent. He is a created being who rebelled against his Creator, and his influence is real, his deception is dangerous, and his ultimate judgment is certain.   e)    We'll examine the prophetic passages of Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14, considering how these descriptions of earthly kings have also been understood as revealing the pride and rebellion associated with Satan. We'll also explore what Scripture teaches about hell, judgment, and the eternal consequences of rejecting God.   i)      And here's why this matters: You cannot properly prepare for a spiritual battle if you misunderstand the enemy you're facing. b)    But there's something even more important. i)      The Unseen Realm is not ultimately a story about Satan's power. It's a story about God's sovereignty and Christ's victory. ii)    Satan may be powerful, but he is not all-powerful. He may deceive, but he cannot overcome the truth of God's Word. He may oppose God's people, but he cannot overturn God's eternal purposes.   Big Idea: Understanding the enemy's deception prepares us to stand in God's truth and live in Christ's victory.       The Unseen War   a)    You and I are caught in an unseen war within unknowable dimensional spaces – a supernatural battle where we are both the pawns and prize. b)    There are misunderstandings about Satan and the demonic realm, but we must be clear thinking about his devices, tactics, and schemes so that we are ready, in and out of season, for the battle that is already raging. c)    Our main defense is the living Word of God, prayer, and humble submission to the Holy Spirit. d)    We will see how the armor of God is the ultimate answer for spiritual warfare. i)      How does knowing that we are both the "pawns" and the "prize" affect how seriously you take your spiritual walk?   THE ONLY RELIABLE SOURCE ON THE UNSEEN REALM IS THE BIBLE.     2)    The Unseen Realm – Peering into the Dark   a)    There are two prevailing myths about Satan: (1) That he doesn't exist. WRONG: Try resisting him for a while and see what happens. (2) That he is everywhere. WRONG: He has locality.  He is NOT omnipresent, but he has substantial resources. b)    Behind the formation of great empires lie unseen spiritual battles among principalities and powers (See Session 2 – The Demonic Realm).  These beings, assigned to specific realms or regions, exert influence over nations and are, in turn, impacted by the choices made within the physical world.  This dynamic reflects the interplay between the seen and the unseen realms as described in Scripture. c)    Satan: His Many Misconceptions i)      There are many misconceptions of Satan and to have this misinformed view is very dangerous.  Here are seven misconceptions: (1) Satan is God's equal opposite to all that is good (Job 1:6-12, Col 1:16, Ezekiel 28:13-17).  TRUTH: This is dualist misconception, which resembles Zoroastrianism.   Colossians 1:16 (NKJV), "For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.  All things were created through Him and for Him."   (2) Satan rules hell (Rev 20:10, Matt 25:41) TRUTH: Hell is not Satan's kingdom – it's his prison.   Matthew 25:41 (NKJV), "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'"               (3) Satan has horns, red skin, and a pitchfork (2 Cor 11:14). TRUTH: There is no biblical description of Satan with these features. 2 Corinthians 11:14 (NKJV), "And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light."   (4) Satan makes you sin (James 1:14-15, Gen 4:7, 1 Pet 5:8). TRUTH: Satan tempts us, but humans have free will.   James 1:14-15 (NKJV), "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires enticed.  Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.   (5) Satan can read your mind (1 Kings 8:39, Jer 17:10, Job 1-2).  TRUTH: Only God is omniscient (all-knowing). Satan is powerful but limited.   1 Kings 8:39 (NKJV), "…for You alone know the hearts of all the sons of men."   (6) Satan (demons) can possess a person against their will (Mark 5:1-20, Mark 9:14-29, John 13:2). TRUTH: There is a progression that can be associated with entries. Influence ® temptation ®decision ® possession. John 13:2 (NKJV), "And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him."     (i)   Why is it spiritually dangerous to have a misconception about Satan? (7) Satan was always evil (Isa 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:13-17). TRUTH: Satan was a high angel who fell.   ii)    Ezekiel 28: The Power Behind the Throne   [1-2] "The word of the LORD came to me again, saying, Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: Because your heart is lifted up, And you say, 'I am a god, I sit in the seat of gods, In the midst of the seas,'  et you are a man, and not a god, Though you set your heart as the heart of a god."   (1) "I am a god" language shows up in other Scriptures: (a) King of Babylon (Isa 14:13-14). (b) Pharaoh Hophra (Ezek 29:3). (c)  Herod Agrippa by the Tyrians (Acts 12:21-22). (d) Paul's description of the coming "man of sin."   2 Thessalonians 2:4 (KNJV), "Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God."   (2) I sit in the seat of gods: Tyre was known as the Holy Island. It was believed that the city rose from the waters like the rock throne of God. (3) Though you set your heart as the heart of a god: These word ring familiar to the temptation in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:5.   [3-12] (Behold, you are wiser than Daniel! There is no secret that can be hidden from you! With your wisdom and your understanding You have gained riches for yourself, And gathered gold and silver into your treasuries; By your great wisdom in trade you have increased your riches, And your heart is lifted up because of your riches)," 'Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: Because you have set your heart as the heart of a god, Behold, therefore, I will bring strangers against you, The most terrible of the nations; And they shall draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom, And defile your splendor. They shall throw you down into the Pit, And you shall die the death of the slain In the midst of the seas. Will you still say before him who slays you, 'I am a god'? But you shall be a man, and not a god, In the hand of him who slays you. Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: You were the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty."   (4) Notice that the language changes from "Prince = man at the top" (vs. 2) to "King = Melek."  (5) Initially Ezekiel prophesied against the whole city and now he is singling out the city's leader for a special word from God.  This ruler then was Ethbaal III, who ruled from 591-590 B.C. to 573-572 B.C. (6) The passage, though directed at the king of Tyre, ultimately points to Satan and his future embodiment in the Antichrist (Dan 7:25; 2 Thess 2:4; Rev 13:6).   [13] You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created.   (7) Timbrels and pipes: This means tambourines and "pipes" are literal holes in pipes or flutes. This is the verse that commentator's conjecture that Lucifer was the worship leader in heaven.   [14] "You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones.   (8) Cherub: This is a super angel (Isa 6; Ezek 1  10; Rev 4 & 5). The view is that he was originally the super angel that was in charge of them all.   [15] You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.   (9) Created

  2. Oct 11

    The Unseen Realm | Session 1 - The Angelic Realm

    The Unseen Realm Session 1 – The Angelic Realm (2 Kings 6:8-17)   1)    The Angelic Realm Confusion a)    Are angels real? b)    What can they do? c)    Are there bad angels? d)    Can I see them? e)    What are the capabilities of angels? f)     What are the limitations of angels? g)    What is the difference between Cherubim, Seraphim, Guardian angels? h)    Who are the major angels, Gabriel, Michael, Lucifer?   2)    The Ancient View of the Supernatural a)    The ancient biblical worldview included several important assumptions: i)      The supernatural realm was real, not symbolic. (1) Ancient Israelites did not sharply divide reality into a "natural world" that is real and a "supernatural world" that is mostly theoretical. Heaven and earth were interconnected realms, populated by intelligent spiritual beings who interacted with human affairs. ii)    Yahweh rules over a heavenly household or Divine Council.   Psalm 82:1 (ESV), "God has taken His place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods [elohim] He holds judgment."   (1) Psalm 82:1: These elohim are not human judges but real spiritual beings belonging to God's heavenly administration. Other passages such as Job 1–2, Psalm 89, 1 Kings 22, and Daniel 7 reflect this heavenly-council setting.    iii)   These beings are not equal to Yahweh. (1) This is crucial. Calling spiritual beings elohim does not mean the Bible teaches that there are many gods equal to Yahweh. Yahweh is incomparable—the Creator and sovereign ruler. The other elohim are created inhabitants of the spiritual realm.          b)    God has both a heavenly family and an earthly family. i)      There is a parallel between the "sons of God" in the heavenly realm and humanity as God's image-bearers on earth. God's original design involves both divine creatures and human imagers participating under His authority in His rule. This is God governing visible and invisible creation through intelligent agents.  c)    The biblical story includes supernatural rebellion. i)      There are multiple rebellions behind the Bible's story: the rebellion associated with Genesis 3, the sons of God in Genesis 6, and the rebellion connected with the nations following Babel and Deuteronomy 32. These help explain why Scripture later speaks of hostile supernatural powers associated with the nations. d)    The ancient world understood geography spiritually. i)      Nations were not viewed merely as political territories. From Deuteronomy 32 and Daniel 10 that the biblical writers understood nations as being associated with supernatural rulers; the background for Daniel's "prince of Persia," "prince of Greece," and Michael as the prince connected with Israel.  e)    Why this matters for your Unseen Realm teaching i)      This fits very well at the beginning of Session 1 — The Angelic Realm. This lesson already emphasizes that popular culture gives us distorted pictures of angels and that Scripture must be our authority concerning the supernatural realm.  f)     Ancient worldview for your group this way: i)      "The biblical writers did not need to be convinced that the supernatural realm existed—they assumed it did. They understood heaven as a populated realm under Yahweh's absolute authority, where spiritual beings served God, carried out assignments, participated in His heavenly council, and sometimes rebelled against Him. The unseen realm was not less real than the visible realm—it was simply unseen." [adapted from Michael S. Heiser – Unseen Realm] g)    This will be made clearer 2 Kings 6:15–17 as an excellent picture of this point. When Elisha's servant's eyes were opened, the spiritual army didn't suddenly arrive—it was already there.    3)    Big Idea: "The ancient world didn't question whether there was an unseen realm; the question was who ruled it."   4)    Popular Misconceptions a)    Movies often reflect the evolving cultural, spiritual, and psychological ideas about angels.  While they tap into ancient archetypes and try to update them for contemporary audiences, they often misrepresent or completely distort the Biblical truths about angels. i)      "Michael" (1996) – John Travolta's archangel is rough around the edges but ultimately is a kind-hearted protector.   ii)    "City of Angels" (1998) – An angel (Nicolas Cage) falls in love with a human and must choose between divinity and humanity (Nephilim Concept – Gen 6).   iii)   "Constantine" (2005) – The angel Gabriel (Tilda Swinton) becomes morally unclear, showing complex motivations.   iv)   "Legion" (2010) – Archangel Michael disobeys God to save humanity, blurring the lines between loyalty and rebellion.   v)    "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) – Clarence the angel helps guide George Bailey in the frustrations of his life, a more classic and sentimental take on angels. When a bell rings an angel gets his wings – wrong!     b)    Popular angelic archetypes of the "Self," the "Higher Self," or the "Anima/Animus" (inner psyche) – representing spiritual integration, guidance, or inner awakening.     5)    Modern Mythology a)    Cherubs: chubby babies with wings.   b)    People (usually women) with wings. c)    Their activity is playing harps and sitting on clouds. d)    Method of warfare is with swords and shields. e)    There are some cultural shifts reflected in these modern portrayals:   Past (Traditional)                 Modern (Contemporary) Pure, flawless beings                            Flawed, emotional, complex Obedient messengers of God               Questioning, independent Clear good vs. evil                                Moral ambiguity, gray zone Religious roots                                     Secular or mythological reinterpretations Distant/Divine                                      Personal, emotional, even romantic     6)    "Angel" a)    מלאך; mal'ak, meaning "one who is dispatched with a message": Used 196 times: 111 times as "angel(s)," 98 times as "messenger(s)," and 4 times as "ambassadors." b)    ἄγγελος aggelos, meaning "a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, a messenger from God": Used 179 times as "angel(s)" and 7 times as "messenger(s)."   7)    Ministry of Angels a)    They are constantly on duty to serve the "inheritors of salvation." (Heb 1:14): Hebrews 1:14 (NKJV), "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" i)      They reveal unknown truth (Dan 10:14-21; Acts 27:23-26). ii)    They give personal guidance (Mt 1:20-21; Lk 2:8-12). iii)   They protect us from harm (Dan 6:22). iv)   They deliver us from our enemies (Acts 5:19; 12:7-11).   b)    Angels encourage and strengthen us: i)      Jacob (Gen 32:1-2). ii)    Daniel (Dan 8:18; 10:10, 16-19). iii)   Paul (Acts 27:23-24) iv)   Providing food for Elijah (1 Kgs 19:3-8). c)    Angelic Duties: i)      They are guardians Matthew 18:10; Acts 12:14-15.   Individual Angels (for Children) Matthew 18:10 (NKJV), "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven." (Peter's Angel) Acts 12:14-15 (NKJV), "When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. But they said to her, 'You are beside yourself!' Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, 'It is his angel.'"   ii)    They guide us Genesis 19:15-17 iii)   They encourage us Judges 6:12 iv)   They deliver us Acts 12:7 v)    They enlighten us Matthew 2:19-20 vi)   They empower us Luke 22:43 vii) They protect us Psalm 91:11-12   Psalm 91:11-12 (NKJV), "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.  In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone."   8)    Characteristics of Angels a)    Angels are personal beings: i)      They have intellect (Mt 28:5; 1 Pet1:12). ii)    They have emotions (Job 38:7; Lk 2:13; 15:10). iii)   They have will (Jude 6). b)    Angels are spirit beings: i)      They are not limited to material bodies (Heb 1:14). ii)    An angel can be in only one place at one time (Dan 9:21-23; 10:10-14). iii)   They appear in the form of men (Mt 1:20) in natural sight with human functions (Gen 18: 1-8; 22: 19:1); seen by some and not others (2 Kgs 6:15-17). iv)   They do not reproduce (Mk 12:25). v)    They do not die (Lk 20:36). c)    They have physical reality: i)      They lead people by the hand (Gen 19:16). ii)    They indulge in combat (2 Kgs 19:35); they slaughtered 185,000 Syrians. iii)   They can be entertained unrecognized: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Heb 13:2).   Hebrews 13:2 (NKJV), "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels."   d)    Angels have attributes in a degree greater than man but less than God: i)      They have more knowledge than man (Mt 24:31; Lk 1:13-16) but less than God (Mt 24:36). ii)    They have more power than man (2 Pet 2:11; Acts 5:19) but less than God. e)    Angels are organized and ranked: i)      One "archangel," Michael, is named (Jude 9).  There are als

  3. Sep 20

    James 1:21-27 | Session 3 - Doers - Not Hearers Only

    The Book of James Session 3 – Doers – Not Hearers Only James 1:21-27   1)   POINT 1 — LET THE WORD CHANGE YOU a)    James gives us a window into two competing influences in our lives: i)      Lay aside vs. Humbly receive The evil prevalent around you vs. The Word planted within you What threatens your soul vs. What can save your soul Principle 1 – Repentance isn't just wanting different consequences—it's wanting to become a different person. Principle 2 – Knowing the Word isn't the same as living the Word. b)    How do we become "doers of the word"? i)      James gives us a progression: c)    LOOK INTENTLY — Dig into the Word. CONTINUE — Stay in the Word. DON'T FORGET — Carry the Word with you. DO IT — Apply the Word. Principle 3 – Don't just underline the Word—let the Word rewrite your life. i)      The problem isn't looking into the mirror. (1) The problem is walking away without responding to what you saw. Principle 4 – The mirror reveals it; grace changes it; obedience shows it. d)    The perfect law of liberty: At first, law and liberty may sound like opposites. We tend to think freedom means, "I can do whatever I want." i)      But biblical freedom isn't the freedom to do whatever I want. It's the freedom to become who God created me to be. Principle 5 – The blessing begins when you stop admiring the mirror and start making the change. 2)   POINT 2 — LET THE WORD COME OUT OF YOU a)    James' point is simple: You can look religious on the outside while remaining uncontrolled on the inside. Church attendance, Bible knowledge, worship, and other outward practices mean little if our faith doesn't change the way we speak and treat people. Principle 6 – Your tongue reveals your maturity. b)    James shows us that true religion—genuine Christian faith expressed in practice—reveals itself through obedience in two directions: toward others and toward ourselves. Principle 7 – Real faith doesn't just feel compassion…it moves with compassion. c)    We're called to enter the world's brokenness without allowing the world's brokenness to enter us. Principle 8 – Love the people of the world without becoming like the world. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS 1)   What stood out to you most from James 1:21–27? 2)   Why do you think it's easier to hear God's Word than to do it? 3)   What do you think James means when he says hearers can "deceive" themselves? 4)   How is God's Word like a mirror? 5)   What is something Scripture has shown you about yourself recently? 6)   Why do we sometimes resist what God's Word reveals about us? 7)   Which is hardest for you: controlling your words, showing compassion, or resisting the influence of the world? 8)   What's the difference between knowing what the Bible says and actually allowing it to change you? 9)   What is one specific act of obedience God may be asking you to take this week? Core Questions: 10)       If your life this week were the only evidence someone had of your faith, what would they see?

  4. Sep 13

    James 1:12-20 | Session 2 - Loving God Under Trials

    The Book of James Session 2 – Loving God Under Trials James 1:12-20   1)   POINT 1 — ENDURE THE TEMPTATION a)    Notice what James doesn't say. i)      He doesn't say, "Blessed is the person who is never tempted." ii)    He doesn't say, "Blessed is the person who finds temptation easy." b)    He says: "Blessed is the man who ENDURES temptation." i)      The question is what you do when temptation comes. (1)   You don't discover the strength of your faith when everything is easy. You discover it when something is pulling you away from God. c)    PRINCIPLE 1 — TEMPTATION TESTS WHAT IS REAL d)    The crown of life which the Lord has promised: Every time you say NO to temptation, you are saying YES to God. i)      There are (at least) five: (1)   Crown of Life (here) – Enduring trials and temptation; remaining faithful. James 1:12; Rev 2:10. (2)   Crown of Rejoicing – Investing in people and seeing others come to/follow Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 2:19 (3)   Crown of Righteousness – Finishing the race faithfully and longing for Christ's appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8 (4)   Crown of Glory – Faithfully shepherding and caring for God's people. 1 Peter 5:4 (5)   Incorruptible Crown – Self-discipline and running the Christian race faithfully. 1 Cor 9:24-27. ii)    Sometimes victory isn't simply learning to hate the temptation more. It's learning to love Jesus more. e)    PRINCIPLE 2 — LOVE GOD MORE THAN YOU LOVE THE SIN 2)   POINT 2 — RECOGNIZE THE HOOK a)    Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God": Temptation does NOT come from God. b)    PRINCIPLE  3 — SIN ALWAYS TAKES YOU FURTHER THAN THE BAIT PROMISED c)    When desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin: Sin never shows you where it's taking you. DESIRE → SIN → DEATH i)      Temptation vs. truth: (1)   "Just one time." God: "One choice can become a chain."." (2)   "Nobody will know." God: "I already know." (3)   "You deserve this." God: "I have something better for you." (4)   "You can stop whenever you want." God: "What you feed can eventually master you." (5)   "It won't hurt anybody." God: "sin always has a cost." d)    PRINCIPLE 4 – TEMPTATION TELLS YOU WHAT YOU'LL GAIN. GOD LOVES YOU ENOUGH TO TELL YOU WHAT YOU COULD LOSE. e)    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above: Temptation tries to tell you that "God is keeping something good from you."  But Scripture says, "Every truly good thing comes from God." f)     PRINCIPLE 5 — GOD HAS SOMETHING BETTER g)    Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: This is a simple pattern for controlling anger: listen more, speak less, and react slower. i)      Much of our anger comes when we become focused on our feelings, our opinions, and our agenda's.  h)    PRINCIPLE 6 – SLOW DOWN YOUR REACTION SO GOD CAN DIRECT YOUR RESPONSE. Small Group Questions 1)   James says, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation." What is the difference between being tempted and giving in to temptation? 2)   "Temptation tests what is real." What can temptation reveal about our faith, priorities, or weaknesses? 3)   Why do you think loving God more is a stronger motivation for resisting temptation than simply fearing the consequences? 4)   "My response is my responsibility." Why is it easier to blame Satan, circumstances, or other people than to examine our own desires? 5)   Think about the fishing lure illustration. What are some ways temptation shows us the bait but hides the hook? 6)   Which lie of temptation is most common: "Just one time," "Nobody will know," "You deserve this," "You can stop whenever you want," or "It won't hurt anybody"? Why is that lie so convincing? 7)   James says, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above." How does believing that God has something better help us resist temptation? 8)   James tells us to be "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." Which of those three is hardest for you, and why? 9)   What would it practically look like this week to listen before you speak, think before you react, and pray before you respond? 10)       The message ended with, "The bait isn't worth the hook." What is one practical boundary you can put in place to recognize the hook before you bite? CORE QUESTION 11)       What "bait" is most likely to pull you away from God, and what would it look like to choose Jesus instead?

About

Thrive High School Ministry Podcast Welcome to the Thrive High School Ministry Podcast from The Orchard! Thrive exists to help high school students know Jesus, grow in their faith, build real community, and live out their purpose. Join us as we share messages and conversations from our Thursday Night gatherings and Sunday Morning services, encouraging students to take their faith beyond church and into everyday life. More Than Growing. Start Thriving.