Share this article:

Pastor Colin Smith - Arlington Heights

Romans 15:1-13 ESV

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.


For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
    and sing to your name.”

And again it is said,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”

And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
    and let all the peoples extol him.”

And again Isaiah says,

“The root of Jesse will come,
    even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
in him will the Gentiles hope.”

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.


Connect with Us:

January 10, 2025
In 2024, The Orchard North Shore hosted their very first Orchard Kids Week, a VBS-style program geared specifically toward unchurched kids and families. The Orchard North Shore had 61 kids attend (21 of whom were unchurched!). Their hope was twofold: that kids would hear the gospel and that some who don’t know Jesus would sign up for Awana in the Fall. One young girl did sign up for Awana and was given her first Bible. When she was told that the Bible was hers to keep, she couldn’t wait to start reading it! From an invitation to VBS, to signing up for Awana, to consuming God’s Word, it’s evident the Lord is at work in this young girl’s heart. Praise God for all the work He has done at The Orchard North Shore!
December 27, 2024
Dan and Betty Chung are members of The Orchard and co-founders of the mission of Crossing Borders. Crossing Borders was established in 2003 by several Christians of Korean and Chinese descent who felt a burden for the North Korean people during a time of severe famine and starvation. During (and following) the Great North Korean Famine from 1995 to 1998, there has been a large exodus of refugees from the country. Watch this SHINE Story to learn more about how Dan and Betty are shining with the compassion of Christ to North Koreans and their children in China and South Korea. Do you, or someone you know, have a SHINE story? Let us know!
December 18, 2024
Jonathan and Ryan Lanci began attending The Orchard about 3 years ago. Jonathan is a disabled Veteran with a traumatic brain injury that occasionally causes him to slip into a "waking coma." He says it is like a person who is sleepwalking but appears alert. The first episode of this went on for almost two weeks while he was on a mission in Iraq. He regained conscious awareness in the middle of the desert while walking with his squad, fully loaded, and equipped with a rifle. He was unaware of where he was or what he had been doing for many days. Doctors say he acquired the condition when shockwaves from firing large munitions passed through his brain. After being discharged, Jonathan spent years in drug and alcohol addiction. The Lord drew him back to church and led the way to recovery. He eventually met Ryan, his wife. Their first date was to a shooting range where Ryan easily outshot Jon with his own gun. While humbled, he fell in love. Fast forward. Jonathan and Ryan were serving on a security team for a large church about 45 minutes away from their home in Marengo. Their growth was stagnant, and their faith was growing weak. The cares of the world began overwhelming their commitment to the Lord.
Share by: