Today we are exploring not only missions and ministry with the Orchard, but we will also be learning about other missions around the world.

Scripture lays out quite a standard for reaching out and helping those who are in need. And we've done it, but then we do it in a cold, sterile way. It sort of seems that churches migrate from loving centers of grace to business-like foundations. Something's missing …

If there is one noteworthy dimension of the culture of Christianity, it should be in how we view death and how we approach death. We were not created to die, but to live. So, how is a Christian different? How does a Christian face death or talk of death in a way that has confidence in life?

We live in a free country that loves freedom. And, with each generation we are experiencing more and more and more freedom. But, are we? Are we becoming more free? Looking at some scriptures, it might surprise you to see that God's version of freedom is somewhat different than what the world might expect.

What happens when you witness a person in your church who confesses to sin - particularly one of those embarrassing ones such as a sex sin or shoplifting or (gasp) using HOV while driving alone? Do you have the heavenly response, or do you have the Pharisee response? For a church to represent heaven on earth, we probably need to discover the culture of heavenly angels.

When we use a word such as vulnerable, I imagine that no one would want to see themselves this way. Instead, we want to see ourselves as invulnerable and strong. We prefer anti-fragile. But, is this really the place where we should be? Is this the correct posture for a follower of God?

Chaos will always come into our lives through any of dozens of doors. How will you deal with the chaos? Will you deal with the chaos the way that the world teaches you, or will you deal with chaos in the ways of God?

We know that people aren't perfect - kids, other drivers, waiters, politicians, doctors, spouses, mechanics, and even pastors. But when they mess up - and they will mess up - we are usually surprised and quickly react with a cocktail of anger, abuse, revenge, lawsuits, punishment, gossip, restrictions, etc. OK ... that's one strategy ... but consider that God has a different strategy that He wants us to employ. You might call it the "Christ Cocktail", and it mixes up love with grace, mercy and forgiveness.

Sometimes when a thing is so common, we just don't talk about it much. Like dust, it is all around us and we're pretty sure it needs attention, but it just seems that there are bigger things around that need to be addressed. From God's perspective, and from our spiritual health, there is likely no bigger issue that should command our attention.

With each year, more and more people are becoming lonely. No longer isolated to the elderly, the disabled, and the disfigured, we are perhaps entering epidemic territory. It is not natural for social people to be isolated, and it is not consistent with God for the church to be another venue for the lonely.