Recently, some young ladies in our congregation heard about our financial crunch and decided to do something about it. So, they set up a little table outside their home and sold snowcones and sandwiches to raise money. Along the front of the table was a sign: “Save the Church.” When sales weren’t quite what they wanted them to be, they apparently just marched up and down the road looking for donations from anyone they could find. Their plea was so heartfelt that one boy ran into their parent’s house and yelled out, “Is your church really going to be destroyed?” God be praised for such Jesus-centered enthusiasm!
“Save the church.” Thankfully, in spite of a whole lot of sin and folly over the centuries, the Church, capital “C,” has been saved. The Apostle Paul tells us, “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, to make her holy (set apart, guiltless), cleansing her by the washing with the water through the word.” (Ephesians 5:25,26) Those who follow Jesus have no need to fear life or death because Christ has completely cleansed them from their guilt through his blood.
And through that salvation, He has also called us to participate in His project to “Save the world,” starting in Central Texas. That’s why we pour ourselves into ministry and sacrifice our time, abilities, and treasures in service to this Community. That’s why we come together in Worship and Small Group. That’s why our families volunteer in the community and hold bake sales for the Serving Center. That’s why we send devotions home and encourage parents to pray with their children. That’s why we send money to places like Asia Lutheran Seminary and relief groups in Haiti! “Save the World!” Christ gave everything up so that all could have real redemption, peace, hope, and purpose. Let’s get the word out as far as we can, whatever it takes!
