Cleaning for Christ

“And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own…”
2 Corinthians 8:1-3

As disciples, God gives us more than we deserve. Deep relationships, miracles, mercy, purpose are just some of the God-given gifts of true Christianity. Ironically, to be disciples we must give up everything we have (Luke 14:33). Sacrifice is an all-essential part of God’s plan for each one of us. The rich man was commanded to “sell everything” and he would have treasure in heaven (Luke 18:18-23). Israel was “robbing God” when they failed to give tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:8-10). “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). When we refuse to sacrifice, we are refusing our God. On the other hand, a grateful heart is motivated to sacrifice and give back to God. In Acts 2 & 4, the disciples, out of gratefulness, sold their possessions and gave to anyone as they had need. While we do care of each other’s needs, we believe the biggest need in today’s world is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. People need it!

The church here in Chicago believes in having the same heart as our new testament brothers. Last Sunday, we had our annual Missions Contribution. Missions is a time where we specifically focus on sacrificing to spread the gospel. Many of our brothers and sisters sold homes, gave up pensions, and left their hometowns to see the glorious gospel preached in Chicago. This kind of sacrifice has helped save many souls.

Our Campus & Teen Ministry had it on their heart to sacrifice for Missions Contribution. We had a dilemma though; we don’t own much so what can we sacrifice for God? After putting our heads together we planned a Tropical Car Wash. God gave us a gloriously sunny day to serve him. Last Saturday, from 11:00 - 5:00, we rinsed, hand-washed, and hand-dried over 100 cars to raise money for God. Of course, whenever you have disciples around, it is a blast! Sponges were thrown, students were splashed and the gospel was preached. People came up from all directions wanting to know why we were doing the car wash. We took the opportunities and many people heard “the reason for the hope that we have.” By the end of the day, we were hungry (which is pretty normal for our ministry), sunbeaten and tired. But God gave us a great victory though as we exceeded our Missions goal. The Campus & Teen Ministry alone gave over $4,000! Together as a church we raised over $28,000 to the glory of God! Many of the students had already met their goals before the car wash but wanted to give more. Truly, they “gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.” I am very proud of the young men and women in our Campus & Teen Ministry. It reminded me of a quote by Henry Ward Beecher. He once said, “It is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich.” Lets be always ready and always willing to give up everything for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

For the kingdom,
Anthony Franklin

Categories: Announcements