"Calvary To The Rescue"
October 2, 2005

The Old Testament Lesson: Jonah 3: 1 - 10
The New Testament Lesson: John 17: 14 - 22

To remind people that our mission is to save others!

I.  Our Mission is to Save Others  Have you noticed that we have kind of an old West Theme—accidental but I’m going to continue with it.
   A. One of the most thrilling scenes in all moviedom: the cavalry charge!
        1. One I particularly remember starts the wagon train is being attacked
        2. Scene switches to the closed fort doors.
        3. Suddenly, the silence is broken by a bugle call.
            a. da, da, da, da, da
            b. goes ringing out across the western plains.
        4. Next: the stockade doors fly back!
            a. There is a mighty thunder of hooves.
            b. The head of the line appears: flag bearer carrying stars and stripes.
            c. behind him pound the rest of the battalion to the rescue.
        5. The hopeless situation turns into glorious victory and salvation!
        6. My blood stirs just thinking about it!
        7. Friends, our world is in trouble and they are waiting for rescue
   B. The church, our church, is the battalion that God has called to duty
        1. We must not forget that our primary vocation is to Save others.
        2. There are many activities that are part of being church.
            a. We hold worship services like this one.
            b. We develop fellowship opportunities and groups.
            c. We sponsor Sunday classes and learning groups.
            d. And let us not forget the endless committee meetings.
        3. None of our activities are our mission!  (Repeat: NONE of)
        4. Our mission is to save people!
        5. All of our activities are to serve that purpose.
            a. We worship God in order to point him out to others.
            b. We build relationships to strengthen the faith we’re called to share.
            c. We hold classes so we are better able to explain the truth.
            d. Our committees organize our saving efforts.
        6. But in all this we can not forget our purpose: to rescue the perishing!
    C. I remember a story about a team of ski patrol members..
        1. They organized themselves to rescue people caught on the mountain.
            a. they held training sessions about helping people
            b. took first aid classes.
            c. wrote pamphlets that would explain dangers
            d. Got themselves lots of great rescue equipment.
            e. held weekly meetings to keep themselves up to date.
            f. One day, an avalanche carried 20 people away on the slope.
            g. The call went out to the rescuers, people are dying!
            h. But they were too busy in one of their weekly meetings to respond
        2. That story was used to described what many churches are like.
            a. We’ve got lots of great equipment and skills.
            b. we are too busy internally to do anything to actually help people
        3. Some non-believers were asked what Christians do.
            a. The Universal response?
            b. Christians go to church meetings!
        4. Funny thing to say when our mission is to rescue lost people.

II.  We can offer them no better gift than the presence of Jesus in their lives
   A. There are many ways in which I am happy about our outreach.
        1. We have worked hard to support mission financially.
            a. We participate in our denominational offerings.
            b. You were very generous with the latest disaster offering.
            c. I expect that you will be just as generous with peacemaking off.
        2. We also help people in a direct fashion.
            a. We give to several local agencies.
            b. We are sponsoring our own ESL class for our neighbors
            c. This week, P. W. is offering the community the rummage sale.
            d. Did you know other churches send people to us for gas and food?
    B. However, I believe we are weak in our evangelistic effort.
        1. We offer a great deal of physical help.
        2. But what about their spiritual needs?
        3. The gift of salvation is Christ is our unique offering.
            a. lots of groups offer physical and emotional support.
            b. But people have a greater need.
            c. They need to find the presence of God and be reconciled.
            d. God’s presence leads them toward meaning and purpose in life.
        4. The Bible says that Jesus is the only means of salvation,
            a. the only way to be reconciled with God
            b. the source of forgiveness and everlasting life.
        5. This is the main gift that we offer to people and no one else does!

     My Friends, this is a very serious matter and we can not play around.  We have been entrusted with the truth of the gospel.  It was given to us to share with others.  It is the center of the church’s reason for existence.  Unless we proclaim this good news in everything we do, we have not accomplished our mission.  I plead with you to use the resources of this church to strengthen your ability to rescue the lost.  Hear the bugle that calls you to rush to the rescue!

And as you go from this place, may you walk in the way of Christ Jesus and May God always find you faithful!