Peace Offering

What is our purpose here on earth? This has been a question for so many from the beginning of creation.

Someone said that if we want a world without hunger we need to imagine one. I really believe that if we want a church without problems, difficult situation, spiritual and financial needs, we need to imagine one also; “Again, I say to you, that, if two of you may agree on the earth concerning anything, whatever they may ask — it shall be done to them from my Father who is in the heavens, (Matthew 18:19) that is why Larkspur Christian Church needs your support; as we imagine together, as we agree together, lets give agreeing and imagining peace, reconciliation and a congregation which is willing always to share.

Our country is at war and fear has become our daily bread. In the midst of so much political conflict, God calls us to give. Let’s give a peace offering. According to the scriptures, this offering was unique because it was not required…it was voluntary. It was the only one of five major sacrifices that the offerers got to share, and it was the only sacrifice that focused on celebration. This peace offering was the true shalom. The basic sense of this powerful Hebrew term is “wholeness” or “well – being.” The main function of the peace offering was to express friendship, fellowship and peace with God.

Peace offerings gather up the many meanings of peace: not only the end of warfare and hostility but also mental, physical and spiritual health. So what is our peace offering? An offering of sharing! One more time our stewardship campaign is here, we must agree, we must imagine together one more time. As we make our pledges, our promises of giving for the year 2010, let’s keep in mind friendship, fellowship and peace with God by teaching and announcing peace, by telling others about the love of God.

At the beginning of this article I asked the question, “What is our purpose here on earth?”
In my experience, I’ve learned from the gift of Christ, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should have ever lasting life.” (John 3:16) I’ve found that the greater purpose is to learn to share (peace offering) our resources and talents to create a better life for all. Our purpose here on earth is to give.

The time has come; we can join in the celebration of the peace offering by giving to Larkspur Christian Church.

Shalom
Rev. Job J Cobos