This is a classic myth – sadly it works because of the hucksters who really are after your money. Those true and disappointing scandals where churches and church pastors conned people out of their money while lining their own pockets. Disgusting.

But we don’t want your money. In every service I tell all visitors that we don’t want their money – coming to church is free. But we do hope to see your life changed.

Last week, $591 million purchased the Saviour of the World.

Or rather, an art buyer purchased Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Salvator Mundi’ painting for that figure. It obliterated previous art sale records. But the true cost of the Saviour of the World is priceless and unpayable.

The reason we don’t want your money is the same reason Jesus came. As a gift. And by contrast to ‘Salvator Mundi’ the real Saviour came free from God.

People can sneer all they like about Christianity and Jesus, and we should all be disgusted by the financial, sexual and other abuses by people calling themselves Christians. 

But it cannot be disputed that Jesus offers his rescue work for free. What kind of rescue? Come back next week.

St Paul’s Anglican Church meets on Sundays at 9am with kids church. All welcome.