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I agree with all you have said. BUT... we each must make the decision to accept Christ into our hearts. G*d has allowed us that decision.
It's not about how much is spent, it's about how many people we can reach. True, once we accept Christ, we have his grace. What about others?
If we do not preach his word and allow others to hear it, and make their own decision to accept Christ's blessing, we are not much of a servant to G*d.
What good is a boatload of crucifixes if no one ever sees them?

I don't, "hang my salvation hat" on the fact that the cost of the pageant doesn't come out of the church budget, I, "hang my salvation hat", on the fact that I have accepted Christ's sacrifice for me and have asked him to forgive my sins.
Our pageant is one way to spread the word of G*d to many that, otherwise, might not hear it.

You seem to have the mistaken idea that I beleive that works will get me into heaven. This is not so. My acceptance of Christ gets me into heaven.
The works are but a miniscule portion of what I owe G*d for his sacrifice for me. That can never be repaid but it doesn't mean that we shouldn't toil for Christ in the spiritual fields.

...I, "hang my salvation hat", on the fact that I...

Friend,

Consider the basis of your hope. Hang your hope on the fact that Jesus... Please, for your own soul's sake...

Nothing in my hands I bring
Simply to thy cross I cling