WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.899 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, 00:00:02.899 --> 00:00:05.740 where we're dedicated to encouraging, equipping, 00:00:05.740 --> 00:00:07.980 and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:07.980 --> 00:00:10.080 Located in Ontario, Oregon, 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:12.679 Pastor Patrick Daly preaches insightful sermons 00:00:12.679 --> 00:00:13.960 from the Word of God, 00:00:13.960 --> 00:00:16.920 offering practical applications for modern living. 00:00:16.920 --> 00:00:19.219 We're delighted to share this sermon with you. 00:00:20.160 --> 00:00:22.160 All right, well, good morning, everyone. 00:00:23.059 --> 00:00:26.280 We're keeping warm, enjoying being safe 00:00:26.280 --> 00:00:28.160 with that ice and everything. 00:00:28.160 --> 00:00:31.640 I absolutely love how I can see all the trees 00:00:31.640 --> 00:00:33.920 and the plants with all the little frost going on. 00:00:33.920 --> 00:00:35.759 You get some good pictures with that. 00:00:35.759 --> 00:00:40.759 So, well, today is the second Sunday of Advent, 00:00:42.659 --> 00:00:46.840 where we are, our theme today is about peace. 00:00:48.320 --> 00:00:51.879 And I want us to open our Bibles today. 00:00:51.879 --> 00:00:55.000 I want us to go to, we're gonna go to, 00:00:55.000 --> 00:00:58.520 the Gospel of Matthew chapter 25. 00:00:59.439 --> 00:01:03.799 And it's gonna be through verses 14 through 30. 00:01:04.840 --> 00:01:08.799 Couple of weeks ago, we did the parable of the 10 virgins, 00:01:09.760 --> 00:01:14.760 where we learned about, there is this scene of these virgins. 00:01:14.840 --> 00:01:18.599 Some of them had the oil that was necessary 00:01:19.500 --> 00:01:23.879 in preparation for the return of the bridegroom. 00:01:23.879 --> 00:01:26.640 And today we're gonna see a similarity 00:01:26.640 --> 00:01:28.239 with the parable of the talents, 00:01:28.239 --> 00:01:31.619 and this ties in to peace. 00:01:32.599 --> 00:01:36.399 When we think of peace, we think of Christ 00:01:36.399 --> 00:01:39.599 as the prince of peace. 00:01:39.599 --> 00:01:41.679 We think of the peace, or at least we should, 00:01:41.679 --> 00:01:44.679 the peace that surpasses all understanding. 00:01:45.759 --> 00:01:49.759 In knowing the Lord, there is a peace that comes from Him. 00:01:49.760 --> 00:01:54.760 When we think of those words, surpassing all understanding, 00:01:55.480 --> 00:01:57.520 a lot of us think of, well, how we try 00:01:57.520 --> 00:01:59.580 to understand everything. 00:01:59.580 --> 00:02:02.240 We try to understand ourselves, other people, 00:02:02.240 --> 00:02:05.560 and how does that going? 00:02:05.560 --> 00:02:06.659 Let me think about it. 00:02:07.840 --> 00:02:10.240 But a peace that surpasses all understanding 00:02:10.240 --> 00:02:14.580 is the kind of peace that we all search for, 00:02:14.580 --> 00:02:17.319 something that we need that comes from the Lord. 00:02:17.319 --> 00:02:21.439 What I wanna do, let's go ahead and pray. 00:02:21.439 --> 00:02:26.439 The title of this sermon is Faithful Stewards of Peace. 00:02:26.560 --> 00:02:28.959 And let's bow our heads and let's pray together. 00:02:30.079 --> 00:02:31.879 Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, 00:02:32.840 --> 00:02:35.079 we thank you for this time and this opportunity 00:02:35.079 --> 00:02:38.780 for us to gather in your name. 00:02:38.780 --> 00:02:42.039 We know that you are here with us this morning, 00:02:42.039 --> 00:02:45.560 and we pray that truth is spoken here, 00:02:45.560 --> 00:02:47.699 and that lives are transformed. 00:02:49.199 --> 00:02:52.920 We pray, Father, that there will be a moving 00:02:52.920 --> 00:02:55.240 of the Holy Spirit, and that we'll take to heart 00:02:55.240 --> 00:02:59.379 this idea, this advent theme of peace. 00:03:00.479 --> 00:03:05.280 Be with us and help mold us into who you want us to be, 00:03:05.280 --> 00:03:09.159 and help us to recognize that you are the God of promises 00:03:09.159 --> 00:03:12.680 and fulfillment of all of your prophecies. 00:03:12.680 --> 00:03:16.700 It is in times like this where we think about 00:03:16.700 --> 00:03:20.340 the Christmas spirit, we think of all, 00:03:20.340 --> 00:03:24.260 just all the busyness that goes on in the holidays, 00:03:24.260 --> 00:03:26.659 but may we focus and fixate our minds 00:03:26.659 --> 00:03:31.020 and our hearts on you in preparation and anticipation 00:03:31.020 --> 00:03:33.439 and waiting and expectancy. 00:03:34.379 --> 00:03:37.659 And in the same way that traditionally we focus 00:03:37.659 --> 00:03:40.500 on the first coming of Christ, 00:03:40.500 --> 00:03:42.979 may we continue to rely on you, 00:03:43.979 --> 00:03:46.479 that you keep your promises, 00:03:46.479 --> 00:03:49.840 that you are the same yesterday, today, and forever, 00:03:51.020 --> 00:03:54.360 and that we need you, we rely on you, 00:03:56.259 --> 00:03:59.300 and may we fully trust in you all the days of our lives. 00:03:59.300 --> 00:04:01.139 It is in Jesus' name that we pray, 00:04:01.139 --> 00:04:02.860 and we all say together, amen. 00:04:03.900 --> 00:04:07.099 So let's turn to our ESVP Bibles. 00:04:07.099 --> 00:04:12.099 It's gonna be on page 987, Gospel of Matthew chapter 25, 00:04:13.939 --> 00:04:17.139 verses 14, so it's that next slide on there, 00:04:18.620 --> 00:04:20.579 verses 14 through 30. 00:04:22.300 --> 00:04:25.779 And we start off, I want you to keep in mind 00:04:25.779 --> 00:04:28.060 the scene of what is going on here. 00:04:29.500 --> 00:04:33.819 Remember, in chapter 24, this is where Jesus was saying 00:04:33.819 --> 00:04:37.500 that no one will know the time or the hour in which 00:04:37.500 --> 00:04:39.180 he returns. 00:04:39.180 --> 00:04:41.899 And a couple weeks ago, I made a real fun joke 00:04:41.899 --> 00:04:44.579 for those of you who go to the plaza in 00:04:44.579 --> 00:04:48.100 for the Men's Bible study, you'll appreciate this joke. 00:04:48.100 --> 00:04:51.819 There is a book that's out there called 88 Reasons 00:04:51.819 --> 00:04:55.339 Why Christ Will Return in 1988. 00:04:55.339 --> 00:04:59.740 And it's real good humor because when we think about it, 00:04:59.740 --> 00:05:03.699 you can make a lot of money by predicting unsuccessfully, 00:05:04.620 --> 00:05:07.500 the time in which Jesus will return. 00:05:07.500 --> 00:05:10.699 Many people have said it was gonna be the year 2000 00:05:10.699 --> 00:05:14.379 or 1999, and I just love that title, 88 Reasons 00:05:14.379 --> 00:05:16.540 That Jesus Will Return in 1988. 00:05:16.540 --> 00:05:19.100 And it's a book still out there, 00:05:19.100 --> 00:05:22.620 and it's something that we have got to remember 00:05:22.620 --> 00:05:26.100 when we think of scripture, that no one knows the time 00:05:26.100 --> 00:05:29.100 or the hour in which Jesus Christ will return, 00:05:29.100 --> 00:05:33.340 but we know that God knows when that time will be. 00:05:33.340 --> 00:05:35.820 And it will be done in such a way 00:05:35.820 --> 00:05:39.140 where it will fulfill the prophecies. 00:05:40.180 --> 00:05:45.180 So keeping that in mind, let's go to that verse 13. 00:05:45.379 --> 00:05:50.379 It's kind of awkward if you think of starting a four, 00:05:50.379 --> 00:05:53.620 four it will be, what is the four? 00:05:53.620 --> 00:05:56.980 So verse 13, it begins, watch therefore Jesus 00:05:56.980 --> 00:06:01.980 is reiterating, for you know neither the day nor the hour. 00:06:02.580 --> 00:06:05.100 So is it gonna be in 2040? 00:06:06.180 --> 00:06:07.819 Is it gonna be in 2032? 00:06:07.819 --> 00:06:10.100 No one knows the hour. 00:06:10.100 --> 00:06:14.580 In verse 14, it says, for it will be like a man 00:06:14.580 --> 00:06:17.700 going on a journey who called his servants 00:06:17.700 --> 00:06:20.700 and entrusted them to his property. 00:06:20.700 --> 00:06:24.819 To one he gave five talents, to another two, 00:06:24.819 --> 00:06:29.819 to another one, to each according to his ability. 00:06:31.099 --> 00:06:33.099 Then he went away. 00:06:33.099 --> 00:06:35.379 He who had received the five talents 00:06:35.379 --> 00:06:38.420 went away at once and traded with them. 00:06:38.420 --> 00:06:41.019 And he made how many talents more? 00:06:41.019 --> 00:06:42.420 Five more talents. 00:06:43.300 --> 00:06:47.939 So also he who had two talents made how many more? 00:06:47.939 --> 00:06:49.819 Two more talents, right? 00:06:49.819 --> 00:06:52.779 But he who had received the one talents 00:06:52.779 --> 00:06:57.459 went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 00:06:57.459 --> 00:06:59.859 Now after a long time the master of the servants 00:06:59.859 --> 00:07:02.339 came and settled the counts with them. 00:07:02.339 --> 00:07:05.139 And he who had received the five talents came forward 00:07:05.139 --> 00:07:07.899 bringing five talents more saying, 00:07:07.899 --> 00:07:11.139 master you delivered to me five talents, 00:07:11.139 --> 00:07:14.539 here I have made five talents more. 00:07:14.539 --> 00:07:19.339 His master said to him, well done good and faithful servant, 00:07:19.339 --> 00:07:21.339 you have been faithful over a little, 00:07:21.339 --> 00:07:23.699 I will set you over much. 00:07:23.699 --> 00:07:26.819 Enter into the joy of your master. 00:07:26.819 --> 00:07:29.379 And he also who had the two talents came forward 00:07:29.379 --> 00:07:32.819 saying master you delivered to me two talents, 00:07:32.819 --> 00:07:34.500 here I have made two more talents, 00:07:34.500 --> 00:07:36.699 so pretty self-explanatory. 00:07:36.699 --> 00:07:39.259 Verse 23, the master said to him, 00:07:39.259 --> 00:07:41.819 well done good and faithful servant, 00:07:41.819 --> 00:07:43.859 you have been faithful over a little, 00:07:43.859 --> 00:07:45.739 I will set you over much. 00:07:45.739 --> 00:07:48.539 Enter into the joy of your master. 00:07:48.540 --> 00:07:51.980 He also had received one talent came forward saying, 00:07:51.980 --> 00:07:54.020 master I knew you to be a hard man, 00:07:54.020 --> 00:07:55.460 reaping where you did not sow 00:07:55.460 --> 00:07:58.660 and gathering where you scattered no seed. 00:07:58.660 --> 00:08:01.040 So what was he? 00:08:02.260 --> 00:08:03.980 I was afraid. 00:08:03.980 --> 00:08:06.620 And I went and I hid your talent in the ground, 00:08:06.620 --> 00:08:09.300 here you have what is yours. 00:08:09.300 --> 00:08:11.379 But his master said to him, 00:08:11.379 --> 00:08:14.060 you amazing and incredible servant. 00:08:14.060 --> 00:08:16.420 No, no what did he say? 00:08:16.420 --> 00:08:20.580 You wicked and slothful, some pretty harsh words right there. 00:08:20.580 --> 00:08:22.939 Slothful servant, you knew that I reap 00:08:22.939 --> 00:08:24.220 where I have not sown 00:08:24.220 --> 00:08:26.699 and gather where I scattered no seed. 00:08:26.699 --> 00:08:29.620 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers. 00:08:29.620 --> 00:08:31.500 And at my coming I should have received 00:08:31.500 --> 00:08:34.300 what was my own with interest. 00:08:34.300 --> 00:08:36.820 So take the talent from him 00:08:36.820 --> 00:08:39.379 and give it to him who has the 10 talents. 00:08:39.379 --> 00:08:41.740 For everyone who has will be given 00:08:41.740 --> 00:08:44.259 and he will have an abundance. 00:08:44.259 --> 00:08:46.500 But from the one who has not, 00:08:46.500 --> 00:08:49.179 even what he has will be taken away 00:08:49.179 --> 00:08:53.939 and cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness 00:08:53.939 --> 00:08:56.500 in that place where there will be the weeping 00:08:56.500 --> 00:08:58.899 and the gnashing of teeth. 00:08:58.899 --> 00:09:01.100 And when you read this on the surface here, 00:09:02.019 --> 00:09:04.340 some pretty interesting language. 00:09:04.340 --> 00:09:07.779 And this parable is one that is used 00:09:07.779 --> 00:09:11.899 in reference by many pastors, many Christians through here. 00:09:11.899 --> 00:09:15.259 When we're considering the context of this, 00:09:15.259 --> 00:09:18.539 we have to think of preparation, right? 00:09:18.539 --> 00:09:21.860 Jesus is saying, no one knows the time 00:09:21.860 --> 00:09:23.860 or the hour for the return. 00:09:23.860 --> 00:09:26.579 Then you had the parable of the 10 virgins, right? 00:09:26.579 --> 00:09:31.139 Where they were waiting for the bridegroom to return. 00:09:32.419 --> 00:09:34.860 When we are looking at this parable, 00:09:34.860 --> 00:09:38.819 we have got to consider the same concept. 00:09:38.820 --> 00:09:42.700 That it is waiting for instead of the delay 00:09:42.700 --> 00:09:46.740 of the bridegroom, it is talking about the time 00:09:46.740 --> 00:09:49.780 in which the master returns. 00:09:49.780 --> 00:09:54.780 So you have this scene, the master is entrusting money, 00:09:55.500 --> 00:09:58.180 these talents to these three servants. 00:09:58.180 --> 00:10:02.140 So you have this image here, right? 00:10:02.140 --> 00:10:07.140 One has five, one has three, and one has one talents. 00:10:07.139 --> 00:10:10.779 And he goes away, he does his business, 00:10:12.139 --> 00:10:17.139 and it's this idea of using what has been given 00:10:17.699 --> 00:10:20.500 to make more, I mean, in a literal sense, 00:10:20.500 --> 00:10:22.299 to make more money, right? 00:10:22.299 --> 00:10:24.939 And to present it back when the master returns. 00:10:25.980 --> 00:10:29.899 We also have to think that when we are reading this 00:10:30.899 --> 00:10:35.899 that Christ is talking about being prepared for his return. 00:10:35.899 --> 00:10:39.699 And living faithfully in the meantime, 00:10:40.579 --> 00:10:43.980 going out boldly into the world, 00:10:44.980 --> 00:10:46.899 and using what God has given to you. 00:10:46.899 --> 00:10:49.939 Now, certainly this can mean money 00:10:50.819 --> 00:10:52.899 that God has given to you. 00:10:52.899 --> 00:10:57.899 But let us also consider, I like to call them the three Ts, 00:10:58.100 --> 00:11:02.379 our time, our talent, and our treasure. 00:11:02.379 --> 00:11:05.019 So we have the master, right? 00:11:05.019 --> 00:11:08.259 He gives his servants according to their abilities 00:11:08.259 --> 00:11:10.860 before leaving on the journey, that's the first thing. 00:11:12.220 --> 00:11:14.539 And two of the three servants, they go out 00:11:14.539 --> 00:11:18.860 and they basically double their money, right? 00:11:18.860 --> 00:11:22.299 And the third one buries it out of fear. 00:11:23.419 --> 00:11:26.340 And very often when we're reading verses like this, 00:11:26.340 --> 00:11:31.220 let us think about how scripture so much speaks 00:11:31.220 --> 00:11:36.220 of how we, how people in the Bible are not to be afraid. 00:11:39.100 --> 00:11:43.540 Think of another example of Jesus walking on water, 00:11:44.379 --> 00:11:46.820 the extraordinary event that's happening. 00:11:48.139 --> 00:11:50.019 Would you go out onto the water? 00:11:51.060 --> 00:11:52.940 Or would you be afraid? 00:11:52.940 --> 00:11:55.580 There are times where we are, but yet scripture tells us 00:11:55.580 --> 00:11:58.680 to not be afraid and to go out boldly. 00:11:58.679 --> 00:12:03.679 So the master returns and he rewards the faithful servants 00:12:04.479 --> 00:12:08.479 and condemns the unfaithful one, calling him wicked and lazy. 00:12:09.719 --> 00:12:12.639 And the reason for this is because of fear 00:12:12.639 --> 00:12:15.719 and because of inaction, because when we find 00:12:15.719 --> 00:12:19.559 in the scriptures, you still could have put this money 00:12:19.559 --> 00:12:21.639 into an investment. 00:12:21.639 --> 00:12:24.359 You still could have, it could have still accumulated 00:12:24.359 --> 00:12:26.879 interest, but you didn't. 00:12:26.879 --> 00:12:28.720 And that's very hard. 00:12:28.720 --> 00:12:31.919 I mean, for many of us, when we read that, 00:12:31.919 --> 00:12:33.559 we don't want to be that third servant. 00:12:33.559 --> 00:12:35.320 At least I hope that none of us want to be 00:12:35.320 --> 00:12:37.159 that third servant. 00:12:37.159 --> 00:12:42.080 It is for us to consider what God has given to us 00:12:42.080 --> 00:12:44.559 and how we are to use that. 00:12:45.639 --> 00:12:47.919 Do we go out boldly into the world 00:12:48.799 --> 00:12:51.279 or do we bury what God has given to us? 00:12:51.279 --> 00:12:56.279 And so the implication here, this is talking about preparation, 00:12:57.199 --> 00:13:02.199 having confidence in knowing the Lord 00:13:02.279 --> 00:13:03.879 when we're thinking about us. 00:13:05.319 --> 00:13:09.319 When we have a relationship with Jesus Christ, 00:13:09.879 --> 00:13:12.519 there is confidence in knowing Him. 00:13:12.519 --> 00:13:14.679 There is peace in knowing Him. 00:13:15.679 --> 00:13:18.879 It is knowing that Jesus loves me, right? 00:13:18.879 --> 00:13:21.759 It's just like the fundamental, the basics. 00:13:22.759 --> 00:13:26.759 How many of you were taught, Jesus loves me this I know 00:13:27.559 --> 00:13:28.879 for the Bible tells me so. 00:13:28.879 --> 00:13:30.279 It's so elementary, right? 00:13:30.279 --> 00:13:33.360 Children can know this, but it's so important. 00:13:34.960 --> 00:13:38.759 When we talk about John 3.16, that God so loved the world 00:13:38.759 --> 00:13:41.879 that He gave His only Son that whosoever believes 00:13:41.879 --> 00:13:44.879 shall not perish but have eternal life. 00:13:44.879 --> 00:13:47.879 That in knowing that what God has given to you 00:13:47.879 --> 00:13:49.879 there is nothing to fear. 00:13:49.879 --> 00:13:53.879 And it's a call for us to use all that we have been given. 00:13:53.879 --> 00:13:56.879 It is again, time, talent and treasure 00:13:56.879 --> 00:13:58.879 and using it for the glory of God. 00:13:58.879 --> 00:14:02.879 And this is connected because when we're thinking of Isaiah, 00:14:04.879 --> 00:14:07.879 when we had our scripture reading, our Advent reading, 00:14:09.879 --> 00:14:11.879 there's the call for preparation, 00:14:11.879 --> 00:14:17.879 making way for the Lord, for the first coming of Christ. 00:14:17.879 --> 00:14:22.879 When we think about preparation for Jesus entering the scene, 00:14:24.879 --> 00:14:27.879 we think of Christ entering as a child, 00:14:27.879 --> 00:14:30.879 the word being made flesh. 00:14:31.879 --> 00:14:34.879 The Lord fulfilling all of His promises 00:14:35.879 --> 00:14:38.879 and His prophecies by Jesus being born. 00:14:38.879 --> 00:14:42.879 It's making straight paths for the Lord 00:14:42.879 --> 00:14:45.879 and being ready for His glory to be revealed 00:14:45.879 --> 00:14:48.879 and in the same way that we anticipate, 00:14:48.879 --> 00:14:52.879 we prepare and we ready the way for the Lord, 00:14:52.879 --> 00:14:53.879 for the first coming. 00:14:53.879 --> 00:14:57.879 We think of future promises, the second coming. 00:14:58.879 --> 00:15:01.879 And just as the servants were called to act in readiness 00:15:01.879 --> 00:15:03.879 for their master's return, 00:15:03.879 --> 00:15:08.879 let us prepare our hearts for the Prince of Peace. 00:15:08.879 --> 00:15:10.879 And so it goes in then. 00:15:11.879 --> 00:15:13.879 What does this text mean? 00:15:13.879 --> 00:15:15.879 So it's that next slide here. 00:15:15.879 --> 00:15:16.879 We think about... 00:15:18.879 --> 00:15:20.879 Can we learn and interpret? 00:15:20.879 --> 00:15:22.879 Let's go to that first one. 00:15:22.879 --> 00:15:27.879 It says that stewardship reflects preparation and readiness. 00:15:27.879 --> 00:15:30.879 The master entrusted talents to his servants 00:15:30.879 --> 00:15:35.879 and it's an illustration of how God gives each and every single one of us 00:15:35.879 --> 00:15:40.879 gifts and abilities, responsibilities to steward faithfully. 00:15:41.879 --> 00:15:44.879 Very often when we think of stewardship, 00:15:44.879 --> 00:15:47.879 we constantly think of money and rightfully so, 00:15:47.879 --> 00:15:50.879 but it's also how are you stewarding your gifts? 00:15:50.879 --> 00:15:52.879 How are you stewarding your time? 00:15:52.879 --> 00:15:54.879 I know we think of time management 00:15:54.879 --> 00:15:58.879 and how very often time can get away for us 00:15:58.879 --> 00:16:00.879 if we don't steward it very well. 00:16:00.879 --> 00:16:03.879 What about your gifts and your abilities? 00:16:03.879 --> 00:16:05.879 How are you stewarding those? 00:16:05.879 --> 00:16:09.879 God gives all of us gifts and abilities 00:16:09.879 --> 00:16:12.879 and it's our responsibility to steward it. 00:16:13.879 --> 00:16:15.879 So we're thinking of readiness, 00:16:15.879 --> 00:16:19.879 readiness for Christ's first coming and also his return. 00:16:21.879 --> 00:16:24.879 And it's how we've got to use what we have been given. 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:28.879 When we think of it like this, 00:16:28.879 --> 00:16:31.879 God has given you everything. 00:16:31.879 --> 00:16:34.879 Are you going to give back to the Lord? 00:16:34.879 --> 00:16:37.879 That's a question that only you can answer. 00:16:37.879 --> 00:16:41.879 The second thing then is faith over fear. 00:16:42.879 --> 00:16:47.879 So the faithful servants, they acted boldly in faith. 00:16:48.879 --> 00:16:53.879 They went out into the world and they doubled the money. 00:16:53.879 --> 00:16:57.879 In this sense, when we think of our own situation, 00:16:57.879 --> 00:17:01.879 it's a call for us to boldly go out into the world. 00:17:01.879 --> 00:17:03.879 Well, how do we do that? 00:17:03.879 --> 00:17:05.880 We share in the gospel message, right? 00:17:05.880 --> 00:17:09.880 We share in our testimony and also in our everyday life, 00:17:09.880 --> 00:17:13.880 our work, our interactions with school, with students, 00:17:13.880 --> 00:17:15.880 with our parents. 00:17:15.880 --> 00:17:19.880 How do we represent Christ in our everyday dealings? 00:17:19.880 --> 00:17:24.880 So these servants, they trusted in the master's return 00:17:25.880 --> 00:17:30.880 and the unfaithful one was paralyzed by fear. 00:17:31.880 --> 00:17:34.880 Now how often we think of children, 00:17:34.880 --> 00:17:37.880 you want them to walk for a moment, right? 00:17:37.880 --> 00:17:41.880 You want to get them to crawl and they don't want to do it 00:17:41.880 --> 00:17:44.880 or they begin to walk and they fall a few times. 00:17:44.880 --> 00:17:47.880 We can think of that as a way of saying, 00:17:47.880 --> 00:17:50.880 we'll get them to crawl a few times. 00:17:50.880 --> 00:17:53.880 We can think of that for literal children, 00:17:53.880 --> 00:17:57.880 but we can also think of how, for us in our spiritual walk, 00:17:59.880 --> 00:18:02.880 very often we can be afraid. 00:18:02.880 --> 00:18:04.880 And I know how difficult it is, 00:18:04.880 --> 00:18:08.880 even when I'm saying this, I'm thinking of how difficult it can be 00:18:08.880 --> 00:18:11.880 to not be afraid but to fully trust in the living God 00:18:11.880 --> 00:18:16.880 and to trust in his timing, in his promises. 00:18:16.880 --> 00:18:24.700 fear yet we live in a culture that is full of fear and uncertainty. The constant news 00:18:24.700 --> 00:18:34.140 like when we had recently hearing about the assassination of that healthcare CEO, what 00:18:34.140 --> 00:18:39.680 do you mean don't be afraid. It may not always be the easiest thing but it's still a call 00:18:39.680 --> 00:18:50.759 for us to trust in him, rely on him and know that God's got our back. God is with us. 00:18:50.759 --> 00:18:59.080 Fear very often leads to stagnation but when we consider our faith there is a push as it 00:18:59.079 --> 00:19:10.240 were for us to act upon our faith. The third thing then is reward for faithfulness in Christ. 00:19:10.240 --> 00:19:16.639 Living faithful, faithfully in Christ, there is that peace, there is that confidence that 00:19:16.639 --> 00:19:24.799 comes from the Lord. And if you think about it, one of the things that we see as the encouraging 00:19:24.799 --> 00:19:35.799 point is the two servants that were told well done, good and faithful servant. I know at 00:19:35.799 --> 00:19:41.319 the end of my life, I want the Lord to say something like that to me and I hope for all 00:19:41.319 --> 00:19:48.000 of us we can get that pat on the back as it were knowing that we have done what is what 00:19:48.000 --> 00:19:55.640 God has called us to be. But let us also be reminded that in all of this, we've got to 00:19:55.640 --> 00:20:02.680 know who Jesus is first and foremost. We've got to have that relationship with him believing 00:20:02.680 --> 00:20:10.920 in Jesus as the death burial and resurrection of Christ knowing that who Jesus is, Savior 00:20:10.920 --> 00:20:18.240 and Lord believing in his promises. We've got to have that faith first and upon that 00:20:18.240 --> 00:20:25.120 faith be moved to action. You hear me say the words doing good in the name of Christ 00:20:25.120 --> 00:20:32.720 and I stand by what I say that we are called to go out into the world and make a difference 00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:40.840 in other people's lives representing Christ. So the master says well done, good and faithful 00:20:40.839 --> 00:20:51.879 servant. Peace is found in knowing that God is with you and also fulfilling God's purposes 00:20:51.879 --> 00:21:01.519 with what he has given to us. The next thing then is the consequences for inaction. Neglecting 00:21:01.519 --> 00:21:09.439 our responsibilities to God reveals a lack of transformation. It says the unfaithful 00:21:09.440 --> 00:21:17.039 servant's judgment. It's a warning for us. We have faith as our foundation. Just as I've 00:21:17.039 --> 00:21:20.920 mentioned before when we talked about the parable of the soils, you shall know them 00:21:20.920 --> 00:21:31.400 by their fruit. That's how you know who someone, if someone's a Christian or not. It's not 00:21:31.400 --> 00:21:40.280 about earning salvation, but it is about exhibiting transformation by God's grace. So I want to 00:21:40.280 --> 00:21:48.280 repeat myself here. Our salvation is not about what we do. It's about what has been done 00:21:48.280 --> 00:21:57.560 for us and knowing this, we should bear fruit. That's what the call is for. So then goes 00:21:57.559 --> 00:22:04.319 to well what do we do with this? So those are the lessons. So what do we do with it? 00:22:04.319 --> 00:22:10.079 The first thing is to steward all that God has given to you. Reflect on your time, your 00:22:10.079 --> 00:22:17.839 talent and your treasure. Everybody has different levels as it were. Some people have more time 00:22:17.839 --> 00:22:23.720 available. Not that you have 48 hours a day. We all have 24 hours. But how you utilize 00:22:23.720 --> 00:22:32.839 your time may be different. Your talent, your abilities, your giftings and also your treasure. 00:22:32.839 --> 00:22:41.079 I know when you're a college student, you usually don't have a lot of money. I might 00:22:41.079 --> 00:22:48.279 be eating raw. I know for me I ate raw noodles. I know for many of us did. Rice and beans, 00:22:48.279 --> 00:22:56.279 whatever it is, situation may change as you get older, you find your career, you're calling 00:22:56.279 --> 00:23:02.920 in your life. So reflect on areas where God has given you with the time, talent and treasure 00:23:02.920 --> 00:23:10.680 and ask yourself, are you stewarding them faithfully? The second thing then is to live 00:23:10.680 --> 00:23:19.080 in faith and not fear. That's another big one. Replace fear with trust in God's provision 00:23:19.080 --> 00:23:26.680 and step boldly into his calling for your life. God desires that all of us know him. 00:23:26.680 --> 00:23:33.440 Do you realize that you got to make that choice first and foremost, right? God also desires 00:23:33.440 --> 00:23:41.320 that you become more like him following in the footsteps of Christ. Think about that 00:23:41.320 --> 00:23:47.279 growing in the knowledge of this book, this Bible, it's an amazing book. Read it sometimes. 00:23:47.279 --> 00:23:55.039 But also in our words and in our actions with other people, I can tell you in my own walk 00:23:55.039 --> 00:24:03.759 with the Lord and the times where when I look back at my life before I knew Jesus Christ, 00:24:03.759 --> 00:24:12.839 it was a mess. And to be very honest, my life is still a mess. But there's that peace and 00:24:12.839 --> 00:24:19.839 knowing that God is working on me, God will work in your life, making you more like him 00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:28.399 every single day. Now, I'm not going to tell you your life is going to be perfect, but 00:24:28.399 --> 00:24:33.559 God will work in your life. And there's that peace that surpasses all understanding and 00:24:33.559 --> 00:24:42.639 knowing who Jesus Christ is. That is a wonderful thing. Knowing that God is with me, God is 00:24:42.640 --> 00:24:52.280 with you. Encourage others in the same way. Maybe you don't know the Lord. Maybe you don't 00:24:52.280 --> 00:24:56.320 have there's that song I've got peace like a river. Some of you may know that one, right? 00:24:56.320 --> 00:25:04.960 It's an old song. Got a peace like a river for my soul. If you do know the Lord and you 00:25:04.960 --> 00:25:12.759 have experienced that peace, why not share it with other people? It's a call for you. 00:25:12.759 --> 00:25:20.200 The third thing then is to be a peacemaker in your community. Let the peace of Christ 00:25:20.200 --> 00:25:26.880 flow through you. I have a typo there in your words, in your words and actions. Well, one 00:25:26.880 --> 00:25:34.039 of the few times I have a typo there, but in your words and in your actions, just as 00:25:34.039 --> 00:25:39.559 Isaiah, the prophet in our scriptural reading called for paths to be made straight, take 00:25:39.559 --> 00:25:46.440 steps to bring peace and reconciliation where there is conflict. How often do we know about 00:25:46.440 --> 00:25:53.440 people who don't exhibit peace to other people? Some of us like fighting, I get it. But we're 00:25:53.440 --> 00:26:00.720 called to be peacemakers, right? Just as scripture says, blessed are the peacemakers. For theirs 00:26:00.720 --> 00:26:08.200 is the kingdom of God. So look for opportunities to bring peace, to have those discussions 00:26:08.200 --> 00:26:15.079 with your friends or families. Have you already had family over? With your at your house, 00:26:15.079 --> 00:26:21.279 celebrated a dinner? You had that one family member that you just can't stand? We all have. 00:26:21.279 --> 00:26:27.559 We all have. Let's be honest here, right? What an opportunity to share in the peace of Christ 00:26:27.559 --> 00:26:37.119 with others, right? What an opportunity. And so again, let the peace of Christ flow through 00:26:37.119 --> 00:26:46.319 you. And number four is to multiply God's peace. Peace grows when it is shared. Use 00:26:46.319 --> 00:26:53.919 your gifts, your time, your talent, your treasure to bring peace to others through acts of service, 00:26:53.920 --> 00:27:02.960 through encouragement or my favorite one is just being present with people. Do you realize 00:27:02.960 --> 00:27:09.440 the peace that surpasses all understanding that comes from the Prince of peace? That's 00:27:09.440 --> 00:27:16.640 what the world needs. It's just like when we think of any, when we've talked about the 00:27:16.640 --> 00:27:23.120 hope candle, the hope that is in Jesus Christ next week, when we talk, when we, when we 00:27:23.119 --> 00:27:28.959 talk about the love of Christ, when we talk about the joy that is found in him, when we 00:27:28.959 --> 00:27:34.039 think of all of these things, these are things that are beyond our understanding. These are 00:27:34.039 --> 00:27:41.479 things that are supernatural. They are from the Lord. So why wouldn't we want to share 00:27:41.479 --> 00:27:47.279 that with others? Let this be a call for you to share in the peace of Christ with others 00:27:47.279 --> 00:27:55.119 and multiply God's peace and be intentional to share the peace of Christ with others. Do 00:27:55.119 --> 00:28:04.359 you realize that our God is very relational? Do you realize that? And in the same way, the 00:28:04.359 --> 00:28:10.079 Lord is relational with you. You should be relational with others just as there's so 00:28:10.079 --> 00:28:16.480 many of these echoes, the peace that comes from the Lord we are to share with other people. 00:28:16.480 --> 00:28:23.960 So let us do that and think about those family members or those friends or your neighbor 00:28:23.960 --> 00:28:31.799 or your professor, whatever it is. Let us think about that. And so this week, I challenge 00:28:31.799 --> 00:28:39.720 you to consider one gift for you to think about how you are stewarding. Maybe it's your 00:28:39.720 --> 00:28:45.759 time. Maybe you're spending too much time playing video games. I don't have time for 00:28:45.759 --> 00:28:53.400 that. I know there was a time, but not anymore. I have too many kids to play games. So maybe 00:28:53.400 --> 00:28:59.200 it's playing video games. Maybe it's, you know, I need to really spend more time in 00:28:59.200 --> 00:29:05.359 prayer. Maybe it's your talent. Maybe there is a talent that you're just not utilizing. 00:29:05.359 --> 00:29:10.279 Maybe you're not using it all. Maybe you need to utilize it for the glory of God. Be a steward 00:29:10.279 --> 00:29:18.599 of that. And same thing with your treasure as well. So how can you use your gifts and 00:29:18.599 --> 00:29:27.359 your abilities to honor God, but also to exhibit the peace of Christ with others? And so in 00:29:27.359 --> 00:29:38.559 all of this, let us consider as we close the parable of the talents that we should be those 00:29:38.559 --> 00:29:47.759 faithful servants using out everything that God has given to us from this simple parable. 00:29:47.759 --> 00:29:53.879 The servants using their money in a good way. They doubled it and they moved on in their 00:29:53.879 --> 00:29:59.819 life. Let us not be like the wicked and lazy servant. I don't want God to call me wicked 00:29:59.819 --> 00:30:08.439 or lazy in any, in any part of my life, but let us be like those two servants. Everything 00:30:08.439 --> 00:30:14.399 that they were given, everything we are given, let us use it for the glory of God and let 00:30:14.399 --> 00:30:24.720 us steward it. Well, let's pray together. Father, we thank you for the peace that comes 00:30:24.720 --> 00:30:35.759 from your son. I pray, Father, that we, you will help us be able to be faithful stewards 00:30:35.759 --> 00:30:42.720 of your peace, but also stewards of all that you have given to us. Every good gift comes 00:30:42.720 --> 00:30:50.960 from you as scripture says. May we recognize that. May we honor that. May we steward it 00:30:50.960 --> 00:30:59.640 well. Father, we realize that every single one of us. We've all been blessed in so many 00:30:59.640 --> 00:31:09.120 ways and we thank you for that. And so we pray that as we sing in this last song that 00:31:09.120 --> 00:31:16.920 we thank you for all of these Advent themes, the hope that exists in you, the peace that 00:31:16.920 --> 00:31:22.800 surpasses all understanding, the joy that is inexhaustible and the love that comes from 00:31:22.800 --> 00:31:31.680 you. But let us most especially focus on that peace that comes from you, knowing that you 00:31:31.680 --> 00:31:40.320 are with us and knowing that even though it may be difficult for us to not be afraid, 00:31:40.319 --> 00:31:49.960 let us move boldly in our life, leaning into that peace that is supplied from you. In all 00:31:49.960 --> 00:31:55.559 of this, we pray and we all say together, Amen. Amen. 00:31:55.559 --> 00:32:00.200 Thank you for tuning in to the Ontario Community Church sermon podcast. For more about our 00:32:00.200 --> 00:32:07.480 church and how you can get involved or support our mission, please visit ontariocommunitychurch.org. 00:32:07.480 --> 00:32:11.559 May God's blessings be with you.