WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.320 Welcome to Ontario Community Church, where we are encouraging, equipping, and engaging lives for Christ. 00:00:06.320 --> 00:00:14.740 ! I'm Pastor Patrick Daly, and each week I share sermons that balance the grace and love of Jesus Christ with the truth of the Word of God. 00:00:15.359 --> 00:00:21.179 Together, we'll explore Scripture using observation, interpretation, and application. 00:00:21.839 --> 00:00:26.019 This helps us discover practical ways to live out our faith every single day. 00:00:26.019 --> 00:00:29.039 Let's dive in together into God's Word. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.379 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:00:32.119 --> 00:00:41.420 We're going to go ahead and get started here as we have been going through the teachings, the parables of Christ. 00:00:42.340 --> 00:00:48.780 These parables are so simple, yet they are so deep and they are so profound. 00:00:50.200 --> 00:00:57.659 I want you to turn your Bibles before we go to our specific verses in Matthew 13, 51 to 52. 00:00:57.659 --> 00:01:09.099 I want us to start to page 972 in your ESVP Bible or your Bible of choice, the Gospel of Matthew chapter 13. 00:01:09.099 --> 00:01:22.099 It's important for us to see not only the context of the Word of God, but the consistency of it, the underlying lessons of the Word, 00:01:22.640 --> 00:01:26.659 and how the Word is interconnected with each other. 00:01:26.659 --> 00:01:37.000 What's so remarkable for those of us, if you enjoy good film or you enjoy a good musical album, 00:01:37.459 --> 00:01:46.039 is how sometimes songs or movies can be connected with each other, showing a grand narrative, showing pieces. 00:01:46.040 --> 00:01:51.700 If you ever watch the show Lost, or you ever watch Star Wars, or you ever watch... 00:01:51.700 --> 00:01:55.380 Well, there's a lot of great movies out there where it's all connected. 00:01:56.060 --> 00:02:02.700 And it makes a great story where you're like, oh, what happened in season one now makes sense in season seven. 00:02:03.020 --> 00:02:05.200 And I didn't get it, but now I do. 00:02:05.300 --> 00:02:06.380 That's what was going on. 00:02:06.420 --> 00:02:08.620 These things that are happening behind the scenes. 00:02:09.580 --> 00:02:13.120 Well, the Word of God is not necessarily a film. 00:02:13.120 --> 00:02:15.480 It is something that is much greater than that. 00:02:15.920 --> 00:02:19.939 The connections that we find within Scripture are remarkable. 00:02:20.480 --> 00:02:24.180 And they help us grow in our faith. 00:02:24.680 --> 00:02:30.020 For those of us who do not know the Lord, it helps us to draw near to the Lord. 00:02:30.420 --> 00:02:35.180 And for us to receive that invitation and to respond to it accordingly. 00:02:36.180 --> 00:02:38.300 Now, are we all there? 00:02:38.900 --> 00:02:41.560 Matthew chapter 13 or page 972? 00:02:41.560 --> 00:02:42.560 Matthew chapter 13. 00:02:42.560 --> 00:02:43.740 In your Bibles? 00:02:44.479 --> 00:02:48.599 It starts off where you have these crowds of people. 00:02:49.120 --> 00:02:51.620 Where Jesus is speaking in parables. 00:02:51.879 --> 00:02:53.120 We remember this. 00:02:53.180 --> 00:02:54.180 We've gone over this. 00:02:54.240 --> 00:02:58.539 The parable of the sower, which began with the seeds and the soils. 00:02:58.939 --> 00:03:03.280 And it goes on further where we had the parable of the weeds. 00:03:03.280 --> 00:03:10.280 Where it was talking about how weeds and wheat will grow together until the appropriate time, 00:03:10.379 --> 00:03:12.920 the final judgment that would happen at the end. 00:03:13.159 --> 00:03:18.180 We also had in verse 31, the mustard seed and the leavened. 00:03:18.240 --> 00:03:20.759 That which is small and expands. 00:03:20.759 --> 00:03:23.259 Just like as I've mentioned before and I'll mention again, 00:03:23.259 --> 00:03:26.180 how it is connected with Daniel chapter 2. 00:03:26.180 --> 00:03:28.460 The stone that grows into the mountain. 00:03:28.599 --> 00:03:32.640 The seed that grows into something that is much greater. 00:03:33.099 --> 00:03:34.719 Becomes a grand tree. 00:03:35.180 --> 00:03:38.520 Or the leaven when it talks about the measures of flour. 00:03:38.659 --> 00:03:43.960 The one time in scripture really where you see leaven in a positive light rather than a negative light. 00:03:43.960 --> 00:03:50.020 And then of course we had, we were going on into, I want you to look at verse 36 real quick. 00:03:51.120 --> 00:03:54.159 When it's talking about the parable of the weeds explained. 00:03:54.620 --> 00:04:01.760 So first we had these grand crowds that were around where Jesus is speaking to all sorts of people. 00:04:02.159 --> 00:04:04.219 What does it say in verse 36? 00:04:04.920 --> 00:04:06.260 Then he left what? 00:04:07.040 --> 00:04:07.980 The crowds. 00:04:08.480 --> 00:04:09.540 And went into the house. 00:04:09.539 --> 00:04:14.780 So it's going from something that is more public to something that is more private. 00:04:14.900 --> 00:04:19.339 So that was going on into explaining the weeds. 00:04:19.420 --> 00:04:20.519 The parable of the weeds. 00:04:20.980 --> 00:04:24.019 And then we have this trifecta that's happening. 00:04:24.439 --> 00:04:26.420 The parable of the hidden treasure. 00:04:26.800 --> 00:04:31.899 The parable of the pearl of great value or of great price depending upon your translation. 00:04:32.379 --> 00:04:34.139 And the parable of the net. 00:04:34.139 --> 00:04:41.579 And these parables are important because it is leading up to where we are going to be in scripture today. 00:04:41.719 --> 00:04:43.120 So parable of the hidden treasure. 00:04:43.259 --> 00:04:45.899 Remember, it's that which is hidden. 00:04:46.099 --> 00:04:47.319 That which is revealed. 00:04:47.819 --> 00:04:51.000 And selling everything to obtain it. 00:04:51.779 --> 00:04:56.860 Much like when we were talking about the parable of the pearl of great value, right? 00:04:56.860 --> 00:05:05.759 Where someone found a pearl of such great value that he went and sold everything for it. 00:05:06.280 --> 00:05:12.879 And that is very important for us when we're thinking of what we're about to go into, right? 00:05:12.920 --> 00:05:15.600 Then we finally have the parable of the net. 00:05:15.939 --> 00:05:20.699 This language and this imagery of a net that's catching all of the fish. 00:05:20.699 --> 00:05:22.800 And it's being sorted out. 00:05:22.959 --> 00:05:26.599 Which is also talking about the final judgment. 00:05:26.779 --> 00:05:29.620 Much like as we found with the wheat and the weeds. 00:05:30.159 --> 00:05:38.319 I bring all of this up so that we can see what is happening prior to verses 51 and 52. 00:05:39.439 --> 00:05:42.139 Where we were supposed to read together. 00:05:42.560 --> 00:05:44.980 But by golly, we're going to read it together, right? 00:05:45.199 --> 00:05:46.519 Let's read it together, church. 00:05:47.199 --> 00:05:49.800 Have you understood all these things? 00:05:49.800 --> 00:05:51.460 They said to him what? 00:05:51.900 --> 00:05:52.439 Yes. 00:05:52.780 --> 00:05:59.060 And he said to them, therefore, every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven 00:05:59.060 --> 00:06:00.860 is like a what, church? 00:06:01.139 --> 00:06:08.540 A master of a house who brings out his treasure what is new and what is old. 00:06:09.439 --> 00:06:13.000 So it's all leading up to this section, right? 00:06:13.100 --> 00:06:15.019 We have the shift in the audience. 00:06:15.160 --> 00:06:17.500 We have these parables that are leading up to it. 00:06:17.500 --> 00:06:21.000 And Jesus is asking, do you understand all of these things? 00:06:21.399 --> 00:06:23.980 He wants to make sure that his disciples get it. 00:06:24.620 --> 00:06:27.720 So that he can move forward with this final parable here. 00:06:27.939 --> 00:06:33.040 Much like how we have been leading up to this parable so that we can understand it. 00:06:33.040 --> 00:06:38.540 Church, do we understand the treasure of Christ? 00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:43.540 That knowing Christ and the salvation that comes to him, comes from him, 00:06:43.700 --> 00:06:48.240 is more valuable than anything that the earth has to offer? 00:06:48.580 --> 00:06:50.080 Do we understand that, church? 00:06:50.800 --> 00:06:51.400 Yes. 00:06:51.399 --> 00:06:52.399 Yes. 00:06:52.399 --> 00:06:57.620 Then we think of the parable of the pearl of great value or of great price. 00:06:58.139 --> 00:07:00.539 Finding something that is so valuable. 00:07:01.319 --> 00:07:04.359 Imagine being someone who is seeking for pearls, right? 00:07:04.419 --> 00:07:05.739 You're going into the ocean. 00:07:05.919 --> 00:07:07.019 You're going into the water. 00:07:08.620 --> 00:07:09.679 That valuable? 00:07:11.060 --> 00:07:15.699 That it should be cherished that much to the point where we set aside everything? 00:07:16.399 --> 00:07:18.379 Do we understand this, church? 00:07:18.379 --> 00:07:19.379 Yes. 00:07:20.879 --> 00:07:21.199 Yes. 00:07:21.279 --> 00:07:21.500 Okay. 00:07:21.779 --> 00:07:22.000 Good. 00:07:22.300 --> 00:07:22.779 All right. 00:07:22.939 --> 00:07:23.959 I'm like, wait a minute here. 00:07:24.459 --> 00:07:28.959 And then finally, right, we had the parable of where we had the fish. 00:07:29.659 --> 00:07:30.839 The sorting out. 00:07:31.079 --> 00:07:32.420 The final judgment. 00:07:33.319 --> 00:07:35.279 Do we understand this, church? 00:07:35.639 --> 00:07:36.079 Yes. 00:07:36.219 --> 00:07:36.540 Okay. 00:07:37.219 --> 00:07:43.100 So now, much like how we've been studying parables, Christ is teaching the disciples. 00:07:43.100 --> 00:07:49.660 Jesus is talking about a scribe that is trained for the kingdom to a householder who brings 00:07:49.660 --> 00:07:50.640 out his treasure. 00:07:50.960 --> 00:07:53.700 I want to go ahead for the slides. 00:07:53.840 --> 00:07:56.820 Can you go to the Matthew passage real quick? 00:07:56.900 --> 00:07:58.000 It's towards the end. 00:07:59.460 --> 00:08:03.439 There's a similarity that we actually find in the gospel of Matthew here. 00:08:03.939 --> 00:08:09.100 Who then is the faithful and wise servant whom his master has set over his what? 00:08:09.100 --> 00:08:12.840 His household to give them food at the proper time. 00:08:12.960 --> 00:08:17.620 It's very similar to what we find the householder bringing out old and new things. 00:08:18.020 --> 00:08:22.800 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 00:08:23.439 --> 00:08:26.980 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all possessions. 00:08:26.980 --> 00:08:32.600 So we find there is a similarity, a parallel, as it were, with a householder. 00:08:32.940 --> 00:08:35.899 In other words, it is much like someone who is a steward. 00:08:36.360 --> 00:08:41.420 We've talked so much about stewardship and service and generosity when it comes to these 00:08:41.420 --> 00:08:41.840 parables. 00:08:42.539 --> 00:08:48.639 And so when we go back to verse 52, a scribe, someone who is trained, someone who has grown 00:08:48.639 --> 00:08:50.259 in the things of God. 00:08:50.259 --> 00:08:56.439 Now, first and foremost, we need to understand that we are all called to respond to the gospel 00:08:56.439 --> 00:08:57.259 of Jesus Christ. 00:08:57.399 --> 00:08:58.100 That is step one. 00:08:58.399 --> 00:09:02.319 And by golly, that is the greatest step that you can ever make for your life here on earth 00:09:02.319 --> 00:09:04.059 that has eternal impact. 00:09:04.200 --> 00:09:04.799 Amen, church? 00:09:05.399 --> 00:09:07.939 Upon that, we grow. 00:09:08.659 --> 00:09:10.840 We begin our new life in Christ. 00:09:10.980 --> 00:09:12.759 We become more like him. 00:09:13.000 --> 00:09:14.319 We open the Bible. 00:09:14.600 --> 00:09:16.960 We don't let it collect dust on the shelf. 00:09:16.960 --> 00:09:21.879 I mean, I know I have some Bibles that do, but I have a ton of Bibles. 00:09:22.040 --> 00:09:25.240 The idea, though, is we open our Bibles, right? 00:09:25.700 --> 00:09:29.580 There's a video I saw on YouTube one time before that really stood out to me. 00:09:29.620 --> 00:09:35.080 It was very convicting to me, is how often do you have a Bible that's been worn and it's 00:09:35.080 --> 00:09:39.139 been beaten and it's falling apart, but yet it's taking care of you? 00:09:40.600 --> 00:09:42.940 And how many of us have had the opposite before? 00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:46.920 Where you may be falling apart, but the Bible is still intact. 00:09:47.500 --> 00:09:51.860 The idea of that video was showing the importance of opening and reading God's word. 00:09:51.980 --> 00:09:52.580 Amen, church? 00:09:53.000 --> 00:09:54.660 There's an importance to that. 00:09:55.000 --> 00:09:57.259 And so a scribe, then, is one who is studying, right? 00:09:57.379 --> 00:10:01.820 Much like how we are called to be disciples, we're called to be students, right? 00:10:01.860 --> 00:10:06.840 We are continuing to learn what it means to be a Christian and to understand the word of 00:10:06.840 --> 00:10:10.840 God and how powerful and how it transforms our lives. 00:10:10.840 --> 00:10:12.899 molding us. 00:10:13.379 --> 00:10:15.639 Saying to God, I want to be more like you. 00:10:15.740 --> 00:10:16.259 Mold me. 00:10:16.259 --> 00:10:20.980 And the famous prayer of asking God for patience, right? 00:10:20.980 --> 00:10:25.039 We have God change our lives. 00:10:25.039 --> 00:10:31.299 And it's so beautiful, church, when we see people who are being transformed by the gospel. 00:10:31.299 --> 00:10:34.979 I think I've mentioned to you before a personal friend of mine. 00:10:35.039 --> 00:10:36.039 I'm not going to mention his name. 00:10:36.120 --> 00:10:37.959 If he's watching online, he knows who he is. 00:10:38.959 --> 00:10:44.479 A man who was so angry and bitter and resistant to God. 00:10:44.480 --> 00:10:46.840 Praying for him. 00:10:46.840 --> 00:10:55.300 His wife constantly wanting for her husband to change, to come to know the Lord. 00:10:56.180 --> 00:10:58.639 When you first met him, you didn't want to know him. 00:10:59.480 --> 00:11:01.320 He was not a friendly guy to be around. 00:11:02.019 --> 00:11:03.120 He was mean and nasty. 00:11:03.920 --> 00:11:08.300 But over time, by the grace of God, his life changed. 00:11:08.820 --> 00:11:10.960 His heart began to soften. 00:11:11.780 --> 00:11:14.660 He began to exhibit more kindness and compassion. 00:11:15.080 --> 00:11:20.840 And he finally made a decision for Christ, believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 00:11:21.040 --> 00:11:22.780 And upon that, he became baptized. 00:11:23.080 --> 00:11:25.139 And he became active in his church community. 00:11:25.320 --> 00:11:28.019 And he is not the same man that he was when he first began. 00:11:28.620 --> 00:11:29.480 Absolutely not. 00:11:29.600 --> 00:11:30.780 And that is a beautiful thing. 00:11:30.780 --> 00:11:35.180 That is just one of many stories of how God can transform our lives. 00:11:35.300 --> 00:11:35.860 Amen, church? 00:11:36.700 --> 00:11:38.960 That is the power that we find. 00:11:38.960 --> 00:11:40.840 That comes from God. 00:11:40.920 --> 00:11:41.900 That comes from his word. 00:11:42.000 --> 00:11:42.500 We grow. 00:11:42.800 --> 00:11:44.060 We are a work in progress. 00:11:44.220 --> 00:11:45.320 Is anyone here perfect? 00:11:45.500 --> 00:11:47.440 Let's raise your hand wide and high. 00:11:47.519 --> 00:11:47.759 Yes? 00:11:48.080 --> 00:11:50.040 Okay, I don't see anyone raising your hand. 00:11:50.120 --> 00:11:51.680 So we're good there, right? 00:11:51.840 --> 00:11:53.900 But we are a work in progress. 00:11:54.080 --> 00:11:55.720 That we continue to grow. 00:11:56.040 --> 00:11:59.460 When we think of plants that are growing and they're going to produce fruit, 00:11:59.700 --> 00:12:02.700 sometimes there is pruning process that has to happen. 00:12:03.480 --> 00:12:05.879 That's not an easy thing to talk about. 00:12:05.879 --> 00:12:08.740 But it's a reality that is a truth that comes from the word of God. 00:12:10.000 --> 00:12:14.159 And so a scribe, a student, someone who is trained for the kingdom. 00:12:14.720 --> 00:12:19.000 I don't know about you, but when I read that language, I want to be trained in the kingdom. 00:12:19.580 --> 00:12:21.659 I want to be able to respond. 00:12:21.840 --> 00:12:24.840 If Christ ever asked me, do you understand these things? 00:12:24.879 --> 00:12:29.259 I want to be able to emphatically say, yes, Lord, I understand these things. 00:12:29.379 --> 00:12:30.399 I'm ready for more. 00:12:30.399 --> 00:12:36.500 And I hope that for all of us here, we can have that same heart and that same intentionality, 00:12:36.740 --> 00:12:40.919 that same desire to grow in the things of God and the things of his word. 00:12:42.039 --> 00:12:45.500 And so a scribe, right, is a scholar of the law, right? 00:12:45.559 --> 00:12:49.480 In Christ's kingdom, a scribe would be a disciple. 00:12:49.799 --> 00:12:54.539 Because remember, Christianity is so very young and very new, 00:12:55.019 --> 00:12:58.620 speaking to, well, a more Jewish audience. 00:12:58.620 --> 00:13:01.980 And the householder then, the master, right? 00:13:02.200 --> 00:13:05.600 Now, we think of this idea of being a steward. 00:13:05.720 --> 00:13:10.379 And we've talked so much about this within parables, that God gives us our very lives. 00:13:10.799 --> 00:13:12.860 He gives us our time, our talent, and our treasure. 00:13:13.139 --> 00:13:16.600 And I even mentioned, I think a week or two ago, our testimony, 00:13:16.980 --> 00:13:23.100 our ability to be able to use what God has given to us for his honor and his glory. 00:13:24.060 --> 00:13:28.419 If God gives us everything, can we not even give a little bit back to him? 00:13:29.399 --> 00:13:31.399 That is something for us to think about. 00:13:31.460 --> 00:13:38.779 And that can be very convicting, especially if you're someone who likes to keep things and hold as much as you can, right? 00:13:38.779 --> 00:13:41.899 If you get the imagery of someone who's holding their treasure, right? 00:13:42.200 --> 00:13:43.960 You got to run out of your house real quick. 00:13:44.320 --> 00:13:45.600 What happens to all your coins? 00:13:46.240 --> 00:13:47.360 Are they all in your arms? 00:13:48.100 --> 00:13:49.519 No, they fall on the ground, right? 00:13:49.539 --> 00:13:50.519 And you got to run away, right? 00:13:50.879 --> 00:13:52.379 Just giving you an example. 00:13:52.379 --> 00:13:55.779 How many blessings has God given to you? 00:13:56.460 --> 00:13:59.159 We thank God for what he has given to us, our very life. 00:13:59.879 --> 00:14:05.779 Now, granted, in life, there's a lot of things that happen to us in life. 00:14:05.779 --> 00:14:07.879 Sometimes we have storms. 00:14:08.500 --> 00:14:11.220 Sometimes we have the eye of the storm, right? 00:14:11.620 --> 00:14:14.959 When things are calm and things are about to get a little rocky, let's be honest here. 00:14:15.579 --> 00:14:18.819 And sometimes in life we have those hills and we have those valleys. 00:14:18.820 --> 00:14:23.140 We have trials and tribulations and even the testing of our faith. 00:14:23.940 --> 00:14:29.600 But may our faith be laid upon the foundation, the solid rock in Jesus Christ. 00:14:29.680 --> 00:14:30.320 Amen, church? 00:14:30.700 --> 00:14:37.060 That we will not be shaken and we will not be in the sinking sand, as I've previously mentioned here. 00:14:38.300 --> 00:14:42.560 And so the householder, being someone, a master or a steward of a household, 00:14:43.520 --> 00:14:47.500 being able to share in that which is new and that which is old. 00:14:47.500 --> 00:14:55.580 And the treasure, right, its valuables, it represents God's word and the insights that is gained from it. 00:14:55.620 --> 00:15:02.940 What I mean by that, we have in Scripture the New Testament and the Old Testament, right? 00:15:02.980 --> 00:15:05.120 The New Covenant and the Old Covenant. 00:15:05.679 --> 00:15:10.679 How beautiful is it when we start to, first off, read our Bible. 00:15:11.059 --> 00:15:13.200 Second off, we begin to understand it. 00:15:13.480 --> 00:15:15.659 But we begin to see the connections. 00:15:15.659 --> 00:15:18.779 What do you mean this is in Isaiah? 00:15:19.620 --> 00:15:20.779 What do you mean? 00:15:20.860 --> 00:15:28.159 I think I mentioned it in another sermon where Ezekiel 34 was talking about the sheep and the goats. 00:15:29.199 --> 00:15:29.639 What? 00:15:30.299 --> 00:15:32.399 That shouldn't be there, but yet it is. 00:15:32.860 --> 00:15:33.879 And it's powerful. 00:15:34.179 --> 00:15:36.199 And it helps us with our understanding. 00:15:36.500 --> 00:15:39.240 It's as though we're eating of the word, right? 00:15:39.240 --> 00:15:45.220 Much as Scripture says to go from milk of the word to solid food of it. 00:15:46.360 --> 00:15:54.039 And so this parable is showing the benefits of having that hidden treasure. 00:15:54.440 --> 00:15:58.159 The benefits of having the pearl of great value. 00:15:58.159 --> 00:16:02.980 Because there are many of us in this world who seek for truth. 00:16:03.339 --> 00:16:08.299 They seek for meaning and purpose in their life and they search in the wrong areas. 00:16:09.639 --> 00:16:12.219 Many, some of you may identify with that. 00:16:12.519 --> 00:16:14.039 Don't raise your hand, by golly. 00:16:14.459 --> 00:16:14.759 Right? 00:16:14.759 --> 00:16:22.919 Some of you may identify of times when you searched in the wrong places to find purpose or to find God. 00:16:23.319 --> 00:16:29.000 But when you find the Lord, when you find out who he is, who Jesus Christ is, 00:16:29.000 --> 00:16:32.500 that he is more than just a cool guy with long hair, 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:36.960 that he's more than just a guru, that he's the Messiah, 00:16:37.220 --> 00:16:41.080 that he is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the cornerstone of our faith. 00:16:41.799 --> 00:16:43.960 That is a much more powerful thing. 00:16:43.960 --> 00:16:46.980 When somebody asks you, hey, Jesus is a cool guy, 00:16:47.500 --> 00:16:51.759 let that be an opportunity for you to say, yeah, but he's much more than that. 00:16:52.280 --> 00:16:52.480 Amen? 00:16:53.340 --> 00:16:55.860 So we continue here, this connections here. 00:16:55.940 --> 00:16:59.580 And what's interesting about this specific parable is that it's so small. 00:16:59.980 --> 00:17:01.500 Just two verses here. 00:17:02.220 --> 00:17:05.880 But in order to understand it, we have to look at what's leading up to it. 00:17:06.700 --> 00:17:10.700 And so it is kind of one that is typically overlooked, unfortunately. 00:17:11.519 --> 00:17:13.160 But by golly, we're going to go over it. 00:17:13.160 --> 00:17:13.360 Amen? 00:17:14.279 --> 00:17:16.860 Let's go to the interpretation then. 00:17:16.859 --> 00:17:25.179 So here at Ontario Community Church, what I want all of you to know is our approach when we go to Scripture. 00:17:25.799 --> 00:17:27.779 That Scripture is our source. 00:17:28.500 --> 00:17:34.139 The O representing the observation, the reading of the text and looking at what exactly is going on here. 00:17:34.919 --> 00:17:39.519 The I is represented by the interpretation, what we can learn from the Word. 00:17:39.519 --> 00:17:43.099 And this is important for us, especially as we're growing in Christ. 00:17:43.420 --> 00:17:46.160 And then finally, there's the A, which is the application. 00:17:46.160 --> 00:17:49.400 And that is what we do about this. 00:17:49.400 --> 00:17:56.759 It is so important for us to turn to the pages of the Word of God and to learn it and to grow in it. 00:17:57.160 --> 00:17:59.840 But we have got to be moved to act upon it. 00:17:59.839 --> 00:18:07.279 And so when we go into this interpretation then, what does it mean, number one, church, to know Christ when? 00:18:08.159 --> 00:18:09.659 Before stewardship. 00:18:10.059 --> 00:18:10.939 Before service. 00:18:11.099 --> 00:18:12.259 And before sharing. 00:18:12.259 --> 00:18:17.000 You have a lot of people out there in the world that are focused on the good that they can do in the world, right? 00:18:17.099 --> 00:18:18.299 We know this. 00:18:19.220 --> 00:18:21.680 There are people that are so focused on doing good in the world. 00:18:21.680 --> 00:18:28.660 When it comes to Christianity, what matters is having faith in Christ first and foremost. 00:18:29.820 --> 00:18:32.000 That is the most important thing. 00:18:32.640 --> 00:18:36.220 And upon having that, we serve our church. 00:18:36.380 --> 00:18:37.420 We serve the community. 00:18:37.880 --> 00:18:41.620 We make a greater impact upon our friends and our families. 00:18:42.200 --> 00:18:45.440 We steward what God has given to us and we share. 00:18:45.600 --> 00:18:47.580 We share in the gospel message. 00:18:48.039 --> 00:18:50.140 We share in the words of our testimony. 00:18:50.140 --> 00:18:55.440 And sometimes we even just share by being present with those that are in need. 00:18:56.580 --> 00:19:03.460 You know, this week I went on a pastoral retreat where there was a bunch of other pastors we all gathered. 00:19:03.700 --> 00:19:05.600 It's called the Replenish Retreat. 00:19:06.240 --> 00:19:07.440 We all came together. 00:19:08.580 --> 00:19:11.780 And we prayed for all of our congregations. 00:19:12.400 --> 00:19:14.600 Was it all the same denomination? 00:19:14.840 --> 00:19:15.100 No. 00:19:15.759 --> 00:19:16.900 Some were more charismatic. 00:19:17.340 --> 00:19:18.759 Some were more reformed. 00:19:18.759 --> 00:19:26.359 But what mattered was the intentionality of praying and being present with one another. 00:19:27.140 --> 00:19:29.420 Knowing that we didn't even have all the answers. 00:19:30.099 --> 00:19:32.119 But it was still showing up. 00:19:32.519 --> 00:19:39.299 And I say this because part of sharing in the gospel obviously is the words that we speak and the actions that we do. 00:19:39.299 --> 00:19:43.220 But we also can add being present with people. 00:19:44.019 --> 00:19:48.819 Especially in times of crisis or in a time of need. 00:19:49.559 --> 00:19:54.759 How many of you, you know someone who went through a really bad time and you did not know what to say? 00:19:55.500 --> 00:19:56.659 Don't raise your hand. 00:19:56.919 --> 00:19:57.099 Right? 00:19:58.079 --> 00:19:59.799 You may have been through that situation. 00:19:59.799 --> 00:20:00.659 And it's important. 00:20:01.059 --> 00:20:02.460 Maybe just sit next to them. 00:20:03.039 --> 00:20:03.759 Pray with them. 00:20:04.180 --> 00:20:05.639 Offer to read scripture. 00:20:05.799 --> 00:20:07.379 But you don't even have to do that. 00:20:07.680 --> 00:20:13.819 Just being there is but an example of sharing in the light, life, and truth of Christ. 00:20:13.819 --> 00:20:19.480 So, when we think of Jesus' question, have you understood? 00:20:19.879 --> 00:20:23.879 It shows that there is a journey that we are to be on. 00:20:23.960 --> 00:20:31.759 Let us remember, when you believe in Christ, when you receive salvation through faith, that is the beginning of your life. 00:20:32.359 --> 00:20:33.539 It is not the end. 00:20:34.099 --> 00:20:35.759 It's the end of your former life for sure. 00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:39.900 But it's the beginning of your new life in Christ where now you're an infant. 00:20:40.359 --> 00:20:41.640 Now you're a baby. 00:20:42.099 --> 00:20:43.279 And you've got to grow, right? 00:20:43.720 --> 00:20:45.720 Anyone here want to remain a baby forever? 00:20:46.940 --> 00:20:47.319 Okay. 00:20:47.599 --> 00:20:47.759 Good. 00:20:48.259 --> 00:20:48.579 Right. 00:20:49.059 --> 00:20:56.700 And so, in that, it's showing that our spiritual journey begins with understanding the gospel message and responding to it. 00:20:58.339 --> 00:21:03.519 Part of that also is being like a scribe, as mentioned here in the text. 00:21:03.519 --> 00:21:08.819 And some of you who know the Bible more, being a Berean, right? 00:21:09.440 --> 00:21:16.039 Someone who is so trained and understands scripture, the things of God, that's so important. 00:21:16.940 --> 00:21:24.299 A scribe that is trained for the kingdom studies and internalizes scripture, that it transforms them. 00:21:24.660 --> 00:21:26.500 It's a matter of the heart. 00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:28.519 It's much like when we pray. 00:21:28.519 --> 00:21:33.139 It's a matter of the heart when we are communicating with God. 00:21:33.240 --> 00:21:38.819 When we're reading scripture, ask, God, how do you want to speak to me today? 00:21:40.799 --> 00:21:42.079 Think about your heart. 00:21:42.700 --> 00:21:43.779 That's important. 00:21:44.879 --> 00:21:49.480 The second thing then, church, is treasuring only the new covenant. 00:21:51.539 --> 00:21:53.119 Treasuring only the old covenant. 00:21:54.079 --> 00:21:54.319 Right? 00:21:54.379 --> 00:21:55.940 Or I should put testament up there, right? 00:21:55.940 --> 00:22:04.400 It's treasuring both of them, just as the language was showing of the householder that is bringing out that which is new and that which is old. 00:22:05.039 --> 00:22:08.360 Because when we think of all of scripture, it always disappoints me. 00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:14.680 When you meet people who, they don't like Paul. 00:22:15.960 --> 00:22:17.000 The apostle Paul. 00:22:17.519 --> 00:22:19.000 Or they don't like James. 00:22:20.220 --> 00:22:22.779 Or they don't like Lamentations. 00:22:22.779 --> 00:22:23.220 Right? 00:22:26.420 --> 00:22:28.119 Or they don't like Leviticus. 00:22:29.819 --> 00:22:31.220 I'm getting some laughs here, right? 00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:33.139 We can have some fun here, right? 00:22:33.940 --> 00:22:36.399 There are difficult parts in scripture. 00:22:38.539 --> 00:22:42.819 And when people say, read the Bible, by golly, we got to do it. 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:44.680 But is it easy to understand? 00:22:44.779 --> 00:22:46.379 Well, there's some parts that are very difficult. 00:22:47.000 --> 00:22:49.180 There's some parts where there's controversy in it. 00:22:49.180 --> 00:22:57.200 But it's so important for us as Christians to take the whole word and let it transform us. 00:22:57.519 --> 00:23:00.960 Are there underlying lessons that we can find in the Old Testament? 00:23:01.820 --> 00:23:02.420 Absolutely. 00:23:03.420 --> 00:23:08.279 Is there instruction and things that we can learn when it comes to the New Testament? 00:23:08.600 --> 00:23:12.740 What about that big book called Revelation that everyone's divided over? 00:23:13.140 --> 00:23:14.340 What about that one? 00:23:14.339 --> 00:23:21.919 All of these books, just like how we talk about how the word is living and active and how it's all connected with one another. 00:23:22.240 --> 00:23:27.099 We use the word of God to mold us and to shape us into who God wants us to be. 00:23:27.659 --> 00:23:29.659 That is so important for us. 00:23:29.679 --> 00:23:32.240 So let's not neglect God's word. 00:23:33.399 --> 00:23:38.339 Let's not just say, yeah, I've got Jonah open here, right? 00:23:38.359 --> 00:23:39.839 Let's just remove Jonah, right? 00:23:39.899 --> 00:23:41.179 There's some people like that. 00:23:41.180 --> 00:23:46.080 We are blessed to have Bibles in our hands. 00:23:46.820 --> 00:23:55.080 We are blessed to have all the translations and the commentaries, the technology that's out there. 00:23:55.299 --> 00:23:57.080 We are absolutely blessed. 00:23:57.560 --> 00:24:02.279 So let us never take the word for granted, much like we should never take our faith for granted. 00:24:03.860 --> 00:24:05.600 All of this is so important. 00:24:05.599 --> 00:24:16.639 So when I say here, treasure the old and the new covenants, just as Christ said, he did not come to abolish the law. 00:24:17.379 --> 00:24:19.539 Some of you may know this verse, but to what? 00:24:20.299 --> 00:24:21.779 To fulfill it. 00:24:22.500 --> 00:24:24.659 To abolish, to destroy it. 00:24:25.059 --> 00:24:25.959 To get rid of it. 00:24:26.039 --> 00:24:27.059 To eradicate it. 00:24:27.959 --> 00:24:30.099 But yet Christ is saying it's to fulfill it. 00:24:30.099 --> 00:24:33.259 And there's such importance for us. 00:24:34.099 --> 00:24:36.619 We've got to wrestle with the text. 00:24:37.679 --> 00:24:41.199 Has every lesson that God has taught you been easy, church? 00:24:43.559 --> 00:24:44.219 Say no. 00:24:45.019 --> 00:24:45.459 Right? 00:24:46.199 --> 00:24:49.159 There have been easy lessons and there have been some very difficult lessons. 00:24:49.359 --> 00:24:51.139 And there have been repeating lessons, right? 00:24:51.480 --> 00:24:56.000 There have been some lessons you keep learning and you're like, God, this is like the fifth time I'm learning that. 00:24:56.059 --> 00:24:56.919 And it keeps going on. 00:24:57.019 --> 00:24:58.379 But we're being molded. 00:24:58.380 --> 00:25:11.420 And when I talk about that imagery of the potter and the clay and the work of God's hands, much like how when Scripture says that the Lord knitting us before we were born, well, God is still working in us. 00:25:12.300 --> 00:25:14.300 He works in us before we were born. 00:25:14.420 --> 00:25:16.200 He knows us before we are born. 00:25:16.680 --> 00:25:18.240 You think God's just going to stop? 00:25:18.920 --> 00:25:22.460 He's going to keep working on us every single day. 00:25:22.460 --> 00:25:27.240 Through our own lives, the people that we interact with, the people that we meet. 00:25:28.559 --> 00:25:30.819 It can be overwhelming for sure. 00:25:32.420 --> 00:25:35.000 But we trust in the living God. 00:25:35.000 --> 00:25:41.200 To continue to work in us so that we can be those ambassadors for Christ. 00:25:41.359 --> 00:25:44.640 That we can represent Christ in what we say and what we do. 00:25:45.339 --> 00:25:46.960 Being salt and light. 00:25:47.079 --> 00:25:50.920 Being a light to this dark and broken world. 00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:53.380 Is this world perfect, church? 00:25:54.500 --> 00:25:56.319 There's a lot of sin. 00:25:56.920 --> 00:25:57.960 A lot of evil. 00:25:58.480 --> 00:25:59.480 A lot of division. 00:25:59.480 --> 00:26:04.519 And quite honestly, this world needs the love of Christ. 00:26:05.339 --> 00:26:07.519 This world needs Christ, period. 00:26:08.440 --> 00:26:13.160 And there's still people even outside of our church doors that don't know the Lord. 00:26:14.200 --> 00:26:20.640 Let us be a church that prays for the empty chair next to you or the empty pew next to you. 00:26:21.319 --> 00:26:26.720 Let us pray for our families that they may come to know the Lord. 00:26:26.720 --> 00:26:33.680 Much like how we're called to pray for politicians and government agencies and those kind of things. 00:26:33.920 --> 00:26:42.000 When we went over Ezra, we learned about how God stirred the heart of pagan kings and changed their mind. 00:26:43.259 --> 00:26:44.120 I don't know about you. 00:26:44.880 --> 00:26:47.779 I'd like God to have a stirring in some people out there. 00:26:48.319 --> 00:26:49.460 Can I get an amen on that? 00:26:49.700 --> 00:26:50.920 Maybe a little bit, right? 00:26:50.920 --> 00:26:51.039 Maybe. 00:26:51.400 --> 00:27:02.560 So, in that though, the full counsel of God, all of the word, even though it may be difficult, even though it may be hard, it's still God's word. 00:27:03.060 --> 00:27:05.539 And we can all learn something from it. 00:27:06.100 --> 00:27:12.080 Much like how many of you have read the same verse over and over, and then one day it hits you like a ton of bricks. 00:27:12.200 --> 00:27:13.680 I didn't see that before. 00:27:14.440 --> 00:27:16.880 It's like how God continues to work through that. 00:27:16.880 --> 00:27:23.660 And the third thing, then, is to steward and share for the benefit of others. 00:27:23.760 --> 00:27:27.160 This is the householder who is a steward, essentially. 00:27:28.060 --> 00:27:30.020 The householder does not hide. 00:27:30.620 --> 00:27:31.640 He's not hiding away. 00:27:32.180 --> 00:27:34.100 And nor is he hoarding all of the treasures. 00:27:35.100 --> 00:27:37.900 He is sharing the new and the old. 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:45.160 That kind of imagery that we're seeing, bringing things out of the household to share with other people. 00:27:45.160 --> 00:27:54.779 Now, in that, as we learn, as we come to faith in Christ, you've got to share it with others. 00:27:55.560 --> 00:28:03.380 As we learn new revelation, as we learn new insight and wisdom from the word, it's got to be consistent. 00:28:04.820 --> 00:28:06.140 We share that with other people. 00:28:06.980 --> 00:28:11.320 We share it how God is speaking to you and how God is working in you. 00:28:11.319 --> 00:28:20.299 Some of you here send me emails or messages on Facebook or even call about things that you've learned. 00:28:20.399 --> 00:28:21.859 And that is a beautiful thing. 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:23.980 Absolutely. 00:28:24.799 --> 00:28:28.919 To see something you haven't seen before or how something is connected. 00:28:29.579 --> 00:28:33.419 I remember about a year ago, I was reading scripture. 00:28:33.720 --> 00:28:35.779 And there's, I want to say it's in Proverbs. 00:28:35.779 --> 00:28:39.160 I'm trying to pull it off the top of my head here, so forgive me. 00:28:40.019 --> 00:28:41.740 Where there's a verse that says, 00:28:43.899 --> 00:28:46.599 While the earth was created, I was there. 00:28:47.319 --> 00:28:53.039 Which is showing the presence of the Holy Spirit in the creation account. 00:28:55.220 --> 00:28:57.420 Completely just out of the blue. 00:28:57.420 --> 00:28:59.240 But that helps. 00:28:59.600 --> 00:29:04.940 It's just another piece in helping build up my faith, your faith. 00:29:05.440 --> 00:29:06.080 We continue. 00:29:06.279 --> 00:29:07.279 We share in that. 00:29:07.840 --> 00:29:12.560 Much like how scripture talks about the building up or the equipping of the saints. 00:29:13.580 --> 00:29:14.900 We help each other. 00:29:15.700 --> 00:29:18.160 We celebrate when someone gets baptized. 00:29:18.800 --> 00:29:24.140 We come together in love and in unity when we partake of communion, right? 00:29:24.200 --> 00:29:25.640 The bread and the cup together. 00:29:25.640 --> 00:29:29.460 Or when we pray for one another. 00:29:29.460 --> 00:29:32.560 When someone is going through sickness or health. 00:29:33.440 --> 00:29:36.940 Or if someone is going through marriage problems. 00:29:37.720 --> 00:29:38.759 Relationship problems. 00:29:40.960 --> 00:29:44.759 That's important for us as the body of Christ to work together. 00:29:46.300 --> 00:29:50.460 And so, the householder again does not hide or hoard. 00:29:50.580 --> 00:29:52.940 He brings out the treasure for the benefit of others. 00:29:52.940 --> 00:29:57.240 Being a disciple is being a steward of grace and truth. 00:29:57.460 --> 00:29:59.940 And we have got to share with others. 00:30:01.559 --> 00:30:03.720 And bringing out the old and the new means, 00:30:03.940 --> 00:30:09.160 Let us connect the prophecies with scripture. 00:30:09.480 --> 00:30:12.680 Let us connect the promises, history and wisdom, 00:30:12.799 --> 00:30:14.900 And how it all points to Christ. 00:30:14.900 --> 00:30:18.600 In this, we're going to go to the application. 00:30:18.759 --> 00:30:20.019 I realize I'm going over on time. 00:30:20.100 --> 00:30:20.800 That's alright though. 00:30:21.580 --> 00:30:22.880 How should we live then? 00:30:23.360 --> 00:30:25.660 Church, what does the first one say if you're still awake? 00:30:27.840 --> 00:30:29.000 Alright, let's try that again. 00:30:29.740 --> 00:30:32.480 Seek salvation first and grow in him, right? 00:30:33.000 --> 00:30:34.360 Believe in the Lord and be saved. 00:30:35.120 --> 00:30:37.040 1 Corinthians 15 verses 1-4. 00:30:37.140 --> 00:30:39.200 Believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. 00:30:39.200 --> 00:30:42.480 That he was a fulfillment of the scriptures, right? 00:30:42.519 --> 00:30:44.460 According to the scriptures and grow in him. 00:30:44.799 --> 00:30:46.259 Be on a journey, right? 00:30:46.660 --> 00:30:47.680 Respond to the gospel. 00:30:47.799 --> 00:30:49.080 As I've mentioned so many times, 00:30:49.319 --> 00:30:52.980 The invitation to the vineyard or it's the RSVP. 00:30:53.559 --> 00:30:55.000 Have you responded to the gospel? 00:30:55.799 --> 00:30:57.740 Place your faith and trust in the Lord. 00:30:58.660 --> 00:31:02.259 In that, commit to get one of these. 00:31:02.420 --> 00:31:04.220 If you don't have one, I'll get you one, okay? 00:31:04.799 --> 00:31:05.400 Get a Bible. 00:31:05.700 --> 00:31:06.500 Start reading it. 00:31:06.500 --> 00:31:09.940 Begin having spiritual practices. 00:31:10.279 --> 00:31:11.539 Meditate on the word. 00:31:12.220 --> 00:31:14.799 I know that's a scary word sometimes when we hear the word meditate. 00:31:14.920 --> 00:31:15.220 Oh no. 00:31:16.559 --> 00:31:17.880 Consider the things of God. 00:31:18.539 --> 00:31:19.980 Be in prayer, right? 00:31:20.500 --> 00:31:23.539 Fill your mind with the things of God. 00:31:24.059 --> 00:31:25.640 I'm not saying other things. 00:31:25.759 --> 00:31:27.019 God and his word, okay? 00:31:27.039 --> 00:31:27.980 I want to make that clear. 00:31:29.380 --> 00:31:30.960 We think about that, right? 00:31:32.160 --> 00:31:33.039 Studying the word. 00:31:33.200 --> 00:31:33.720 Reading it. 00:31:33.720 --> 00:31:36.799 Being in a church community is important. 00:31:37.579 --> 00:31:38.740 Growing in faith. 00:31:38.819 --> 00:31:40.360 Have you been baptized before? 00:31:41.860 --> 00:31:44.880 Have you, how is your prayer life? 00:31:45.420 --> 00:31:47.220 Or how is your action? 00:31:47.539 --> 00:31:49.960 Meaning, do you live in love like Christ? 00:31:51.039 --> 00:31:52.480 I know that's a very convicting one. 00:31:52.559 --> 00:31:56.000 How many of us, after we leave church, we might get angry out of the blue. 00:31:56.420 --> 00:31:57.940 We might fight with our spouse. 00:31:58.079 --> 00:32:00.100 That's never happened to any of us here, right? 00:32:00.099 --> 00:32:00.740 Never. 00:32:00.740 --> 00:32:01.059 Never. 00:32:02.019 --> 00:32:04.719 The reality is, things like this do happen. 00:32:05.740 --> 00:32:08.319 But we continue to grow. 00:32:08.539 --> 00:32:09.899 We're a work in progress. 00:32:10.439 --> 00:32:12.480 And we are by no means perfect. 00:32:12.619 --> 00:32:14.919 But we believe in the God who is perfect. 00:32:16.539 --> 00:32:18.019 So commit to reading. 00:32:19.019 --> 00:32:22.759 Find yourself, you know, time of prayer. 00:32:23.599 --> 00:32:24.459 Being together. 00:32:24.460 --> 00:32:31.180 And when you read scripture, sometimes you may not understand what you're reading. 00:32:31.299 --> 00:32:32.000 And that's okay. 00:32:32.380 --> 00:32:33.720 It's okay to have questions. 00:32:33.860 --> 00:32:37.240 But it's also okay to ask your brothers and sisters. 00:32:38.100 --> 00:32:39.039 Even ask me. 00:32:41.620 --> 00:32:43.360 How can you understand the word? 00:32:43.819 --> 00:32:47.740 And most importantly, ask the Lord to understand scripture better. 00:32:48.500 --> 00:32:51.220 The second thing then is to value the what Bible? 00:32:51.220 --> 00:32:53.900 Am I saying the KJV? 00:32:55.000 --> 00:32:55.839 The NIV? 00:32:56.079 --> 00:32:57.680 I'm saying the entirety of Bible. 00:32:57.779 --> 00:32:57.980 I know. 00:32:58.059 --> 00:32:59.579 I'm having a little fun here, right? 00:33:00.120 --> 00:33:03.620 We value the entire scripture and what it has to say. 00:33:04.220 --> 00:33:04.420 Right? 00:33:05.519 --> 00:33:08.680 Both the new, and this is specifically what I'm talking about. 00:33:09.400 --> 00:33:11.500 We're not going to neglect God's word. 00:33:12.000 --> 00:33:17.400 We're going to value the old covenant or the old testament and the new covenant, the new testament. 00:33:17.400 --> 00:33:22.220 All of it in its entirety, even though it might be difficult. 00:33:23.440 --> 00:33:26.800 How many of you have read through, I keep using Lamentations as an example. 00:33:26.920 --> 00:33:28.340 How many of you have read through Lamentations? 00:33:29.940 --> 00:33:32.740 You don't have to raise your hand, but just think about that, right? 00:33:32.880 --> 00:33:34.320 That's a difficult one, isn't it? 00:33:35.519 --> 00:33:39.259 Or do a, let's do a study on numbers sometime, right? 00:33:40.480 --> 00:33:41.680 There's some more difficult ones. 00:33:41.840 --> 00:33:42.940 It's just reality. 00:33:42.940 --> 00:33:49.220 So, read both the new and the old testament. 00:33:49.920 --> 00:33:50.920 Read through the psalms. 00:33:51.820 --> 00:33:52.960 Go through Ecclesiastes. 00:33:53.860 --> 00:33:54.960 Go through numbers. 00:33:55.580 --> 00:33:57.580 Even though you might come out of it, I don't understand. 00:33:57.740 --> 00:33:59.380 Pray to God that you will understand. 00:34:00.559 --> 00:34:05.900 Have that hunger and that desire to know God and to know his word better. 00:34:06.799 --> 00:34:09.240 And once you discover things, share it with others. 00:34:09.300 --> 00:34:10.960 That's the whole premise of this parable. 00:34:10.960 --> 00:34:16.099 And ask yourself the question, am I avoiding certain books of the Bible? 00:34:16.280 --> 00:34:17.900 Am I avoiding certain genres? 00:34:18.019 --> 00:34:19.559 I don't like apocalyptic literature. 00:34:20.260 --> 00:34:21.019 Let's get rid of that. 00:34:21.880 --> 00:34:24.579 Some of you may completely identify with that. 00:34:24.639 --> 00:34:26.300 Some of you say, I may not like the law. 00:34:26.980 --> 00:34:27.940 I don't know about that. 00:34:29.360 --> 00:34:30.480 Ask yourself that question. 00:34:30.579 --> 00:34:34.980 Is there a certain genre that's just you don't like? 00:34:34.980 --> 00:34:40.679 But keep in mind that it's still important in the eyes of God. 00:34:41.179 --> 00:34:42.099 That's the whole thing. 00:34:42.099 --> 00:34:53.679 And so, how can I let the Old and the New Testament enrich my understanding of how God has worked in the entire narrative? 00:34:54.679 --> 00:34:56.119 In the entire story. 00:34:56.119 --> 00:35:01.079 And finally, last but certainly not least, church, let's read it together. 00:35:01.880 --> 00:35:02.400 Be a what? 00:35:03.579 --> 00:35:05.619 Be a faithful householder, right? 00:35:06.019 --> 00:35:08.119 Steward what God has given to you. 00:35:09.019 --> 00:35:09.319 Right? 00:35:09.659 --> 00:35:12.960 Be a steward of time, talent, treasure, and your testimony. 00:35:13.940 --> 00:35:16.500 Let us share in the gospel message with others. 00:35:16.619 --> 00:35:18.779 Let us teach our friends and our families. 00:35:18.920 --> 00:35:20.980 Let us teach our children and encourage friends. 00:35:21.259 --> 00:35:22.940 Let us mentor young believers. 00:35:22.940 --> 00:35:25.059 Let us discuss scripture. 00:35:27.099 --> 00:35:28.800 Let's think about these things. 00:35:30.460 --> 00:35:34.880 Maybe you need to post on social media just the typical John 3.16. 00:35:35.000 --> 00:35:35.659 That's fine. 00:35:36.519 --> 00:35:41.679 Maybe you need to meet up with some friends and just talk about how God has changed your life. 00:35:42.360 --> 00:35:44.740 How you answer that is unique to you. 00:35:47.900 --> 00:35:52.920 Ask yourself the question, who can benefit from what God has shown me? 00:35:53.760 --> 00:35:56.559 Who else can learn of your story? 00:35:57.079 --> 00:35:58.220 Because here's the thing. 00:35:58.860 --> 00:36:01.579 Your story is unique to you. 00:36:02.599 --> 00:36:04.519 Your story is not like mine. 00:36:05.000 --> 00:36:06.659 It's not like the person next to you. 00:36:06.659 --> 00:36:16.920 Your story can speak to someone in such a way that it will have a profound impact on their life. 00:36:16.920 --> 00:36:19.980 Do we even realize? 00:36:19.980 --> 00:36:21.000 You don't have to answer this. 00:36:21.099 --> 00:36:27.320 Do we even realize the profound impact we have on others just by the day-to-day activities? 00:36:27.320 --> 00:36:30.940 The interactions with our co-workers, right? 00:36:30.940 --> 00:36:33.280 The people we see at the grocery store. 00:36:34.280 --> 00:36:37.620 Or even the guy that ran the red light and you just don't understand. 00:36:37.720 --> 00:36:38.880 He needs prayer too, right? 00:36:38.880 --> 00:36:41.160 Whatever it is. 00:36:41.160 --> 00:36:44.640 Your life has a profound impact on people. 00:36:44.639 --> 00:36:51.139 And so, who can benefit from what God has shown me? 00:36:52.299 --> 00:36:53.559 Think of that today. 00:36:53.559 --> 00:36:59.719 And so, as we close, let us respond to the gospel. 00:37:00.699 --> 00:37:01.739 Believe in Christ. 00:37:01.880 --> 00:37:08.699 And when we think of this parable, may we be like the disciples and respond if Christ ever asked us, 00:37:08.699 --> 00:37:10.739 Do you understand these things? 00:37:11.779 --> 00:37:14.939 May we be on a journey to be able to say yes. 00:37:16.139 --> 00:37:19.279 Now, again, we won't understand everything. 00:37:20.000 --> 00:37:26.059 But we can certainly understand the simplicities of the gospel message and Christ's teaching. 00:37:26.199 --> 00:37:26.799 Amen, church? 00:37:28.139 --> 00:37:30.500 And treasure the word. 00:37:30.980 --> 00:37:35.339 Embrace the full story of redemption from Genesis to Revelation. 00:37:35.340 --> 00:37:40.300 And see how Christ is at the center of all of it. 00:37:41.000 --> 00:37:42.800 And bring out the treasure then. 00:37:43.300 --> 00:37:45.600 Live generously with God's truth. 00:37:46.380 --> 00:37:47.700 Share in your testimony. 00:37:48.320 --> 00:37:50.019 Share the gospel message with others. 00:37:50.440 --> 00:37:53.120 And I have one final verse, if you want to turn there real quick. 00:37:53.720 --> 00:37:54.600 From 2 Timothy. 00:37:57.800 --> 00:37:59.740 Continue in what you have learned. 00:38:00.480 --> 00:38:03.200 From infancy you have known the holy scriptures. 00:38:03.900 --> 00:38:05.160 What are they going to do? 00:38:05.340 --> 00:38:11.800 To make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 00:38:11.800 --> 00:38:16.140 You have to understand the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. 00:38:17.039 --> 00:38:19.420 So that you can respond to the gospel. 00:38:20.280 --> 00:38:24.200 And in the same way as being infants, we continue to grow and grow. 00:38:25.460 --> 00:38:26.960 I want to be a householder. 00:38:27.039 --> 00:38:29.480 And I sure hope you do as well. 00:38:29.480 --> 00:38:38.000 And so in closing, when we think of the new and the old treasures, may we be trained. 00:38:38.460 --> 00:38:39.219 May we respond. 00:38:39.940 --> 00:38:40.960 May we be trained. 00:38:41.280 --> 00:38:44.059 And may we live and love like Christ. 00:38:44.179 --> 00:38:44.840 Let's pray together. 00:38:44.840 --> 00:38:50.860 Father God, we thank you for this time together as we're going over these two verses. 00:38:51.900 --> 00:38:56.660 But they are so connected with the parables that we have gone over in the gospel of Matthew. 00:38:56.800 --> 00:38:58.539 And the parables that are throughout scripture. 00:38:58.980 --> 00:39:00.800 We're grateful for your word. 00:39:00.800 --> 00:39:06.600 Lord, and I just pray that we will all come to know who you are. 00:39:06.599 --> 00:39:09.900 That we will respond to the gospel message. 00:39:10.219 --> 00:39:14.199 That we will be on a journey to live and love like you. 00:39:14.339 --> 00:39:16.940 Through having that relationship with you. 00:39:17.159 --> 00:39:18.500 Through knowing your word. 00:39:19.139 --> 00:39:23.279 And in all of this, be moved to live and love like you. 00:39:23.420 --> 00:39:24.860 Being that salt and light. 00:39:25.699 --> 00:39:29.299 Radiating the light that comes from you. 00:39:29.300 --> 00:39:33.280 You are one amazing God. 00:39:34.180 --> 00:39:37.740 And we thank you for everything that you've done. 00:39:37.840 --> 00:39:42.680 But most especially your son, Jesus the Christ. 00:39:43.539 --> 00:39:45.660 The cornerstone of our faith. 00:39:46.180 --> 00:39:48.860 It is in the name of Jesus that we pray. 00:39:49.380 --> 00:39:51.820 And we all say together, can I get an amen church? 00:39:52.140 --> 00:39:52.560 Amen. 00:39:54.940 --> 00:39:58.760 Thank you for listening for this week's message from Ontario Community Church. 00:39:58.760 --> 00:40:03.540 I pray that you are encouraged and strengthened in your walk with Christ. 00:40:04.100 --> 00:40:08.900 For more sermons and resources, visit OntarioCommunityChurch.org. 00:40:09.300 --> 00:40:13.900 May God bless you as you live out his grace and truth every single day.