Pause: Week One | The Parable of the Talents; Entrusted | Pastor Burnard Scott

For spacious [music] skies, For spacious [music] skies, for amber [singing] ways for amber [singing] ways for amber [singing] ways of grave, for purple mountains for purple mountains majesty majesty majesty above the fruited plain. America. America. America. God [music] shed his grace God [music] shed his grace on thee on thee on thee and [singing] and [singing] and [singing] crown [music] thy good crown [music] thy good crown [music] thy good with brotherhood with brotherhood with brotherhood from sea to shining [music and singing] from sea to shining [music and singing] from sea to shining [music and singing] sea. sea. sea. Shining sea. [music] God shed his grace on thee God shed his grace on thee and [music] crown thy good with and [music] crown thy good with and [music] crown thy good with [singing] brotherhood [singing] brotherhood [singing] brotherhood from sin from sin from sin to [music] to [music] to [music] shineing [music] sea.

[music] sea. >> [singing] [music] [music] >> Father, we thank you so much >> Father, we thank you so much >> Father, we thank you so much for this nation that we live in. And for this nation that we live in. And for this nation that we live in. And Lord, it's we're free, but we're not Lord, it's we're free, but we're not Lord, it's we're free, but we're not perfect. perfect. perfect. And so Lord, I'm asking now for your And so Lord, I'm asking now for your And so Lord, I'm asking now for your provision in our nation. provision in our nation. provision in our nation. God, um the provision I'm asking for, God, um the provision I'm asking for, God, um the provision I'm asking for, you desire that every person would come you desire that every person would come you desire that every person would come to know you as their Lord and Savior. to know you as their Lord and Savior. to know you as their Lord and Savior. >> God, you desire that heaven would be on >> God, you desire that heaven would be on >> God, you desire that heaven would be on earth as it is in heaven. earth as it is in heaven. earth as it is in heaven. >> And so I pray that God there would be an >> And so I pray that God there would be an >> And so I pray that God there would be an awakening, awakening, awakening, >> spiritual awakening, eyes open, hearts >> spiritual awakening, eyes open, hearts >> spiritual awakening, eyes open, hearts turned towards you. turned towards you. turned towards you. God, would you open the eyes of our God, would you open the eyes of our God, would you open the eyes of our hearts to turn back to you?

God, may peace God, may peace be in our nation. be in our nation. be in our nation. God, I come against every spirit of God, I come against every spirit of God, I come against every spirit of darkness, every demonic force that is darkness, every demonic force that is darkness, every demonic force that is trying to come against, to come and to trying to come against, to come and to trying to come against, to come and to steal, to kill, and to destroy. Push steal, to kill, and to destroy. Push steal, to kill, and to destroy. Push back the forces of darkness. Send the back the forces of darkness. Send the back the forces of darkness. Send the reinforcements of heaven and let your reinforcements of heaven and let your reinforcements of heaven and let your angels come. And God, I pray that the angels come. And God, I pray that the angels come. And God, I pray that the word of God will continue to go forth word of God will continue to go forth word of God will continue to go forth and nothing will stop and nothing will stop and nothing will stop >> the word. >> the word. >> the word. >> Nothing will stop >> Nothing will stop >> Nothing will stop >> the church. >> the church. >> the church. >> Give our president wisdom. >> Give our president wisdom. >> Give our president wisdom. >> Give those in leadership wisdom. >> Give those in leadership wisdom. >> Give those in leadership wisdom. >> God, I pray that even the decisions that >> God, I pray that even the decisions that >> God, I pray that even the decisions that they want to make that would be in their they want to make that would be in their they want to make that would be in their own wisdom. I pray that God, you would own wisdom. I pray that God, you would own wisdom. I pray that God, you would intervene and that God, it would be your intervene and that God, it would be your intervene and that God, it would be your wisdom that would prevail. wisdom that would prevail. wisdom that would prevail. >> Yes. Hallelujah. And I thank you that >> Yes. Hallelujah. And I thank you that >> Yes. Hallelujah. And I thank you that this nation will continue to be a beacon this nation will continue to be a beacon this nation will continue to be a beacon of light of light of light >> and that people would not look at >> and that people would not look at >> and that people would not look at political figures, but they'll look to political figures, but they'll look to political figures, but they'll look to [music] you. [music] you. [music] you. >> That this is a nation that honors God in >> That this is a nation that honors God in >> That this is a nation that honors God in Jesus name. And everybody said, Jesus name. And everybody said, Jesus name. And everybody said, >> "Amen." And amen and amen. Come on, give >> "Amen." And amen and amen. Come on, give >> "Amen." And amen and amen. Come on, give God praise if you're grateful.

God praise if you're grateful. God praise if you're grateful. [applause] Anybody love Jesus in the house today? Anybody love Jesus in the house today? I love it. I love it. I love it. Well, I love it. I love it. I love it. Well, I love it. I love it. I love it. Well, you may be seated, you may be seated, you may be seated, man. America. man. America. man. America. That was good, Franklin. That was really That was good, Franklin. That was really That was good, Franklin. That was really good. [cheering] good. [cheering] good. [cheering] Thank you. [applause] Well, everybody, my name is Bernard. Well, everybody, my name is Bernard. Thank you for joining us. Uh, would you Thank you for joining us. Uh, would you Thank you for joining us. Uh, would you do me a favor? Every location, those do me a favor? Every location, those do me a favor? Every location, those that are online, wherever you're that are online, wherever you're that are online, wherever you're watching, some of y'all didn't make it watching, some of y'all didn't make it watching, some of y'all didn't make it to church cuz you're, you know, you got to church cuz you're, you know, you got to church cuz you're, you know, you got your Fourth of July meat hangover, your Fourth of July meat hangover, your Fourth of July meat hangover, whatever the case may be. But would you whatever the case may be. But would you whatever the case may be. But would you put your hands together, welcome put your hands together, welcome put your hands together, welcome everybody that's joining us today. Thank everybody that's joining us today. Thank everybody that's joining us today. Thank you guys for being here. you guys for being here. you guys for being here. [applause] So before I jump into the message today, So before I jump into the message today, I want to uh bring something to I want to uh bring something to I want to uh bring something to everybody's attention. So Bayside, we're everybody's attention. So Bayside, we're everybody's attention. So Bayside, we're really excited about this. Bayside now really excited about this. Bayside now really excited about this. Bayside now has its own app. All right, we have a has its own app. All right, we have a has its own app. All right, we have a Bayside app. All right, and so you can Bayside app. All right, and so you can Bayside app. All right, and so you can actually download that app on your actually download that app on your actually download that app on your phone. And what I love about this app, phone. And what I love about this app, phone. And what I love about this app, this app will allow you to follow along this app will allow you to follow along this app will allow you to follow along with us as we preach and study God's with us as we preach and study God's with us as we preach and study God's word together. because this summer we word together. because this summer we word together. because this summer we are actually uh kicking off right now are actually uh kicking off right now are actually uh kicking off right now this week we're going to be kicking off this week we're going to be kicking off this week we're going to be kicking off our series called pause and this is our series called pause and this is our series called pause and this is where we go through the scriptures where we go through the scriptures where we go through the scriptures together but also you'll be able to to together but also you'll be able to to together but also you'll be able to to pray for one another see other people's pray for one another see other people's pray for one another see other people's prayer requests it's a it's this app is prayer requests it's a it's this app is prayer requests it's a it's this app is going to provide a great place for us to going to provide a great place for us to going to provide a great place for us to be able to connect with one another and be able to connect with one another and be able to connect with one another and stay connected with the campus that you stay connected with the campus that you stay connected with the campus that you attend uh when you download the app you attend uh when you download the app you attend uh when you download the app you can tell them which campus you attend

can tell them which campus you attend can tell them which campus you attend and it's so cool because you get to see and it's so cool because you get to see and it's so cool because you get to see all of the things that are happening all of the things that are happening all of the things that are happening you'll be able to sign up for events and you'll be able to sign up for events and you'll be able to sign up for events and keep uh in touch with what's happening. keep uh in touch with what's happening. keep uh in touch with what's happening. And I love that we have this app because And I love that we have this app because And I love that we have this app because one of the things like I when I went on one of the things like I when I went on one of the things like I when I went on this morning um this reading plan that this morning um this reading plan that this morning um this reading plan that we're going to have for this pause we're going to have for this pause we're going to have for this pause series, you can go on and do your daily series, you can go on and do your daily series, you can go on and do your daily habits. All right? And it looks like habits. All right? And it looks like habits. All right? And it looks like this. You see on the screen, it has your this. You see on the screen, it has your this. You see on the screen, it has your daily daily habits and then you can um daily daily habits and then you can um daily daily habits and then you can um you know go through, you can do your you know go through, you can do your you know go through, you can do your reading for the day. You can uh see what reading for the day. You can uh see what reading for the day. You can uh see what you're grateful for that day. You can you're grateful for that day. You can you're grateful for that day. You can also pray for others uh see their prayer also pray for others uh see their prayer also pray for others uh see their prayer requests. And I I enjoyed particularly requests. And I I enjoyed particularly requests. And I I enjoyed particularly doing that this morning myself, just doing that this morning myself, just doing that this morning myself, just seeing the different prayer requests. I seeing the different prayer requests. I seeing the different prayer requests. I actually saw different people from actually saw different people from actually saw different people from different campuses and I was it was able different campuses and I was it was able different campuses and I was it was able to help me because sometimes, you know, to help me because sometimes, you know, to help me because sometimes, you know, when you're praying, you kind of run out when you're praying, you kind of run out when you're praying, you kind of run out of what do I pray for? Man, this app of what do I pray for? Man, this app of what do I pray for? Man, this app right here, you can pray for your own right here, you can pray for your own right here, you can pray for your own family right here at Bayside Community family right here at Bayside Community family right here at Bayside Community Church through this app. So, I would Church through this app. So, I would Church through this app. So, I would encourage you to do that. So, this is encourage you to do that. So, this is encourage you to do that. So, this is how you can do it. Um, you can take your how you can do it. Um, you can take your how you can do it. Um, you can take your phone out right now if you have it. Take phone out right now if you have it. Take phone out right now if you have it. Take your phone out. Now, some of y'all are your phone out. Now, some of y'all are your phone out. Now, some of y'all are like, "I don't bring my phone to church. like, "I don't bring my phone to church. like, "I don't bring my phone to church. It's all about Jesus." That's great. I It's all about Jesus." That's great. I It's all about Jesus." That's great. I love that. Please continue to do that.

love that. Please continue to do that. love that. Please continue to do that. But if you need help getting it, stop at But if you need help getting it, stop at But if you need help getting it, stop at any connect center at all of our any connect center at all of our any connect center at all of our campuses and they can help you get it campuses and they can help you get it campuses and they can help you get it downloaded. But you can tap that sticker downloaded. But you can tap that sticker downloaded. But you can tap that sticker on the seat back in front of you and on the seat back in front of you and on the seat back in front of you and it's going to take you to a page and on it's going to take you to a page and on it's going to take you to a page and on that page you will be able to see where that page you will be able to see where that page you will be able to see where it says download the Bayside app. Once it says download the Bayside app. Once it says download the Bayside app. Once you download that app, you it'll take you download that app, you it'll take you download that app, you it'll take just a couple minutes to set it up for just a couple minutes to set it up for just a couple minutes to set it up for yourself, but it's going to be an a a yourself, but it's going to be an a a yourself, but it's going to be an a a great tool for all of us to not only great tool for all of us to not only great tool for all of us to not only grow in our faith. Remember the vision grow in our faith. Remember the vision grow in our faith. Remember the vision for this year was to come and abide. for this year was to come and abide. for this year was to come and abide. come and abide. And the one of the ways come and abide. And the one of the ways come and abide. And the one of the ways that we're doing this is we're going to that we're doing this is we're going to that we're doing this is we're going to be putting all of our resources right be putting all of our resources right be putting all of our resources right here. You can even watch past messages. here. You can even watch past messages. here. You can even watch past messages. Uh because a lot of times it's hard to Uh because a lot of times it's hard to Uh because a lot of times it's hard to know where do I go? Do I go website? Do know where do I go? Do I go website? Do know where do I go? Do I go website? Do I go to YouTube? Do I go to this or I go to YouTube? Do I go to this or I go to YouTube? Do I go to this or that? You'll be able to go right to the that? You'll be able to go right to the that? You'll be able to go right to the app and stay in touch with what God's app and stay in touch with what God's app and stay in touch with what God's doing through our church. All right. So, doing through our church. All right. So, doing through our church. All right. So, everybody say, "Get the app." everybody say, "Get the app." everybody say, "Get the app." >> Get the app. >> Get the app. >> Get the app. >> There you go. All right. Now, I want to >> There you go. All right. Now, I want to >> There you go. All right. Now, I want to jump into today's uh message. And as I jump into today's uh message. And as I jump into today's uh message. And as I get into the message, we're going to be get into the message, we're going to be get into the message, we're going to be talking about today the parable, talking about today the parable, talking about today the parable, depending on what version of the Bible depending on what version of the Bible depending on what version of the Bible you read, it's the parable of the you read, it's the parable of the you read, it's the parable of the talents. All right? Or the parable of talents. All right? Or the parable of talents. All right? Or the parable of the three servants. Um, and so I always the three servants. Um, and so I always the three servants. Um, and so I always read um God's word, but because this read um God's word, but because this read um God's word, but because this passage is a little bit long, I'm just passage is a little bit long, I'm just passage is a little bit long, I'm just going to read it because we're just going to read it because we're just going to read it because we're just going to preach from the scripture. All going to preach from the scripture. All going to preach from the scripture. All right? But I want us to have context of right? But I want us to have context of right? But I want us to have context of what we're going to be talking about what we're going to be talking about what we're going to be talking about today. So turn if in your Bibles or your today. So turn if in your Bibles or your today. So turn if in your Bibles or your digital tablets. Some people are like, digital tablets. Some people are like, digital tablets. Some people are like, I'm still trying to download the app.

I'm still trying to download the app. I'm still trying to download the app. It's okay. You can do it after church. It's okay. You can do it after church. It's okay. You can do it after church. All right. So it Matthew chapter 25 and All right. So it Matthew chapter 25 and All right. So it Matthew chapter 25 and I'm going to start reading in verse 14. I'm going to start reading in verse 14. I'm going to start reading in verse 14. And it says this, for it will be like a And it says this, for it will be like a And it says this, for it will be like a man going on a journey who called his man going on a journey who called his man going on a journey who called his servants and entrusted to them his servants and entrusted to them his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, property. To one he gave five talents, property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each to another two, to another one, to each to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went according to his ability. Then he went according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five away. He who had received the five away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with talents went at once and traded with talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. them, and he made five talents more. them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made So also he who had the two talents made So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had two talents more. But he who had two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in received the one talent went and dug in received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. the ground and hid his master's money. the ground and hid his master's money. Now after a long time the master of Now after a long time the master of Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts those servants came and settled accounts those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the with them. And he who had received the with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward bringing five five talents came forward bringing five five talents came forward bringing five talents more. Saying, "Master, you talents more. Saying, "Master, you talents more. Saying, "Master, you delivered to me five talents. Here I've delivered to me five talents. Here I've delivered to me five talents. Here I've made five talents more." His master said made five talents more." His master said made five talents more." His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful to him, "Well done, good and faithful to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a servant. You have been faithful over a servant. You have been faithful over a little. I will set you over much. Enter little. I will set you over much. Enter little. I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master."

into the joy of your master." into the joy of your master." And he also who had the two talents came And he also who had the two talents came And he also who had the two talents came forward saying, "Master, you delivered forward saying, "Master, you delivered forward saying, "Master, you delivered to me two talents. Here I have made two to me two talents. Here I have made two to me two talents. Here I have made two talents more." His master said to him, talents more." His master said to him, talents more." His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant. "Well done, good and faithful servant. "Well done, good and faithful servant. You've been faithful over a little. I You've been faithful over a little. I You've been faithful over a little. I will set you over much. Enter into the will set you over much. Enter into the will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." joy of your master." joy of your master." He also who had received the one talent He also who had received the one talent He also who had received the one talent came forward saying, "Master, I knew you came forward saying, "Master, I knew you came forward saying, "Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did to be a hard man, reaping where you did to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you not sow, and gathering where you not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed. So I was afraid, and scattered no seed. So I was afraid, and scattered no seed. So I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the I went and hid your talent in the I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours." ground. Here you have what is yours." ground. Here you have what is yours." But his master answered him, "You wicked But his master answered him, "You wicked But his master answered him, "You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I and slothful servant. You knew that I and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I've not sown and gather reap where I've not sown and gather reap where I've not sown and gather where I've I where I scattered no seed. where I've I where I scattered no seed. where I've I where I scattered no seed. Then you ought to have invested my money Then you ought to have invested my money Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I with the bankers, and at my coming I with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own should have received what was my own should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from with interest. So take the talent from with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the 10 him and give it to him who has the 10 him and give it to him who has the 10 talents. For everyone who has will more talents. For everyone who has will more talents. For everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance.

be given, and he will have an abundance. be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what But from the one who has not, even what But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away and cast the he has will be taken away and cast the he has will be taken away and cast the worthless servant into outer the outer worthless servant into outer the outer worthless servant into outer the outer darkness and that place will be weeping darkness and that place will be weeping darkness and that place will be weeping and nashing of teeth. Father, in Jesus and nashing of teeth. Father, in Jesus and nashing of teeth. Father, in Jesus name, I ask that you would open our name, I ask that you would open our name, I ask that you would open our hearts, open our minds to receive your hearts, open our minds to receive your hearts, open our minds to receive your word. Give me the words to say. I pray word. Give me the words to say. I pray word. Give me the words to say. I pray that it comes forth with clarity, that that it comes forth with clarity, that that it comes forth with clarity, that we would be challenged by it, but also we would be challenged by it, but also we would be challenged by it, but also be transformed as we encounter your be transformed as we encounter your be transformed as we encounter your truth because your truth sets us free. truth because your truth sets us free. truth because your truth sets us free. to be all that you've created and to be all that you've created and to be all that you've created and redeemed us to be. Remove every redeemed us to be. Remove every redeemed us to be. Remove every hindrance and every distraction. To you hindrance and every distraction. To you hindrance and every distraction. To you and you alone be glorified in Jesus and you alone be glorified in Jesus and you alone be glorified in Jesus name. And everybody said, name. And everybody said, name. And everybody said, >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. So, yesterday >> Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. So, yesterday >> Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. So, yesterday was the 4th of July and uh we had a a was the 4th of July and uh we had a a was the 4th of July and uh we had a a great time. I'm sure everybody had some great time. I'm sure everybody had some great time. I'm sure everybody had some things that were going on. We celebrated things that were going on. We celebrated things that were going on. We celebrated freedom. You know, people had fireworks freedom. You know, people had fireworks freedom. You know, people had fireworks and family and barbecue. You know, and family and barbecue. You know, and family and barbecue. You know, everybody was a grill master yesterday, everybody was a grill master yesterday, everybody was a grill master yesterday, right? Um But here's what we're going to right? Um But here's what we're going to right? Um But here's what we're going to be talking about today. We celebrated, be talking about today. We celebrated, be talking about today. We celebrated, you know, independence yesterday, but you know, independence yesterday, but you know, independence yesterday, but today we're going to talk about today we're going to talk about today we're going to talk about responsibility responsibility responsibility because freedom without responsibility because freedom without responsibility because freedom without responsibility eventually destroys itself.

eventually destroys itself. eventually destroys itself. And the same is true spiritually. Jesus And the same is true spiritually. Jesus And the same is true spiritually. Jesus didn't set us free simply so that we can didn't set us free simply so that we can didn't set us free simply so that we can escape hell. He set us free to escape hell. He set us free to escape hell. He set us free to participate in building God's kingdom. participate in building God's kingdom. participate in building God's kingdom. And sometimes we forget, you know, we we And sometimes we forget, you know, we we And sometimes we forget, you know, we we fight for all of this national freedom, fight for all of this national freedom, fight for all of this national freedom, but we don't fight as hard for our but we don't fight as hard for our but we don't fight as hard for our spiritual freedom. And this summer, spiritual freedom. And this summer, spiritual freedom. And this summer, we're pressing pause and we're going to we're pressing pause and we're going to we're pressing pause and we're going to be spending time in God's word together be spending time in God's word together be spending time in God's word together as a family. And as we do this, I I want as a family. And as we do this, I I want as a family. And as we do this, I I want you to be reminded that the freedom that you to be reminded that the freedom that you to be reminded that the freedom that we have always will be the source, God. we have always will be the source, God. we have always will be the source, God. >> He's our source of freedom. All right? >> He's our source of freedom. All right? >> He's our source of freedom. All right? And so we're going to be going through And so we're going to be going through And so we're going to be going through these parables. Now the you got to first these parables. Now the you got to first these parables. Now the you got to first understand the purpose of parables. So understand the purpose of parables. So understand the purpose of parables. So the the Greek word for parables is uh the the Greek word for parables is uh the the Greek word for parables is uh I'll probably butcher this word but um I'll probably butcher this word but um I'll probably butcher this word but um uh parabola. All right, which which uh parabola. All right, which which uh parabola. All right, which which means to place alongside. All right, means to place alongside. All right, means to place alongside. All right, this is what the Greek word parable this is what the Greek word parable this is what the Greek word parable means. It means to place alongside. So means. It means to place alongside. So means. It means to place alongside. So Jesus Jesus Jesus would give an earthly story and he'd put would give an earthly story and he'd put would give an earthly story and he'd put it beside a heavenly truth. All right.

it beside a heavenly truth. All right. it beside a heavenly truth. All right. This is what the parables did. So, um This is what the parables did. So, um This is what the parables did. So, um these parables, they don't just inform, these parables, they don't just inform, these parables, they don't just inform, these parables expose. Now, what do I these parables expose. Now, what do I these parables expose. Now, what do I mean by that? It means every parable mean by that? It means every parable mean by that? It means every parable causes you to ask the question, causes you to ask the question, causes you to ask the question, which character am I? Which character am which character am I? Which character am which character am I? Which character am I? These parables help us to kind of it I? These parables help us to kind of it I? These parables help us to kind of it exposes, you know, which which one am I? exposes, you know, which which one am I? exposes, you know, which which one am I? So, here's the historical context uh in So, here's the historical context uh in So, here's the historical context uh in Matthew 25 because this is really Matthew 25 because this is really Matthew 25 because this is really important. This is this is critical that important. This is this is critical that important. This is this is critical that we understand this. In Matthew 24 and we understand this. In Matthew 24 and we understand this. In Matthew 24 and 25, this is called the ELT discourse. Uh 25, this is called the ELT discourse. Uh 25, this is called the ELT discourse. Uh for the theologians that are in the for the theologians that are in the for the theologians that are in the room, everybody else, what does that room, everybody else, what does that room, everybody else, what does that mean? Don't worry about it. It's all mean? Don't worry about it. It's all mean? Don't worry about it. It's all good. Jesus is on the Mount of Olives. good. Jesus is on the Mount of Olives. good. Jesus is on the Mount of Olives. So that's why it's called the ET So that's why it's called the ET So that's why it's called the ET discourse. All right? He's on the Mount discourse. All right? He's on the Mount discourse. All right? He's on the Mount of Olives and he's [clears throat] only of Olives and he's [clears throat] only of Olives and he's [clears throat] only days away from the cross. and being only days away from the cross. and being only days away from the cross. and being only days away from the cross there um these days away from the cross there um these days away from the cross there um these are these parables are amongst some of are these parables are amongst some of are these parables are amongst some of his final teachings all right before his his final teachings all right before his his final teachings all right before his crucifixion and the disciples asked him crucifixion and the disciples asked him crucifixion and the disciples asked him a question they were like Jesus when are a question they were like Jesus when are a question they were like Jesus when are you going to return you going to return you going to return and when they asked him when he's going and when they asked him when he's going and when they asked him when he's going to return in these in Matthew 24:25 to return in these in Matthew 24:25 to return in these in Matthew 24:25 these parables uh Jesus answered them uh these parables uh Jesus answered them uh these parables uh Jesus answered them uh with these parables and one of the with these parables and one of the with these parables and one of the parables was the 10 virgins and Then one parables was the 10 virgins and Then one parables was the 10 virgins and Then one was the talents and then one was the was the talents and then one was the was the talents and then one was the sheep and the goats. Now the the parable sheep and the goats. Now the the parable sheep and the goats. Now the the parable of the the 10 virgins, it was about of the the 10 virgins, it was about of the the 10 virgins, it was about being ready and then of course the ones being ready and then of course the ones being ready and then of course the ones with the the talents that we're going to

with the the talents that we're going to with the the talents that we're going to cover today is about being faithful and cover today is about being faithful and cover today is about being faithful and then the sheep and the goats is about then the sheep and the goats is about then the sheep and the goats is about being compassionate. Now all three being compassionate. Now all three being compassionate. Now all three answer one question. All three of these answer one question. All three of these answer one question. All three of these parables that are in Matthew 24 and 25 parables that are in Matthew 24 and 25 parables that are in Matthew 24 and 25 answer this one question and it is how answer this one question and it is how answer this one question and it is how should we as God's people be living should we as God's people be living should we as God's people be living while we wait for his return? while we wait for his return? while we wait for his return? How should we be living while we wait How should we be living while we wait How should we be living while we wait for the master's return? Now, the for the master's return? Now, the for the master's return? Now, the parable of the talents, I I don't think parable of the talents, I I don't think parable of the talents, I I don't think that the par uh this this parable is that the par uh this this parable is that the par uh this this parable is primarily about um stewardship. I've primarily about um stewardship. I've primarily about um stewardship. I've heard it preached that way, and you can heard it preached that way, and you can heard it preached that way, and you can totally take that angle, but it's really totally take that angle, but it's really totally take that angle, but it's really about participation. Everybody say about participation. Everybody say about participation. Everybody say participation. participation. participation. >> Participation. >> Participation. >> Participation. >> And what do I mean by that? So, these >> And what do I mean by that? So, these >> And what do I mean by that? So, these three servants, they weren't just, you three servants, they weren't just, you three servants, they weren't just, you know, they weren't really managing know, they weren't really managing know, they weren't really managing money. They were being invited money. They were being invited money. They were being invited to continue the work of the king while to continue the work of the king while to continue the work of the king while he was away. There's a participation he was away. There's a participation he was away. There's a participation and when that happens the uh this is and when that happens the uh this is and when that happens the uh this is really where we live today between really where we live today between really where we live today between Christ's ascension where he is now Christ's ascension where he is now Christ's ascension where he is now seated in in heaven with the father and seated in in heaven with the father and seated in in heaven with the father and then his return. So the question isn't then his return. So the question isn't then his return. So the question isn't how the question really isn't how much how the question really isn't how much how the question really isn't how much has God given me. The question really is has God given me. The question really is has God given me. The question really is am I participating am I participating am I participating in what God is doing and wanting to do in what God is doing and wanting to do in what God is doing and wanting to do until he comes. That's really the until he comes. That's really the until he comes. That's really the question. Am I participating with God

question. Am I participating with God question. Am I participating with God until he comes? That's really the until he comes? That's really the until he comes? That's really the context of this parable. It's not money. context of this parable. It's not money. context of this parable. It's not money. It's not investing. It's not readiness. It's not investing. It's not readiness. It's not investing. It's not readiness. church. I I want I want us to understand church. I I want I want us to understand church. I I want I want us to understand this before I really get into the meat this before I really get into the meat this before I really get into the meat of this. This isn't just a story that of this. This isn't just a story that of this. This isn't just a story that Jesus told. Jesus told. Jesus told. This is a story that we're living right This is a story that we're living right This is a story that we're living right now. Jesus came. He died. He rose again. now. Jesus came. He died. He rose again. now. Jesus came. He died. He rose again. He chose to partner with us. Until he He chose to partner with us. Until he He chose to partner with us. Until he comes, we are to do something. We're to comes, we are to do something. We're to comes, we are to do something. We're to be something. We are to partner with him be something. We are to partner with him be something. We are to partner with him to get things ready. And he's coming to get things ready. And he's coming to get things ready. And he's coming expecting something. So if you're expecting something. So if you're expecting something. So if you're wondering what is my purpose on the wondering what is my purpose on the wondering what is my purpose on the planet, you can actually begin to see planet, you can actually begin to see planet, you can actually begin to see just by studying these parables what it just by studying these parables what it just by studying these parables what it is that you can be doing. If you're is that you can be doing. If you're is that you can be doing. If you're going, well, I'm bored. I don't know going, well, I'm bored. I don't know going, well, I'm bored. I don't know what to do. Just read the parable. The what to do. Just read the parable. The what to do. Just read the parable. The context is here. So that's the really context is here. So that's the really context is here. So that's the really the entire Christian life. The king the entire Christian life. The king the entire Christian life. The king left, left, left, the servants lived, the king returns.

the servants lived, the king returns. the servants lived, the king returns. Now everything is in between is where we Now everything is in between is where we Now everything is in between is where we live. So there's four movements in this live. So there's four movements in this live. So there's four movements in this parable. There's four movements. All parable. There's four movements. All parable. There's four movements. All right. Uh the first one, you're going to right. Uh the first one, you're going to right. Uh the first one, you're going to see this on the screen. The first one is see this on the screen. The first one is see this on the screen. The first one is the king entrusts. the king entrusts. the king entrusts. Okay? He entrusts. What does that mean? Okay? He entrusts. What does that mean? Okay? He entrusts. What does that mean? That's grace. That's grace. That's grace. That's grace. He trusts us. That's grace. He trusts us. That's grace. He trusts us. He's entrusted to us >> the riches of heaven to be displayed on >> the riches of heaven to be displayed on earth. Here's a second movement. The earth. Here's a second movement. The earth. Here's a second movement. The servants choose. This is responsibility. servants choose. This is responsibility. servants choose. This is responsibility. Now this is our part. This is the part Now this is our part. This is the part Now this is our part. This is the part that we play. And then we have the third that we play. And then we have the third that we play. And then we have the third part which is the king returns. There is part which is the king returns. There is part which is the king returns. There is accountability. accountability. accountability. And then the fourth part is the faithful And then the fourth part is the faithful And then the fourth part is the faithful enter joy. This is the reward. So you enter joy. This is the reward. So you enter joy. This is the reward. So you got grace, responsibility, got grace, responsibility, got grace, responsibility, accountability and reward. This really accountability and reward. This really accountability and reward. This really is the gospel story. God gives, we is the gospel story. God gives, we is the gospel story. God gives, we respond, Christ returns, eternity respond, Christ returns, eternity respond, Christ returns, eternity begins. That's the gospel story. This is begins. That's the gospel story. This is begins. That's the gospel story. This is us. And where we are right now is we're us. And where we are right now is we're us. And where we are right now is we're waiting on that last part, which is waiting on that last part, which is waiting on that last part, which is eternity and Christ returns and then eternity and Christ returns and then eternity and Christ returns and then eternity. So, here's the Jewish cultural eternity. So, here's the Jewish cultural eternity. So, here's the Jewish cultural background that I think is going to background that I think is going to background that I think is going to really help us as we read this because I really help us as we read this because I really help us as we read this because I I didn't notice at first um for years I didn't notice at first um for years I didn't notice at first um for years and then when I realized that I was uh and then when I realized that I was uh and then when I realized that I was uh hearing this the wrong way and and and hearing this the wrong way and and and hearing this the wrong way and and and there was a couple times I taught it the there was a couple times I taught it the there was a couple times I taught it the wrong way. But a servant in the first wrong way. But a servant in the first wrong way. But a servant in the first century wasn't necessarily a slave in

century wasn't necessarily a slave in century wasn't necessarily a slave in our modern understanding. This is really our modern understanding. This is really our modern understanding. This is really important for us to understand. Uh many important for us to understand. Uh many important for us to understand. Uh many were actually household managers. They were actually household managers. They were actually household managers. They were uh estate administrators. They were were uh estate administrators. They were were uh estate administrators. They were business managers managers. These were business managers managers. These were business managers managers. These were trusted representatives and they trusted representatives and they trusted representatives and they possessed a a tremendous amount of possessed a a tremendous amount of possessed a a tremendous amount of authority. So when when the scripture authority. So when when the scripture authority. So when when the scripture says these servants, I want you to get says these servants, I want you to get says these servants, I want you to get out of your mind what we know as out of your mind what we know as out of your mind what we know as modern-day slavery. this is not the modern-day slavery. this is not the modern-day slavery. this is not the context in what you're talking about. In context in what you're talking about. In context in what you're talking about. In fact, when Jesus used this illustration, fact, when Jesus used this illustration, fact, when Jesus used this illustration, the audience would have known exactly the audience would have known exactly the audience would have known exactly what he meant and what he was talking what he meant and what he was talking what he meant and what he was talking about uh in the responsibility that was about uh in the responsibility that was about uh in the responsibility that was given to these people. And so we when given to these people. And so we when given to these people. And so we when you know that in context, then you look you know that in context, then you look you know that in context, then you look at what is a talent. Now this word at what is a talent. Now this word at what is a talent. Now this word talent, it wasn't an ability even though talent, it wasn't an ability even though talent, it wasn't an ability even though our English uh word comes from this this our English uh word comes from this this our English uh word comes from this this particular passage. Um, it's it's not particular passage. Um, it's it's not particular passage. Um, it's it's not what it was. Uh, it really wasn't a what it was. Uh, it really wasn't a what it was. Uh, it really wasn't a talent. A talent was money. And the talent. A talent was money. And the talent. A talent was money. And the largest it was the largest monetary largest it was the largest monetary largest it was the largest monetary measurement in the Roman culture. Now, measurement in the Roman culture. Now, measurement in the Roman culture. Now, this is going to blow your mind this is going to blow your mind this is going to blow your mind when I tell you this. So, five talents when I tell you this. So, five talents when I tell you this. So, five talents was actually 100 years of income.

>> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Five talents was about a 100 years of >> Five talents was about a 100 years of >> Five talents was about a 100 years of income. income. income. Two talents was 40 years. One talent was Two talents was 40 years. One talent was Two talents was 40 years. One talent was 20 years. Now, I want you to just just 20 years. Now, I want you to just just 20 years. Now, I want you to just just sit on that for a second. So, this sit on that for a second. So, this sit on that for a second. So, this master gives one guy five, gives one guy master gives one guy five, gives one guy master gives one guy five, gives one guy two, gives one guy one. Now, some of two, gives one guy one. Now, some of two, gives one guy one. Now, some of y'all would look at the one and go, y'all would look at the one and go, y'all would look at the one and go, "Dog, man, I feel sorry for him. That "Dog, man, I feel sorry for him. That "Dog, man, I feel sorry for him. That dude had 20 years dude had 20 years dude had 20 years of income that was handed to him. And of income that was handed to him. And of income that was handed to him. And you know what he did with it? He buried you know what he did with it? He buried you know what he did with it? He buried it. Now the audience would have gasped it. Now the audience would have gasped it. Now the audience would have gasped at this at this illustration because at this at this illustration because at this at this illustration because even the servant with the one talent even the servant with the one talent even the servant with the one talent received an unbelievable gift. That's a received an unbelievable gift. That's a received an unbelievable gift. That's a lot. lot. lot. >> Somebody say that's a lot. All right. So >> Somebody say that's a lot. All right. So >> Somebody say that's a lot. All right. So five, two, and one. But here's what we five, two, and one. But here's what we five, two, and one. But here's what we do. We always focus on the one. And and do. We always focus on the one. And and do. We always focus on the one. And and and what I love about this is, you know, and what I love about this is, you know, and what I love about this is, you know, Jesus, he's basically telling a story, Jesus, he's basically telling a story, Jesus, he's basically telling a story, you know, of of for all you guys that you know, of of for all you guys that you know, of of for all you guys that are into finance of ancient portfolio are into finance of ancient portfolio are into finance of ancient portfolio managers, right? You got two servants managers, right? You got two servants managers, right? You got two servants who go full kingdom, you know, Wall who go full kingdom, you know, Wall who go full kingdom, you know, Wall Street and then one that goes mattress Street and then one that goes mattress Street and then one that goes mattress money, right? That's really what we're money, right? That's really what we're money, right? That's really what we're talking about. [laughter] Anybody still hide their money in their Anybody still hide their money in their mattress?

>> I will not tell, right? I will not tell. >> I will not tell, right? I will not tell. Okay. Okay. Okay. But here's the key truth. Here's the key But here's the key truth. Here's the key But here's the key truth. Here's the key truth. This is really important. The truth. This is really important. The truth. This is really important. The king never transferred ownership. He king never transferred ownership. He king never transferred ownership. He transferred responsibility. transferred responsibility. transferred responsibility. Now, this is really important for us to Now, this is really important for us to Now, this is really important for us to understand. understand. understand. They were stewarding the master's money. They were stewarding the master's money. They were stewarding the master's money. 100 years of resource 100 years of resource 100 years of resource was not that person's. was not that person's. was not that person's. >> It was a master's. Now think how much >> It was a master's. Now think how much >> It was a master's. Now think how much that money that master had that money that master had that money that master had >> for him to give one five one to give one >> for him to give one five one to give one >> for him to give one five one to give one person a 100 years resources to give one person a 100 years resources to give one person a 100 years resources to give one 40 years resources to give one 20 40 years resources to give one 20 40 years resources to give one 20 resources how much did the master have resources how much did the master have resources how much did the master have >> a lot and then he's like hey I'm going >> a lot and then he's like hey I'm going >> a lot and then he's like hey I'm going to go away for a long time but while I'm to go away for a long time but while I'm to go away for a long time but while I'm gone this reminds me of myself years ago gone this reminds me of myself years ago gone this reminds me of myself years ago my wife and I we moved to uh Minnesota my wife and I we moved to uh Minnesota my wife and I we moved to uh Minnesota and when we got to Minnesota and when we got to Minnesota and when we got to Minnesota uh we were in financial cial straits, a uh we were in financial cial straits, a uh we were in financial cial straits, a lot of debt, a lot going on. I've told lot of debt, a lot going on. I've told lot of debt, a lot going on. I've told this story before. Um, everything we had this story before. Um, everything we had this story before. Um, everything we had maxed out our credit cards at that time.

maxed out our credit cards at that time. maxed out our credit cards at that time. My wife had 22 credit cards, 23 credit My wife had 22 credit cards, 23 credit My wife had 22 credit cards, 23 credit cards. They were all maxed out. I had cards. They were all maxed out. I had cards. They were all maxed out. I had one, so we had 24 all together. one, so we had 24 all together. one, so we had 24 all together. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] That's a whole another story. I love my That's a whole another story. I love my That's a whole another story. I love my queen. We don't do that anymore. All right. We don't do that anymore. All right. Praise the Lord. Debtree. Thank you, Praise the Lord. Debtree. Thank you, Praise the Lord. Debtree. Thank you, Lord, for debtree. Lord, for debtree. Lord, for debtree. Um, but we we were we were struggling. Um, but we we were we were struggling. Um, but we we were we were struggling. So I couldn't even we it got to the So I couldn't even we it got to the So I couldn't even we it got to the point where I couldn't even buy point where I couldn't even buy point where I couldn't even buy groceries. Um, I tried to go to get food groceries. Um, I tried to go to get food groceries. Um, I tried to go to get food stamps and I went in dressed up, you stamps and I went in dressed up, you stamps and I went in dressed up, you know, in my suit and everything and and know, in my suit and everything and and know, in my suit and everything and and because I look so good, they were like, because I look so good, they were like, because I look so good, they were like, I don't think you're going to need help. I don't think you're going to need help. I don't think you're going to need help. I'm like, I'm hungry, you know. But they I'm like, I'm hungry, you know. But they I'm like, I'm hungry, you know. But they they denied me food stamps. I paid they denied me food stamps. I paid they denied me food stamps. I paid taxes, but I got denied. That's a whole taxes, but I got denied. That's a whole taxes, but I got denied. That's a whole another story. another story. another story. But God ended up providing. And I But God ended up providing. And I But God ended up providing. And I remember one of the things that ended up remember one of the things that ended up remember one of the things that ended up happening is we we couldn't afford the happening is we we couldn't afford the happening is we we couldn't afford the the apartment that we were staying in. the apartment that we were staying in. the apartment that we were staying in. It was it was absolutely ridiculous, but It was it was absolutely ridiculous, but It was it was absolutely ridiculous, but I didn't know what we were going to do. I didn't know what we were going to do. I didn't know what we were going to do. And somebody came and uh I I ran into a And somebody came and uh I I ran into a And somebody came and uh I I ran into a friend at a coffee shop that I was friend at a coffee shop that I was friend at a coffee shop that I was applying at a job for. Uh I was applying applying at a job for. Uh I was applying applying at a job for. Uh I was applying for a job there. And he was like, "Hey, for a job there. And he was like, "Hey, for a job there. And he was like, "Hey, what are you doing in the city?" Blah what are you doing in the city?" Blah what are you doing in the city?" Blah blah blah. And I told him I moved here.

blah blah. And I told him I moved here. blah blah. And I told him I moved here. And so not knowing my situation, he's And so not knowing my situation, he's And so not knowing my situation, he's like, "Well, where are you staying?" And like, "Well, where are you staying?" And like, "Well, where are you staying?" And I said, "Funny thing, you know, we're I said, "Funny thing, you know, we're I said, "Funny thing, you know, we're staying over here, but we're trying to staying over here, but we're trying to staying over here, but we're trying to find somewhere else." He goes, "Oh my find somewhere else." He goes, "Oh my find somewhere else." He goes, "Oh my gosh, I I have the perfect place for gosh, I I have the perfect place for gosh, I I have the perfect place for you." I'm like, "Oh, what is that? you." I'm like, "Oh, what is that? you." I'm like, "Oh, what is that? Probably can't afford it." He starts Probably can't afford it." He starts Probably can't afford it." He starts taking me on this journey and we're taking me on this journey and we're taking me on this journey and we're driving. He's showing me the city and we driving. He's showing me the city and we driving. He's showing me the city and we get into this really affluent area on get into this really affluent area on get into this really affluent area on the lakes. And we go through and we pull the lakes. And we go through and we pull the lakes. And we go through and we pull up on this almost 6 acre compound, up on this almost 6 acre compound, up on this almost 6 acre compound, long driveway, circular drive, big old long driveway, circular drive, big old long driveway, circular drive, big old house on the lake. I was like, "Um, house on the lake. I was like, "Um, house on the lake. I was like, "Um, [laughter] you know, I'm broke, right? I'm just you know, I'm broke, right? I'm just just saying. You know, I [laughter] I'm just saying. You know, I [laughter] I'm just saying. You know, I [laughter] I'm broke." He's like, "I don't know. I just broke." He's like, "I don't know. I just broke." He's like, "I don't know. I just got to check on this one house." I'm got to check on this one house." I'm got to check on this one house." I'm like, "Thank you, Jesus." Cuz [laughter] like, "Thank you, Jesus." Cuz [laughter] like, "Thank you, Jesus." Cuz [laughter] So, we walk in and and uh we're walking So, we walk in and and uh we're walking So, we walk in and and uh we're walking around looking. The place is empty. around looking. The place is empty. around looking. The place is empty. Beautiful place. And I'm like, "Well, Beautiful place. And I'm like, "Well, Beautiful place. And I'm like, "Well, what do you got to check on? Ain't what do you got to check on? Ain't what do you got to check on? Ain't nothing in here." He's like, he turns nothing in here." He's like, he turns nothing in here." He's like, he turns around and he tosses the keys to me. And around and he tosses the keys to me. And around and he tosses the keys to me. And I was like, "What's this?" I mean, 8,000 I was like, "What's this?" I mean, 8,000 I was like, "What's this?" I mean, 8,000 foot home and and he's like, "Hey, this foot home and and he's like, "Hey, this foot home and and he's like, "Hey, this guy would rather someone be in the house guy would rather someone be in the house guy would rather someone be in the house than it just sit here." And in fact, than it just sit here." And in fact, than it just sit here." And in fact, there's two boats on the dock. Use there's two boats on the dock. Use there's two boats on the dock. Use those. Also, here's his um yach club those. Also, here's his um yach club those. Also, here's his um yach club membership. He has to spend so much membership. He has to spend so much membership. He has to spend so much money, so go there, eat, do whatever you money, so go there, eat, do whatever you money, so go there, eat, do whatever you want. Here's his card. Blah blah blah.

want. Here's his card. Blah blah blah. want. Here's his card. Blah blah blah. The whole time that we're living there, The whole time that we're living there, The whole time that we're living there, I was living large on somebody else's I was living large on somebody else's I was living large on somebody else's income. Come on, somebody. income. Come on, somebody. income. Come on, somebody. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> I only tell that not to boast >> I only tell that not to boast >> I only tell that not to boast >> cuz I didn't know the guy. >> cuz I didn't know the guy. >> cuz I didn't know the guy. >> I'm telling this is the parable. >> I'm telling this is the parable. >> I'm telling this is the parable. >> This is exactly what this parable is >> This is exactly what this parable is >> This is exactly what this parable is talking about. talking about. talking about. >> I'm living stewarding someone else's who >> I'm living stewarding someone else's who >> I'm living stewarding someone else's who had a lot. And you know what I did with had a lot. And you know what I did with had a lot. And you know what I did with that place? We took that place. It that place? We took that place. It that place? We took that place. It needed paint. It needed a whole lot of needed paint. It needed a whole lot of needed paint. It needed a whole lot of yard work. yard work. yard work. We took that place and we made it better We took that place and we made it better We took that place and we made it better than the way we received it. [cheering] >> This is really important. [applause] >> This is really important. [applause] The gentleman came to visit town and he The gentleman came to visit town and he The gentleman came to visit town and he wanted to meet the people that was wanted to meet the people that was wanted to meet the people that was staying in his house. Now, his only reme staying in his house. Now, his only reme staying in his house. Now, his only reme memory of the house was the way it used memory of the house was the way it used memory of the house was the way it used to look. to look. to look. He pulls up, didn't even recognize the He pulls up, didn't even recognize the He pulls up, didn't even recognize the place. He was blown away.

place. He was blown away. place. He was blown away. >> But I'm sitting here going, "You know >> But I'm sitting here going, "You know >> But I'm sitting here going, "You know what? I'm gonna take care of this place what? I'm gonna take care of this place what? I'm gonna take care of this place better than it was if it was mine. better than it was if it was mine. better than it was if it was mine. >> You know what he ended up doing? Because >> You know what he ended up doing? Because >> You know what he ended up doing? Because he saw the way we were stewarding it. He he saw the way we were stewarding it. He he saw the way we were stewarding it. He said, "Stay as long as you want. You said, "Stay as long as you want. You said, "Stay as long as you want. You don't have to pay a dime." >> And I thought, "Thank you, Jesus, cuz I >> And I thought, "Thank you, Jesus, cuz I don't have a dime." [laughter] don't have a dime." [laughter] don't have a dime." [laughter] Right? It's like, I I don't have a dime. Right? It's like, I I don't have a dime. Right? It's like, I I don't have a dime. We became friends. But he was what was We became friends. But he was what was We became friends. But he was what was really cool that what was really cool really cool that what was really cool really cool that what was really cool about that story is that he was very about that story is that he was very about that story is that he was very intrigued about why I would do something intrigued about why I would do something intrigued about why I would do something like that. and I was able to share the like that. and I was able to share the like that. and I was able to share the gospel and we had many, many, many great gospel and we had many, many, many great gospel and we had many, many, many great biblical conversations that led to him biblical conversations that led to him biblical conversations that led to him trusting Jesus Christ as his Lord and trusting Jesus Christ as his Lord and trusting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. >> So, I tell you all of that because this >> So, I tell you all of that because this is actually the parable. The king never is actually the parable. The king never is actually the parable. The king never transferred ownership. This guy never transferred ownership. This guy never transferred ownership. This guy never transferred ownership. He transferred transferred ownership. He transferred transferred ownership. He transferred responsibility. responsibility. responsibility. And I took care of that stuff because I And I took care of that stuff because I And I took care of that stuff because I treated it better than my own. treated it better than my own. treated it better than my own. >> Everything we have to understand, >> Everything we have to understand, >> Everything we have to understand, belongs to God. So Psalms 24:1 and 2 belongs to God. So Psalms 24:1 and 2 belongs to God. So Psalms 24:1 and 2 says this, "The earth is the Lord's and says this, "The earth is the Lord's and says this, "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world and all who everything in it, the world and all who everything in it, the world and all who live in it. For he founded it on the live in it. For he founded it on the live in it. For he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters."

seas and established it on the waters." seas and established it on the waters." Everything in the earth belongs to the Everything in the earth belongs to the Everything in the earth belongs to the Lord. That's the context. Everything Lord. That's the context. Everything Lord. That's the context. Everything belongs to the Lord. Uh this changes our belongs to the Lord. Uh this changes our belongs to the Lord. Uh this changes our p uh perception. It changes our p uh perception. It changes our p uh perception. It changes our perspective. This means that your kids perspective. This means that your kids perspective. This means that your kids entrusted entrusted entrusted your marriage entrusted your marriage entrusted your marriage entrusted your your your influence entrusted your your your your influence entrusted your your your your influence entrusted your church entrusted your business it's church entrusted your business it's church entrusted your business it's entrusted your retirement it's entrusted entrusted your retirement it's entrusted entrusted your retirement it's entrusted everything that you have God is everything that you have God is everything that you have God is entrusting it to you because everything entrusting it to you because everything entrusting it to you because everything belongs to the Lord if you approach it belongs to the Lord if you approach it belongs to the Lord if you approach it with that context you're just partnering with that context you're just partnering with that context you're just partnering with him until he comes again because with him until he comes again because with him until he comes again because all of this stuff you can't take with all of this stuff you can't take with all of this stuff you can't take with youmen Yes. youmen Yes. youmen Yes. >> When eternity come, when Jesus comes >> When eternity come, when Jesus comes >> When eternity come, when Jesus comes back, you ain't going to be able to go, back, you ain't going to be able to go, back, you ain't going to be able to go, "Oh, wait, wait, wait. Let me let me let "Oh, wait, wait, wait. Let me let me let "Oh, wait, wait, wait. Let me let me let me grab this." Uh-uh. No. You ain't me grab this." Uh-uh. No. You ain't me grab this." Uh-uh. No. You ain't going to be interested in none of that going to be interested in none of that going to be interested in none of that because what he has for you on the other because what he has for you on the other because what he has for you on the other side is far greater than what you have side is far greater than what you have side is far greater than what you have right here. right here. right here. >> It's not about stuff. >> It's not about stuff. >> It's not about stuff. Stewardship begins where ownership ends. Stewardship begins where ownership ends. Stewardship begins where ownership ends. So, here's the first thing that we're So, here's the first thing that we're So, here's the first thing that we're going to talk about is God entrusts going to talk about is God entrusts going to talk about is God entrusts according to capacity.

according to capacity. according to capacity. God entrust according to capacity. Now God entrust according to capacity. Now God entrust according to capacity. Now Matthew 25:15, to one he gave five talents, to another to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according two, to another one, to each according two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. I to his ability. Then he went away. I to his ability. Then he went away. I want you to notice, he didn't give want you to notice, he didn't give want you to notice, he didn't give equally, but he gave appropriately. equally, but he gave appropriately. equally, but he gave appropriately. This is very important. God's not This is very important. God's not This is very important. God's not unfair. He's wise. He knows your ability unfair. He's wise. He knows your ability unfair. He's wise. He knows your ability because he made you. because he made you. because he made you. >> He knows exactly what your capacity is. >> He knows exactly what your capacity is. >> He knows exactly what your capacity is. Now, here's the bad part. We limit our Now, here's the bad part. We limit our Now, here's the bad part. We limit our own capacity because we allow something own capacity because we allow something own capacity because we allow something outside of God to determine what I can outside of God to determine what I can outside of God to determine what I can handle and what I can't. handle and what I can't. handle and what I can't. >> And those so those lies begin to >> And those so those lies begin to >> And those so those lies begin to influence us. And many of us function influence us. And many of us function influence us. And many of us function beneath our capacity because we're beneath our capacity because we're beneath our capacity because we're allowing we think our worth is in our allowing we think our worth is in our allowing we think our worth is in our job. job. job. >> We think our worth is in our >> We think our worth is in our >> We think our worth is in our accomplishments. accomplishments. accomplishments. >> Nope. Our worth is determined by God.

>> Nope. Our worth is determined by God. >> Nope. Our worth is determined by God. And because he's determined by God, he And because he's determined by God, he And because he's determined by God, he knows what your capacity is. This is knows what your capacity is. This is knows what your capacity is. This is what I love about God. He's not going to what I love about God. He's not going to what I love about God. He's not going to give you what you don't have the give you what you don't have the give you what you don't have the capacity to handle. But I want you to capacity to handle. But I want you to capacity to handle. But I want you to know this. Your capacity is way more. know this. Your capacity is way more. know this. Your capacity is way more. It's still a lot. You have a tremendous It's still a lot. You have a tremendous It's still a lot. You have a tremendous amount. Remember, 52 and one is still a amount. Remember, 52 and one is still a amount. Remember, 52 and one is still a lot. 20 years. If you have one talent, lot. 20 years. If you have one talent, lot. 20 years. If you have one talent, 20 years of resource. 20 years of resource. 20 years of resource. That's a lot. Let me ask you this. What That's a lot. Let me ask you this. What That's a lot. Let me ask you this. What have you done with your life in the last have you done with your life in the last have you done with your life in the last 20 years? >> What have you done in your life in the >> What have you done in your life in the last 40 years? last 40 years? last 40 years? Someone's like, I'm not 40 yet. I don't Someone's like, I'm not 40 yet. I don't Someone's like, I'm not 40 yet. I don't know. Well, it's not too late. know. Well, it's not too late. know. Well, it's not too late. Here's a revelation. Capacity precedes Here's a revelation. Capacity precedes Here's a revelation. Capacity precedes increase. You got to have capacity. Once you know You got to have capacity. Once you know your capacity, increase can come. Our your capacity, increase can come. Our your capacity, increase can come. Our culture says more creates culture says more creates culture says more creates uh faithfulness, but that's not true.

uh faithfulness, but that's not true. uh faithfulness, but that's not true. Jesus says that faithfulness creates Jesus says that faithfulness creates Jesus says that faithfulness creates more. more. more. >> Faithfulness creates more. >> Faithfulness creates more. >> Faithfulness creates more. >> Look at the scripture in Luke 16 verse >> Look at the scripture in Luke 16 verse >> Look at the scripture in Luke 16 verse 10 and 12. It said, "If you are faithful 10 and 12. It said, "If you are faithful 10 and 12. It said, "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in little things, you will be faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in large ones. But if you are dishonest in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest in little things, you won't be honest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities. And if with greater responsibilities. And if with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy with worldly you are untrustworthy with worldly you are untrustworthy with worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true wealth, who will trust you with the true wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not riches of heaven? And if you are not riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people's things, why faithful with other people's things, why faithful with other people's things, why should you be trusted with things of should you be trusted with things of should you be trusted with things of your own? your own? your own? >> Now, I can just spend another series >> Now, I can just spend another series >> Now, I can just spend another series just on that verse. just on that verse. just on that verse. Because somehow sometimes, and and I'm Because somehow sometimes, and and I'm Because somehow sometimes, and and I'm just going to meddle just a little bit. just going to meddle just a little bit. just going to meddle just a little bit. All right. So, whatever campus you're All right. So, whatever campus you're All right. So, whatever campus you're sitting in, wherever you're at right sitting in, wherever you're at right sitting in, wherever you're at right now, this is God's house. Uh, this is now, this is God's house. Uh, this is now, this is God's house. Uh, this is the church. This is this is the place the church. This is this is the place the church. This is this is the place that we celebrate. This is not my that we celebrate. This is not my that we celebrate. This is not my church. This is not your campus pastor's church. This is not your campus pastor's church. This is not your campus pastor's church. Not Pastor Randy. He says it all church. Not Pastor Randy. He says it all church. Not Pastor Randy. He says it all the time. He says, "This is this is this the time. He says, "This is this is this the time. He says, "This is this is this is Jesus. Jesus is the the lead pastor is Jesus. Jesus is the the lead pastor is Jesus. Jesus is the the lead pastor of this church.

of this church. of this church. Now, we get to steward it. Now, we get to steward it. Now, we get to steward it. So, how do we steward it?" And this is So, how do we steward it?" And this is So, how do we steward it?" And this is something that I think is really something that I think is really something that I think is really important for us. I'm just going to important for us. I'm just going to important for us. I'm just going to meddle just a little bit. Just a tiny meddle just a little bit. Just a tiny meddle just a little bit. Just a tiny bit. If you drop something on the floor, bit. If you drop something on the floor, bit. If you drop something on the floor, pick it up. Why? Why? Faithful in little things Faithful in little things Faithful in little things much. much. much. If you're wondering why there's chaos or If you're wondering why there's chaos or If you're wondering why there's chaos or things not coming to you when you it's things not coming to you when you it's things not coming to you when you it's because you're not stewarding the little because you're not stewarding the little because you're not stewarding the little things, the little opportunities that things, the little opportunities that things, the little opportunities that you have. I remember my first car you have. I remember my first car you have. I remember my first car um someone had given it to me and I mean um someone had given it to me and I mean um someone had given it to me and I mean it was a beater but I took that beater it was a beater but I took that beater it was a beater but I took that beater and I I mean I hooked that beater up. I and I I mean I hooked that beater up. I and I I mean I hooked that beater up. I cleaned it out all the time. I made sure cleaned it out all the time. I made sure cleaned it out all the time. I made sure I mean I was going to take care of that I mean I was going to take care of that I mean I was going to take care of that because that beater had to last.

because that beater had to last. because that beater had to last. >> I was so faithful in that with that car. >> I was so faithful in that with that car. >> I was so faithful in that with that car. Um and anytime I got a little extra Um and anytime I got a little extra Um and anytime I got a little extra money, I just made it a little bit money, I just made it a little bit money, I just made it a little bit better. I made look a little bit better better. I made look a little bit better better. I made look a little bit better and and made sure it got waxed, got a and and made sure it got waxed, got a and and made sure it got waxed, got a paint job. I just I just kept being paint job. I just I just kept being paint job. I just I just kept being faithful in the little. faithful in the little. faithful in the little. And then another opportunity came And then another opportunity came And then another opportunity came and I was blessed with another car. You and I was blessed with another car. You and I was blessed with another car. You say, man, why why all these blessings be say, man, why why all these blessings be say, man, why why all these blessings be coming in? I didn't ask for it. wasn't coming in? I didn't ask for it. wasn't coming in? I didn't ask for it. wasn't even looking for it. But this is what even looking for it. But this is what even looking for it. But this is what happened. That car broke down. Someone happened. That car broke down. Someone happened. That car broke down. Someone saw it. And this was this was years ago. saw it. And this was this was years ago. saw it. And this was this was years ago. I was in college, y'all. So, don't don't I was in college, y'all. So, don't don't I was in college, y'all. So, don't don't get any don't get crazy. I was in get any don't get crazy. I was in get any don't get crazy. I was in college. And I I'll never forget. And I college. And I I'll never forget. And I college. And I I'll never forget. And I was walking. And I'm walking. I would was walking. And I'm walking. I would was walking. And I'm walking. I would walk every day. I'd walk to work, walk walk every day. I'd walk to work, walk walk every day. I'd walk to work, walk to school, walk everywhere. And someone to school, walk everywhere. And someone to school, walk everywhere. And someone pull over and asked if I needed a ride. pull over and asked if I needed a ride. pull over and asked if I needed a ride. Total stranger. I wasn't hitchhiking. I Total stranger. I wasn't hitchhiking. I Total stranger. I wasn't hitchhiking. I was just walking. And they said, "Hey, was just walking. And they said, "Hey, was just walking. And they said, "Hey, you need a ride?" And I was like, "You you need a ride?" And I was like, "You you need a ride?" And I was like, "You know what? Today I was. It was hot." I know what? Today I was. It was hot." I know what? Today I was. It was hot." I mean, Oklahoma heat is another level of mean, Oklahoma heat is another level of mean, Oklahoma heat is another level of heat. And so, I jumped in the car. We heat. And so, I jumped in the car. We heat. And so, I jumped in the car. We get the talking, small talking, and a get the talking, small talking, and a get the talking, small talking, and a few days later, I'm walking the same few days later, I'm walking the same few days later, I'm walking the same path. This guy pulls up. He says, "Hey."

path. This guy pulls up. He says, "Hey." path. This guy pulls up. He says, "Hey." And he we asked me if I need a ride. I And he we asked me if I need a ride. I And he we asked me if I need a ride. I get in. We were driving. I'm I told him get in. We were driving. I'm I told him get in. We were driving. I'm I told him where I wanted to go, but didn't get where I wanted to go, but didn't get where I wanted to go, but didn't get there because we went somewhere else. there because we went somewhere else. there because we went somewhere else. >> He drops himself off. He says, "Take the >> He drops himself off. He says, "Take the >> He drops himself off. He says, "Take the car. It's yours." car. It's yours." car. It's yours." >> Say, "What? What? What you talking >> Say, "What? What? What you talking >> Say, "What? What? What you talking about, Willis? Faithful in the little Faithful in the little creates room for more. Here's a creates room for more. Here's a creates room for more. Here's a practical application. Stop comparing. practical application. Stop comparing. practical application. Stop comparing. Comparing has buried more callings than Comparing has buried more callings than Comparing has buried more callings than failure ever has. >> Should I say that again? >> Should I say that again? >> Okay. Comparison has buried more >> Okay. Comparison has buried more >> Okay. Comparison has buried more callings than failure ever has. God callings than failure ever has. God callings than failure ever has. God doesn't compare servants. People do. doesn't compare servants. People do. doesn't compare servants. People do. >> So, um, let's not do the comparison >> So, um, let's not do the comparison >> So, um, let's not do the comparison thing. Here's the key truth. God never thing. Here's the key truth. God never thing. Here's the key truth. God never measures you against someone else's measures you against someone else's measures you against someone else's assignment. assignment. assignment. He measures you against your own He measures you against your own He measures you against your own faithfulness.

That'll preach right there. That'll preach right there. That's only point number one. And I have That's only point number one. And I have That's only point number one. And I have to wrap this up real quick. to wrap this up real quick. to wrap this up real quick. All right. Let's go to number two. All All right. Let's go to number two. All All right. Let's go to number two. All right. The kingdom always multiplies. right. The kingdom always multiplies. right. The kingdom always multiplies. The kingdom always multiplies. This is a The kingdom always multiplies. This is a The kingdom always multiplies. This is a principle that we should understand. principle that we should understand. principle that we should understand. Matthew 25:16, he who received the five Matthew 25:16, he who received the five Matthew 25:16, he who received the five talents went at once and traded with talents went at once and traded with talents went at once and traded with them. And he made five talents more. He them. And he made five talents more. He them. And he made five talents more. He made five talents more. He immediately made five talents more. He immediately made five talents more. He immediately went to work with what God gave him. The went to work with what God gave him. The went to work with what God gave him. The master never told him how. He simply master never told him how. He simply master never told him how. He simply entrusted him. entrusted him. entrusted him. Why? Because mature servants learn the Why? Because mature servants learn the Why? Because mature servants learn the heart of the master. heart of the master. heart of the master. Uh that's really disciplehip. Not Uh that's really disciplehip. Not Uh that's really disciplehip. Not necessarily following rules, necessarily following rules, necessarily following rules, but thinking like Jesus. How would Jesus but thinking like Jesus. How would Jesus but thinking like Jesus. How would Jesus want me to live today until he comes want me to live today until he comes want me to live today until he comes again? This is why Paul told us to have again? This is why Paul told us to have again? This is why Paul told us to have the mind of Christ. The servants didn't the mind of Christ. The servants didn't the mind of Christ. The servants didn't simply obey. They became like him. They simply obey. They became like him. They simply obey. They became like him. They multiplied. God is a multiplication God. multiplied. God is a multiplication God. multiplied. God is a multiplication God. God is a multiplication God is a multiplication God is a multiplication God. And here's the the thing that we God. And here's the the thing that we God. And here's the the thing that we have to understand have to understand have to understand that in our marriages, in our lives, that in our marriages, in our lives, that in our marriages, in our lives, our marriages should multiply love and our marriages should multiply love and our marriages should multiply love and family.

family. family. As parents, we should multiply faith. As parents, we should multiply faith. As parents, we should multiply faith. As businesses, we should multiply As businesses, we should multiply As businesses, we should multiply generosity. generosity. generosity. As churches, we should multiply As churches, we should multiply As churches, we should multiply disciples. And as Christians, we should disciples. And as Christians, we should disciples. And as Christians, we should multiply hope. God is all about multiply hope. God is all about multiply hope. God is all about multiplication. Here's the truth. What multiplication. Here's the truth. What multiplication. Here's the truth. What God entrusts, he expects increase. God entrusts, he expects increase. God entrusts, he expects increase. >> What God entrusts, he he expects >> What God entrusts, he he expects >> What God entrusts, he he expects increase. increase. increase. He did not save you so that you could He did not save you so that you could He did not save you so that you could just stay saved by yourself. just stay saved by yourself. just stay saved by yourself. >> He's ready to receive a party because of >> He's ready to receive a party because of >> He's ready to receive a party because of your influence on earth. And here's the your influence on earth. And here's the your influence on earth. And here's the third thing. Fear will always bury what third thing. Fear will always bury what third thing. Fear will always bury what faith builds. faith builds. faith builds. Fear will always bury what faith builds. Fear will always bury what faith builds. Fear will always bury what faith builds. Matthew 25:2. Matthew 25:2. Matthew 25:2. So I was afraid and I went and hid your So I was afraid and I went and hid your So I was afraid and I went and hid your talent in the ground. talent in the ground. talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.

Here you have what is yours. Here you have what is yours. Fear will always call you to cause you Fear will always call you to cause you Fear will always call you to cause you to bury what God has given you. to bury what God has given you. to bury what God has given you. And as I close, I I want us to And as I close, I I want us to And as I close, I I want us to understand something really important understand something really important understand something really important because in all of this, you know, this because in all of this, you know, this because in all of this, you know, this great nation that we celebrate, great nation that we celebrate, great nation that we celebrate, um there's some significant things that um there's some significant things that um there's some significant things that have been entrusted to this nation, have been entrusted to this nation, have been entrusted to this nation, vast resources, innovation, freedoms vast resources, innovation, freedoms vast resources, innovation, freedoms like religious liberty, free assembly, like religious liberty, free assembly, like religious liberty, free assembly, and global influence. and global influence. and global influence. And these can be seen as steward opp And these can be seen as steward opp And these can be seen as steward opp stewardship opportunities before God, stewardship opportunities before God, stewardship opportunities before God, not necessarily national privileges. not necessarily national privileges. not necessarily national privileges. And there's been two patterns that our And there's been two patterns that our And there's been two patterns that our nation has had. At our best, those nation has had. At our best, those nation has had. At our best, those talents have fueled movements like talents have fueled movements like talents have fueled movements like abolition, civil rights, missionary abolition, civil rights, missionary abolition, civil rights, missionary sending, and charitable work around the sending, and charitable work around the sending, and charitable work around the world. And at our worst, those same world. And at our worst, those same world. And at our worst, those same capacities were buried in greed, in capacities were buried in greed, in capacities were buried in greed, in expectation, exploitation, injustice, expectation, exploitation, injustice, expectation, exploitation, injustice, and self-p protection.

and self-p protection. and self-p protection. the good, bad, and the ugly. My question the good, bad, and the ugly. My question the good, bad, and the ugly. My question to us is is who are as a nation are we to us is is who are as a nation are we to us is is who are as a nation are we becoming? becoming? becoming? I see the pattern. I see the trends. I I see the pattern. I see the trends. I I see the pattern. I see the trends. I see the darkness. see the darkness. see the darkness. Are we going to participate with Are we going to participate with Are we going to participate with darkness? Are we going to participate darkness? Are we going to participate darkness? Are we going to participate with his light? with his light? with his light? Who are we becoming as God's children? Who are we becoming as God's children? Who are we becoming as God's children? There's There's There's in these jars there's seeds and there's dirt. and there's dirt. And what's interesting is these three And what's interesting is these three And what's interesting is these three servants each given a measure. servants each given a measure. servants each given a measure. Five talents, two talents, one talent. Five talents, two talents, one talent. Five talents, two talents, one talent. And seeds are amazing, And seeds are amazing, And seeds are amazing, but if they stay in this jar or if they but if they stay in this jar or if they but if they stay in this jar or if they stay in my pocket, they're absolutely stay in my pocket, they're absolutely stay in my pocket, they're absolutely useless. useless. useless. But if you put it in this dirt, But if you put it in this dirt, But if you put it in this dirt, it will multiply. it will multiply. it will multiply. Now, here's what I think is very Now, here's what I think is very Now, here's what I think is very interesting.

Separately, Separately, these things, these things, these things, they're just dirt and seeds. they're just dirt and seeds. they're just dirt and seeds. You put them together and something You put them together and something You put them together and something happens. So for those of you that feel happens. So for those of you that feel happens. So for those of you that feel like you're being buried, like you're being buried, like you're being buried, that life is just smothering you, I want that life is just smothering you, I want that life is just smothering you, I want you to know on the inside of you is you to know on the inside of you is you to know on the inside of you is potential. potential. potential. And don't allow the burying to make you And don't allow the burying to make you And don't allow the burying to make you think that you're going to die. think that you're going to die. think that you're going to die. allow you to think to remember that allow you to think to remember that allow you to think to remember that unless a seed is buried in the ground is unless a seed is buried in the ground is unless a seed is buried in the ground is what the scripture says and dies it's only then that it will actually it's only then that it will actually multiply Jesus was a seed that was multiply Jesus was a seed that was multiply Jesus was a seed that was buried buried buried and he rose again and look at the and he rose again and look at the and he rose again and look at the multiplication that has happened >> the t the the servant that had one >> the t the the servant that had one talent talent talent you know what he did this is really you know what he did this is really you know what he did this is really interesting to me. Thank you, Holy interesting to me. Thank you, Holy interesting to me. Thank you, Holy Spirit.

Spirit. Spirit. >> The Bible says that we were made from >> The Bible says that we were made from >> The Bible says that we were made from the the the the dust of the earth. the dust of the earth. the dust of the earth. He formed our bodies out of the dust of He formed our bodies out of the dust of He formed our bodies out of the dust of the earth. This gentleman took his the earth. This gentleman took his the earth. This gentleman took his talent and he took it back to the earth. talent and he took it back to the earth. talent and he took it back to the earth. How many people die without ever How many people die without ever How many people die without ever releasing the potential that God's put releasing the potential that God's put releasing the potential that God's put on the inside of them? on the inside of them? on the inside of them? The wealthiest place on the planet are The wealthiest place on the planet are The wealthiest place on the planet are cemeteries because people never reached cemeteries because people never reached cemeteries because people never reached their fullest potential. They were given their fullest potential. They were given their fullest potential. They were given one, two, five talents and they died one, two, five talents and they died one, two, five talents and they died with that talent because they were with that talent because they were with that talent because they were afraid to release it. afraid to release it. afraid to release it. Let's steward Let's steward Let's steward this season that we have because we this season that we have because we this season that we have because we don't know when he's coming back, but don't know when he's coming back, but don't know when he's coming back, but we're going to have to give an account we're going to have to give an account we're going to have to give an account for when he comes back. We're going to for when he comes back. We're going to for when he comes back. We're going to have to give an account for everything have to give an account for everything have to give an account for everything that he's given us. And he's either going to say, "Well And he's either going to say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." And done, good and faithful servant." And done, good and faithful servant." And what I love about that is they got a what I love about that is they got a what I love about that is they got a reward. And that reward wasn't reward. And that reward wasn't reward. And that reward wasn't necessarily a mansion or this or that. necessarily a mansion or this or that. necessarily a mansion or this or that. We think heaven's all about, "Oh, and We think heaven's all about, "Oh, and We think heaven's all about, "Oh, and let me get my mansion and all that." No, let me get my mansion and all that." No, let me get my mansion and all that." No, you know what the reward is? The reward you know what the reward is? The reward you know what the reward is? The reward is Jesus.

is Jesus. is Jesus. >> The reward is Jesus himself. He says, >> The reward is Jesus himself. He says, >> The reward is Jesus himself. He says, "Enter into the joy of the Lord." He is "Enter into the joy of the Lord." He is "Enter into the joy of the Lord." He is the reward. the reward. the reward. >> So let's steward until he comes. Would >> So let's steward until he comes. Would >> So let's steward until he comes. Would you bow your heads? Let me pray. you bow your heads? Let me pray. you bow your heads? Let me pray. Father, thank you so much Father, thank you so much Father, thank you so much for who you are and what you're doing in for who you are and what you're doing in for who you are and what you're doing in our midst. And I'm asking that God, you our midst. And I'm asking that God, you our midst. And I'm asking that God, you would help us all to steward what you've would help us all to steward what you've would help us all to steward what you've entrusted [music] to us. entrusted [music] to us. entrusted [music] to us. I'm asking that God, we would be I'm asking that God, we would be I'm asking that God, we would be faithful until you come again to partner faithful until you come again to partner faithful until you come again to partner with you with you with you in Jesus name. Now, with every head in Jesus name. Now, with every head in Jesus name. Now, with every head still bowed and every eye closed, nobody still bowed and every eye closed, nobody still bowed and every eye closed, nobody looking around, I want to extend an looking around, I want to extend an looking around, I want to extend an invitation to every person here that may invitation to every person here that may invitation to every person here that may not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I want to give you an opportunity to I want to give you an opportunity to I want to give you an opportunity to surrender your life to him. And so on a surrender your life to him. And so on a surrender your life to him. And so on a count of three, it's a simple count of three, it's a simple count of three, it's a simple acknowledgement by saying, "Yes, I want acknowledgement by saying, "Yes, I want acknowledgement by saying, "Yes, I want to surrender my life to Jesus. I want to surrender my life to Jesus. I want to surrender my life to Jesus. I want him to be my Lord and my Savior." Count him to be my Lord and my Savior." Count him to be my Lord and my Savior." Count of three, lift your hand. One, two, of three, lift your hand. One, two, of three, lift your hand. One, two, three. Lift your hand if that's you. All three. Lift your hand if that's you. All three. Lift your hand if that's you. All over. Thank you so much. Thank you. over. Thank you so much. Thank you. over. Thank you so much. Thank you. All right, you can put your hands down. All right, you can put your hands down. All right, you can put your hands down. If you lifted your hand or desired to If you lifted your hand or desired to If you lifted your hand or desired to lift your hand, we're all going to say lift your hand, we're all going to say lift your hand, we're all going to say this simple prayer together as a church this simple prayer together as a church this simple prayer together as a church family. And this is just an affirmation family. And this is just an affirmation family. And this is just an affirmation of the decision that you've just made in of the decision that you've just made in of the decision that you've just made in your heart. So say these words after me your heart. So say these words after me your heart. So say these words after me everybody. Lord Jesus, I believe that everybody. Lord Jesus, I believe that everybody. Lord Jesus, I believe that you died for me and that you rose again.

you died for me and that you rose again. you died for me and that you rose again. So I make a choice to surrender [music] So I make a choice to surrender [music] So I make a choice to surrender [music] my life. my life. my life. Be my Lord and my Savior. Thank you for Be my Lord and my Savior. Thank you for Be my Lord and my Savior. Thank you for saving me in Jesus name. And everybody saving me in Jesus name. And everybody saving me in Jesus name. And everybody said amen. said amen. said amen. >> Amen. Come on. Can we celebrate with >> Amen. Come on. Can we celebrate with >> Amen. Come on. Can we celebrate with those that made that decision?