In the 25th chapter of the book of Matthew, Jesus tells an intriguing story. He introduces us to two servants who are each given a certain amount of talents by their master. They each invest the money wisely and double what was given to them.
There is also a third servant in the story, a man who received one talent. This man took his talent and buried it in the ground. Listen to the words of the third servant:
“I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground.”
Those are painful words. Those are convicting words.
As a servant of Jesus, I pray those words will not be my declaration before my Lord. As a pastor, it is my sincere prayer those words will not be your declaration before our Lord.
My friends, God has made a deposit into your life, a good deposit. And He is looking for a return on His investment. He has a right to expect you to bear good fruit.
Have the circumstances of your life caused you to bury the talent Jesus has given you? “I was afraid…I was too busy…I was hurt…I was offended…I was (insert excuse hear)…and went out and hid my talent in the ground.”
Don’t you think it’s time to break out your shovel, dig up those talents, and invest them in the Kingdom of God?
In March, we begin a new sermon series, “City on our Knees.” It is an invitation to step across whatever line has held you back and live with purpose in the Kingdom of God. It is an invitation to live a “well done” life for our King.
Podcast
“Happy Child, Happy House” is the concluding message to the Family Foundations series. Click to listen.
On the Radar
Baptism Service this Wednesday evening at First Christian Church! Come join in the celebration this Wednesday at 7:00 PM as we honor what God is doing among us. The evening will begin with a time of worship and lead into baptism of those who have recently given their hearts to Jesus.
Emmanuel Fellowship is now in TWO SERVICES. Our Sunday morning worship times are 9:00 and 11:00. A pre-school nursery only is available during the 9:00 service, and full children’s ministry is offered in the 11:00 service.
Family Connection
Check out these resources to connect with our ministry to children and youth.
- Worldchangers – Discussion starters from Sunday’s Kids’ Church lesson.
- The Salvage Yard – Youth Ministry Website
You Heard it at EFC
Been trying to remember one of those awesome songs we sang? Here is our worship list from yesterday for those of you who just absolutely need a copy for yourself. You can usually find them for purchase on itunes.com.
- “He Reigns” by Newsboys
- “I’ve Found a Love” Jenn Johnson version
- “All I Need” by Rita Springer
- “You’ll Come” by Hillsong
Sunday Preview
“City on our Knees” is the theme of our March sermon series. Inspired by the call of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount and named after TobyMac’s chart topping song, it will be an excellent study of living according to what we believe.
