Luke 19:11-27; Matthew 25:14-30
July 25, 2020 Sermon Review
Introduction
Since the time that Jesus departed from the earth, his followers have eagerly awaited his return. But as history has recorded, some of these followers have been so eager for his return that they have even set dates, predicting when he would return, despite Jesus’ own words which warn that no one, other than his heavenly father, is privy to that information. But as we all know, this has not prevented those who put forward their claims that they have uncovered the exact date as to when he would return. From the likes of the Millerites during the Second Great Awakening in the early part of the 19th century, to those in recent years, it has not deterred men as well as movements from going on record that, through further study of scripture, especially study of the prophecies, they have been given insight which Jesus himself doesn’t possess. But as we know, with each prediction has come a great disappointment, howbeit some greater than others. As we shall learn from our message today, as Christ’s followers, he never meant for us to spend our time preoccupied with his return but rather he wants us to be occupied with his return.
- Although God has placed within each of us the potential, in the form of gifts, talents and abilities, to be able to do great things for his kingdom, the onus is upon us as individuals as well as the church as a whole, to use our God-given intelligence, initiative, integrity and imagination to expand his kingdom in ways that we would have never thought was possible. Luke 19:15–27; Matthew 25:20-30; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Ephesians 4:10-13
- It is clear from scripture that as followers of Jesus, we are to long for his return, but what is also clear is that we are not to allow ourselves to become preoccupied with his coming that we forget that our main responsibility is to be occupied with his return. Luke 18:1-8; 19:11-13; Matthew 5:13-16
Conclusion
Despite the difficult and challenging times that we have recently been called to endure, it is during times such as these that the church has been presented with a tremendous opportunity to become the church as never before. To one day become the church that we always imagined and hoped that we could and would be. For it is when light is surrounded by darkness that it is able to do its best work.
Question for Reflection
In what ways do you feel that the recent events surrounding the current pandemic have served as a clarion call to the church to push forward toward the future while refusing to accept the status quo.
Quotes of the Week
“The Master expects us, as his servants to do more than passively preserve what has been entrusted to us. He expects us to generate a return by using our talents toward productive ends.” – R. T. France
“Whatever the Lord gives us now, he will ask us about later, expecting us to diligently work with these resources for the furtherance of his kingdom.” – John B. Carpenter
“In whatever way you can do so, according to the talents and gifts God has given you, you are to be salt, and light, and whatever part of the Body of Christ you were made to be. You need to tell us what’s going on with you so the rest of the Body (of which you are a part) can work together with you.” – Chris Manion