This message is the second in a series on giving to the Lord.  Its focus is on talents, equally important to money as far as being a tithe to the church.  Everyone has a talent of some kind.  God expects these talents to be used for the forwarding of His kingdom.  And God excepts no excuses for you not using these talents!  Pastor Don introduces that your commitment and use of these talents is a measure of your faithfulness, and that only time is a true measure of that faithfulness.

Message Outline -

Introduction:

Parable of the talents. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.

This begins in chapter 14 where Jesus speaks o the second coming.

Watch out compares to Judges 7:4&6

#I a talent is a trust from God.

1. All of our talents, gifts, abilities are a trust that God has placed in our hands
2. The Holy Spirit gives them to be used with a servant heart for the church
3. I Corinthians 12:12-19
4. The term gift comes from the Greek word "charis"
5. The Bible list 18 gifts the Holy Spirit give.

Apostles, language, interpretations, miracles, healings, faith, discernment, wisdom, knowledge, evangelism, prophecy, teaching, encouragement, pastor/teacher, mercy, serving, administration.

#II Jesus knows the talents the Holy spirit has given you and your capacity to use them.

1. Vs. 26 & 27
2. Jesus accept no excuses.
3. John 15: 21 & 22
4. Illustration: bulldozer in West VA

#III Time is the only measure of faithfulness. Vs. 19

1. Commitments make us faithful when times change.
2. God demands faithfulness.

#IV His judgment is based upon quality of work not results.

1. John15: 1&2

#V The reward

1. Well, done good and faithful servant.
2. Come and share your masters happiness.

Conclusion:

It begins by being faithful in small things.