|
This Sunday we look at ‘The Parable of the Talents’. Jesus told this story to his followers to encourage them to be ready for his second coming, and to use all the gifts he has given us for his Kingdom’s growth until he returns.
In the parable, a man entrusts three of his servants with his wealth (a talent was a measure of gold), before going away for a while. To one servant he gave five talents. To the second, he gave two talents, and to a third, he gave one talent. Each servant received a measure in proportion to their abilities to manage it. The parable goes on to say that the first two servants were good stewards of their master’s money, investing it in such a way that when the master returned, they handed back double what he had originally given them. They were commended and rewarded for their faithfulness. In contrast, the third servant was fearful and negligent. Instead of using the treasure he was given for his master’s benefit, he simply dug a hole in the ground and hid it. His lazy, wicked attitude was reprimanded by his master, and his talent was taken away from him. Likened to the parable, Jesus has given responsibilities to his followers, to carry on his work in the world until he returns. Jesus’ followers are to wisely, faithfully and responsibly use their God-given talents and resources for his benefit and glory. We must not be fearful or complacent about God’s kingdom work. Jesus has made us ambassadors of his mission in the world, entrusting us with: - Spreading the gospel (Matthew 28:16-20). - Forgiving those who have wronged us (Matt 6:14-15). - Loving others (John 13:34-35). - Caring for his church (John 21:17). - Being an example to the world (Matthew 14:13-16). - Feeding the hungry and thirsty (Matt 25:25). - Caring for the poor, the prisoner, and the sick (Matthew 25:36) - Being hospitable to foreigners and outsiders (Matt 25:35). We are called to use our time, money, bodies, and abilities with intentionality and faithfulness. We are accountable to God our creator, sustainer, redeemer, master/Lord. All that we have been entrusted with is to be used for his purposes and Glory, until Christ returns. At that time, we will give an account of how we spent the time and opportunities he has given to us. Do you think he will say “Well done good and faithful servant, come and join in your maters happiness” or “You wicked lazy servant”? As we approach our Annual Parish Meeting this Sunday, it’s important to reflect on how we are managing the great gifts God has entrusted to us at Mount Eliza Anglican Church. We have been entrusted with a huge amount to steward well. Let’s continue to reflect on how we can be even more intentional and faithful in the coming year, to grow God’s Kingdom. As we serve him intentionally and faithfully, may he bring continual increase, until he comes again. God be with you. Rev Tanya
0 Comments
Christ the King!
This Sunday in our church calendar we celebrate Jesus being our King! I am looking forward to remembering, sharing & celebrating WHY Jesus is King and how GOOD his Kingship is compared to our earthly rulers. We will be celebrating together with an interactive sermon that includes our children & young people and gets all of us thinking and talking - so come ready to get involved together! Here's a few 'wondering' questions to get you started (these are great conversations to have with kids / all people!). I wonder... · what you would do if you were King / Queen? · what you think is the most important thing about being a King / Queen? · what stories about Jesus make you think of him as King? · what you think it means to have a King like Jesus? what it might look like to keep Jesus as your King this advent / Christmas season? I look forward to hearing some of your thoughts on these on Sunday! May God bless you and keep you close to him this week. Amy What a privilege it is to be God's representatives (Christs' ambassadors) to all those around us. It was lovely to see some of our congregation members connecting with other locals at our Remembrance Day service in Mount Eliza Village on Tuesday. Rotary always do a great job organising the service, and its wonderful to see all the local schools take part; bringing wreaths, playing the Bugle, reading the Ode, reading Flanders Field, and singing the national Anthem. This year the newly retired Captain of the Royal Australian Navy was the main speaker, and I had the privilege of opening and closing the service with reflection and prayer. It is wonderful to be involved and connected with our local community at these events, bringing salt, light and the love of Jesus. Let's continue to pray that God will use each of us to draw more people to himself, and that many locals will choose to join our Church community. We have much to offer to those around us.
This coming Sunday we welcome Gemma from FUSION, which is an organization we support with food and financial donations, and partner with in projects to raise funds for the village they are planning to build for homeless young people. Come along this Sunday to hear more about that, and how we might continue to support and be good news among the community of people at FUSION. Our service will be followed by Morning Tea as normal, then at 11:15am we will be running a church tour for those interested in exploring more and a welcome lunch with opportunity to connect with your pastors at 11:45am in the hall. All Welcome! In Christ, Tanya Do you have a favorite film?
Mine is Gladiator. Last Saturday night I enjoyed the wonderful experience of watching the movie with live orchestra and Choir (100 performers) on stage performing the amazing score throughout the whole movie. Wow! It was brilliant. I was reminded why I like this movie so much. It is because of the fight for justice and because good conquers evil, in the end. I like victorious endings. Even though Maximus (The Roman Army's most trusted general) dies in the end, he won freedom for his people by killing evil Commodus. There are many biblical truths and leadership lessons I could draw from the movie and I may share breifly on Sunday. For today, I invite you to reflect on my favourite line in the whole movie: "What we do in this life echoes in eternity". As followers of Jesus, knowing his fight for justice and for our freedom, and how he offers us eternal life through faith in him, we would do well to reflect on the impact our actions and words have on others in this life. The bible tells us that what we do in this life has consequences for eternity. We get one life to live and after that face judgement (Hebrews 9:27). What we do echo's in eternity. This Sunday, in the lead up to Remembrance Day, we will reflect and remember those who fought for us and our freedom. Arthur Burton will share on the work of LEGACY. I will be bringing the main message and try to tie all these themes together. I hope you can join us at the Remembrance day service in Mount Eliza (outside neighborhood house) next Tuesday. Lest we forget. Rev Tanya. |
Reverend
|
