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Parable of the Talents (Part Two)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of the Talents, as found in Matthew 25:14-30, conveys profound lessons about responsibility and stewardship. In this parable, a rich man, before departing to a distant country, entrusts varying amounts of money to his servants based on their individual abilities. To some, He gives more, expecting greater returns due to their capacity, while others receive less, yet are still accountable for what they have been given. The servants with five and two talents diligently trade and double their assets, demonstrating their faithfulness and commitment to their master's interests. In contrast, the servant with one talent, driven by fear and a lack of love for his master, hides his portion in the ground, failing to produce any increase. When the master returns, He evaluates each servant's efforts. The first two, having equally doubled their talents through diligent service, receive identical praise and rewards, hearing the words, "Well done!" They are promised authority and invited to enter into the joy of their lord, reflecting their shared obedience and faithfulness despite differing initial endowments. However, the servant who buried his talent faces condemnation for his neglect. His idleness and flawed perception of his master's character lead to a severe judgment of laziness and wickedness, revealing that even the smallest gift must be used in service to avoid such a fate. This parable underscores that God expects His servants to utilize whatever gifts they receive, whether great or small, in active service to Him. Faithfulness and obedience, rather than the magnitude of the gift, are what He commends and rewards. Those who serve Him with what they have, supporting His work in ways both visible and unseen, will find honor and reward, while neglect and passivity bring loss and judgment.
Parable of the Talents (Part One)
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsWhile the Parable of the Ten Virgins highlights preparation for Christ's return, the Parable of the Talents portrays Christians engaged in profitable activity.
Making Good Use of God's Talent
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeBiblically, a talent has nothing to do with ability, skill, or aptitude. The Parable of the Talents goes far beyond making use of skills and abilities.
What Is Your Talent?
CGG Weekly by Pat HigginsWe are never to forget that, whatever responsibility has been entrusted to us, we really have to please our Lord regardless of the circumstances we must deal with.
Burying Our Talents?
Sermonette by Bill OnisickGod expects a return on the investment He has placed in us. Doing nothing with our abilities is a grievous abuse of this trust.
Our Stewardship
Sermonette by Bill OnisickAfter we are baptized and become members of God's church, we inherit a new primary job and responsibility—that is to become a steward. A narrower definition consists of managing God's possessions, information, and time. Looking at fuller definitions throughout, we learn how much that God expects from us and what we must account for at the end during our judgement. The importance is demonstrated through the considerable quantity of parables that Jesus gives that covers the subject matter of stewardship, either directly discussed or implied through their content. Matthew 20, Luke 12, and Luke 16 are some of the famous chapters that contain these parables. These stewardship parables display the stakes of doing well in this job; if we do well, we inherit eternal life as first fruits. If we misuse his gifts by becoming poor stewards of the gifts that are entrusted to us, then it shows what our ultimate attitude would be towards eternal life and are not deemed worthy of it. We are given a list of we ten areas that are a good starting point of everything God expects us to manage; we are encouraged to keep close tabs on these responsibilities.
Gifted (Part Two)
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamSome may feel that they have not been gifted by God, yet God has gifted every saint. All gifts are from above and are meant to be mutually complementary.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Eleven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Parable of the Talents teaches the need for diligence in using the gifts of God. God expects us to use our talents to His glory and in the service of others.
Sand Ramblers
Sermonette by James BeaubelleGod is actively involved in the lives of His people. The command to love our God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves cannot be carried out passively.
Our Final Performance Review
Sermonette by Bill OnisickWithout well-defined plans, projects become quickly derailed. Both time and energy are wasted in the absence of carefully established goals.
The W's and H's of Meditation (Part Three)
Sermon by David F. MaasDeveloping the daily habit of meditation on God's Word can displace that deadly carnal nature, replacing it with Godly character—the mind of God.
Examine Yourself
Sermon by James BeaubelleJesus kept the two great commandments flawlessly, providing us an example. These two great commandments are where most of our self-examination should revolve.
Could You Be a Spiritual Terrorist?
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasTerrorism is commonplace today, yet we may be causing just as much destruction spiritually as the average terrorist through negligence and passivity.
God's Warning
Sermon by John O. ReidTo watch world events but to ignore our spiritual progress and overcoming is a foolish and futile exercise. We need to watch how we conduct ourselves.

Unity and Division: The Blessing and a Curse (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerA curious phenomenon ties together several biblical stories: God makes a judgment and divides His people into two groups, often splitting them down the middle!
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Profit from life is produced by work, requiring sacrifices of time and energy. We have been created for the very purpose of doing good works.
Stand Fast in a Changing World
Sermon by Kim MyersWe have been warned to keep alert, watching for the return of our Savior, not living in careless ease. We should be sobered by the degenerating state of the world.
Focus
Sermon by John O. ReidThough Christ has warned us to be aware of the times, we need to be more alert to how we are living. End-time events should lead us to repentance.
Remembering God's Gifts, Promises, and Rewards
Sermon by John O. ReidDuring these times of intense distress and tribulation, God expects that we use our memories to reflect upon His gifts, promises, and rewards.
You Are My Witnesses That I Am God
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChrist's trial and crucifixion were not historical accidents; rather, God prophesied both events in minute detail in Old Testament scriptures.
Foundations
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidThe pillars of the Parthenon were fitted together in sections. It is impossible for these pillars to stand without a solid foundation.
Power
Article by David C. GrabbeThe church of the Philadelphians has a 'little strength', suggesting that Christ commends them for being 'faithful in little' and will reward them with much.
Before the World Began
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod had each of us in mind before the foundation of the world, realizing how we would develop spiritually, reaching our ultimate destination in His family.

But Will You Love Me Tomorrow?
'Prophecy Watch' by David F. MaasIn the letters to the seven churches, Scripture foresees that a dearth of steadfastness marks the time of the end, but Christians are urged to hold fast.
Compromise
Sermon by John O. ReidSolomon compromised with God's law because his heart was turned to idolatry through his multiple marriages, diluting his early gift of wisdom and understanding
Defining Trials
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidTrials define who we are by placing choices before us, forcing us to have faith in God. Character is built by making right, though difficult, choices.
God Expects a Return on His Investment (Part One)
Sermon by David F. MaasWe have the obligation to bear spiritual fruit, heeding the lessons of the cursing of the fig tree, and the parables of the barren fig tree and the talents.
Using God's Given Authority
Sermon by Mark SchindlerGod has gifted all His called-out ones, expecting them to use those gifts with the pillars of godly wisdom for the edification of the Body of Christ.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Ten)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe three parables in Matthew 25 (The Ten Virgins, The Talents and The Sheep and Goats) all focus on the importance of spiritual preparedness.
Lessons From Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)If God's Law has not been written in our hearts, the corporate entity in which we find ourselves will not save us from the wrong side of the judgmental cut.
The Joyful Advantage
Sermonette by Bill OnisickBecause a brain with a positive attitude has higher levels of dopamine and serotonin, it is more successful and productive.
Shrugging Off Scoffers (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAny prophetic speculation, accurate or not, is useless unless it is promotes diligence in living godly lives, eagerly preparing for the return of Christ.
The New World Order Rises
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Beast is a reality, and it is coming to pass in the scope of globalism. Satan has a vast reservoir of people he can work through; we used to be a part of it.
Will You Be Accounted Worthy for the Kingdom?
Sermon by John O. ReidLike businessmen reviewing plans, making forecasts, and anticipating accountability, God expects us to define and follow through on spiritual objectives.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are called to fulfill our job as a steward, entrusted with managing, protecting, preserving, attending, and increasing what has been entrusted to us.
The Economics of an Offering
Article by StaffBoth we and God will get more out of our holy day offerings (Deuteronomy 16:16-17), especially spiritually, when we plan our giving.
To Test You
Sermon by John O. ReidJesus, Joseph, David, and Abraham all endured considerable trials before they qualified for their offices. We must make our calling and election sure.
The World, the Church, and Laodiceanism
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughLaodiceanism is the attitude that dominates the end time. It is a subtle form of worldliness that has infected the church, and Christ warns against it strongly.