The teaching of Balaam…a prophet for hire. Listen to what is written in the New Testament of Christ about the doctrine of Balaam… Jesus talking to one of the churches in Revelation says…but I have a few things against you. You have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel. So they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality, so also have some of you who hold the teachings of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword in my mouth. Listen, what the apostle Peter said… Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet's madness. These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. Let us never…profit from wrongdoing by preaching. Will You pray with me… Father. Help us never to practice the doctrine of Balaam and grant us repentance in Jesus of Nazareth’s name. Amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography

Jesus saves to the uttermost… Jesus Christ died on the cross was raised from the dead three days later, so you'd never have to choose a wrong or evil thing again…and so all your wrong things could be forgiven…for those of us have been baptized into Christ, and this message is for you... Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect. It is God that justifies us. Who is he that condemns it is Christ that died. Yes, rather that has risen again. Who is even at the right hand of God? Who also makes intercession for us…Who shall separate us from the love of Christ, shall tribulation distress persecution, famine, nakedness, or Pearl or sword as it is written. For your sake, we have killed all the day long. We are counted as sheep for slaughter, nay, and all these things. We are more than conquerors through him that loved us… I'm persuaded, and neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers. Nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, or any other creature, nothing created, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord… …and though it was son, yet Jesus learned to be the inspire the things which he suffered, and being made perfect, he became the author of Eternal Salvation. All those that obey him, wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost that come to God by him, seeing he ever lives to make an intercession for them. Will you pray with me? Father, we ask the author of salvation to intercede for us a plan of redemption, reconciliation, and salvation in Jesus of Nazareth’s Name. Amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography

Leave the liar…follow the truth… Jesus is the truth. Listen to what the truth says or what is written in the New Testament of Christ. Jesus said to the Jews who believed in him. If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciple. You will know the truth and the truth will set you free. He also told them you are of your father, the devil and your will is to do your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character…out of his own will…for he is a liar and the father of lies…but because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Jesus said to others, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Jesus also said to his disciples I am the way the truth and the life no one comes to the Father except through me. You want to know the truth and do what's right? Jesus Christ of Nazareth died on the cross was raised from the dead three days later...so you never have to choose the wrong thing. Jesus will never lie to you, never ask you to do a wrong thing and teach you how to be fit for heaven. Sound like good news… Will you pray with me… Father grant us repentance, so we may be free to do what's right after you reveal the truth in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography

The Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price...two short parables...by Jesus                      Mat 13:44-46 Matthew 13:44-46  The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.  45  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a merchant seeking goodly pearls:  46  and having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.   Introduction: 1.      Many of us here today are trying to find something to better ourselves. We are constantly looking for ways to better our health, wealth, and our happiness. This has been the case for many years of man. We all look to do something better with our lives. Each of us seek to be better off than our worse off. 2.      All of us would love to find buried treasure, in this lesson Jesus tells a parable of buried treasure. A parable is a laying along side a physical truth with a similar spiritual truth. Parables help us understand the higher spiritual truths by relating that truth to a physical truth. 3.      In this section of Scriptures, Jesus tells us a couple of parables along the lines of finding something of great value and then giving everything we have in order to receive that gift of precious value.   I.                    The Hidden Treasure A.    The Physical Truth Illustrated (Mat 13:44) 1.      The kingdom of Heaven is like hidden treasure a.       In countries that are not as modern or advanced as our country, there are few banks and secure places to keep one’s money, especially in the time this parable was told. b.      So without banks, people would take their treasures and hide them in the ground. We all have heard of people hiding money in jars, as a way of saving for a rainy day. c.       Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God is like buried treasure, we may not even know it is there, but when we find it we rejoice. 2.      A man finds (not looking for it but just finds it) a.       This man finds the treasure someone else had buried. The most reasonable explanation would be that the original owner of the treasure had died before telling where he buried the treasure and so no one even knew. b.      Picture this: This man walking along a piece of property sees something out of the corner of his eye and investigates to determine what it was, and he finds it is buried treasure. c.       He is excited and maybe even wonders if the owner of the land knows it is there 3.      He hides the hidden treasure again a.       The man did not know for sure if the owner knew it was there and he puts it back and decides to buy the land. b.      You and I if we were walking along and found a gold mine on some property we would not tell everyone but would do some investigating to see if we could buy the land and then mine the gold. c.       Notice he did not take the treasure but had integrity concerning stealing someone else’s property. However some say it is dishonest to buy something when you know it is worth more than you are paying, in either case Jesus did not condone or condemn the man for his intentions. Jesus was stating a physical truth to illustrate a higher spiritual truth. 4.      He sells all and buys the field a.       The man realizing the value of the treasure is worth more than all that he has seeks to sell everything in order to buy this piece of property. b.      He makes an offer to buy the field from its owner and the owner did not know the treasure was there or else he would not have sold it. You and I can imagine that the man buying the field made the owner an offer he could not refuse. c.       The owner of the land sells the property to the buyer. According to the Jewish Law this made the treasure belong to the buyer. B.     The Spiritual Truth Illustrated 1.      The kingdom is compared to treasure that is hidden a.       Jesus says there are few that enter into the kingdom of God. Most people do not want to hear the good news of God. b.      Most people want to do whatever it is they want to do without having to conform to the image of Jesus. Most people intend to do good but will end up in Hell. They say the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. c.       In this case the knowledge of the great treasure is the knowledge of the kingdom of God. Many people reject the morals, ethics, sin, and punishment that the Kingdom of Heaven demands, but most people will be lost. 2.      When a man finds it he hides that knowledge within himself a.       This man was not seeking the treasure but just happened up on it. b.      You and I when we invite someone to church we are asking them to consider buying the treasure that has been hidden from many. c.       The man took the knowledge of the treasure within himself knowing the treasure was worth more than anything else he had, just like you and I know that eternal life and salvation from sin is worth more than anything that you and I have. 3.      Then after considering the matter he sells everything in order to buy it a.       The man had to decide if the treasure was worth selling everything he had to buy it b.      He reasoned that everything he had was worth selling in order to buy that treasure. c.       Just like those that become citizens of the Kingdom of God thought giving everything they had is worth the promises guaranteed to the citizens of the Kingdom of God. II.                 The Pearl of Great Price (Mat 13:45-46) A.    The Physical Truth Illustrated 1.      A Merchant seeking goodly pearls a.       Any person that buys and sells in a certain trade will have trained himself or herself to recognize value in the products they buy and sell. b.      He is not just seeking pearls but goodly pearls, goodly means that which is beautiful and better than others. He was a person looking and trading in the highest quality of pearls. c.       To seek is to hunt it out, to leave no stones unturned but to dig deep in order to find something others would over look. 2.      Finds one perfect pearl worth more than any other a.       When we are looking for the best of anything and then find it, it makes us happy b.      During his seeking he runs across a pearl of great value. Being a person known for trading in high quality pearls, he realizes that this pearl is the best he has or will ever see. 3.      Sells all he has and buys the pearl of great price a.       This merchant takes the knowledge of that pearl within himself and makes a decision. b.      He decides to buy the pearl that is more precious than any other he has ever seen. c.       He sells all of his goods so he will have enough to buy that pearl of great value. B.     The Spiritual Truth Illustrated 1.      Those who are in the kingdom of God have done what the merchant did a.       The merchant made himself fit for the trade he was in. He had to train himself to determine if a pearl was good or bad. The man had to determine if it would be profitable. b.      All of us are in the habit of doing what is best. For those in school, it is best to go to school and do our homework or face the consequences of failing grades, punishment from parents, and not moving on to the next grade level. c.       The Merchant was in the habit of doing what was best for trading pearls. 2.      The Merchant seeks goodly pearls or higher truths a.       The merchant did not want any pearls but the good ones. The ones that are of high quality. b.      The spiritual pearls of our lives are the principles of the kingdom of heaven. It would be the knowledge to grow closer to God and become one of His dear children. c.       The merchant was going along his life looking for pearls of truth to help him get to Heaven. 3.      The Merchant finds the greatest pearl of all or the greatest truth of all a.       Then one day as he is seeking the pearls of truth he finds the greatest truth of all. b.      He takes that knowledge he found called a pearl of truth and determines if the pearl is worth buying. 4.      Sells all other lower pearls in order to have the great pearl of price a.       The merchant was not going to miss out on the pearl of a lifetime. He sells all of his possessions and lays hold on the pearl that surpasses all other pearls. b.      He knew the truth of the kingdom of God once he found it and then took everything that was his and sold it away to lay hold onto the kingdom of God. III.              Application to Ourselves A.    To be eager to lay hold on salvation 1.      Some find the kingdom of God by accident a.       Even when you and I are not looking for treasure and find it we should consider if the treasure or in our case the kingdom of God is worth it. b.      When you and I invite someone to church services we are causing or giving them an opportunity to find some buried treasure. c.       Some of you may be Christians by accident; you only went because your mom and dad took you. You never had to look for the truth it was always within your grasps d.      Some people do not look for spiritual things and they happen to meet someone that tells them of the Jesus and His love for us sinners. 2.      Some seek out the things of God and find the Kingdom a.       Some folks seek higher truths of life and try to be spiritual and never find them. That is why there is Buddhism, Mormons, Hindus, Jehovah witnesses, and Islamic. They find a pearl but it is not better than the pearl of Jesus and His kingdom. b.      Those that seek will find, as long as they seek and do not determine they know everything already. Since truth is absolute then we have to make a decision to believe truth or error. c.       Those of us who have looked hard for the truth of the Kingdom of God are like the merchant when we find the truth. We rejoice and sell everything in order to lay hold of the great pearl. 3.      Either case we need to be eager to lay hold on the kingdom when it is in our grasp a.       No matter how or why you are exposed to the truth of God’s kingdom, it is a choice each of us have to make. Is giving all that I have worth the value of the kingdom of God. b.      We have to decide or we may lose our chance to purchase the treasure or pearl. B.     To be willing to give all 1.      The accidental man realized the treasure or kingdom of God was worth more than anything else a.       The man that happened on the treasure decided that the treasure was worth far more than his possessions and sold everything in order to get the reward of treasure. b.      He did not wake up and say well I am going to find some treasure today, but as he went along he was given the opportunity to seize the treasure and he did just that. 2.      The seeking man also realized the value of the pearl or kingdom of God a.       The seeking man, had found many pearls that he thought were valuable. Then as he was trading he found one that was better than any other that he had seen. b.      He took all that he had and sold it to buy the pearl of great price. c.       When we hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we are faced with a question. That question: “Is living for Jesus worth the rest of my life?” The cost of becoming a Christian is everything. It costs you everything to become part of the kingdom of God. 3.      The treasure and the pearl have values that give security to those that have them a.       Treasure in the physical world provides food, clothing, housing, and abundance of life. b.      A pearl or piece of jewelry worth very much can provide the same. c.       Becoming a child of God will do the same to you and I. In Mat 6:24-33, Jesus says that if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness we will have all these things provided for: water, food, and provision for our bodies. d.      The costs of buying that treasure, or pearl is everything. It costs us everything to become a child of God and in return we receive eternal salvation and earthly provision. C.     Have we made that decision? 1.      You and I have found the knowledge of the hidden treasure a.       You have a decision to make a lifelong commitment or to recommit your life to the Kingdom of God. You and I have to determine if this treasure the kingdom of God is worth walking out of here today and living for the rest of your life following Jesus and His will. b.      It is a lifetime of deciding to keep the treasure called the kingdom of God. We all must keep ourselves committed to holding on to the promises of the Kingdom of God. 2.      You and I have found the pearl of great price a.       We have found the kingdom that no one may enter unless they come through Jesus. Do we all realize that the eternal kingdom of God is worth our buying it? 3.      You and I have to make the decision just as the merchant did a.       We have to decide the worth of the treasure or pearl. b.      If that treasure is worth more than anything I have, then I have to decide is it worth spending the rest of my life in order to lay hold on to it. c.       The Merchant knew the value of eternal life and salvation that belongs to the kingdom of God and gave everything in order to lay hold on to its promises. d.      The treasure finder did the same, he knew that he had found something special and decided to purchase it no matter how much it costs him. Conclusion: 1.      Today you are given the opportunity to see the value of the kingdom of God. You can see some of the promises given to those who are in the kingdom of God. Things like salvation from sin, eternal life, hope of heaven, and having everything needed in this life provided for. Jesus is the door into the kingdom of God. 2.      We can not go to Heaven in any other way than through Him. Since the kingdom is so valuable there is only one way to purchase into the kingdom of God and that is by obeying the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By doing so then you will have put to death the sin in your life and have Jesus’ righteousness given to you. By securing your soul into the kingdom of God you will have caused God to write your name in the book of Life. 3.      In order to become part of the Kingdom of God you must realize we are sinners (Rom 3:23) and that all sinners have a punishment of death to pay that we can not pay (Rom 6:23). That Jesus can provide that payment for our sins if we believe he has died for us (John 3:16). Then after knowing that Jesus died to pay our sin debt, we repent and begin to follow Jesus and turn from our selves (Acts 17:30-31). Then we must make that belief know to others in the form of a confession (Mat 10:32-33). Then we have to be baptized in order to be forgiven of our sin (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38-39). Finally we have to live a lifetime of abiding in the kingdom of God in order to receive the promises that belong to those who are citizens in the kingdom of God.   Father, we ask that you will help us see the value in the kingdom of God that you offer to all men through your Son Jesus, we ask that you will remove everything that hinders us from being reconciled to you, and that you will continue to make a way of salvation for those of us who have been baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27), and secure us into the citizenship found in Heaven, in Jesus name may it be so. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography

Take care of your parents when in diaper…because they took care of you in diapers. Listen to some words from New Testament of Christ, which is the new agreement between God and mankind. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth…Really and truly, we're all just children and diapers. Listen to what Jesus said. Truly I say unto you, except you turn and become as little children you shall in no wise enter into the Kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child. The same is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven… We're all just children in diapers before God. And we all need to do what is right with God. Listen to what Jesus said. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled… Do you want to know how to live your life, right? You want to know how to take care of your kids, right? You want to know how to take care of your parents, right? You want to know what gender is, right? Ask Jesus and Nazareth, he'll feel your hunger and thirst for being right with God. Will you pray with me, Father, help us do right by you and our parents and Jesus and Nazareth name. Amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography

Is Jesus the love you do...   When Jesus was asked what is the first commandment…hear what Jesus said… Jesus answered him first of all the commandments as hear O Israel the Lord our God is One Lord and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart with all your soul with all your mind with all your strength this is the first commandment and the second commandment is like…namely this…you shall love your neighbor as yourself there is no other commandment greater than these… do you put God first in everything you do and you second?   Jesus told his apostles in John 13... As it is written… a new commandment I give you that you love one another as I have loved you…that you also love one another…by this all men shall know that you are my disciples if you have love one for another... Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead so we'd never have to choose the wrong thing…He was died so we could be forgiven and never do an evil or wrong thing again… how many of us have a neighbor or family member that will not obey Jesus or we pray for them and have never asked them to become a Christian?   Listen to a promise to Christians that are faithful… and this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us and if we know that he hears us whatsoever we ask we know we have the petitions we desire of Him… a Christian can have confidence that his prayers are heard and answer but we have to do it in love…we have to ask according to God's will and we have to ask in love of our neighbor…   Father will you teach us how to obey your commandments so we can show you love and help us to remember your word so we can obey in Jesus of Nazareth name Amen.   Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus…

Obedience is better than sacrifice... Listen to what Jesus said he said take heed…take caution…listen to this…do this…he said take heed if your brother sins or trespasses against you rebuke him…in other words if your brother done you wrong go tell him he did you wrong and if he repent…if he say I'm sorry I want to make it right…forgive him... If he trespass against you 7 times in a day and seven times in a day turn again to you saying I repent or I'm sorry I want to make it right you shall forgive him… Here are some instructions given to the Colosse Christians… put on therefore as the elect of God holy and beloved bowels of mercy kindness…humbleness of mind…obedience or meekness…long-suffering…endurance…forbearing one another and forgiving one another. If any man have a quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you so also do you and above all these things put on love or charity which is the bond of perfectness or completeness… Christians are supposed to be the most forgiving people on the planet. Are you forgiving? Are you a Christian… listen to what God said through his prophet to the first king…to obey is better than sacrifice and to listen better than the fat of ram. Jesus even said if you've done wrong to your brother and you're offering a sacrifice leave your gift and go make it right and then offer your sacrifice… have you made things right with those you've done wrong… Jesus said blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy…in other words if you forgive others you'll be forgiven… Father we ask you and help us to reconcile with others and show us mercy in Jesus of Nazareth name Amen.

Do you know daddy Jesus… Matthew 18:3-6 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receives me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea… Jesus said you have to be like daddy Jesus may I? Daddy Jesus, will you? daddy Jesus look what they did to me? Daddy Jesus may I…. daddy Jesus will you…. John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God… there's only one way to receive the water and that's through water baptism when you're buried with Christ and raised with him…have you been baptized… yes or no… do you still believe in your baptism? Yes, or no? Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned… Jesus said he that believes that he died and was raised from the dead and is baptized will be saved… do you believe that Jesus died so you never have to choose a wrong thing again and so that all your evil or wrong things could be forgiven? Yes, or no? Jesus says if you choose to ignore the good news: he died so you never have to choose the wrong thing, then you will be damned…you will burn in hell forever in the hottest fires ever created and never be consumed it's called eternal damnation…will you get baptized into Christ? Father, we ask you would adopt us and help us to be obedient…Jesus of Nazareth name amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography

Hungry and thirsty for Jesus… Jesus is living bread…Jesus gives living water…and offers waters of life… Jesus said…John 6:51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. … Jesus is living bread he's the bread of life…just as humans need bread to live…we need Jesus to live eternally…he is the living bread…may we all eat the living bread until we are just like Him…fit for heaven…Jesus died and was raised from the dead so you could never choose evil again and so all your wrongs can be forgiven… John 4:10 Jesus answered her, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water… John 4:13-14 Jesus said to her, Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. Jesus offered a woman with a jaded past living water that would never run out... Jesus gives living water to those who ask…it is also written that the Father gives the Holy Spirit to whomever ask Him…Luke 11:13…at least it was so in Jesus day… John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me… John 8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let the one who hears say, Come. And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. The Holy Spirit and the church all are saying come and drink the waters of life…if you hear the message to come…you can go thirsty and take of the waters of life freely until you are satisfied…Do you want to drink the waters of life? Ask Jesus who gives to all thirsty… You thirsty for Jesus…He will fill you up…Jesus said… Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Father, we ask for a hunger and thirst of the truth that will not be quenched in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen.

The Parable of Talents…   Introduction: 1.      Christian stewardship is one of the most important subjects of the Christians life as a disciple. What is a Christian? A Christian is someone who has given their own life over to Jesus to let Him rule their heart and mind. What is a Steward? A Steward is someone who oversees someone else’s property or business. 2.      So, a Christian Steward is someone who has given himself or herself through the Gospel of Christ and are now overseeing their Lord’s business and affairs. In this series I have spoken on the subjects of being a good steward of time, influence, of our mind, and what a steward is in general. There are many aspects of being a steward and in today’s lesson we are going to look at the parable of talents. 3.      We are not our own and are bought with a price. When a sinner comes to Jesus through the Gospel, they give themselves and everything they have over to Jesus to have and rule. By giving all we receive the best of gifts that being salvation and eternal life. 4.      Each of us has gifts or abilities that we can use to increase our Lord’s kingdom. Now let us examine this parable and see what we can learn from it.   I.                    The Master A.    Going away 1.      The master of the slaves goes away to another country. a.       Our Lord has gone into Heaven and from there he reigns until he comes back. b.      There is no reason given as to why the master went away to another country. c.       He did, however, entrust his servants to handle his business while he was gone. d.      He left them unsupervised, showing trust and confidence in them to be loyal and true to him. 2.      He owned the servants. a.       He was not hiring someone to handle his business. He was in fact the owner of these people. b.      This was a time when slaves and servants were common, and this is not the case today. c.       These servants or slaves could have been sold like Joseph was or they could have given themselves freely to their master. We today have to give ourselves freely to the Lord. B.     He Gave Gifts 1.      Each received according as the master sees fit. a.       It was the master who obviously knew the servants well enough to know what they were capable of accomplishing. b.      The Lord is omniscience or knows everything. He knows what we can handle and what we cannot. He is not like our supervisors or bosses of today that may give us tasks that we are not able to perform. c.       None was left empty handed everyone of these servants received some talent. 2.      What is a talent? a.       The word talent in today’s term means ability. b.      The word used in Jesus’ day was that of weight. c.       There are two forms of weight measure, one called Troy, which has 12 ounces in a pound and the one that we use today, which is based on 16 ounces in a pound. d.      So, the talent in a troy system was about 120 pounds of silver or possibly gold. e.       The talent in our system today is about 96 pounds of silver or gold. 3.      They each had different abilities. a.       Each one received differing amounts of money. b.      This implies that one could better manage what the master gave than the other. c.       It also implies the fairness and justness of the master. He did not give them something they could not handle. He considered each individually and gave according to each one’s ability. C.     He called their accounts in 1.      He went away, in the immediate context this parable falls in the middle of Jesus teaching on the suddenness of the day of Judgement. It falls between a parable of preparation, the ten virgins and the judgement scene. a.       Jesus was drawing a difference between being prepared to enter and using our time for Him. b.      Each of us has the choice of doing something for God or doing nothing. 2.      The master was a long time in coming. a.       The master did not tell the servants when he would return. b.      He was not required to inform them but trusted them to do what was right by Him. c.       It was a long time before the master returned, this shows the trust of the master in his servants, because he did not come and supervise them every second he was gone. He left it in their own hands thinking they would do him right. 3.      His Return a.       His return was sudden or unannounced. He did not call to say I would come in three months. b.      He expected his money to be increased. He wanted some fruit from what he had given. c.       He placed responsibility on each individual. He did not look at the overall outcome but at each individual. d.      He judged each one properly with correct judgement. II.                 The Faithful Servants A.    They Belonged to the Master 1.      They were not their own. a.       1 Cor 6:20, “Ye are bought with a price therefore glorify God in your body and spirit which are God’s.” b.      We are not are own we have given ourselves over to follow the will of our master Jesus. c.       They had either been bought and paid for by freely offering themselves as we do today, or they had been sold into slavery. We are the ones who freely give ourselves to the Lord. 2.      They were trusted to manage without supervision. a.       This implies that they had enough sense or knowledge to please their master. b.      The master gave them enough freedom to do as they wished, only to follow his will as they went about furthering the kingdom of their Lord or Master. B.     The Rewards of Faithfulness 1.      The Ten Talent Man a.       The 10-talent man had a whole lot of silver and gold given to him. b.      He had anywhere between 960 pounds to 1200 pounds of money given to him. c.       You and I know that if our master gave us 1000 pounds of silver or gold, we will be held responsible for what happens to that money. d.      He used it faithfully. He went and invested it somehow in some way and by his efforts he doubled the Lord’s money. 2.      The 4 Talent Man a.       The 4-talent man also had a whole lot of money entrusted to him. b.      The estimated amount is between 480 to 600 pounds of silver or gold. c.       He knew too that he would hold accountable for that which he had received. d.      He also took what he was given and began to further the kingdom of the Master. 3.      Each faithful received a reward for their efforts. a.       The servants were not left empty handed for their work or efforts. b.      They served faithfully and they were entrusted with more of the Master’s goods. c.       The servant lives off of the wealth they oversee. So, they were provided for by the gains of their serving the Lord. As they served the Lord faithfully, they had to provide for their own mouths with the money they made. d.      They were not rewarded based on results. They were rewarded based on their efforts. e.       Each received, each tried, each succeeded. f.        Can we imply that if we are working with God and His ability, he will cause us to succeed? III.              The Unfaithful Servant A.    He also is not his own. 1.      This guy also is bought and provided for by the Lord. a.       He is in the same boat as the other two servants. b.      The Master also knows his abilities and does not give him something he cannot handle. 2.      He was left to manage the Master’s business without supervision. a.       He did nothing with the opportunity the Master gave him. b.      How many of us are in his shoes, sometimes I wonder if I am walking in this man’s shoes. c.       He knew his master’s character well enough to make a decision about what to do. B.     His Rewards of Unfaithfulness 1.      He was not left empty handed. a.       He, like the other servants, had been given money to grow or further the Master’s wealth. b.      He was given 1 talent, which is estimated to be 96 pounds to 120 pounds of silver or gold. c.       A hundred pounds of silver or gold is still a lot of money, he knew he was going to be held responsible for what he had been given. d.      No one will give a hundred pounds of silver much less gold and not expect anything back. 2.      He was slothful. a.       What his reasons are for not doing anything we are not completely sure b.      He says he was scared and did not want to risk losing any money, is this an excuse or reason I cannot say. c.       He did not do what he thought the Master expected him to do. 3.      He was rewarded by his own judgement. a.       He called his master a hard man, one that would reap whatever was available and this seems to have scared him because he did not want to lose anything. b.      How many unbelievers are in his shoes? They say well if I become a Christian then I will be expected to fulfill Christian duties. So, they like this man hide their heads in the sand and do nothing with the opportunity of salvation. c.       The Master judged him by the unfaithful servant’s own standard. He said, “Well if you knew I would be a hard person why did you not even more do what you thought I expected? d.      Sent to the darkness were weeping and gnashing of teeth. e.       Weeping is the action of sorrow and gnashing of the teeth are symbols for enduring pain. IV.              How can we apply this to our lives? A.    Faithfulness is Required 1.      The Faithful Two a.       The two faithful servants seen the gifts given to them as a chance to please their Lord. b.      They knew the Master to be kind, giving, trusting, and forgiving. They were not worried about being punished for trying to help their master. c.       They had a proper idea of their Master’s character. d.      They were faithful in gaining the master’s wealth. They put forth the effort and received an increase for it. 2.      The Unfaithful Servant a.       The Unfaithful servant said, “O man what have I got myself into.” b.      He also seen this as an opportunity but a negative one. He seen himself being punished for having responsibility. c.       He had an improper view of his Master. He seen his master as mean, handing out heavy burdens, making his life hard, full of punishment. He did not understand our master rewards effort not success. 3.      We have to be faithful. a.       The two-faithful had knowledge of what would please the Lord and set out about doing it. b.      You and I have the Bible to read and study to know what God wants out of us. c.       They set out, they put forth the effort and their labors were rewarded. d.      If we step out in faith we also will be rewarded. There is a saying go out on the limb that is where the fruit is. e.       The unfaithful were scared to go out on the limb. f.        The unfaithful was busy minding his own business and not the business of the Lord. g.      We can get caught up in furthering our own wealth, position, or pride instead of pleasing God. B.     Faithfulness Rewarded 1.      It was the faithfulness that was rewarded and not the results. a.       If the servants were rewarded according to their results, then the ten-talent man would have received twice the reward of the 4-talent man. b.      Each of them was given the same reward. c.       It is clear that the Joy of your Lord refers to Heaven and not to anything else. 2.      The Unfaithful Servant Did Not Try a.       Had the unfaithful servant put forth effort he would have been rewarded just the same? b.      He was like so many today; he said the burden of serving the Master is too hard, I will just hide and hope that will be good enough. c.       How many people today think that being a Christian requires perfection? d.      I hope this idea does not scare many from becoming a Christian. Christians are not perfect only forgiven. If we put faith in humans, it will fall through. Someone once said it is human to error but divine to forgive. e.       When we become Christians, we are entering into a partnership with the Lord. He actually helps us in our time here. It could have been because of the Master’s wealth and name that the faithful servants were given the opportunities they were to increase his wealth. 3.      He that has more faithfulness will be given more faithfulness… a.       This is a hard saying; the idea is not results but effort or obedience to the truth…faithfulness. b.      If you are willing to try or put forth an effort, then you will be given more opportunity. c.       The man that had the most ability was given the talent from the one that would not use his. It was not because he would produce more, it was because the Master knew he would use it! d.      If we try and are faithful with no results, we still are successful in the eyes of our Lord. e.       We can plant, we can water, but it is God that gives us the increase. C.     Practical efforts 1.      The Interest of the Unfaithful Man a.       The Unfaithful man had other interests than trying to please the master. b.      The Master told him he should have put his money in with the moneychangers and received interest. The Jews could not charge interest to other Jews, but they could charge interest to gentiles. c.       If he did not have a great ability to turn gifts into a huge amount the least, he should do is what would be expected of any of us. 2.      What is the least expected of us? a.       Rom 12:1-2, “I beseech you brethren by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service, and be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your body and mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” b.      Live our lives as a sacrifice. c.       Do not be conformed to this world- if you fit in with the world instead of with Christians then you need to re-evaluate your lifestyle. d.      Renewing your mind- Do not think like the world, try to think about things that are good. e.       By thinking on what is good, you will know what God considers acceptable, good and his perfect will for your life. 3.      What is our 1 talent? a.       Each of us can come to Church. It takes a minimum of effort to wake up in time for services. It would have taken a minimum of effort to put the Master’s money in the bank too. b.      Each of us can show our compassion for our fellow brethren and fellow mankind. c.       Mat 25:31-46 4.      Pitfalls to avoid. a.       Do not be upset because you are not an elder or have a high position. Most people want to serve God but only in an administrative capacity. b.      Do not be upset because you do not have great abilities. To those with great abilities more is expected, and besides most people are not converted with a great sermon or lesson but with the kindness or love that anyone can show. c.       Let us love others more than ourselves instead of being upset about what we can or cannot do. d.      Remember God does not pick the smartest people then makes them Christians. In other words, God does not call the qualified, he qualifies the called.   Conclusion: 1.      Jesus illustrates this parable with the judgement scene… Matthew 25:31-46  But when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory:  32  and before him shall be gathered all the nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;  33  and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.  34  Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:  35  for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in;  36  naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me.  37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or athirst, and gave thee drink?  38 And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?  39 And when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?  40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me.  41  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels:  42  for I was hungry, and ye did not give me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink;  43  I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.  44 Then shall they also answer, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?  45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye did it not unto one of these least, ye did it not unto me.  46 And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life. 2.      We all have abilities. Each of us can go to Church, and help feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, help a stranger and visit those in prison. All of us can do the minimum of showing love to our Lord. We each can please God. 3.      All of us will receive rewards for our efforts when we get to Heaven. We do not need to be like the unfaithful man who hid his gifts and did nothing. We all can do good wherever we are. You can make every situation better by being a person committed to love for the Lord. 4.      We are held responsible for our actions. Our Master will call each in account in Heaven.

Are you versed in these Christian graces… Seeing as His divine power have granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness…if you need it for your physical life or you need it to be godly…God has already planned…already provided…that what you need all you need to do is call on Him for it… Through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue whereby he granted unto us his precious and exceedingly great promises that through these you might be partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption in the world by lust… …Divine nature those born of God…those born of the Holy Spirit…John 3:5, except you be born of the water and the spirit you cannot enter into the Kingdom of God…as it is written in 2 Cor 5:17, you are a new creature in Christ…Having been baptized for the remission of sins and to receive the promise of the Holy Spirit through baptism (Acts 2:38-39)…having been made a partaker of the divine nature…God rebirthed you of His Spirit… Yes and for this very cause adding on your part…give all your effort…in your faith…in your obedience to the truth…supply virtue…the no ill will love…moral excellence…add to your virtue…knowledge knowing what to do…knowledge…add to your knowledge the applying of knowledge or the self-control…the doing of it… and your self-control patience or endurance…the doing of it even though it gets difficult… add to your endurance…godliness because you're acting like God doing the right thing every day... And then godliness add brotherly kindness…or love for Christians…brotherly kindness the sharing of God's blessings and your talents with other Christians…then add to brotherly kindness the doing it, God’s will or love to anyone…add to Christian kindness…love for all men… for if these things be in you and your bound, they make you neither idle nor unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ… Are you praying for these Christian graces…are you growing in these Christian graces…had a preacher once said pick one and work on them one all year long…work on virtue all year… work on patience all year long…before long ten years down the road you developed so much characters that are Christ like…and are well on your way in developing the character fit for heaven… Father, we pray that you would supply all of our need for everything we need for life and to be godly like Jesus we pray that you might add to us faith…virtue…morals and especially the diligence and zeal and pray that you would forgive us of our sin and cleanse us from the unholy in Jesus of Nazareth name amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography

America Bless God… You have heard God Bless America? How about America bless God with deeds of repentance…with true deeds and loving your neighbor as yourself…as in feeding the hungry…clothing your neighbor…visiting those that are sick praying for them…taking care of a stranger…visiting those in prisons…these are the talents Jesus said we are to use. America, are you blessing God or is God blessing you? All God requires is faithful obedience to the simple truth… Jesus said the two greatest commandments is to love God with all your heart mind soul spirit and strength and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself… love works no ill will towards its neighbor are you helping are you part of the solution or are you part of the problem? (Mark 12:29-31) You ever notice you tell the truth, and the problems get smaller or solved? Jesus the Christ of Nazareth died on the cross and was raised from the dead three days later so that you'd never have to choose a wrong or evil thing so that you can always choose the right thing and do what is true… Jesus died so all your wrongs could be forgiven and so that you can never do a wrong thing again he will teach you the truth but you have to obey him in righteousness… Jesus will never ask you to do a wrong thing and Jesus will show you how to do a right thing Jesus will show you how to be forgiven with the father of all things… Does this sound like good news to you? Then…listen…Jesus died so you never have to choose a wrong thing again and He will teach you the truth so that you can always do what is right…will you follow Jesus and agree to read the New Testament or New Agreement of Christ? Yes, or no? Do you believe Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead? Yes, or no? Listen to Jesus words… Matthew 11:27-30 All things have been delivered unto me of my Father: and no one knows the Son, save the Father; neither doth any know the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son wills to reveal him. 28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light…If you agree to read the New Agreement between God and mankind called the New Testament of Christ…you will be taking on Christ yoke…what He requires and be learning the truth found in Christ…you will find freedom from evil or rest for your soul as you learn the truth and practice it faithfully…Will you agree to read the New Testament of Christ? Yes, or no? Matthew 5:5-8 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 18:3-6 and said, Verily I say unto you, except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receives me: 6 but whoso shall cause one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it is profitable for him that a great millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depth of the sea. Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieves shall be condemned. Father, please clean us and help us to be faithful we are but children in diapers before You…in Jesus of Nazareth’s name amen. Try…A…Daily Pause for Prayer and Devotional a Wellsaid Christian Devotional about the teachings of Jesus… https://www.anopenbiblestudy.com/blog-by-ben-the-friend... #benjaminbrianstewart,#Love,#Christianity,#Faith,#Bible,#Jesus,#Prayer,#Art,#ChristianLife,#Gospel,#ChristianInspiration,#Salvation,#ChristianCommunity,#love,#instagood,#photoftheday,#beautiful,#happy,#new,#sports,#entertainment,#technology,#business,#fashion,#health,#travel,#food,#music,#art,#photography