Introduction

1. Risk participating in ministry rather than observing.
 (Mt. 25:18)
 

2. Risk doing something in ministry rather than doing nothing
 (Mt. 25:25)
 

3. Risk accepting responsibility in ministry rather than blaming
 (Mt. 25:24)
 

Conclusion

Introduction:

1. The mother I not yet know: she had asked for me.
    (1 Samuel 1:15-16)
 

2. The mother I begin to know: she has dedicated me.
    (1 Samuel 1:27-28)
 

3. The mother I do know: she nurtures me.
 

Conclusion:

    The mother I remember: she lives in me
    (1 Samuel 2:21 & 26)

Characteristics of those with an eternal perspective:

1)  Hands which expend material resources for eternal rewards (vs. 19-22)

Luke 12:33
"Sell your possessions and give to the poor.  Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys."

      Realities of Hell:

      a) Anquish  (vs. 23, Mat. 25:30, Rev. 14: 10)

      b) Eternal  (Mat. 25:46, lsa. 66:24, 2 Thess. 1:9, Rev. 14:11, Rev. 22: 11.

      c)  Permanent (vs. 26)

3)  Hearts which desire to expand the number in Heaven (vs. 27-31)

Eph. 2:3
"All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts.  Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath."

Eph. 2:12
"... remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world."

I Cor. 10:33
"...even as I try to please everybody in every way.  For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved."

The Symbolism:  landowner - God the Father
                             workers - believers
                             denarius – eternal life
                             foreman - Jesus
                             work day - life on earth
                             evening - eternity

Living under Grace means recognizing:

1) God’s goodness to us

    a) to call us. (vs. 1)

Acts. 17:25
  “And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.”

2 Pet. 3:9
 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

2) our hopelessness before God.

3) our equal-standing before others

    Grace:  humbles the prideful
                gives hope to the hopeless

4)  our responsibility to be fruitful to His call; living by grace.

2 Cor. 8:1-5

2 Cor. 9:8
 “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

Truth #1: Christ must become your treasure.

Truth #2: You must surrender all to obtain the treasure.

Living a life that shows that Christ is your treasure.

    1. Your lifestyle

    2. Your vocation

    3. Your goals in life