Jesus told the story of the 'Parable of the Talents' where the master gives out an allotment of entrusted resources to his servants. We don’t know exactly what it was - maybe silver, or some kind of coin. We do know that it held value and the master mandated that the servants invest it wisely on his behalf. He gave different amounts to different servants: 1 talent, 2 talents, and 5 talents respectively. 

 

I often wonder if Community Church has been given 5 talents from the Lord. As you consider our 45 year history, I believe and trust that a significant kingdom investment has been made into the lives of thousands of children, students, marriages and souls. Right now, we are continuing to see the fruit of that - new life, repentance, disciple-making, baptisms, and a church that is treasuring and carrying the Gospel to those without Christ. These are futures changed by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

 

Why are we looking to do more, and grow more and influence more? 

 

Jesus concludes the parable with this precept - "The one who risks nothing, does nothing - what little he has will be taken away. And the one who risks everything gets more than he ever imagined." That ‘more’ is not for our own pockets, it's an additional influence that God gives us for His glory.

So we ask ourselves these questions as we look towards the future:
      -  What would we do as a church if we knew we couldn’t fail?

      -  How could our communities look different 3 to 5 years from now?

      -  How can we continue to live out the Gospel daily?

      -  What might God have for us to do, today and tomorrow?

 

As we look around all of Central MI, there is a massive need for the grace and truth of Jesus. The idea that we would rest on past accomplishments is unthinkable. The message of the Gospel has never been more urgent or needed. We must ensure that a foundation of Biblically rooted faith continues to multiply and expand. And that is the work of the church. 

We want to continue to press in, to show even stronger leadership, to see God’s Gospel footprint grow, and make a greater  imprint in Central MI for generations to come - all this for His glory!

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