4/7/24 Sermon Summary - Pastor David Hentschel
In the fast-paced world we inhabit, it's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, often neglecting our spiritual preparedness and responsibilities. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to live with both readiness and responsibility, especially in the face of the uncertainty of the end times. Here is the key principle:
What we believe about the future impacts what we do today.
In Luke 12:35-48, Jesus presents three parables that illuminate this dual call to action, urging us to be vigilant, faithful stewards of His teachings, and ever-prepared for His return.
Part 1: The Parable of the Servants Waiting for Their Master (Luke 12:35-38)
The first parable Jesus shares emphasizes the importance of readiness. Just as servants wait eagerly for their master's return from a wedding feast, so too must we be prepared for the unexpected arrival of our Lord. In these end times, when the signs of His coming are becoming increasingly evident, we cannot afford to be complacent. Instead, we must be vigilant in our faith, living each day in anticipation of His return. This means nurturing our relationship with God through prayer, studying His Word, and actively seeking His will in our lives.
Part 2: The Parable of the Householder and the Thief (Luke 12:38-40)
The second parable underscores the concept of preparedness. Jesus uses the imagery of a thief, indicating that His return will likewise be unexpected. As stewards of God's gifts and teachings, we are called to be always ready, using our time, talents, and resources wisely for the Kingdom's advancement. This entails serving others, practicing generosity, and living with integrity in all aspects of our lives.
Part 3: The Parable of the Faithful Servants (Luke 12:40-48)
In the final parable, Jesus warns of the consequences of neglecting our responsibilities. He speaks of servants who are exploiting the delay in their master's return and therefore fail to carry out their duties faithfully. These servants are held accountable for their negligence and are subject to severe punishment. Likewise, if we fail to heed Christ's call to readiness and responsibility, we risk facing judgment upon His return. As such, we are reminded of the urgency of living faithfully in the present moment, making the most of the time we have been given to serve God and others.
As we reflect on these parables, let us heed Jesus' teachings with a sense of urgency and conviction. Living in the end times, we are called to be faithful stewards of God's grace, ever-ready for His return. May we embrace the dual call to readiness and responsibility, knowing that through our steadfast faith and diligent service, we honor our Lord and prepare ourselves for the glorious day when He shall come again.
“Amen, Come, Lord Jesus.”
MBC's Bible Engagement Plan
MBC’s Bible Engagement Plan: Isaiah – From Ruin to Redemption
As a church community, our desire is to move from hearing God’s Word to living it out daily. This Bible Engagement Plan is designed to help us walk through Isaiah together in a weekly rhythm that deepens our understanding while also cultivating habits of daily reading and reflection.
- LISTEN TO THE SUNDAY SERMON
Each week begins with the Pastor’s Sunday sermon on a passage from Isaiah and includes
- Pastor’s Outline: A guide to follow along and take notes. We also suggest picking up the Isaiah scripture journal from the Welcome Center.
- Discussion Questions: Provided to encourage reflection and conversation in small groups, families, or personal study. If you are not already part of a small group, consider joining one this Fall: Click here to explore one of MBC’s small groups
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE WEEKLY PLAN
Monday through Saturday, follow the suggested reading plan outlined in the Saturday eNews Bulletin. As you read and reflect on your passage each day, ask these two guiding questions and jot down your thoughts in your Isaiah journal.
- What does this passage reveal about God—His character, His purposes, or His promises?
- How should I respond in light of what I’ve read—through trust, obedience, repentance, or worship?
- MEMORIZE THE WEEKLY KEY VERSE
Every week, one key verse from the sermon will be highlighted for memory. You are invited to use the free Bible Memory app and join the “Millington Baptist Church” Bible memorization group: Click here to join
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE PASTOR’S DEVOTIONAL BLOG
Each Wednesday, one of our pastors will share a devotional expanding on the sermon theme helping to connect Isaiah’s message to everyday life.
Why This Rhythm Matters
- Immersion: This plan helps you engage learning in multiple ways—hearing, reading, memorizing, and reflecting—so you gain a richer understanding of Isaiah’s message.
- Transformation in Community: Discussion questions and shared readings create space for us to learn together and nurture application of the biblical principles into our daily lives.
Questions or comments?
Contact Amy Huber, Director of Discipleship and Connections: ahuber@millingtonbaptist.org
Previous Entries
Pastor Bob Erbig and Pastor Dave Hentschel
