Faith and Service for 2014

In today's message, we look forward to 2014. We are thankful for the blessings of 2013. We are thankful for faithfulness, perseverance and standing firm. Now, as we look to 2014 we will need increased faith. The Apostles asked for increased faith. They had experienced the miracles of Christ, yet Jesus often said to them O Ye of little faith. Experiencing miracles does not guarantee great faith. We know, small faith yields great reward. This faith is literal, not historical or of knowledge only. Jesus is encouraging the Apostles because offences which will come. They will be offended. They will need to forgive. Faith will need to be increased. Also, Christ teaches them the Parable of the Unprofitable Servant to teach them to keep their service in perspective. AS the Apostles walked by faith, experiencing God at work in their lives; they may begin to have faith in their faith. They eyes may turn away from God. Also, they may begin to think, look at what we are suffering for you Lord. This also is pride. So Christ teaches them the parable. The Parable teaches: a servant is a servant, a servant is to serve His master, a servant serves then tends to his own needs, a servant is not praised or thanked because he has done his duty. Point of the Parable--when we have done all we are commanded, we have done nothing worthy of merit. Rewards are of grace, not merit. The Parable in Practice--we should be obedient without looking for reward, no matter the service we render, we are still Unprofitable Servants.