{"id":1057,"date":"2023-12-10T22:09:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-10T22:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/goodchristadelphiantalks.com\/index.php\/podcast\/273-mark-amis-exhortation-six-tips-to-ensure-godly-growth-matthew-2514-31\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T07:43:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T07:43:18","slug":"273-mark-amis-exhortation-six-tips-to-ensure-godly-growth-matthew-2514-31","status":"publish","type":"podcast","link":"https:\/\/goodchristadelphiantalks.com\/index.php\/podcast\/273-mark-amis-exhortation-six-tips-to-ensure-godly-growth-matthew-2514-31\/","title":{"rendered":"273: Mark Amis – Exhortation: Six Tips to Ensure Godly Growth (Matthew 25:14-31)"},"content":{"rendered":"

This week we are listening to an exhortation titled \u201cSix Tips to Ensure Godly Growth\u201d given by Bro. Mark Amis from the Simi Hills Ecclesia that was based on the Matthew 25:14 31 reading. This exhortation was given on November 10, 2023 when Bro. Mark and his family visited the Verdugo Hills Ecclesia.<\/p>\n

We hope this strengthens your Faith and brightens your day!<\/p>\n

Thank you for listening, God bless, and talk to you next week.<\/p>\n

Send talk suggestions or comments to:\u00a0\u2060GoodChristadelphianTalks@gmail.com\u2060<\/a><\/p>\n

For Show Notes, visit our website:\u00a0\u2060GoodChristadelphianTalks.com\u2060<\/a><\/p>\n

Social Media:\u00a0\u2060Facebook\u2060<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0\u2060Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n

1
\n00:00:13,880 –> 00:00:15,600
\nWelcome to Good Chris Selfie and
\ntalks. <\/p>\n

2
\n00:00:15,600 –> 00:00:17,320
\nI’m Levi.
\nAnd I’m Chris. <\/p>\n

3
\n00:00:17,560 –> 00:00:19,480
\nAnd I’m Brian.
\nThank you for joining us this <\/p>\n

4
\n00:00:19,480 –> 00:00:21,960
\nweek.
\nOn this podcast, we select one <\/p>\n

5
\n00:00:21,960 –> 00:00:26,200
\ntalk a week to help us get the
\nBible in our Daily News feed. <\/p>\n

6
\n00:00:26,520 –> 00:00:27,640
\nWe post a new.
\nEpisode at. <\/p>\n

7
\n00:00:27,640 –> 00:00:30,640
\nThe start of each week with a
\nshort intro beforehand to kind <\/p>\n

8
\n00:00:30,640 –> 00:00:32,520
\nof set the stage for.
\nThe talk you’re about to listen <\/p>\n

9
\n00:00:32,520 –> 00:00:35,440
\nto.
\nAnd now, let’s talk more about <\/p>\n

10
\n00:00:35,440 –> 00:00:51,960
\nthis week’s talk.
\nFor this week, we’re listening <\/p>\n

11
\n00:00:51,960 –> 00:00:54,920
\nto an expectation that was given
\nat Verdugo Hills at the <\/p>\n

12
\n00:00:54,920 –> 00:00:58,200
\nbeginning of November by brother
\nMark Amos, who is visiting from <\/p>\n

13
\n00:00:58,200 –> 00:01:01,320
\nthe seamy Hills Ecclesia.
\nThis was an exhortation that was<\/p>\n

14
\n00:01:01,320 –> 00:01:03,280
\nrecommended.
\nBy several people who? <\/p>\n

15
\n00:01:03,280 –> 00:01:06,480
\nWere in attendance.
\nWe even got a voicemail message <\/p>\n

16
\n00:01:06,480 –> 00:01:08,120
\nfrom a particular.
\nBrother who felt really. <\/p>\n

17
\n00:01:08,120 –> 00:01:10,400
\nStrongly that this would be an
\nexcellent exhortation to share. <\/p>\n

18
\n00:01:10,400 –> 00:01:12,480
\nFor the podcast, what I really
\nappreciate. <\/p>\n

19
\n00:01:12,480 –> 00:01:16,000
\nAbout brother Mark’s exhortation
\nbeyond the point that he gave <\/p>\n

20
\n00:01:16,000 –> 00:01:18,880
\nthe too long didn’t read version
\nright at the beginning of his <\/p>\n

21
\n00:01:18,880 –> 00:01:22,400
\nexhortation because he has two
\nyoung children and sometimes can<\/p>\n

22
\n00:01:22,840 –> 00:01:25,640
\nnot be able to stay focused on
\nan expectation through an entire<\/p>\n

23
\n00:01:25,640 –> 00:01:28,520
\nmemorial service, which I can
\nunderstand having three young <\/p>\n

24
\n00:01:28,520 –> 00:01:32,000
\nboys myself.
\nBut what he is focusing on is <\/p>\n

25
\n00:01:33,000 –> 00:01:35,600
\nsomething that I’ve been looking
\nat personally a lot, which is <\/p>\n

26
\n00:01:36,320 –> 00:01:38,800
\ntrying to make sure that you’re
\nalways doing something to ensure<\/p>\n

27
\n00:01:38,800 –> 00:01:41,720
\nthat you’re growing and being
\nmore in line with the. <\/p>\n

28
\n00:01:41,720 –> 00:01:44,520
\nCharacteristics that God has.
\nGiven to you and what he has <\/p>\n

29
\n00:01:44,520 –> 00:01:45,560
\ncalled.
\nUs to follow. <\/p>\n

30
\n00:01:45,560 –> 00:01:49,520
\nAfter his son in SO he breaks it
\ndown to 6 tips, which I will not<\/p>\n

31
\n00:01:49,520 –> 00:01:50,640
\nspoil.
\nHe mentioned it right at the <\/p>\n

32
\n00:01:50,640 –> 00:01:53,360
\nbeginning of the expectation, so
\nif you only have a few minutes <\/p>\n

33
\n00:01:53,360 –> 00:01:56,000
\nyou can get right into it, get
\nthe six tips and move on. <\/p>\n

34
\n00:01:56,000 –> 00:01:59,080
\nBut I would encourage you to
\nlisten to the entire <\/p>\n

35
\n00:01:59,080 –> 00:02:01,800
\nexpectation.
\nHe took it from the reading from<\/p>\n

36
\n00:02:01,800 –> 00:02:06,040
\nMatthew 25, specifically the
\n14th to 31st verses, so if you <\/p>\n

37
\n00:02:06,040 –> 00:02:09,840
\nwant to read through that before
\nyou listen, you can do that, but<\/p>\n

38
\n00:02:09,840 –> 00:02:11,440
\nI really enjoyed this
\nexpectation. <\/p>\n

39
\n00:02:11,720 –> 00:02:15,440
\nHe dives into those 6 tips in
\nmore detail later on in his <\/p>\n

40
\n00:02:15,440 –> 00:02:18,840
\nexpectation, gives some really
\ngood actionable advice, and even<\/p>\n

41
\n00:02:18,840 –> 00:02:21,720
\nif you pick just one of the six
\nto apply in your life, it will <\/p>\n

42
\n00:02:21,720 –> 00:02:25,080
\nhelp to strengthen your faith
\nand encourage you in your walk <\/p>\n

43
\n00:02:25,240 –> 00:02:27,520
\nand make you a.
\nBetter follower of Christ. <\/p>\n

44
\n00:02:27,800 –> 00:02:30,120
\nWith the little things that we
\ncan do to. <\/p>\n

45
\n00:02:30,120 –> 00:02:32,400
\nHelp us to better reflect God’s
\ncharacter so. <\/p>\n

46
\n00:02:32,720 –> 00:02:35,560
\nThank you to those who sent this
\nin as a recommendation and to <\/p>\n

47
\n00:02:35,560 –> 00:02:37,680
\nBrother Mark for being willing
\nto let this be shared. <\/p>\n

48
\n00:02:38,280 –> 00:02:41,960
\nWe will now turn it over to him
\nfor his exhortation. 6 Tips to <\/p>\n

49
\n00:02:41,960 –> 00:02:44,960
\nEnsure Godly Growth.
\nGood morning, everybody. <\/p>\n

50
\n00:02:46,440 –> 00:02:50,360
\nThanks so much for having me.
\nEspecially the last couple <\/p>\n

51
\n00:02:50,360 –> 00:02:54,280
\nyears, it’s been very nice to
\nget an invite like this. <\/p>\n

52
\n00:02:54,280 –> 00:02:58,320
\nIt gives me a real push to, you
\nknow, get the Bible into my <\/p>\n

53
\n00:02:58,320 –> 00:03:01,880
\nlife, something that’s changed
\nover the past couple years, <\/p>\n

54
\n00:03:01,880 –> 00:03:04,680
\ndefinitely having kids.
\nAnd one thing that comes along <\/p>\n

55
\n00:03:04,680 –> 00:03:08,440
\nwith that is your ability to
\nconcentrate from beginning to <\/p>\n

56
\n00:03:08,440 –> 00:03:12,480
\nend of an exhortation.
\nNora is very smart. <\/p>\n

57
\n00:03:12,480 –> 00:03:14,920
\nShe’s already smarter than AB
\nand I, and so you need to hang <\/p>\n

58
\n00:03:14,920 –> 00:03:19,640
\non and be very careful with your
\nwords or she’ll catch you later,<\/p>\n

59
\n00:03:19,720 –> 00:03:24,640
\nalmost like a transcript in her
\nmind, like you promised this And<\/p>\n

60
\n00:03:24,640 –> 00:03:30,200
\nand may her nickname is Mayhem.
\nShe’ll find the tallest thing in<\/p>\n

61
\n00:03:30,200 –> 00:03:34,440
\nthe room and jump off of it.
\nJust this morning she got into <\/p>\n

62
\n00:03:34,960 –> 00:03:37,360
\nour chia seeds and dumped them
\nall over the floor. <\/p>\n

63
\n00:03:37,560 –> 00:03:40,960
\nWe left that for this afternoon
\nand hopefully dogs aren’t <\/p>\n

64
\n00:03:40,960 –> 00:03:44,240
\nallergic to those things ’cause
\nI guess we’ll see. <\/p>\n

65
\n00:03:45,360 –> 00:03:49,080
\nBut she also got into our
\ndeodorant and took a bite out of<\/p>\n

66
\n00:03:49,080 –> 00:03:52,160
\nit.
\nI’m pretty I’m almost confident <\/p>\n

67
\n00:03:52,160 –> 00:03:55,000
\nthat’s OK for kids to eat.
\nIt’s not poisonous. <\/p>\n

68
\n00:03:55,120 –> 00:03:57,960
\nWe’ve called Poison control
\nbefore, but it hasn’t been for <\/p>\n

69
\n00:03:57,960 –> 00:04:01,560
\ndeodorant.
\nSo, but with that in mind, <\/p>\n

70
\n00:04:02,680 –> 00:04:07,080
\nsomething I like to do now when
\nI give a talk is to those that <\/p>\n

71
\n00:04:07,080 –> 00:04:10,040
\nmight be distracted, whether it
\nbe your parent or whether you <\/p>\n

72
\n00:04:10,040 –> 00:04:11,680
\njust stayed up too late last
\nnight. <\/p>\n

73
\n00:04:11,920 –> 00:04:15,080
\nFor those that can’t really be
\nwith us for the next 15 to 20 <\/p>\n

74
\n00:04:15,080 –> 00:04:19,160
\nminutes, I like to give just a
\nshort 32nd summary of you know <\/p>\n

75
\n00:04:19,160 –> 00:04:23,320
\nwhat this exhortation is what
\nwe’re trying to get across so at<\/p>\n

76
\n00:04:23,320 –> 00:04:25,600
\nleast some of us can can get
\nsomething out of it. <\/p>\n

77
\n00:04:26,040 –> 00:04:28,640
\nSo here it goes, our talk in 30
\nminutes, 30 seconds. <\/p>\n

78
\n00:04:28,640 –> 00:04:33,200
\nRather.
\nOur primary purpose in life is <\/p>\n

79
\n00:04:33,200 –> 00:04:36,960
\nto grow and develop in
\ncharacter, putting on the <\/p>\n

80
\n00:04:36,960 –> 00:04:42,000
\ncharacteristics of God and using
\nthese qualities to serve God by <\/p>\n

81
\n00:04:42,000 –> 00:04:45,360
\nserving others.
\nSo developing characteristics <\/p>\n

82
\n00:04:45,360 –> 00:04:49,720
\nsuch as patience, gentleness,
\nself-control, so that we could <\/p>\n

83
\n00:04:49,720 –> 00:04:54,040
\nbe of more help to others.
\nAnd this is really the main <\/p>\n

84
\n00:04:54,040 –> 00:04:57,600
\nlesson of the parable of the
\ntalents in Matthew 25. <\/p>\n

85
\n00:04:58,360 –> 00:05:02,160
\nAnd that quality, that
\ndevelopment, is what Jesus is <\/p>\n

86
\n00:05:02,160 –> 00:05:05,680
\nlooking for in us when he
\nreturns and what we will be <\/p>\n

87
\n00:05:05,680 –> 00:05:11,360
\njudged on SO6 tips by which we
\ncan be better at growing in <\/p>\n

88
\n00:05:11,360 –> 00:05:14,480
\ncharacter and nurturing godly
\ncharacteristics. <\/p>\n

89
\n00:05:14,840 –> 00:05:20,280
\nSo tip #1 is be humble, be
\nhonest with ourselves regarding <\/p>\n

90
\n00:05:20,400 –> 00:05:24,600
\nour personal shortcomings,
\nrealizing areas our character <\/p>\n

91
\n00:05:24,600 –> 00:05:29,680
\nneeds to grow in.
\nTip #2 is Lean on others to help<\/p>\n

92
\n00:05:29,680 –> 00:05:32,720
\nus see where we need
\nimprovement, to help us push <\/p>\n

93
\n00:05:32,720 –> 00:05:36,440
\ntowards that mark, and to
\npractice and live out these <\/p>\n

94
\n00:05:36,440 –> 00:05:42,680
\ncharacteristics.
\nTip #3 accept trials as teaching<\/p>\n

95
\n00:05:42,680 –> 00:05:46,920
\nmoments specifically designed to
\nadvance an aspect of our <\/p>\n

96
\n00:05:46,920 –> 00:05:52,680
\ncharacter.
\nTip #4 Learn from others because<\/p>\n

97
\n00:05:52,680 –> 00:05:56,520
\nthere’s really only so much that
\nwe can go through ourselves. <\/p>\n

98
\n00:05:57,000 –> 00:05:59,880
\nWe need to be able to learn from
\nthe experiences of both those <\/p>\n

99
\n00:05:59,880 –> 00:06:02,520
\naround us as well as Bible
\ncharacters. <\/p>\n

100
\n00:06:03,480 –> 00:06:07,880
\nTip #5, we should set goals
\nlooking to Jesus and his <\/p>\n

101
\n00:06:07,880 –> 00:06:09,520
\ncharacter as our guide and role
\nmodel. <\/p>\n

102
\n00:06:10,040 –> 00:06:14,200
\nAnd finally, tip number six,
\nGive thanks to God, Jesus, his <\/p>\n

103
\n00:06:14,200 –> 00:06:18,800
\nangels that he sends for the
\nopportunity that we have to <\/p>\n

104
\n00:06:18,800 –> 00:06:22,440
\ndevelop our character and to
\nserve others and really the <\/p>\n

105
\n00:06:22,440 –> 00:06:26,040
\npatience that they endure with
\nus, with our stubbornness to <\/p>\n

106
\n00:06:26,040 –> 00:06:29,600
\ngrow.
\nSo there it is for those that <\/p>\n

107
\n00:06:29,600 –> 00:06:33,560
\nreally can’t be with us.
\nThe next 15 minutes, I hope you <\/p>\n

108
\n00:06:33,560 –> 00:06:35,040
\ngot something out of that short
\nsummary. <\/p>\n

109
\n00:06:35,040 –> 00:06:38,480
\nBut for those that have a bit
\nmore attention, let’s let’s dive<\/p>\n

110
\n00:06:38,480 –> 00:06:42,280
\ninto Matthew 25 and specifically
\nlook at the parable of the <\/p>\n

111
\n00:06:42,280 –> 00:06:47,920
\ntalents here.
\nSo to just paraphrase the the <\/p>\n

112
\n00:06:47,920 –> 00:06:51,080
\nparable that Jesus gives here in
\nMatthew 25, starting at verse <\/p>\n

113
\n00:06:51,080 –> 00:06:56,680
\n14, we have a man that goes on a
\njourney, but before he leaves he<\/p>\n

114
\n00:06:56,680 –> 00:07:01,040
\ncalls his servants and he
\nentrusts them with his property.<\/p>\n

115
\n00:07:01,360 –> 00:07:06,040
\nWhile he’s gone, the three
\nservants, he gives 15 talents to<\/p>\n

116
\n00:07:06,040 –> 00:07:09,880
\nanother two talents and to the
\nthird one talent according to <\/p>\n

117
\n00:07:09,880 –> 00:07:13,200
\ntheir ability.
\nWe’re told Then over the period <\/p>\n

118
\n00:07:13,200 –> 00:07:16,600
\nof time this man is absent.
\nThe first two servants double <\/p>\n

119
\n00:07:16,600 –> 00:07:19,560
\ntheir talents 5 to 10, two to
\nfour. <\/p>\n

120
\n00:07:20,520 –> 00:07:23,480
\nHowever, the servant that was
\ngiven one talent hit it away, <\/p>\n

121
\n00:07:23,840 –> 00:07:28,160
\nburying it in the ground.
\nWhen the man returns, the <\/p>\n

122
\n00:07:28,160 –> 00:07:30,040
\nservants come to him with his
\ntalents. <\/p>\n

123
\n00:07:31,080 –> 00:07:33,840
\nTo the servants that increase
\nthe talents, the man responded. <\/p>\n

124
\n00:07:34,160 –> 00:07:36,000
\nWell done, Good and faithful
\nservant. <\/p>\n

125
\n00:07:36,280 –> 00:07:37,800
\nYou have been faithful over a
\nlittle. <\/p>\n

126
\n00:07:38,320 –> 00:07:40,920
\nI will set you over much.
\nEnter into the joy of your <\/p>\n

127
\n00:07:40,920 –> 00:07:44,360
\nmaster.
\nBut to the servant that hid the <\/p>\n

128
\n00:07:44,360 –> 00:07:47,760
\none talent, the master rebuked
\nhim for his lack of growth. <\/p>\n

129
\n00:07:48,520 –> 00:07:51,400
\nThe servant was cast in the
\ndarkness and his one talent was <\/p>\n

130
\n00:07:51,400 –> 00:07:54,600
\ngiven to the servant with 10 and
\nthen finishing the parable. <\/p>\n

131
\n00:07:54,640 –> 00:08:00,040
\nJesus says for to everyone who
\nhas will more be given and he <\/p>\n

132
\n00:08:00,040 –> 00:08:04,200
\nwill have an abundance, but from
\nthe one who has, not even what <\/p>\n

133
\n00:08:04,200 –> 00:08:09,520
\nhe has will be taken away.
\nSo a simple story that I think <\/p>\n

134
\n00:08:09,520 –> 00:08:12,080
\nwe’re all familiar with, but
\nwhat does it mean? <\/p>\n

135
\n00:08:12,560 –> 00:08:16,840
\nWhat is the specific lesson that
\nJesus is trying to teach in this<\/p>\n

136
\n00:08:16,840 –> 00:08:21,720
\nbrief parable?
\nWell, as often as the case, I <\/p>\n

137
\n00:08:21,720 –> 00:08:26,200
\nthink we you have to consider
\nthe context from which this <\/p>\n

138
\n00:08:26,200 –> 00:08:29,240
\nparable falls to really get that
\nanswer. <\/p>\n

139
\n00:08:29,960 –> 00:08:35,080
\nIt helps us to put our minds in
\nthe right frame to see the story<\/p>\n

140
\n00:08:35,080 –> 00:08:38,039
\nthrough the lens that God wants
\nus to see. <\/p>\n

141
\n00:08:39,280 –> 00:08:44,080
\nSo without diving too much into
\nthe context where we are at <\/p>\n

142
\n00:08:44,400 –> 00:08:47,760
\nJesus is in Jerusalem and this
\nis very shortly before His <\/p>\n

143
\n00:08:47,760 –> 00:08:51,520
\ncrucifixion.
\nAnd so I think in this one quick<\/p>\n

144
\n00:08:51,520 –> 00:08:57,200
\nfact we uncover the need that
\nprompted this parable, that <\/p>\n

145
\n00:08:57,200 –> 00:09:03,120
\nbeing preparing his disciples of
\ncurrent and future for the time,<\/p>\n

146
\n00:09:03,120 –> 00:09:05,480
\nhe would not be with them
\nphysically. <\/p>\n

147
\n00:09:07,040 –> 00:09:10,480
\nWhen we look at the chapter as a
\nwhole, Matthew 25, we can break <\/p>\n

148
\n00:09:10,480 –> 00:09:13,440
\nit down into three sections.
\nWe have the parable of the 10 <\/p>\n

149
\n00:09:13,440 –> 00:09:16,760
\nvirgins that’s describing the
\npreparation that needs to take <\/p>\n

150
\n00:09:16,760 –> 00:09:20,680
\nplace as we await Jesus return.
\nWe have the parable of the <\/p>\n

151
\n00:09:20,680 –> 00:09:25,520
\ntalents and then finally in
\nverse 31 we have a section <\/p>\n

152
\n00:09:25,520 –> 00:09:29,080
\noutlining the judgement seat,
\nhow all nations will be gathered<\/p>\n

153
\n00:09:29,160 –> 00:09:32,800
\nand everyone will be separated
\nand judged based on the measure <\/p>\n

154
\n00:09:32,800 –> 00:09:34,440
\nof love they displayed in their
\nlives. <\/p>\n

155
\n00:09:35,960 –> 00:09:40,360
\nSo I would propose that the
\noverall theme of this chapter is<\/p>\n

156
\n00:09:40,360 –> 00:09:44,600
\naddressing the period of time
\nthat Christ is away and what he <\/p>\n

157
\n00:09:44,600 –> 00:09:49,520
\nand God wants us to do during
\nthat time until he returns. <\/p>\n

158
\n00:09:50,200 –> 00:09:54,520
\nSo that’s our theme.
\nSo when we look at this parable <\/p>\n

159
\n00:09:54,520 –> 00:09:57,640
\nof the talents through this
\nlens, I think we have an easier <\/p>\n

160
\n00:09:57,640 –> 00:10:01,640
\ntime assigning roles to these
\nmetaphorical actors. <\/p>\n

161
\n00:10:02,640 –> 00:10:06,320
\nThe man, the landowner, or the
\nmaster is Jesus working with <\/p>\n

162
\n00:10:06,320 –> 00:10:09,800
\nGod.
\nThe journey or period that he is<\/p>\n

163
\n00:10:09,800 –> 00:10:13,760
\naway is the time for when Jesus
\nascended to when he will return.<\/p>\n

164
\n00:10:15,160 –> 00:10:17,920
\nThe three servants are everyone
\nthat lived in this period, <\/p>\n

165
\n00:10:18,360 –> 00:10:21,880
\nincluding us here today.
\nAnd then the returning of the <\/p>\n

166
\n00:10:21,880 –> 00:10:25,760
\nman and the interaction with his
\nservants is the judgement seat <\/p>\n

167
\n00:10:26,080 –> 00:10:28,760
\noccurring, occurring at the
\nreturn of Jesus. <\/p>\n

168
\n00:10:29,560 –> 00:10:33,720
\nFairly straightforward, right?
\nBut what do the talents <\/p>\n

169
\n00:10:33,720 –> 00:10:37,000
\nrepresent specifically?
\nAnd I think that’s a little bit <\/p>\n

170
\n00:10:37,000 –> 00:10:40,080
\nharder of identification to put
\nyour thumb on. <\/p>\n

171
\n00:10:41,600 –> 00:10:44,880
\nAnd I think the reason why it is
\nharder is it represents <\/p>\n

172
\n00:10:44,880 –> 00:10:49,600
\nsomething a lot more dynamic.
\nThe common interpretations you <\/p>\n

173
\n00:10:49,600 –> 00:10:52,680
\nmight have read regarding the
\nmeaning of these talents include<\/p>\n

174
\n00:10:53,000 –> 00:10:58,320
\ntraits or abilities, preaching
\nmeasure of service to others, <\/p>\n

175
\n00:10:58,720 –> 00:11:03,040
\nfaith, number of people around
\nus we are responsible for. <\/p>\n

176
\n00:11:04,160 –> 00:11:07,240
\nAnd I think a number of these
\ninterpretations make a lot of <\/p>\n

177
\n00:11:07,240 –> 00:11:10,760
\nsense and fit well with this
\noverall intended message. <\/p>\n

178
\n00:11:11,640 –> 00:11:15,600
\nBut what I propose is that the
\ntalents represent a combination <\/p>\n

179
\n00:11:15,600 –> 00:11:19,800
\nof these things.
\nWhat the talents represent to me<\/p>\n

180
\n00:11:20,520 –> 00:11:25,160
\nare opportunities God gives us
\nto serve others. <\/p>\n

181
\n00:11:25,760 –> 00:11:27,960
\nOpportunities God gives us to
\nserve others. <\/p>\n

182
\n00:11:28,520 –> 00:11:33,480
\nMore specifically, it is
\ncharacter traits or situations <\/p>\n

183
\n00:11:33,480 –> 00:11:38,120
\nby which we can utilize to serve
\nothers. <\/p>\n

184
\n00:11:40,920 –> 00:11:44,440
\nSo circling back to the question
\nthat Jesus intends to answer <\/p>\n

185
\n00:11:44,440 –> 00:11:48,400
\nthis parable, what are we to be
\ndoing until he returns? <\/p>\n

186
\n00:11:48,840 –> 00:11:54,120
\nThat’s the answer, to use these
\ntalents that we’ve been given, <\/p>\n

187
\n00:11:54,120 –> 00:11:59,160
\nthe opportunities, the character
\ntraits in service and growing <\/p>\n

188
\n00:11:59,160 –> 00:12:05,640
\nthese things so that more come
\nand it may be important to kind <\/p>\n

189
\n00:12:05,640 –> 00:12:09,920
\nof back up and add where I’m
\ngetting this great emphasis on <\/p>\n

190
\n00:12:09,920 –> 00:12:12,000
\nservice.
\nIn our definition here. <\/p>\n

191
\n00:12:13,520 –> 00:12:16,400
\nWell, in the section filing the
\nparable of the talents regarding<\/p>\n

192
\n00:12:16,400 –> 00:12:20,680
\nthe Judgement Seat, Jesus
\noutlines the criteria by which <\/p>\n

193
\n00:12:20,680 –> 00:12:24,600
\nwe will be judged.
\nIt will be those in verse 35 <\/p>\n

194
\n00:12:24,840 –> 00:12:28,760
\nwhere it reads fed the hungry,
\ngave the thirsty drink and <\/p>\n

195
\n00:12:28,760 –> 00:12:32,200
\nwelcomed the stranger.
\nIt will be those who in verse 40<\/p>\n

196
\n00:12:32,200 –> 00:12:36,080
\nsays did these things to the
\nleast of these people. <\/p>\n

197
\n00:12:37,920 –> 00:12:41,560
\nSo just as the three servants
\nstood before their master at his<\/p>\n

198
\n00:12:41,560 –> 00:12:45,480
\nreturn with their talents, so
\ntoo we will stand before Jesus <\/p>\n

199
\n00:12:45,600 –> 00:12:49,080
\nat his return and give account
\nof our service to others. <\/p>\n

200
\n00:12:50,680 –> 00:12:55,040
\nA verse that tied these ideas
\ntogether well for me was First <\/p>\n

201
\n00:12:55,040 –> 00:12:57,440
\nPeter chapter 4, verse 10.
\nYou don’t have to turn there but<\/p>\n

202
\n00:12:57,440 –> 00:12:58,960
\nI’ll just read that for us
\nfirst. <\/p>\n

203
\n00:12:58,960 –> 00:13:03,840
\nPeter 4, verse 10 says, as each
\nhas received a gift, use it to <\/p>\n

204
\n00:13:03,840 –> 00:13:08,480
\nserve one another as good
\nstewards of God’s varied race. <\/p>\n

205
\n00:13:10,800 –> 00:13:14,600
\nSo, with these definitions in
\nmind, revisiting the specific <\/p>\n

206
\n00:13:14,600 –> 00:13:18,720
\ndetails of this parable allows
\nus to extract a couple <\/p>\n

207
\n00:13:18,720 –> 00:13:22,040
\ninteresting takeaways that hold
\na great deal of invocation. <\/p>\n

208
\n00:13:23,320 –> 00:13:26,440
\nFor example, just as the three
\nservants were entrusted with <\/p>\n

209
\n00:13:27,600 –> 00:13:31,800
\ndiffering amounts of talents, so
\ntoo we are not initially endowed<\/p>\n

210
\n00:13:31,800 –> 00:13:37,440
\nwith identical or necessarily
\nequal attributes to serve, And <\/p>\n

211
\n00:13:37,440 –> 00:13:39,600
\nthis is echoed in Romans 12
\nverse six. <\/p>\n

212
\n00:13:40,040 –> 00:13:43,760
\nHaving gifts that differ
\naccording to the grace given to <\/p>\n

213
\n00:13:43,760 –> 00:13:48,280
\nus, let us use them if prophecy
\nin proportion to our faith, if <\/p>\n

214
\n00:13:48,280 –> 00:13:51,520
\nservice and our serving of
\nothers, so on and so forth. <\/p>\n

215
\n00:13:52,880 –> 00:13:55,840
\nBut I think of all the points
\nand lessons that kind of hit me <\/p>\n

216
\n00:13:55,840 –> 00:13:59,120
\nthe hardest was our need for
\ngrowth. <\/p>\n

217
\n00:14:00,640 –> 00:14:05,520
\nFor it was the growth in talents
\nthat the master was looking for <\/p>\n

218
\n00:14:05,520 –> 00:14:08,800
\nthat prompted him to say well
\ndone, good and faithful servant.<\/p>\n

219
\n00:14:09,360 –> 00:14:12,400
\nAnd it is our growth and
\ncharacter that creates more <\/p>\n

220
\n00:14:12,400 –> 00:14:16,440
\nopportunities to serve others.
\nAnd that is what God and Jesus <\/p>\n

221
\n00:14:16,440 –> 00:14:20,440
\nare looking for in us.
\nThat is the that is the desired <\/p>\n

222
\n00:14:20,440 –> 00:14:24,720
\nreturn on their investment.
\nAnd this struck me as, you know,<\/p>\n

223
\n00:14:24,720 –> 00:14:28,080
\nsuch a monumental thing and why
\nwouldn’t it? <\/p>\n

224
\n00:14:28,080 –> 00:14:28,720
\nReally.
\nRight. <\/p>\n

225
\n00:14:29,280 –> 00:14:34,800
\nI think it speaks to really our
\nour purpose for living, why we <\/p>\n

226
\n00:14:34,800 –> 00:14:38,080
\nare given life.
\nIt is to grow in character <\/p>\n

227
\n00:14:38,640 –> 00:14:41,640
\nbecause without changing
\nourselves for the better, we <\/p>\n

228
\n00:14:41,640 –> 00:14:44,640
\ncannot serve others.
\nAnd if we cannot serve others, <\/p>\n

229
\n00:14:44,880 –> 00:14:47,520
\nwe cannot love.
\nAnd if we cannot love, we can’t <\/p>\n

230
\n00:14:47,520 –> 00:14:50,080
\nplease God.
\nOur life is effectively <\/p>\n

231
\n00:14:50,080 –> 00:14:52,960
\nworthless or vanity, as Solomon
\nputs it. <\/p>\n

232
\n00:14:55,920 –> 00:14:59,200
\nSo shifting here.
\nWhat does this character look <\/p>\n

233
\n00:14:59,200 –> 00:15:01,560
\nlike?
\nWhat specific features or <\/p>\n

234
\n00:15:01,560 –> 00:15:05,080
\ncharacteristics once practice
\ncan allow us to serve others <\/p>\n

235
\n00:15:05,080 –> 00:15:09,760
\nmore the way God intends?
\nWithout going into too much <\/p>\n

236
\n00:15:09,760 –> 00:15:12,640
\ndetail, I think a good summary
\ncan be found in the Fruit of the<\/p>\n

237
\n00:15:12,640 –> 00:15:16,680
\nSpirit, right Galatians 5.
\nLovejoy, Peace, Patience, <\/p>\n

238
\n00:15:16,680 –> 00:15:18,720
\nKindness, Goodness,
\nFaithfulness, Gentleness, <\/p>\n

239
\n00:15:18,720 –> 00:15:22,040
\nself-control.
\nOr in Colossians 3 where it <\/p>\n

240
\n00:15:22,040 –> 00:15:25,000
\ntalks about putting on
\nCompassionate Hearts. <\/p>\n

241
\n00:15:25,440 –> 00:15:28,200
\nKindness, humility, Meekness,
\npatience. <\/p>\n

242
\n00:15:29,120 –> 00:15:32,800
\nAll these attributes are like
\ntools that, once equipped, can <\/p>\n

243
\n00:15:32,800 –> 00:15:36,600
\nallow us to effectively complete
\nour job of service. <\/p>\n

244
\n00:15:37,720 –> 00:15:40,520
\nAnd I really think this is a
\ntheme throughout scripture, not <\/p>\n

245
\n00:15:40,520 –> 00:15:43,520
\njust here in Matthew.
\nWhen we look at the Bible, when <\/p>\n

246
\n00:15:43,520 –> 00:15:46,840
\nwe look at different Bible
\ncharacters and really the small <\/p>\n

247
\n00:15:46,840 –> 00:15:51,880
\nglimpses of their lives that’s
\nrecorded for us in Scripture, it<\/p>\n

248
\n00:15:51,880 –> 00:15:55,600
\npaints a picture of character,
\ngrowth and development, often <\/p>\n

249
\n00:15:55,600 –> 00:16:00,560
\ntimes of a specific attribute.
\nJoseph’s life, or at least <\/p>\n

250
\n00:16:00,560 –> 00:16:04,640
\nwhat’s recorded for us, is an
\nexample of learned patience and <\/p>\n

251
\n00:16:04,640 –> 00:16:08,440
\nforgiveness.
\nAbraham of faithfulness, Jonah <\/p>\n

252
\n00:16:08,440 –> 00:16:11,880
\nof compassion.
\nGod, through his angels <\/p>\n

253
\n00:16:11,920 –> 00:16:15,720
\nrepeatedly constructed these
\nsituations to nurture these <\/p>\n

254
\n00:16:15,720 –> 00:16:21,040
\ncharacteristics and their lives.
\nAnd I think with that fact in <\/p>\n

255
\n00:16:21,040 –> 00:16:24,440
\nmind, it’s interesting to kind
\nof turn the camera on us. <\/p>\n

256
\n00:16:24,440 –> 00:16:28,400
\nWhat will our story be?
\nWhat characteristics for the <\/p>\n

257
\n00:16:28,400 –> 00:16:31,960
\nlack of a better term has been
\nbeaten into us over and over <\/p>\n

258
\n00:16:31,960 –> 00:16:36,640
\nagain and how receptive have we
\nbeen in learning these <\/p>\n

259
\n00:16:36,640 –> 00:16:38,040
\ncharacteristics through our
\nlife. <\/p>\n

260
\n00:16:41,600 –> 00:16:45,000
\nAnd this point transitions us
\nwell into next part of our talk,<\/p>\n

261
\n00:16:45,000 –> 00:16:47,800
\nas we talked about in our
\nsummary, that being practical <\/p>\n

262
\n00:16:47,800 –> 00:16:52,280
\nways in which we can be more
\nreceptive for the changes God <\/p>\n

263
\n00:16:52,280 –> 00:16:53,800
\nwants us to make in our
\ncharacter. <\/p>\n

264
\n00:16:55,200 –> 00:16:57,600
\nSo in other words, how do we
\ngrow in character? <\/p>\n

265
\n00:16:57,880 –> 00:17:01,400
\nHow do we become more malleable
\nso we can be shaped into <\/p>\n

266
\n00:17:01,400 –> 00:17:04,440
\nsomething that has a greater
\ncapacity to serve? <\/p>\n

267
\n00:17:05,119 –> 00:17:07,000
\nAnd so that’s what we’re going
\nto try to answer with the rest <\/p>\n

268
\n00:17:07,000 –> 00:17:10,560
\nof our time.
\nSo here are 6 tips we can try to<\/p>\n

269
\n00:17:10,560 –> 00:17:14,640
\nadapt this week to make it
\neasier for ourselves to to grow <\/p>\n

270
\n00:17:14,640 –> 00:17:16,960
\ninto people that God is looking
\nfor. <\/p>\n

271
\n00:17:20,280 –> 00:17:23,480
\nSo tip #1, as we said in our
\nsummary, is humility. <\/p>\n

272
\n00:17:23,960 –> 00:17:28,920
\nOur development starts with
\nhumility because humility gives <\/p>\n

273
\n00:17:28,920 –> 00:17:32,480
\nus the ability to be transparent
\nwith ourselves. <\/p>\n

274
\n00:17:33,120 –> 00:17:37,360
\nIt allows us to truthfully
\nexamine our weaknesses and <\/p>\n

275
\n00:17:37,360 –> 00:17:40,360
\npinpoint those areas that we
\nneed to improve. <\/p>\n

276
\n00:17:41,880 –> 00:17:45,160
\nBecause how can we learn if
\nwe’re already convinced that <\/p>\n

277
\n00:17:45,160 –> 00:17:49,480
\nwe’re a finished product?
\nI think that’s ridiculous to say<\/p>\n

278
\n00:17:49,480 –> 00:17:53,240
\nout loud I am perfect.
\nBut that is what our pride wants<\/p>\n

279
\n00:17:53,240 –> 00:17:57,800
\nus to think.
\nAcknowledging our weaknesses or <\/p>\n

280
\n00:17:57,800 –> 00:18:01,880
\nshortcomings is extremely
\nuncomfortable for us as humans. <\/p>\n

281
\n00:18:02,720 –> 00:18:07,520
\nIt’s a vulnerable position, so
\nwe try to hideaway our <\/p>\n

282
\n00:18:07,520 –> 00:18:10,320
\nweaknesses and just pretend that
\nthey’re not there. <\/p>\n

283
\n00:18:11,200 –> 00:18:13,600
\nPride is the opposite of
\nhumility. <\/p>\n

284
\n00:18:13,720 –> 00:18:16,360
\nPride is a stumbling block of
\ngrowth. <\/p>\n

285
\n00:18:17,760 –> 00:18:21,800
\nBecause while humility makes you
\nteachable, pride resists change.<\/p>\n

286
\n00:18:22,480 –> 00:18:26,600
\nWhile humility let’s God be in
\ncontrol guard, guiding our life <\/p>\n

287
\n00:18:26,600 –> 00:18:30,840
\nand then molding our character,
\npride seeks to control our own <\/p>\n

288
\n00:18:30,840 –> 00:18:34,800
\nlife.
\nHumility, more than anything <\/p>\n

289
\n00:18:34,800 –> 00:18:38,120
\nelse, allows us to realize that
\nwe’re a work in progress. <\/p>\n

290
\n00:18:38,920 –> 00:18:41,960
\nAnd that’s what we are, right
\nWe’re a work in progress. <\/p>\n

291
\n00:18:42,680 –> 00:18:45,840
\nWe all start with different
\nstrengths and different <\/p>\n

292
\n00:18:45,840 –> 00:18:49,120
\nweaknesses of character, and
\nwe’re all at different parts of <\/p>\n

293
\n00:18:49,120 –> 00:18:52,000
\nour journey and shoring up those
\nshortcomings. <\/p>\n

294
\n00:18:53,040 –> 00:18:55,920
\nAnd I think once we realize
\nthis, a couple good things come <\/p>\n

295
\n00:18:55,920 –> 00:18:58,720
\nfrom it.
\nFor one, this attitude is <\/p>\n

296
\n00:18:58,720 –> 00:19:01,440
\ninfectious.
\nIf we acknowledge that we are a <\/p>\n

297
\n00:19:01,440 –> 00:19:04,640
\nwork in progress and express
\nthat humility in our lives, <\/p>\n

298
\n00:19:05,600 –> 00:19:09,680
\nothers see that and they start
\nto see that it’s OK to not be <\/p>\n

299
\n00:19:09,680 –> 00:19:12,800
\nperfect and they have an easier
\ntime kind of seeing this in <\/p>\n

300
\n00:19:12,800 –> 00:19:16,520
\nthemselves as well.
\nBut I think the inverse is true <\/p>\n

301
\n00:19:16,520 –> 00:19:21,160
\nas well.
\nIf we act with pride, and if we <\/p>\n

302
\n00:19:21,160 –> 00:19:24,680
\ninteract with others with the
\ngoal of showing no weakness, <\/p>\n

303
\n00:19:25,120 –> 00:19:29,480
\nshowing that, and pretending
\nthat we’re perfect, others do <\/p>\n

304
\n00:19:29,480 –> 00:19:33,160
\nthe same, we’re really just
\nlying to each other. <\/p>\n

305
\n00:19:33,840 –> 00:19:37,800
\nThis results in a lack of
\ncharacter growth and discourages<\/p>\n

306
\n00:19:37,800 –> 00:19:42,880
\nothers to see change out of fear
\nof appearing different, fear of <\/p>\n

307
\n00:19:42,880 –> 00:19:48,280
\nappearing weak.
\nI think another lesson here is <\/p>\n

308
\n00:19:48,280 –> 00:19:53,440
\nthat if I’m a work in progress
\nthat others are too, it is not a<\/p>\n

309
\n00:19:53,440 –> 00:19:57,240
\nphenomenon unique to yourself.
\nSo when you’re having a hard <\/p>\n

310
\n00:19:57,240 –> 00:20:00,440
\ntime with someone else, let’s
\nremember that we’re all in the <\/p>\n

311
\n00:20:00,440 –> 00:20:03,600
\nsame boat.
\nWe are all being shaped, and <\/p>\n

312
\n00:20:03,600 –> 00:20:07,680
\nwe’re all not quite there yet.
\nSo let’s be patient and <\/p>\n

313
\n00:20:07,680 –> 00:20:10,880
\ncompassionate to others when we
\nthink that they’re not <\/p>\n

314
\n00:20:10,880 –> 00:20:13,760
\ndisplaying the characteristics
\nof a servant of God. <\/p>\n

315
\n00:20:14,960 –> 00:20:19,040
\nAnd instead of writing people
\noff for these weaknesses, let’s <\/p>\n

316
\n00:20:19,040 –> 00:20:22,240
\nsupport them and see it as
\ngrowth and development of <\/p>\n

317
\n00:20:22,240 –> 00:20:27,640
\ncharacter.
\nA connection or a verse that’s <\/p>\n

318
\n00:20:27,640 –> 00:20:31,160
\nnot quite from the Bible, but a
\nverse that I really like that <\/p>\n

319
\n00:20:31,160 –> 00:20:34,720
\nties this point together well,
\nis from the song You’ve Got a <\/p>\n

320
\n00:20:34,720 –> 00:20:38,160
\nFriend in me from Toy Story
\nwhich reads You got troubles, <\/p>\n

321
\n00:20:38,160 –> 00:20:40,480
\nI’ve got them too.
\nThere isn’t anything I wouldn’t <\/p>\n

322
\n00:20:40,480 –> 00:20:42,760
\ndo for you.
\nWe stick together and see it <\/p>\n

323
\n00:20:42,760 –> 00:20:44,960
\nthrough because you’ve got a
\nfriend in me. <\/p>\n

324
\n00:20:46,240 –> 00:20:49,520
\nSo the importance of humility in
\nthe context by which we are <\/p>\n

325
\n00:20:49,520 –> 00:20:53,120
\nviewing it here, that being
\ndevelopment of character and an <\/p>\n

326
\n00:20:53,240 –> 00:20:57,280
\nopportunity to serve others, I
\nthink is summed up really well <\/p>\n

327
\n00:20:57,280 –> 00:21:02,000
\nin Philippians 2 verses one
\nthrough 4, and that reads <\/p>\n

328
\n00:21:02,000 –> 00:21:03,800
\nPhilippians 2 verses one through
\n4. <\/p>\n

329
\n00:21:04,440 –> 00:21:08,160
\nSo if there is any encouragement
\nin Christ, any comfort from <\/p>\n

330
\n00:21:08,160 –> 00:21:12,960
\nlove, any participation in the
\nSpirit, any affection and <\/p>\n

331
\n00:21:12,960 –> 00:21:17,440
\nsympathy, complete my joy by
\nbeing of the same mind, having <\/p>\n

332
\n00:21:17,440 –> 00:21:20,680
\nthe same love, being in full
\naccord and of one mind. <\/p>\n

333
\n00:21:22,680 –> 00:21:28,240
\nDo nothing from selfish ambition
\nor conceit, but in humility <\/p>\n

334
\n00:21:28,720 –> 00:21:31,720
\ncount others more significant
\nthan yourselves. <\/p>\n

335
\n00:21:32,880 –> 00:21:37,560
\nLet each of you not look only to
\nhis own interests, but also to <\/p>\n

336
\n00:21:37,560 –> 00:21:41,600
\nthe interests of others, having
\nthis mind amongst yourselves, <\/p>\n

337
\n00:21:41,640 –> 00:21:47,200
\nwhich is yours in Christ Jesus.
\nSo that’s humility. <\/p>\n

338
\n00:21:47,360 –> 00:21:51,880
\nThat’s Tip #1, Tip #2.
\nWe need others. <\/p>\n

339
\n00:21:52,720 –> 00:21:55,440
\nDevelopment of character is
\ndefinitely not a mission that we<\/p>\n

340
\n00:21:55,440 –> 00:21:58,640
\ncan accomplish alone, and I
\nthink this is the case for a <\/p>\n

341
\n00:21:58,640 –> 00:22:02,360
\ncouple different reasons.
\nFor one, we need others to <\/p>\n

342
\n00:22:02,400 –> 00:22:05,480
\nidentify the parts of our
\ncharacter that need improving. <\/p>\n

343
\n00:22:06,080 –> 00:22:10,240
\nNo amount of humility can
\nreplace the role others play in <\/p>\n

344
\n00:22:10,240 –> 00:22:13,960
\nthat respect, as much like the
\nhuman eye that has these blind <\/p>\n

345
\n00:22:13,960 –> 00:22:18,240
\nspots, we too have gaps in our
\nvision in regards to our <\/p>\n

346
\n00:22:18,240 –> 00:22:21,920
\ncharacter flaws and negative
\ntendencies that those around us <\/p>\n

347
\n00:22:21,920 –> 00:22:23,720
\nmight have an easier time
\nseeing. <\/p>\n

348
\n00:22:24,760 –> 00:22:26,680
\nFamily is a perfect example of
\nthis, right? <\/p>\n

349
\n00:22:27,240 –> 00:22:32,280
\nWho’s better than our family to
\nknow our flaws and lovingly <\/p>\n

350
\n00:22:32,280 –> 00:22:34,600
\npoint them out on a on a regular
\nbasis? <\/p>\n

351
\n00:22:36,200 –> 00:22:38,920
\nDon’t ask Sammy.
\nSammy’s my cousin, He knows too <\/p>\n

352
\n00:22:38,920 –> 00:22:44,400
\nmuch about me.
\nSo this notion of proof that <\/p>\n

353
\n00:22:44,400 –> 00:22:49,640
\nwe’re talking about too is
\nanother key element in character<\/p>\n

354
\n00:22:49,640 –> 00:22:52,440
\ndevelopment.
\nThe book of Proverbs insists <\/p>\n

355
\n00:22:52,440 –> 00:22:56,240
\nconsistently on this value of
\nproof which the wise man <\/p>\n

356
\n00:22:56,240 –> 00:23:01,800
\nwelcomes and the fool resents.
\nAlso in Psalms in Psalm 141, <\/p>\n

357
\n00:23:01,800 –> 00:23:04,680
\nverse five, it says, let a
\nrighteous man strike me. <\/p>\n

358
\n00:23:04,840 –> 00:23:07,400
\nIt is a kindness, let him rebuke
\nme. <\/p>\n

359
\n00:23:07,920 –> 00:23:11,240
\nIt is oil for my head, let not
\nmy head refuse it. <\/p>\n

360
\n00:23:12,320 –> 00:23:16,160
\nAnd separately, in Ecclesiastes
\n7 verse five, it is better for a<\/p>\n

361
\n00:23:16,160 –> 00:23:20,880
\nman to hear rebuke of the wise
\nthan to hear the song of fools. <\/p>\n

362
\n00:23:22,640 –> 00:23:26,520
\nHowever, I I think it’s really
\nimportant to note that the <\/p>\n

363
\n00:23:26,640 –> 00:23:34,160
\noutcome of a nodishment highly
\ndepends on how we deliver that <\/p>\n

364
\n00:23:34,160 –> 00:23:39,840
\nmessage.
\nAnd I think this comes down to <\/p>\n

365
\n00:23:39,840 –> 00:23:42,960
\nwhether we’re highlighting areas
\nimprovement of improvement from <\/p>\n

366
\n00:23:42,960 –> 00:23:47,800
\nothers out of love or for other
\nreasons that don’t have that <\/p>\n

367
\n00:23:47,800 –> 00:23:52,880
\nperson’s best interest in mind.
\nI think this is a very difficult<\/p>\n

368
\n00:23:52,880 –> 00:23:56,760
\nthing to do when when we’re
\ntrying to bring these things up <\/p>\n

369
\n00:23:56,760 –> 00:24:01,960
\nto others, but I think what it
\ncomes down to is really checking<\/p>\n

370
\n00:24:01,960 –> 00:24:05,280
\nour motivations before rebuking
\nsomeone else. <\/p>\n

371
\n00:24:06,760 –> 00:24:09,720
\nMake sure that you know these
\nwords come from place of love <\/p>\n

372
\n00:24:10,120 –> 00:24:12,480
\nand wanting what’s best for that
\nother person. <\/p>\n

373
\n00:24:14,760 –> 00:24:18,480
\nThe final piece I’ll touch on in
\nregards to needing others for <\/p>\n

374
\n00:24:18,480 –> 00:24:22,360
\ngodly character development is
\nthat really without interacting <\/p>\n

375
\n00:24:22,360 –> 00:24:27,400
\nwith one another, without being
\namongst others, we’re never <\/p>\n

376
\n00:24:27,400 –> 00:24:29,720
\nreally going to understand and
\ndevelop principles such as <\/p>\n

377
\n00:24:29,720 –> 00:24:34,280
\nempathy and and selflessness.
\nIt was very intentional. <\/p>\n

378
\n00:24:34,280 –> 00:24:37,480
\nGod set up this environment,
\nwhether it be families or or <\/p>\n

379
\n00:24:37,480 –> 00:24:42,040
\necclesias, to provide a playing
\nfield of sorts for a character <\/p>\n

380
\n00:24:42,040 –> 00:24:47,080
\ngrowth to practice and and
\nhopefully improve on facets of <\/p>\n

381
\n00:24:47,080 –> 00:24:51,040
\nour character that is lacking.
\nAnd that’s something that I need<\/p>\n

382
\n00:24:51,040 –> 00:24:53,640
\nto remind myself quite
\nfrequently as a recluse. <\/p>\n

383
\n00:24:54,080 –> 00:24:57,360
\nI’d be very happy, or at least I
\nthink I would be happy just in a<\/p>\n

384
\n00:24:57,360 –> 00:24:59,080
\nsmall room for the rest of my
\nlife. <\/p>\n

385
\n00:25:00,160 –> 00:25:03,880
\nBut God was very intentional in
\ncreating these structures to <\/p>\n

386
\n00:25:03,880 –> 00:25:07,680
\nnecessitate this interaction,
\nwhich brings about this change <\/p>\n

387
\n00:25:08,000 –> 00:25:11,720
\nbecause I think if you try to do
\nit alone, there’s no character <\/p>\n

388
\n00:25:11,720 –> 00:25:15,000
\ngrowth and I think often times
\nthere’s regression. <\/p>\n

389
\n00:25:15,520 –> 00:25:20,160
\nSo we need others.
\nAll right, tip #3. <\/p>\n

390
\n00:25:21,200 –> 00:25:24,800
\nApproach trials and
\ncircumstances of life with a <\/p>\n

391
\n00:25:24,800 –> 00:25:29,120
\nfocus on development.
\nOr as we put it earlier, accept <\/p>\n

392
\n00:25:29,120 –> 00:25:34,000
\ntrials as teaching moments
\nspecifically designed to advance<\/p>\n

393
\n00:25:34,240 –> 00:25:38,520
\nan attribute of our character.
\nAnd this is easier said than <\/p>\n

394
\n00:25:38,520 –> 00:25:41,160
\ndone, right?
\nI think it’s easy to write off, <\/p>\n

395
\n00:25:41,280 –> 00:25:43,360
\nyou know, the different things
\nthat happened in our life, the <\/p>\n

396
\n00:25:43,360 –> 00:25:46,040
\ncircumstances, as just happening
\nby chance. <\/p>\n

397
\n00:25:47,000 –> 00:25:51,880
\nBut when we assign attention or
\nin tension to these life <\/p>\n

398
\n00:25:51,880 –> 00:25:56,440
\nsituations, I think our outlook,
\nexcuse me, changes <\/p>\n

399
\n00:25:56,440 –> 00:26:00,240
\nsignificantly.
\nIf we believe God’s hand is at <\/p>\n

400
\n00:26:00,240 –> 00:26:04,840
\nwork and his angels are in fact
\nministering spirits sent out to <\/p>\n

401
\n00:26:04,840 –> 00:26:09,360
\nserve, then we must also believe
\nthat there is purpose to what we<\/p>\n

402
\n00:26:09,360 –> 00:26:11,160
\ngo through.
\nIt’s not random. <\/p>\n

403
\n00:26:12,280 –> 00:26:15,640
\nAnd this purpose is clearly laid
\nout for us in the scripture. <\/p>\n

404
\n00:26:17,160 –> 00:26:21,960
\nIn Romans 5 verse three it says
\nmore than that we rejoice in our<\/p>\n

405
\n00:26:21,960 –> 00:26:24,800
\nsufferings.
\nKnowing that suffering produces <\/p>\n

406
\n00:26:24,800 –> 00:26:28,760
\nendurance and endurance produces
\ncharacter and character produces<\/p>\n

407
\n00:26:28,760 –> 00:26:30,840
\nhope.
\nAnd hope does not put us to <\/p>\n

408
\n00:26:30,840 –> 00:26:34,280
\nshame, because God’s love has
\nbeen poured into our hearts <\/p>\n

409
\n00:26:34,320 –> 00:26:38,920
\nthrough the Holy Spirit who has
\nbeen given to us, and separately<\/p>\n

410
\n00:26:38,920 –> 00:26:43,280
\nin James One verse 2.
\nCount it all joy, my brothers, <\/p>\n

411
\n00:26:43,400 –> 00:26:46,960
\nwhen you meet trials of various
\nkinds, for you know that the <\/p>\n

412
\n00:26:46,960 –> 00:26:50,840
\ntesting of your faith produces
\nsteadfastness and less. <\/p>\n

413
\n00:26:51,040 –> 00:26:54,920
\nAnd let steadfastness have its
\nfull effect, that you may be <\/p>\n

414
\n00:26:54,920 –> 00:26:57,960
\nperfect and complete, lacking in
\nnothing. <\/p>\n

415
\n00:26:59,520 –> 00:27:01,280
\nSo the message is clear here,
\nright? <\/p>\n

416
\n00:27:01,640 –> 00:27:06,000
\nOur lives are guided by God and
\nHis angels, who place specific <\/p>\n

417
\n00:27:06,000 –> 00:27:09,360
\nthings in our path to bring
\nabout growth. <\/p>\n

418
\n00:27:10,120 –> 00:27:14,000
\nWe are the clay and He is the
\nPotter, as we’re told in Isaiah.<\/p>\n

419
\n00:27:16,520 –> 00:27:19,360
\nBut while God can place these
\nthings in our lives to <\/p>\n

420
\n00:27:19,360 –> 00:27:23,520
\nfacilitate this change, he
\ncannot make the change for us. <\/p>\n

421
\n00:27:24,680 –> 00:27:28,600
\nAnd sometimes we can even get in
\nthe way of God’s carefully <\/p>\n

422
\n00:27:28,600 –> 00:27:33,360
\ncrafted teaching moments.
\nFor example, I think whenever <\/p>\n

423
\n00:27:33,360 –> 00:27:36,520
\nyou get a group of people
\ntogether, and this is something <\/p>\n

424
\n00:27:36,520 –> 00:27:41,280
\nwe see in our community as well,
\nthere’s a harmful pattern to <\/p>\n

425
\n00:27:41,280 –> 00:27:45,920
\nrespond to mistakes or difficult
\nsituations in a way that <\/p>\n

426
\n00:27:45,920 –> 00:27:49,680
\nprevents the growth that God
\ndesired and intended for in the <\/p>\n

427
\n00:27:49,680 –> 00:27:53,360
\n1st place.
\nBecause if someone’s hardship or<\/p>\n

428
\n00:27:53,360 –> 00:27:56,480
\nmistake or trial becomes public
\nknowledge, there’s always <\/p>\n

429
\n00:27:56,520 –> 00:28:00,080
\nopportunity for gossip, right?
\nEveryone knows the situation, <\/p>\n

430
\n00:28:00,080 –> 00:28:02,640
\ntalks about it and has their own
\nopinion. <\/p>\n

431
\n00:28:03,920 –> 00:28:08,280
\nAnd unfortunately, this now
\npublicized situation intensifies<\/p>\n

432
\n00:28:08,280 –> 00:28:11,960
\nthe personal trial of that
\nindividual because now it’s just<\/p>\n

433
\n00:28:11,960 –> 00:28:15,800
\nnot dealing with what happened.
\nIt’s also about dealing with <\/p>\n

434
\n00:28:15,800 –> 00:28:17,520
\neveryone’s reaction to what
\nhappened. <\/p>\n

435
\n00:28:18,360 –> 00:28:22,720
\nIt could all become too much and
\nyou know, throws this person <\/p>\n

436
\n00:28:22,720 –> 00:28:25,920
\ninto a spiral that prevents any
\nopportunity for growth. <\/p>\n

437
\n00:28:27,560 –> 00:28:31,880
\nOn the flip side, I think as a
\nresult of this, too often when <\/p>\n

438
\n00:28:31,880 –> 00:28:36,200
\nwe make mistakes or are going
\nthrough something difficult, our<\/p>\n

439
\n00:28:36,200 –> 00:28:40,960
\nfirst reaction is to just cover
\nup, hide it away and avoid other<\/p>\n

440
\n00:28:40,960 –> 00:28:43,840
\npeople knowing about it.
\nAvoid that public trial of <\/p>\n

441
\n00:28:43,840 –> 00:28:46,240
\nsorts.
\nThat’s certainly something I do <\/p>\n

442
\n00:28:46,680 –> 00:28:49,680
\nbecause a lot of the time for
\nme, when I’m going through <\/p>\n

443
\n00:28:49,680 –> 00:28:52,680
\nsomething, I have an easier time
\nmyself just dealing with it <\/p>\n

444
\n00:28:52,960 –> 00:28:57,960
\nrather than even if it’s from a
\nplace of love where others are <\/p>\n

445
\n00:28:57,960 –> 00:29:00,800
\nasking how I’m doing.
\nSometimes it’s a burden. <\/p>\n

446
\n00:29:00,800 –> 00:29:04,960
\nIt’s hard, but I think there’s
\nthings that we could do to make <\/p>\n

447
\n00:29:04,960 –> 00:29:09,320
\nit easier in that regard.
\nSo I think the lesson for us is <\/p>\n

448
\n00:29:09,320 –> 00:29:13,720
\nto be mindful of the detrimental
\nrole we can play for those <\/p>\n

449
\n00:29:13,720 –> 00:29:16,920
\nstruggling and endeavor to meet
\nothers. <\/p>\n

450
\n00:29:16,920 –> 00:29:21,080
\nTrials and mistakes with
\ncompassion and empathy. <\/p>\n

451
\n00:29:21,960 –> 00:29:25,560
\nSeeing it for what it is, right?
\nAn opportunity that God and his <\/p>\n

452
\n00:29:25,560 –> 00:29:30,600
\nangels specifically put in there
\nand our life to develop our <\/p>\n

453
\n00:29:30,600 –> 00:29:32,200
\ncharacter as we discussed
\nbefore. <\/p>\n

454
\n00:29:35,240 –> 00:29:38,320
\nAnother point I wanted to touch
\non regarding approaching trials <\/p>\n

455
\n00:29:38,320 –> 00:29:43,040
\nin our life with a focus on
\ndevelopment is giving time to <\/p>\n

456
\n00:29:43,040 –> 00:29:46,200
\nreflection.
\nI think this is something that <\/p>\n

457
\n00:29:46,200 –> 00:29:49,760
\nwe overlook.
\nGive appropriate time to be <\/p>\n

458
\n00:29:49,960 –> 00:29:55,280
\nmindful and and reflect on life
\nexperiences, searching for the <\/p>\n

459
\n00:29:55,280 –> 00:29:59,560
\ntruth of what God intended us to
\nlearn, asking the questions of <\/p>\n

460
\n00:29:59,560 –> 00:30:04,760
\nourselves or others.
\nWhat was the reason I or another<\/p>\n

461
\n00:30:04,920 –> 00:30:07,000
\nwent through this in their
\nlives? <\/p>\n

462
\n00:30:07,800 –> 00:30:11,080
\nWhat did this bring about?
\nHow was I supposed to be molded <\/p>\n

463
\n00:30:11,080 –> 00:30:15,040
\nthrough this situation?
\nSimple questions, I think as <\/p>\n

464
\n00:30:15,040 –> 00:30:17,800
\nthey may be.
\nI think they’re neglected. <\/p>\n

465
\n00:30:17,800 –> 00:30:20,760
\nAnd I know they are.
\nFor me, just because of the pace<\/p>\n

466
\n00:30:20,760 –> 00:30:23,080
\nof life, right?
\nSomething new always happens. <\/p>\n

467
\n00:30:23,360 –> 00:30:26,320
\nMove, move, move.
\nLife moves fast. <\/p>\n

468
\n00:30:26,320 –> 00:30:30,200
\nAnd I think unless we’re very
\nintentional about making time <\/p>\n

469
\n00:30:30,200 –> 00:30:32,920
\nfor self reflection, it just
\nwon’t happen. <\/p>\n

470
\n00:30:34,920 –> 00:30:37,800
\nIt’s an interesting exercise,
\nyou know, even looking back <\/p>\n

471
\n00:30:37,800 –> 00:30:41,360
\nyears in your life, you start to
\nthink about different things and<\/p>\n

472
\n00:30:41,360 –> 00:30:44,480
\nyou say, well if that didn’t
\nhappen, then this wouldn’t have <\/p>\n

473
\n00:30:44,480 –> 00:30:47,680
\nhappened and I wouldn’t be here
\nand I wouldn’t have done that. <\/p>\n

474
\n00:30:47,680 –> 00:30:51,080
\nIt’s almost like a chain effect
\nthat travels through and it’s <\/p>\n

475
\n00:30:51,080 –> 00:30:54,760
\nreally interesting hearing about
\ndifferent people’s points in <\/p>\n

476
\n00:30:54,760 –> 00:30:56,840
\ntheir life that made big
\nchanges. <\/p>\n

477
\n00:30:57,200 –> 00:31:01,240
\nIt’s not always the big things,
\nbut it’s it’s cool to see that <\/p>\n

478
\n00:31:01,240 –> 00:31:04,560
\nGod’s hand is at work.
\nWe just kind of need to take the<\/p>\n

479
\n00:31:04,560 –> 00:31:07,680
\ntime to to look at it and ask
\nothers about it. <\/p>\n

480
\n00:31:09,920 –> 00:31:14,440
\nSo that was tip #3.
\nTip #4, we need to learn from <\/p>\n

481
\n00:31:14,440 –> 00:31:16,840
\nothers, and I’ll be brief on
\nthis one. <\/p>\n

482
\n00:31:17,320 –> 00:31:20,520
\nOur character development and
\nability to serve others is <\/p>\n

483
\n00:31:20,520 –> 00:31:23,720
\ndependent on learning from the
\nexperiences of others. <\/p>\n

484
\n00:31:24,560 –> 00:31:28,160
\nAnd I think the basis for this
\ntip comes from the the famous <\/p>\n

485
\n00:31:28,160 –> 00:31:30,440
\nquotes.
\nYou must learn from the mistakes<\/p>\n

486
\n00:31:30,440 –> 00:31:32,880
\nof others.
\nYou cannot possibly live long <\/p>\n

487
\n00:31:32,880 –> 00:31:34,240
\nenough to make them all
\nyourself. <\/p>\n

488
\n00:31:34,960 –> 00:31:38,080
\nAnd secondly, those who don’t
\nlearn from history are bound to <\/p>\n

489
\n00:31:38,080 –> 00:31:41,040
\nrepeat it.
\nAnd these aren’t just quotes, <\/p>\n

490
\n00:31:41,040 –> 00:31:43,000
\nbut I think a function of
\nscripture. <\/p>\n

491
\n00:31:44,080 –> 00:31:49,520
\nIn First Corinthians 10 verses
\n11 through 13, it says Now these<\/p>\n

492
\n00:31:49,520 –> 00:31:53,360
\nthings happen to them as an
\nexample, but they are written <\/p>\n

493
\n00:31:53,360 –> 00:31:57,800
\ndown for our instruction on whom
\nthe end of the ages has come. <\/p>\n

494
\n00:31:58,040 –> 00:32:01,200
\nTherefore let anyone who thinks
\nhe stands take heed lest he <\/p>\n

495
\n00:32:01,200 –> 00:32:03,720
\nfall.
\nNo temptation has to overtaken <\/p>\n

496
\n00:32:03,720 –> 00:32:06,080
\nyou.
\nThat is not common to man. <\/p>\n

497
\n00:32:07,400 –> 00:32:10,800
\nWe can then look at the Bible as
\nreally just a guidebook to life,<\/p>\n

498
\n00:32:10,800 –> 00:32:13,840
\nright?
\nA resource for personal growth <\/p>\n

499
\n00:32:14,400 –> 00:32:17,440
\nand development.
\nIf we take the time to read it <\/p>\n

500
\n00:32:17,640 –> 00:32:21,240
\nand to learn its lessons, all
\nwith the focus on serving <\/p>\n

501
\n00:32:21,240 –> 00:32:25,120
\nothers, I don’t want this talk
\nto ever be about me as a person.<\/p>\n

502
\n00:32:25,400 –> 00:32:27,640
\nAll this is so that we can serve
\nothers. <\/p>\n

503
\n00:32:29,600 –> 00:32:32,680
\nBut I think learning from others
\nisn’t restricted from, you know,<\/p>\n

504
\n00:32:32,680 –> 00:32:36,840
\nthose we live with today, but
\nalso obviously Bible characters,<\/p>\n

505
\n00:32:36,840 –> 00:32:41,200
\nright?
\nBut when it comes to kind of <\/p>\n

506
\n00:32:41,200 –> 00:32:45,080
\nlearning from others around us,
\nthis requires us to be open with<\/p>\n

507
\n00:32:45,080 –> 00:32:50,200
\nothers, to accept things as they
\ncome to grow and and to kind of <\/p>\n

508
\n00:32:50,200 –> 00:32:53,720
\nshare these things that happened
\nin our life instead of being <\/p>\n

509
\n00:32:53,720 –> 00:32:58,440
\nashamed from them.
\nSo that was four. <\/p>\n

510
\n00:32:58,440 –> 00:33:01,000
\nWe have two more.
\nBut good news, these are quick <\/p>\n

511
\n00:33:01,000 –> 00:33:03,280
\nand they’re combined with the
\nbridge. <\/p>\n

512
\n00:33:03,320 –> 00:33:08,520
\nSo our final two pieces of
\nadvice will hopefully lead us to<\/p>\n

513
\n00:33:08,520 –> 00:33:09,960
\nthe memorial service this
\nmorning. <\/p>\n

514
\n00:33:11,000 –> 00:33:16,720
\nBecause when we talk about Tip 5
\nor setting goals, in other words<\/p>\n

515
\n00:33:16,720 –> 00:33:19,720
\nbeing deliberate in our
\nintention to grow in character <\/p>\n

516
\n00:33:19,760 –> 00:33:23,920
\nand serve others, we look to
\nJesus, right and his character <\/p>\n

517
\n00:33:23,920 –> 00:33:27,400
\nas our guide for which we base
\nour goals. <\/p>\n

518
\n00:33:28,160 –> 00:33:31,920
\nThe way he lived, the way he
\nnavigated life situations, the <\/p>\n

519
\n00:33:31,920 –> 00:33:36,840
\nway he treated those around him.
\nAnd first Peter verse or chapter<\/p>\n

520
\n00:33:36,840 –> 00:33:41,120
\n2 verse 21 it says for to this
\nyou have been called because <\/p>\n

521
\n00:33:41,120 –> 00:33:46,560
\nChrist also suffered for you
\nleaving you an example so you <\/p>\n

522
\n00:33:46,560 –> 00:33:48,760
\nthat so that you might follow
\nhis steps. <\/p>\n

523
\n00:33:50,440 –> 00:33:54,360
\nAnd one of the great benefits of
\nhaving a weekly memorial service<\/p>\n

524
\n00:33:55,040 –> 00:34:00,560
\nis that it gives us that
\nconstant reminder to look to <\/p>\n

525
\n00:34:00,560 –> 00:34:04,840
\nJesus as our role model, as the
\ncharacter that we want to <\/p>\n

526
\n00:34:04,840 –> 00:34:10,360
\ndevelop into.
\nWe can re establish our goals <\/p>\n

527
\n00:34:10,360 –> 00:34:13,360
\nand and strive to improve our
\ncharacter in the service of <\/p>\n

528
\n00:34:13,360 –> 00:34:18,639
\nothers.
\nA verse in Philippines that I <\/p>\n

529
\n00:34:18,639 –> 00:34:20,719
\nliked pertaining to this point
\nPhilippines 3. <\/p>\n

530
\n00:34:20,719 –> 00:34:23,320
\nVerse 12.
\nIt says not that I have already <\/p>\n

531
\n00:34:23,320 –> 00:34:27,440
\nobtained this or am already
\nperfect, but I press on to make <\/p>\n

532
\n00:34:27,440 –> 00:34:32,320
\nit my own because Christ Jesus
\nhas made me his own brothers. <\/p>\n

533
\n00:34:32,320 –> 00:34:34,199
\nI do not consider that I’ve made
\nit my own. <\/p>\n

534
\n00:34:34,440 –> 00:34:38,400
\nBut one thing I do forgetting
\nwhat lies behind and straying <\/p>\n

535
\n00:34:38,400 –> 00:34:44,000
\nforward to what lies ahead, I
\npress on toward the goal for the<\/p>\n

536
\n00:34:44,000 –> 00:34:47,600
\nprize of the upward call of God
\nin Christ Jesus. <\/p>\n

537
\n00:34:49,600 –> 00:34:53,639
\nAnd finally tip number six.
\nLet’s be thankful. <\/p>\n

538
\n00:34:54,120 –> 00:34:57,800
\nThankful to God for giving us
\nthis life, this time to grow <\/p>\n

539
\n00:34:57,800 –> 00:35:01,920
\ninto something that’s worth for
\nsetting up this world, this <\/p>\n

540
\n00:35:01,920 –> 00:35:05,960
\nenvironment that gives us an
\nopportunity to grow, to be more <\/p>\n

541
\n00:35:05,960 –> 00:35:09,080
\nlike his son and and practice
\nlove and service. <\/p>\n

542
\n00:35:10,280 –> 00:35:13,560
\nLet’s be thankful for the gifts
\nthat we have been given, the <\/p>\n

543
\n00:35:13,680 –> 00:35:17,360
\nopportunity that we have to
\nserve others and finally, let’s <\/p>\n

544
\n00:35:17,360 –> 00:35:22,520
\nbe thankful for God’s patience
\nand and His mercy as we are all <\/p>\n

545
\n00:35:22,520 –> 00:35:27,160
\nslow learners and are certainly
\nstill a work in progress. <\/p>\n

546
\n00:35:41,290 –> 00:35:43,370
\nThank you for listening to the
\nGood ’cause Adelphian Talks <\/p>\n

547
\n00:35:43,370 –> 00:35:45,970
\nPodcast.
\nWe hope this talk helped you in <\/p>\n

548
\n00:35:45,970 –> 00:35:47,480
\nyour walk and brightened your
\nday. <\/p>\n

549
\n00:35:48,680 –> 00:35:50,720
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\nplease subscribe for new <\/p>\n

550
\n00:35:50,720 –> 00:35:53,240
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\nWe are on all major podcast <\/p>\n

551
\n00:35:53,240 –> 00:35:57,320
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\nIf you enjoyed this particular <\/p>\n

552
\n00:35:57,320 –> 00:35:59,800
\ntalk, please share it with
\nsomeone else who you think might<\/p>\n

553
\n00:35:59,800 –> 00:36:02,560
\nenjoy it too.
\nFor show notes on the talk you <\/p>\n

554
\n00:36:02,560 –> 00:36:06,640
\njust listened to, visit
\nourwebsite@goodchristadelphiantalks.com<\/p>\n

555
\n00:36:06,920 –> 00:36:09,480
\nor check out the Show Notes
\nsection of your podcast player. <\/p>\n

556
\n00:36:10,840 –> 00:36:13,200
\nPlease share your thoughts on
\nthe talk from this week on our <\/p>\n

557
\n00:36:13,200 –> 00:36:15,920
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\nwhere we are at good Chris <\/p>\n

558
\n00:36:15,920 –> 00:36:19,200
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\ncomment on our YouTube channel <\/p>\n

559
\n00:36:19,200 –> 00:36:20,760
\nwhere these talks are posted as
\nwell. <\/p>\n

560
\n00:36:21,120 –> 00:36:23,760
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\ntalks that we post and hear one <\/p>\n

561
\n00:36:23,760 –> 00:36:26,000
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\nplease tell us about it. <\/p>\n

562
\n00:36:26,560 –> 00:36:29,560
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\nthe Contact Us tab on our <\/p>\n

563
\n00:36:29,560 –> 00:36:32,600
\nwebsite or message us on any of
\nour social media accounts. <\/p>\n

564
\n00:36:33,200 –> 00:36:36,080
\nThank you for listening.
\nGod bless and talk to you next <\/p>\n

565
\n00:36:36,080 –> 00:36:36,320
\nweek.\n<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This week we are listening to an exhortation titled \u201cSix Tips to Ensure Godly Growth\u201d given…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":413,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"episode_type":"","audio_file":"https:\/\/anchor.fm\/s\/6d15708\/podcast\/play\/79829064\/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2023-11-10%2F9a27ed14-0365-8b53-0d73-9c64fc8a34fd.mp3","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"00:36:48","filesize":"25.27M","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":""},"tags":[26],"series":[25],"class_list":["post-1057","podcast","type-podcast","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-season-6","series-gct"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t