Today's Passage - Luke 19:15-19

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Luke 19:15-19   'He was made king, however, and returned home.  Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.  The first one came and said, "Sir, your mina has earned ten more."  "Well done, my good servant!" his master replied. "Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities."  The second came and said, "Sir, your mina has earned five more."  His master answered, "You take charge of five cities."'   One of the characteristics of a faithful servant, as the Lord taught us here, is to know that everything he owns belongs to God, and to know how to earn more with what he owns, which means to expand God's Kingdom by using all the resources given by God.  The expansion of the Kingdom of God is not only done by preaching the gospel, but also by bringing the righteousness and fairness of the Kingdom into the wicked world.  Therefore, the expansion of the Kingdom isn't just done by church ministry, but also mobilizing every believer to fulfill our duty in daily life.   Expansion of God's Kingdom cannot depend on some pastors and a few brothers and sisters who love the Lord, but it's the responsibility of all Christians.  Everyone is living in unique surroundings, so only you can witness for God in your surroundings, no one can replace you.  We cannot witness for you in your company, because we are not in your company and we don't understand what you do.  In the same way, I cannot resolve your family issues, because I am not in your position, and only you in your daily life can manifest the glorious beauty of the Kingdom.  Only you can bring the peace and joy of the Kingdom to your surroundings in life.  When everyone is complaining, can you still be joyful and gentle by the Lord?  Jesus Christ said, if you do not carry your cross to follow him daily, then you are not worthy to be called his disciple.  You and I must take our faith seriously; if Jesus is truly our Lord, then we need to follow Him joyfully.   The fact is that the expansion of the Kingdom doesn't depend on any important figures, but the nameless people who can ignite sparkles of revival.  There was a church in Philadelphia that really encouraged brothers and sisters to use their expertise to influence the community.  In that church, not only leading bible study or preaching is considered a ministry, but all kinds of gifts and talents are exercised.  For example, some people are good at filing tax returns, and they can help others to file tax returns.  Some are doctors and nurses, and every week they perform free service at church or in Chinatown.  Some are good with solar energy and carpentry, they got together and applied for government funding to help the poor living in Chinatown to build energy-efficient house.  Many have never heard the gospel before, but because of all the services that brothers and sisters from this church performed, they were attracted to church.   Are you and I faithful to everything that God entrusted to us?  In God's eyes, being faithful has the meaning of earning more.  May God help us, let us think about how to expand the Kingdom of God in our position in the daily life.     Pray with Pastor Tong           Dear Lord, please help us to think about how to expand your Kingdom in our daily life.  Let us be faithful managers.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!