In exploring Biblical truths about trials we learned that JESUS faced trials-temptations to provide us with a Grammar Graph modeling how we are to make our -A's-, -B's- and -C's- during testing. Jesus answers how we should form our letters through of His own personal temptation experience.

In exploring the Biblical truths about trials we learned that JESUS faced trials and temptations to provide us with a Grammar Graph modeling how we are to make our -A's-, -B's-, and -C's-. How should we form our letters in the hour of testing- The answer is by exploring JESUS in the midst of temptation.

Because trials are a reality of the Christian life, and because our faithfulness and fruitfulness amid trials begins with a sound and sober biblical understanding of trials, we have already considered five truths about trials. Now we return to the 10 Biblical truths on trials to examine five final truths about trials.

Trials are a reality of the Christian life, dating back to the life of Job. Trials are nothing new. Each of us have-will face trials in life, and each of us is called to face trials as faithful victors rather than faithless victims. Faithful stewardship in the face of trials begins with a biblical understanding of trials. Scripture reveals -10- truths about trials which we must understand to face trials as faithful stewards. Today's message focuses on the first -5- truths about trials.

Jesus' sovereignty over death is verified by the fact that He was sovereign over His own death on the cross. Christ died as no mere man ever could die, and as no mere man ever would die. Christ controlled the cross, and His control over the cross validates His supreme sovereignty as the GOD-MAN- His control over the cross is testified in seven -7- undeniable ways by Jesus Himself.

Our present life is sacred because it prepares us for the life to come. Jesus wants us to live faithfully and fruitfully today, because how we live today directly determines our capacity to live to the fullest on that day. For this reason, Jesus employed Parable to call each of us to READINESS-

In His parable of the talents, Jesus not only reveals God's sovereignty over all talents, He also shows man's responsibility regarding all talents. Jesus' parabolic illustration teaches that He holds at least 7 expectations for each and every man as it relates to our talents. We are to be focused, frugal, faithful, fruitful, fearless, fulfilled, and foresighted.

Our talents are on loan from God because the very talents we possess belong to God and come from God. God is the Source of all talents and the Sovereign over all talents. We are Stewards of what is ultimately owned by God and originates from God. Our stewardship of talents takes on new meaning once we apprehend and appreciate God's Sovereignty over all talents- Jesus'parable of the talents reveals God's sovereignty over talents in at least five -5- ways.

God has graciously bestowed talents upon each of His creatures for the good of humanity and the glory of God. As on person has so astutely stated, -We are all talent on loan from God-- As recipients of God's -talents- we are all called to be Stewards of our individual talents. Stewardship of talents begins with a clear and comprehensive understanding of our talents. This message provides such understanding by introducing the Biblical Talent.

To this point we have observed Scripture regarding the PERSONAL and PUBLIC testimonies. Today we examine the PRIVATE testimony. The private testimony concerns every Christian's private world. Far too often our personal or public testimony lacks power because our private testimony simply doesn't match. So what is the biblical teaching on PRIVATE testimony-