All Ten Virgins Went to Sleep

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "All Ten Virgins Went to Sleep"

Transcription

1 All Ten Virgins Went to Sleep Author: Larry W. Wilson Suppose an individual is promoted to the rank of captain in the army and his first assignment as a commanding officer is at a remote outpost located in eastern Afghanistan. He is responsible for thirty-two soldiers (four officers and twenty-eight enlisted men). As commander of the outpost, one of his first concerns is guard duty. Knowing the enemy prefers to attack under the cover of darkness, the captain decides to assign half of the troops for night duty. Two officers will serve in alternating shifts as officer of the night and fourteen enlisted soldiers will serve as guards in two hour shifts. Each night, an officer will visit a bunker in random order hourly to ensure that each guard is alert and responsive. There is no room for negligence or failure, so the captain wants to do everything possible to ensure the survival of his soldiers, as well as the outpost. Of course, his decisions about guard duty will impact the unit s daily activities because each morning, only half of the troops will be available to go out and engage the enemy (the officers and guards will be sleeping until noon). Furthermore, if there is enemy fire or contact during the night, no one in the outpost will get any sleep. While the routine described in this scenario can be followed for a short time, it would be difficult to sustain for several weeks. The dilemma is twofold: Fatigue and boredom. If fewer people are assigned to guard duty, each person will have to serve longer shifts, and as a result, extended hours lead to fatigue and carelessness. When a soldier becomes careless, he lets down his guard. On the other hand, if the captain assigns more people to guard duty, this will reduce their effectiveness during daylight hours to go out and engage the enemy. Thus, managing human limitations at an outpost in hostile territory is not an easy task. Everyone involved with warfare knows there is an enemy within (human limitations) and an enemy without. This outpost scenario in hostile territory has an interesting parallel when compared with the church of Christ. For the past 2,000 years, the church has tried to overcome the enemy, but the devil has done everything possible to destroy the outpost and the soldiers associated with it. As Captain of the Host, Jesus has appointed a number of people to serve as officers of the night, which include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11) Since the promise of Christ s return was given a long time ago, some of the officers have become drowsy and have let their guard down. Even worse, other officers have become careless and they have abandoned their duty altogether. We must admit with great sadness that many people are not looking into the Bible with great interest. The passage of time indicates the continuation of time tomorrow will be like today so, eat, 1 / 5

2 drink, and be merry! Christians are asleep. The devil has prepared well for his final assault on the church. This assault will be brutal and it will last 42 months (Revelation 13:5), but most Christians are totally unaware of the ambush that lies "just around the bend." The Lord knows "this slippery slope" is inescapable. There is decline and degeneracy with everything connected to fallen man. Ancient Israel could not avoid "the slippery slope." Shortly before the Babylonian captivity, notice what God said about His priests: "Israel s watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they lie around and dream, they love to sleep. They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, each seeks his own gain." (Isaiah 56:10,11) Familiarization One more illustration should be made before we consider the parable of the ten virgins. Have you ever noticed that when you put on sunglasses that you don t notice the tint in the glass after a few minutes? The lenses can be pink, orange, blue, or green, but after a few minutes everything looks natural because our brain compensates for the tint. The same phenomenon occurs with odors. A house or workplace can have a distinct odor, but after a few minutes the smell is not detectable because our brain says the smell is familiar or normal. Our ears can also deceive us. For example, when I was a teenager we moved into a house that was located about 100 feet from the train tracks and after a few disturbing nights, I never heard another train go by day or night. Familiarization is so powerful that our eyes, ears, and nose can be fooled! This behavior raises the question: Are we truly awake to what is going on around us or have we become so conditioned by an endless stream of bad news that nothing unsettles us any more? The Parable These illustrations about guard duty (staying awake) and familiarization (being conditioned to ignore the obvious) are important to this study because they are the unidentified culprits found in a parable told by Jesus. Here s the story: One day, Jesus said to His disciples, "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man." (Matthew 24:37-39) Even though you have read this text many times, you may not realize that this passage actually describes the experience of unbelievers. However, Jesus also had a few choice words for believers! He described it this way: "At that time [Jesus is still talking about His return] the kingdom of heaven [the corporate body 2 / 5

3 of believers] will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: Here s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him! Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out. No, they replied, there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves. But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. Sir! Sir! they said. Open the door for us! But he replied, I tell you the truth, I don t know you. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." (Matthew 25:1-13, insertions mine) Six Points to Ponder: 1. The virgins believed the bridegroom was coming and they went out to meet him. 2. Fatigue overtook them and all of them went to sleep! 3. When awakened, it became clear as to who was wise and who was foolish. 4. The wise could not help the foolish. 5. The foolish were not permitted into the banquet. 6. All ten of them were virgins. What Does the Parable Mean? The ten virgins represent the kingdom of Heaven, which is the corporate body of Christ or Christianity as a whole. (The parable does not indicate that every Christian is asleep.) The church of Christ has been watching and waiting for 2,000 years for Christ s return, but the fulfillment of His promise has not come to pass. Prophetic fatigue has overtaken His people. Today, there is more contempt than genuine interest for the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation among Christians! "Jesus is coming soon" has been said so many times that no one actually anticipates it. (This is the problem with familiarization.) At midnight (when the corporate body of believers is sound asleep) there will be a sudden awakening. Without warning, the groomsmen (the 144,000) will appear and cry out, "Here s the Bridegroom." This awakening will be caused by the casting down of the censer (Revelation 3 / 5

4 8:3-5) and the first four trumpet-judgments that follow. The destruction of thousands of cities and 1.75 billion people will be startling and will awaken Christendom to the imminent return of Jesus. The awakening will prove to be cataclysmic. When God s judgments begin, the wise virgins will quickly awake. They will understand and embrace the fulfillment of God s Word. The foolish virgins will become bitter and agitated. The wrath of God and the persecution that follows will overwhelm them. This is not what they expected and it certainly is not what their church believes or what they were taught. The foolish will visit with their spiritual friends, but the wise virgins will not be able to help them. Their confusion and disappointment will be too great. The wise will suggest that the foolish seek out their pastors and religious leaders, since the pastors and religious leaders were the source of their confusion. Ultimately, the foolish will not be able to overcome their bitterness, agitation, or confusion. As the parable reveals, the sad truth is that all along, Jesus never knew the foolish virgins. The foolish virgins seemed to be religious, but they were not honestly open to the Holy Spirit or were they students of His Word. As Jesus once said to the Pharisees, a whitewashed tomb is nothing more than the residence of a dead man. (Matthew 23:27) Watch Out! Remember, the underlying problem with the ten virgins is fatigue and familiarization. Christians have heard thousands of times that Jesus is coming soon. After 2,000 years, "soon" has lost its meaning and many people have thrown in the prophetic towel and moved into forms of worship that have little redeeming value. There should be emotional appeal in worship, but our worship must be based on "hearing the Word" and our understanding of God must be built squarely on the Rock of the Ages. Many Christians do not give enough thought to the prophecies. They reason that tomorrow will be much like today. One day, this assumption will prove false. There are two tomorrows. There is the tomorrow that segment of time that occurs before the censer is thrown down. The second tomorrow occurs when the censer is thrown down causing events unlike anything the world has ever seen. Keeping these tomorrows balanced is not easy, which brings us back to the dilemma facing the army captain. If we place too much emphasis on protecting the outpost, how can we go out and engage the enemy? If we place too much emphasis on engaging the enemy, who can stay awake during the night? Familiarization is a deceptive process. We must search our hearts and seriously ask ourselves if we have become conditioned to the point that we cannot see the signs (the prophetic samples) of Christ s return. Are we trusting our eyes, ears, and nose when we should be searching God s Word? Even if we do not try to interpret the parable of the ten virgins, the message is clear. The wise carried extra oil with them. They went to sleep, but it did not take very long to get prepared 4 / 5

5 Powered by TCPDF ( when they were awakened. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come [the censer will be thrown down].... So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." (Matthew 24:42,44, insertion mine) Larry Wilson PS: Please fast and pray with me that our camp meeting experience in July will be blessed with the outpouring of Holy Spirit power! 5 / 5

Are You Ready for the Second Coming? (Part 3) - The Ten Virgins

Are You Ready for the Second Coming? (Part 3) - The Ten Virgins Are You Ready for the Second Coming? (Part 3) - The Ten Virgins Author: Larry W. Wilson The Parable of the Ten Virgins At that time the kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and

More information

Day. Knowing the ARTICLE. First released October 6, 2017

Day. Knowing the ARTICLE. First released October 6, 2017 First released October 6, 2017 ARTICLE Knowing the Day Many say we can t know the day when Yeshua will return for His bride. They are quick to refer to Yeshua himself saying, "No man knows about that day

More information

Supernatural. At midnight the cry rang out: Here s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him! 7

Supernatural. At midnight the cry rang out: Here s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him! 7 1 Mark 10:27 all things are possible with God. Supernatural Matthew 25:1-13 1 At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five

More information

Jesus is Coming (First Sunday of Advent)

Jesus is Coming (First Sunday of Advent) Jesus is Coming (First Sunday of Advent) Today is the first Sunday of Advent and according to the church calendar, we are beginning a new year. We have mentioned that the word Advent is from the Latin

More information

Church of God, The Eternal

Church of God, The Eternal Church of God, The Eternal P. O. Box 775 Eugene, Oregon 97440 www.cogeternal.org The late Raymond C. Cole Offices in: Founding Pastor United States Jon W. Brisby Philippines Pastor, Director Switzerland

More information

The Parable of The Ten Virgins Message 15 in The Parables of Jesus Series Scripture Text: Matthew 25:1-13

The Parable of The Ten Virgins Message 15 in The Parables of Jesus Series Scripture Text: Matthew 25:1-13 Message for THE LORD S DAY EVENING, November 13, 2011 SERIES: The Parables of Jesus MESSAGE 15 Christian Hope Church of Christ, Plymouth, North Carolina by Reggie A. Braziel, Minister The Parable of The

More information

1 st Reading: Wisdom 6:12-16

1 st Reading: Wisdom 6:12-16 The Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time/Year A 11/12 November 2017 Presentation of Candidates for Confirmation/First Communion 5:00 PM and 9:00 AM Masses; Christmas Bazaar Weekend; Giving Tree Tags Available;

More information

Matthew 24:45-25:13. Introduction

Matthew 24:45-25:13. Introduction Matthew 24:45-25:13 Introduction The disciples have asked about the timing of the destruction of Jerusalem and the coming/parousia of Jesus at the end of the age. They anticipated that His Parousia (His

More information

NOAH - Judgment Will Come Sunday, August 13, :30 AM

NOAH - Judgment Will Come Sunday, August 13, :30 AM NOAH - Judgment Will Come Sunday, August, 2017 10:30 AM For the past couple of weeks, we have been hanging out in Genesis chapter 6 and taking a deeper look at the life of Noah. We've been using clips

More information

Matthew 25:1-13 The Season before the Season

Matthew 25:1-13 The Season before the Season Matthew 25:1-13 The Season before the Season Have you started to think about your getting all your Christmas cards sent? I m sure you can think about those letters you receive with all annual reports from

More information

The Tribulation Parables

The Tribulation Parables The Tribulation Parables By Jim Sayles Headlines: *Where are we in the end times progression from birth pains to great tribulation? *What generation of believers will see all these things come to pass?

More information

Matthew. Chapter 25. Blue Letter Bible

Matthew. Chapter 25. Blue Letter Bible Matthew Chapter 25 By Don Stewart Brought to you by Blue Letter Bible BlueLetterBible.org Matthew 25 336 MATTHEW CHAPTER 25 Chapter 25 continues the parables of Jesus the story about the ten virgins and

More information

Our Hope In Christ's Return

Our Hope In Christ's Return Our Hope In Christ's Return Just over a month ago, we were celebrating what is called Advent season, when we looked forward to Christmas when we worship the birth of Jesus our Redeemer, Immanuel. Christmas

More information

Sermon Pastor Ray Lorthioir Trinity Lutheran Church W. Hempstead, NY Based on Matthew, Chapter 25:1-46. Virgins, Servants, Sheep and Goats

Sermon Pastor Ray Lorthioir Trinity Lutheran Church W. Hempstead, NY Based on Matthew, Chapter 25:1-46. Virgins, Servants, Sheep and Goats Sermon 10-15-17 Pastor Ray Lorthioir Trinity Lutheran Church W. Hempstead, NY Based on Matthew, Chapter 25:1-46 Virgins, Servants, Sheep and Goats Today we consider Jesus final three parables. Matthew

More information

ARE YOU READY? Matthew 25:1-13

ARE YOU READY? Matthew 25:1-13 ARE YOU READY? Matthew 25:1-13 Matthew 25:1 begins with the word Then, which connects chapter 24 to chapter 25. These two chapters record the OLIVET DISCOURSE. Matthew 24:1-3 sets the occasion: Jesus left

More information

WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!

WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT! Matthew 25:1-46 Key Verse: 25:21 His master replied, Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master

More information

Reparation Sermon, November 25, 2018, Psalm 126, Joel 2:21-27, Matthew 6:25-33 Sermon Text: Matthew 25:5-8

Reparation Sermon, November 25, 2018, Psalm 126, Joel 2:21-27, Matthew 6:25-33 Sermon Text: Matthew 25:5-8 Reparation Sermon, November 25, 2018, Psalm 126, Joel 2:21-27, Matthew 6:25-33 Sermon Text: Matthew 25:5-8 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 At midnight

More information

Parable of the Ten Virgins Matthew 25:1-13

Parable of the Ten Virgins Matthew 25:1-13 http://www.biblestudyworkshop.org 1 Parable of the Ten Virgins Matthew 25:1-13 http://www.biblestudyworkshop.org 2 Text: Matthew 25:1-13, Parable of the Ten Virgins 1. Then shall the kingdom of heaven

More information

A Journey with Christ the Messiah The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

A Journey with Christ the Messiah The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins June 18, 2017 A Journey with Christ the Messiah The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins INTRODUCTION: Matthew 25:1-13 This morning we are continuing a series that I have entitled A Journey with Christ

More information

FEW ARE THE HEARERS AND DOERS OF THE WORD SOWING THE WORD OF GOD FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016

FEW ARE THE HEARERS AND DOERS OF THE WORD SOWING THE WORD OF GOD FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 FEW ARE THE HEARERS AND DOERS OF THE WORD SOWING THE WORD OF GOD FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2016 Matthew 25:1-12 Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet

More information

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

The Parable of the Ten Virgins Matthew 25:1-13 Pastor Jeremy Thomas November 16, 2016 fbgbible.org Fredericksburg Bible Church 107 East Austin Street Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 (830) 997-8834 We are studying the Olivet Discourse, what

More information

Wake Up America Seminars Biblical Prophecy Explained by Larry Wilson

Wake Up America Seminars Biblical Prophecy Explained by Larry Wilson The Two Witnesses Author: Larry W. Wilson "Mr. Wilson: I watched a portion of a video seminar on your website and I quit because you are grossly distorting the Bible. How can you say the Bible and the

More information

Our Way of Life. Sermon Transcript November 20, Kingdom Come: Stay Awake! Matthew 24-25

Our Way of Life. Sermon Transcript November 20, Kingdom Come: Stay Awake! Matthew 24-25 Our Way of Life Sermon Transcript November 20, 2016 Kingdom Come: Stay Awake! Matthew 24-25 This message from the Bible was addressed originally to the people of Wethersfield Evangelical Free Church on

More information

Palm Sunday March 24, SLIDE Our Betrothal and Pending Wedding

Palm Sunday March 24, SLIDE Our Betrothal and Pending Wedding Palm Sunday March 24, 2013 READING Matthew 25:1 to 13 SLIDE Our Betrothal and Pending Wedding We may begin reading about Jesus last week here on earth in the Gospel according to Matthew in chapter 21 with

More information

TRIBULATION AND RESTORATION IN THE END TIMES

TRIBULATION AND RESTORATION IN THE END TIMES TRIBULATION AND RESTORATION IN THE END TIMES Be prepared with truth, for the tribulation and spiritual conflict accompanying the end times are at hand. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might

More information

Parable Parables of Jesus 1

Parable Parables of Jesus 1 Parable 35-38 Parables of Jesus 1 Again he sent out other servants, saying, Tell those who are invited, Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come

More information

ALL THE PARABLES OF JESUS A SYSTEMATIC SERIES UNVEILING GODS ETERNAL TRUTH IN THE PARABOLIC TEACHINGS OF JESUS CHRIST

ALL THE PARABLES OF JESUS A SYSTEMATIC SERIES UNVEILING GODS ETERNAL TRUTH IN THE PARABOLIC TEACHINGS OF JESUS CHRIST ALL THE PARABLES OF JESUS A SYSTEMATIC SERIES UNVEILING GODS ETERNAL TRUTH IN THE PARABOLIC TEACHINGS OF JESUS CHRIST MEDIA REFERENCE NUMBER WNX599 JULY 31, 2013 THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE: The Parable Of

More information

Preparedness not Procrastination

Preparedness not Procrastination 1 2 Lessons from the Character Building from the Bible series on Good Work Habits by Every Child Ministries Positive Character Trait: Preparedness Preparedness is the positive character trait of being

More information

ARE YOU READY? A SERMON BASED ON MATTHEW S GOSPEL (25:1:13) AND PRESENTED AT ORLEAN UMC ON NOVEMBER 9, 2014

ARE YOU READY? A SERMON BASED ON MATTHEW S GOSPEL (25:1:13) AND PRESENTED AT ORLEAN UMC ON NOVEMBER 9, 2014 ARE YOU READY? A SERMON BASED ON MATTHEW S GOSPEL (25:1:13) AND PRESENTED AT ORLEAN UMC ON NOVEMBER 9, 2014 LIFE IS FULL OF DEADLINES. WHEN APRIL 15 TH ROLLS AROUND, THE TAXES HAVE TO BE PAID, OR AT VERY

More information

SERMON NOTES. CLASSIC PRAISE WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, November 12, 10:30am

SERMON NOTES. CLASSIC PRAISE WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, November 12, 10:30am SERMON NOTES Mountain View Lutheran Church (LCMS) PO Box 868, 2122 S. Goldfield Road Apache Junction, AZ 85117 Local Phone: 480-982-8266 Toll-free Phone: 1-866-532-0909 Website: mountainviewlutheran.org

More information

Sermon by Bob Bradley

Sermon by Bob Bradley Sermon by Bob Bradley COPYRIGHT 2018 CAMPBELL CHAPEL FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH 1709 Campbell Drive * Ironton, OH 45638 Have you made PREPARATION? Wednesday, October 10, 2018 Bob Bradley Matthew 25:1 Then

More information

Why do you want the day of the LORD? It is darkness, not light; 19 as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear;

Why do you want the day of the LORD? It is darkness, not light; 19 as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear; Worship Plan for Sunday, November 12, 2017 Lectionary 32 Proper 27 23rd Sunday after Pentecost ELW Holy Communion Setting One Sunday, November 12, 2017 Introduction to the day Today the prophet Amos calls

More information

Matthew Twenty Third Sunday After Pentecost November 12 th, 2017 The Rev. John Forman

Matthew Twenty Third Sunday After Pentecost November 12 th, 2017 The Rev. John Forman Matthew 25 1-13 Twenty Third Sunday After Pentecost November 12 th, 2017 The Rev. John Forman Matthew 25:1-13 Jesus said, Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps

More information

and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 1016(1) Matthew 5.1-12a Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew. When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat

More information

A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Matthew

A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Matthew Gospel Matthew 5:1-12a G1 A Reading from the Holy Gospel According to Matthew When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach

More information

The Demons are Coming! The Demons are Coming!

The Demons are Coming! The Demons are Coming! The Demons are Coming! The Demons are Coming! Author: Larry W. Wilson They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon. (Revelation 9:11) It may

More information

The Signs of the Final Hour

The Signs of the Final Hour The Signs of the Final Hour Famous Readings from the Prophets and the Gospel عالمات الساعة قراءات مشهورة من االنبياء و االنجيل Collected by Samuel Green Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations

More information

THE POWER OF CHOICE 1. Dovetail Your Motives With God s Motives- That Is What Jesus Would Tell Us To Do

THE POWER OF CHOICE 1. Dovetail Your Motives With God s Motives- That Is What Jesus Would Tell Us To Do THE POWER OF CHOICE Matthew 25.1-13 (The Parable of the Ten Virgins) MT 25:1 "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. MT 25:2

More information

Practical Christianity End-Time Bible Studies Country Living Wilderness Living

Practical Christianity End-Time Bible Studies Country Living Wilderness Living Practical Christianity End-Time Bible Studies Country Living Wilderness Living PREPARING TO STAND Number 79 April-May-June, 2014 In this age, just prior to the second coming of Christ in the clouds of

More information

Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps (Matthew 25:7).

Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps (Matthew 25:7). Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps (Matthew 25:7). 32 nd Sunday in Ordinary Time November 6 th, 2011 First Reading: Wisdom 6:12-16 12 Wisdom is radiant and unfading, and she is easily

More information

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew G-1 Matthew 5:1-12a A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them,

More information

Seek First the Kingdom

Seek First the Kingdom THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF WEST TEXAS Seek First the Kingdom The Kingdom of Heaven in the Gospel of Matthew Session Six: Living as a Kingdom Community Opening Prayer Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about

More information

Why Antichrist Must Appear First

Why Antichrist Must Appear First Why Antichrist Must Appear First Author: Larry W. Wilson The rumor mill among Christians in Paul's day worked very well - perhaps too well. One persistent rumor that went round and round during the first

More information

But while the bridegroom was delayed door Watch See I have set before you an open door

But while the bridegroom was delayed door Watch See I have set before you an open door The Door keepers watch Mark 13/34- The signs that happen the day Jesus takes His church from the earth or the first door. For this study in the word the New King James version of the Bible was used. Here

More information

Lesson 71-The Parable of the Sower What to say-blue; What to read-black (Bible verse/s)

Lesson 71-The Parable of the Sower What to say-blue; What to read-black (Bible verse/s) Lesson 71-The Parable of the Sower JESUS TAUGHT THE PEOPLE USING MANY PARABLES, OR STORIES. In the book of Matthew, Chapter 13, verses 1-23, The Bible tells us that there were so many people who wanted

More information

Despite the great social and technological breakthroughs, the only hope for a better world is Jesus promise: I will come again.

Despite the great social and technological breakthroughs, the only hope for a better world is Jesus promise: I will come again. Lesson 7 for May 19, 2018 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. (Romans 13:11) Jesus predicted the

More information

C & C: Cut the Weights and Produce some Fruit

C & C: Cut the Weights and Produce some Fruit C & C: Cut the Weights and Produce some Fruit Connections and Comparisons is an ongoing weekly series that deals with many scriptures in the Bible, some of which are not commonly addressed. The purpose

More information

The Ten Virgins. Parables use symbols, idioms, and metaphors in such a way that one familiar with the Word should understand the hidden meaning.

The Ten Virgins. Parables use symbols, idioms, and metaphors in such a way that one familiar with the Word should understand the hidden meaning. The following is a direct script of a teaching that is intended to be presented via video, incorporating relevant text, slides, media, and graphics to assist in illustration, thus facilitating the presentation

More information

Lamb's Book Appendix B Lucifer Rules Earth Masquerading as God

Lamb's Book Appendix B Lucifer Rules Earth Masquerading as God Lamb's Book Appendix B Lucifer Rules Earth Masquerading as God Author: Larry W. Wilson Lucifer Masquerades as God I would have never believed that the world s religions and nations would be abolished before

More information

READINGS FOR OMPH TRIDUUM 2017

READINGS FOR OMPH TRIDUUM 2017 READINGS FOR OMPH TRIDUUM 2017 Day 1 (30 th August 2017) Theme: Prayer and Peace A reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians (2:9-13) You are witnesses, and so is God, that our treatment

More information

What about you? Is the return of Jesus Christ prominent in your mind?

What about you? Is the return of Jesus Christ prominent in your mind? Third Sunday of Advent December 11, 2016 Christ s Advent: Wisely Prepared Matthew 25:1-13 SI: This Advent we re studying two famous chapters of the Bible Matthew 24 and 25. Traditional name for these chapters

More information

C&C: It s Going to Rain! Get in the Ark!

C&C: It s Going to Rain! Get in the Ark! C&C: It s Going to Rain! Get in the Ark! Connections and Comparisons is an ongoing weekly series that deals with many scriptures in the Bible, some of which are not commonly addressed. The purpose of this

More information

Wake Up America Seminars Biblical Prophecy Explained by Larry Wilson

Wake Up America Seminars Biblical Prophecy Explained by Larry Wilson Facing Two Tomorrows Author: Larry W. Wilson "Dear Mr. Wilson: Do you still think the Great Tribulation will begin in 2011? More and more, I feel uneasy about world conditions and my fear of the future

More information

Are You Awake or Sleeping?

Are You Awake or Sleeping? Are You Awake or Sleeping? Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came

More information

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John John 3:16 A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send

More information

LAMPS ARE GOING OUT. (THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS STILL SPEAKS TODAY) Matthew 25:1-13

LAMPS ARE GOING OUT. (THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS STILL SPEAKS TODAY) Matthew 25:1-13 LAMPS ARE GOING OUT (THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS STILL SPEAKS TODAY) Matthew 25:1-13 Buy Oil For Yourself The Wedding The Waiting The Whining The Watching Give us your oil, for our lamps are going out.

More information

A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew

A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew Matthew 5:1-12a A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:

More information

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew Matthew 5:1-12a Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat

More information

PETER Sound Judgment, Sober Spirit For Prayer July 07, 2013

PETER Sound Judgment, Sober Spirit For Prayer July 07, 2013 PETER Sound Judgment, Sober Spirit For Prayer July 07, 2013 I. I. Be Holy In All Your Behavior With A Holiness Like God s Holiness A. I Peter 4:7... The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound

More information

Matthew 24: Isaiah 2:1-5. The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2

Matthew 24: Isaiah 2:1-5. The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 Be prepared! A sermon preached at Summertown United Reformed Church on Advent Sunday, 2 nd December 2007, by Rev d Pauline Main, based on Matthew 24: 36-44 and Isaiah 2:1-5. Matthew 24: 36-44 36 But about

More information

A Study On Jesus Christ as judge. See also Jn 5:27; Ac 10:42; Ac 17:31. See also Is 11:3 4; Mic 4:3; Jn 8:15 16; Ac 17:31; Re 19:11

A Study On Jesus Christ as judge. See also Jn 5:27; Ac 10:42; Ac 17:31. See also Is 11:3 4; Mic 4:3; Jn 8:15 16; Ac 17:31; Re 19:11 A Study On Jesus Christ as judge By Pastor Harry Richardson Jesus Christ executed judgment against the forces of evil through his death on the cross. Individuals will be judged according to their response

More information

An Old Time Gospel Message on The 2 nd Coming Message 13 of 13 in The Old Time Gospel Sermon Series I Thessalonians 4:13-18 NIV

An Old Time Gospel Message on The 2 nd Coming Message 13 of 13 in The Old Time Gospel Sermon Series I Thessalonians 4:13-18 NIV MESSAGE FOR SUNDAY MORNING, AUGUST 30, 2009 MESSAGE 13 of 13 in The Old Time Gospel Sermon Series CHRISTIAN HOPE CHURCH OF CHRIST, PLYMOUTH, NORTH CAROLINA by Reggie A. Braziel, minister An Old Time Gospel

More information

1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-11

1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-11 Bible Study Notes (A basic transcription with modifications for style and clarity) 1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-11 Brian Orchard, February 3, 2017 When Paul spoke to the Church in Thessalonica he offered words

More information

GOSPEL READING. A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew

GOSPEL READING. A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew G-1 according to Matthew 5:1-12a When he saw the crowds, Jesus went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit,

More information

Matthew Series Lesson #160

Matthew Series Lesson #160 Matthew Series Lesson #160 April 23, 2017 Dean Bible Ministries www.deanbibleministries.org Dr. Robert L. Dean, Jr. Be Prepared: The Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids Matthew 25:1 13 Matt. 25:1 13 1. Review:

More information

25 Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took

25 Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took A SPIRITUAL ENERGY CRISIS Matthew 5.1-13 November 12, 2017 Tim Phillips, Seattle First Baptist Church Matthew 25.1-13 25 Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and

More information

Matthew 5:1-12 Beatitudes. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew:

Matthew 5:1-12 Beatitudes. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew: Matthew 5:1-12 Beatitudes A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew: G-A When he saw the crowds, Jesus went up the mountain and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach

More information

The Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills. OPENING HYMN Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones LSB #670

The Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills. OPENING HYMN Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones LSB #670 The Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST November 12, 2017 PRELUDE WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS OPENING HYMN Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones LSB #670 +HOLY BAPTISM+ (8:00) Emmett

More information

Burning the Midnight Oil

Burning the Midnight Oil Matthew 25:1-13 Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 When the foolish took

More information

1 Ted Kirnbauer Luke 17: /9/17

1 Ted Kirnbauer Luke 17: /9/17 1 17:20 Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; 17:21 nor will they

More information

Revelation Chapter 3

Revelation Chapter 3 Revelation Chapter 3 In Revelation chapter 3, we continued with the last 3 of the 7 churches Revelation 3:1 "And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven

More information

McLEAN BIBLE CHURCH OCTOBER 10, :45 AM

McLEAN BIBLE CHURCH OCTOBER 10, :45 AM McLEAN BIBLE CHURCH OCTOBER 10, 2010 10:45 AM Thank you. We want to say a good morning to all of our friends at our Loudoun Campus, at our Prince William Campus, down in our Edge Community and around the

More information

Review from last week - Jesus four characteristics of the end times: 1. There will be a great deception. 2. There will be an intense persecution and

Review from last week - Jesus four characteristics of the end times: 1. There will be a great deception. 2. There will be an intense persecution and Review from last week - Jesus four characteristics of the end times: 1. There will be a great deception. 2. There will be an intense persecution and suffering for the saints. 3. Jerusalem s destruction

More information

Parables About His Coming

Parables About His Coming January 30, 2011 College Park Church Parables About His Coming Matthew 25:1-30 Mark Vroegop 25 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.

More information

CARE GROUP LESSON LESSON 10 REST IS GOOD

CARE GROUP LESSON LESSON 10 REST IS GOOD 1 CARE GROUP LESSON LESSON 10 REST IS GOOD We have been learning that God is good. In our final lesson, we will look at the strong connection between good and rest and look at how prayer leads to our resting

More information

Welcome to the Worship Celebration of

Welcome to the Worship Celebration of Welcome to the Worship Celebration of Church As She Should Be (part 10) What About The Rapture? Part 2 What About The Timing of the Rapture? 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 06/10/2018 Church As She Should Be (part

More information

Statements Jesus made in the Gospels Concerning the End of Days and the Rapture of the Church

Statements Jesus made in the Gospels Concerning the End of Days and the Rapture of the Church Statements Jesus made in the Gospels Concerning the End of Days and the Rapture of the Church Many times when we think of scriptures concerning the end of days or the rapture, Matthew chapter 24 and the

More information

MAKE YOURSELF, AN ARK!

MAKE YOURSELF, AN ARK! "THE WORDS OF THE LORD ARE PURE WORDS, LIKE SILVER TRIED IN A FURNACE OF EARTH, PURIFIED SEVEN TIMES. YOU SHALL KEEP THEM, O LORD, YOU SHALL PRESERVE THEM FROM THIS GENERATION FOREVER." (PSALM 12: 6-7)

More information

The Gospel of the Lord

The Gospel of the Lord Gospel Readings A READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW (42) Matthew 5:1-12a When he saw the crowds, Jesus went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began

More information

Parable of the Ten Virgins The Tragedy and Glory of the End Times Church

Parable of the Ten Virgins The Tragedy and Glory of the End Times Church Parable of the Ten Virgins The Tragedy and Glory of the End Times Church by Jim Sayles The majority of Christian believers today believe that the church they experience and their parents experienced is

More information

The Case for Christmas Advent Worship Series - Week 1 Christianity Is a FACTual Faith

The Case for Christmas Advent Worship Series - Week 1 Christianity Is a FACTual Faith The Case for Christmas Advent Worship Series - Week 1 Christianity Is a FACTual Faith WORSHIP SERVICE OUTLINES Each worship outline contains all elements needed for your worship service. The order of each

More information

Oil in Our Lamps. While Coy Manning was in the hospital. BY ELDER LYNN G. ROBBINS Of the Seventy

Oil in Our Lamps. While Coy Manning was in the hospital. BY ELDER LYNN G. ROBBINS Of the Seventy LESSONS FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT Oil in Our Lamps BY ELDER LYNN G. ROBBINS Of the Seventy 44 Being worthy of a temple recommend is a wise way to prepare to meet the Lord. While Coy Manning was in the hospital

More information

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PRAYER UNIVERSITY - MIKE BICKLE

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PRAYER UNIVERSITY - MIKE BICKLE INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PRAYER UNIVERSITY - MIKE BICKLE Studies in the Life of Christ Session 22 Disciples Called to Live in the Light of Eternity (Lk. 12-13) I. BE SPIRITUALLY ALERT AND WATCHFUL FOR JESUS

More information

Running on Empty. <Read Matthew 25:1-13 NRSV>

Running on Empty. <Read Matthew 25:1-13 NRSV> Rev. Joan Pell Sierra Pines United Methodist Church Sermon: 11/12/2017 Stand-Alone Sermon Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13 Running on Empty 1 Then the kingdom of heaven will be like

More information

Epworth Chapel on the Green December 1, 2013 Advent 1 Rev. Dr. Brook Thelander

Epworth Chapel on the Green December 1, 2013 Advent 1 Rev. Dr. Brook Thelander Epworth Chapel on the Green December 1, 2013 Advent 1 Rev. Dr. Brook Thelander Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122 Romans 13:8-14 Matthew 24:37-44 In some ways it seems hard to believe, but 2013 has come and gone,

More information

The Latter Rains. by Jim Sayles

The Latter Rains. by Jim Sayles The Latter Rains by Jim Sayles In the prophetic parable of the ten virgins we notice an unusual encounter between the wise virgins and the foolish virgins in which the foolish virgins recognize, not only

More information

Jesus Will Demonstrate What Matters Most

Jesus Will Demonstrate What Matters Most Jesus Will Demonstrate What Matters Most Author: Larry W. Wilson The Lord confronted Apostle Peter in a vision a few months after Jesus returned to Heaven. Peter was dumbfounded by the meaning of the vision

More information

The King s Bridesmaids Matthew 25:1-13 Introduction

The King s Bridesmaids Matthew 25:1-13 Introduction Introduction Regret. It seems to small a word to describe the ocean of emotion. Do you have any regrets? About the person you married or failed to marry? About the career you chose or failed to chose?

More information

Gospel Readings. Prout Funeral HomE

Gospel Readings. Prout Funeral HomE Gospel Readings Prout Funeral HomE G1 Matthew 5:1-12a A reading from the Gospel According to St. Matthew When he saw the crowds, Jesus went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came

More information

Valley Bible Church - Sermon Transcript. Ungodliness Prophesied Jude 14-19

Valley Bible Church - Sermon Transcript. Ungodliness Prophesied Jude 14-19 Valley Bible Church - Sermon Transcript Ungodliness Prophesied Jude 14-19 As we turn to our verses today, I want to remind you that the book of Jude has one major theme, and that is apostasy. Verses 14-19

More information

Today is Rose Sunday, the third Sunday in Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. And Gaudete is the Latin word for rejoice. So happy Joy Sunday.

Today is Rose Sunday, the third Sunday in Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday. And Gaudete is the Latin word for rejoice. So happy Joy Sunday. 1 Sermon: Preparation / Rose Sunday Third Sunday in Advent, Dec. 16, 2018 Susan Clinkenbeard Luke 3:7-18 John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you

More information

Hymn of the week (at start of assembly: Give me oil in my lamp.) To end: Never Give up Yolanda Adams.

Hymn of the week (at start of assembly: Give me oil in my lamp.) To end: Never Give up Yolanda Adams. Putting first things first Hymn of the week (at start of assembly: Give me oil in my lamp.) To end: Never Give up Yolanda Adams. Never give up (Yolanda Adams) Visions that can change the world trapped

More information

+ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

+ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew MATTHEW 5: 1-12a + A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had

More information

Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. Revelation 1:19

Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. Revelation 1:19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. Revelation 1:19 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice

More information

The Parable of the Fig Tree

The Parable of the Fig Tree The Parable of the Fig Tree The parable of the fig tree is one of only a few parables that are reported in all three Synoptic Gospels Matthew, Mark and Luke. Others are: The parable of the sower, the parable

More information

Jesus Is Coming Soon. 1Thessalonians 5:1-11

Jesus Is Coming Soon. 1Thessalonians 5:1-11 Jesus Is Coming Soon 1Thessalonians 5:1-11 1Thes. 5:1-11 - But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the

More information

GOSPEL READINGS. 1. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:1 12

GOSPEL READINGS. 1. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:1 12 GOSPEL READINGS 1. A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:1 12 Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up the hill. There he sat down and was joined by his disciples. Then he began to speak. This

More information

The Second Coming of Jesus

The Second Coming of Jesus The Second Coming of Jesus People have many different beliefs about what will happen at the end of time. Some think that the end of the planet will be the end of mankind. As far as they are concerned,

More information

Are You Ready for the Second Coming?

Are You Ready for the Second Coming? Are You Ready for the Second Coming? Author: Larry W. Wilson Commentary on Matthew 24 One day, as Jesus and His disciples were leaving the temple, Jesus directed His followers to consider the magnificent

More information

GOSPEL READINGS. (1) Gospel Matthew 5:1-12a

GOSPEL READINGS. (1) Gospel Matthew 5:1-12a GOSPEL READINGS (1) Gospel Matthew 5:1-12a When he saw the crowds, Jesus went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: Blessed are the poor

More information