The parable of the ten virgins describes five virgins who were wise and prepared for the bridegroom's arrival by bringing oil for their lamps, while five were foolish and unprepared. When the bridegroom came at midnight, the foolish virgins' lamps had gone out because they lacked oil. Though they asked the wise for oil, they were told to go buy it themselves. By the time they returned, the door was shut and they were left outside. The passage emphasizes being prepared and watchful for Christ's return.

1. Matt 25:1-3 1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:

2. 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

3. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

4. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.

5. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

6. INDWELLING OF THE SPIRIT

7. ARE YOUR READY FOR THE RAPTURE? PREPARATION PARTICIPATION PERFECTION

8. THE FOOLISH AND THE WISE VIRGINS: WHAT THEY HAVE IN COMMON They were chosen They were appointed They have their lamps They have great expectations They were waiting for the bridegroom

9. THE FOOLISH AND THE WISE VIRGINS: THEIR DIFFERENCES Their preparation Their participation Their perfection

10. The FOOLISH from the WISE VIRGINS: WHAT WAS LACKING O UTLOOK of life I NTEREST for the Word of God L OVE for Christ Jesus

11. 2 Thess 2:6-7 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let , until he be taken out of the way .

12. Matt 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation , such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be .

13. THERE WILL BE GNASHING OF TEETH: Matthew 8:12 – children of the kingdom Matthew 13:42 – tares of the world Matthew 13: 50 – the bad, unjust, & wicked fish Matthew 22:13 – unprepared & imperfect works Matthew 24:51 – abusive servant Matthew 25:30 – unprofitable servant Luke 13:28 – workers of iniquity

14. WHAT WE MUST DO: Prepare yourself Prepare your family Prepare your church Prepare your community

15. How can we prepare our community if our church is not prepared? How can we prepare our church if our family is not prepared? How can we prepare our family if we are not prepared ourselves?

16. THE BOTTOMLINE O UTPOURING of the Spirit I NTIMATE relationship with God L OVE the unlovable by sharing the gospel of Christ Jesus

17. Have that O.I.L. Be ready to receive the Spirit of God Be prepared in serving our God Be perfect in all your ways (Matthew 5:48)

18. GOD BLESS...