1. Preparing For His Coming Matt. 25:1-8

2. 1 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 6 "And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'

3. Preparing for His Coming The closing “sermon” of Jesus Matthew chapters 24 and 25 Absolute certainty of temple destruction Visible signs when it would happen Absolute certainty of final judgment Absolute uncertainty when it will be

4. Preparing for His Coming First century marriages—Matt. 25:1-13 Parable used to show uncertainty Focus on the groom Awaiting the arrival of the groom Bridesmaids were part of welcome Midnight cry—Behold he is coming In this parable—no extra oil In this parable—no extra time “The door is shut” Preparing for His Coming First century marriages—Matt. 25:1-13 Parable used to show uncertainty Focus on the groom Awaiting the arrival of the groom Bridesmaids were part of welcome Midnight cry—Behold he is coming In this parable—no extra oil In this parable—no extra time “The door is shut”

5. Preparing for His Coming Uncertainty of time of His coming Hebrews 9:27 Two certain things—death and judgment Judgment day comes like a thief Judgment day comes like a child’s birth Judgment day—final justice Judgment day—final separation

6. Preparing for His Coming Judgment day will be too late to... Benefit from righteousness of others Hear and have active visible faith Change who and what you are Your character that day will be as today Finally do the intentions you have

7. Before “The Door is Shut”

8. Believe in HimJohn 3:16 Turn (repent) from sinLuke 13:3 Confess ChristRom. 10:9 Baptized into ChristGal. 3:27 Added to His Kingdom, Church, FAMILY Be faithful until deathRev. 2:10