SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
(Matthew 25:1-5) (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."
(Matthew 25:6-9) (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." (9) "But the wise answered, saying, "No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves."
(Matthew 25:10-13) (10) " And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut." (11) "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us!" (12) "But he answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you." (13) "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."
PROLOGUE
Before a church can be awakened to its purpose, it must first clearly understand and communicate that purpose. A church cannot effectively fulfill its mission if its members are not growing in faith and dedication to Christ.
The parable of the Ten Virgins is a moving story that Jesus shared to highlight the importance of being spiritually prepared for Christ’s second coming. In this parable, ten virgins set out to meet the bridegroom. Five virgins were wise and brought extra oil for their lamps, ensuring they would be ready if there was a delay. The other five, called foolish, neglected this vital preparation and brought too little oil.
In the parable, the Lord highlights that when the bridegroom arrived, only the wise virgins were prepared to enter the wedding feast, while the foolish ones were left outside. This teaches a vital lesson that spiritual readiness is crucial because we do not know the exact time of Christ's return.
The parable explains that all ten virgins fell asleep while waiting for the delayed bridegroom. However, when his arrival was announced, the foolish virgins woke up to find they had run out of oil. They approached the wise virgins, asking to share their oil. The wise virgins firmly declined, explaining that they only had enough for themselves. Instead, they advised the foolish ones to purchase oil for themselves.
The foolish ones went out to buy oil, but by the time they returned, the bridegroom had already arrived, and the door was closed. Jewish weddings often took place at night, and armed guards were stationed at the entrance to prevent disruptions. The parable ends with the bridegroom telling the foolish virgins, "I do not know you."
The foolish virgins who failed to bring enough oil represent those who go to church just for appearances, lacking real faith and not preparing for Christ's return. The parable emphasizes that Christ's second coming will happen suddenly and unexpectedly, and those who are unready will not be welcomed into the kingdom of God.
In this parable, Jesus uses everyday events and customs to illustrate spiritual truths to His disciples. The five foolish virgins in the parable chose to do things their way, which caused the wedding party to walk a darker path with less light, embarrassing the bride.
In today's world, many people in the church may seem ready to meet the Lord, but in reality, they have not fully surrendered their lives to Christ. They might still identify as Christians but fail to follow His commandments to serve others and be a light in the world.
In conclusion, being a Christian is more than just words and actions; it requires genuine commitment. The wise virgins had enough oil for their lamps, showing that true believers are fully prepared for Christ's return. Since we do not know the day or the hour of His coming, we must always stay ready. Our focus should be on living in a way that pleases God by actively serving and loving others.
“IDENTIFYING THE TRUE CHURCH.”
This powerful end-times message to the sleeping church reminds me of how some people attend church but don't open their Bible during the week, idolize their minister without questioning what is being preached, and leave feeling entertained but spiritually empty. The five foolish virgins in the parable were chosen as close friends of the bride, but they harbored selfish spirits and took shortcuts, embarrassing themselves and the bride.
In today's society, it's becoming more common to see people who try to have the best of both worlds. They want to enjoy life's pleasures—whether through material things, experiences, or personal relationships—while keeping their sense of freedom and independence.
Many of these individuals aim to steer their lives independently, believing they can achieve salvation and eternal life without completely submitting to God’s guidance or authority.
They often believe they can balance their desires with spiritual fulfillment. However, the Lord considers such attitudes misguided and foolish, emphasizing that true fulfillment and salvation stem from sincere devotion and dedication rather than personal autonomy.
It's essential to realize that genuine salvation and spiritual fulfillment only come from surrendering our lives to Christ. We need to study the Bible and reflect on our faith to truly understand what it means to live a life that pleases God. Only then can we experience the joy and peace that come with a faith-filled life.
The Bible teaches that the path to salvation is narrow and challenging. It requires us to let go of our selfish desires and trust God completely. Following this path means releasing our ambitions and aligning our lives with His divine will. This commitment involves living in obedience to His commands and striving to follow the loving example set by Jesus Christ, who showed unconditional love and selflessness in all His actions.
It’s important to understand that true spiritual fulfillment isn’t found in chasing fleeting pleasures or seeking total satisfaction. The journey to deeper faith requires a willingness to surrender our lives to Christ. This means carefully studying the Bible and honestly examining our beliefs and practices, which is crucial for personal growth in faith.
In conclusion, when we genuinely seek a relationship with God and take these steps, we open ourselves to experiencing profound joy and peace. These are essential for a life grounded in faith and help us better understand our role in the world as followers of Christ.
“TOO MANY HYPOCRITES IN THE CHURCH.”
Have you ever met someone who often calls others hypocrites? Have you noticed how people use this as an excuse to avoid going to church, usually saying there are too many hypocrites in the congregation as the reason not to go?
According to Webster's dictionary, a hypocrite is someone who claims to possess virtues or hold religious beliefs but acts in a manner that contradicts those principles.
We live in a broken world full of people who often struggle and suffer. It is important to recognize that no church is perfect, and no congregation is made up entirely of flawless individuals. When someone chooses to leave the church because of hypocrites, they often unintentionally imply that they feel spiritually superior and capable of judging others' worthiness.
This view not only emphasizes their critique of the church but also exposes their own flaws and shortcomings. It’s important to recognize that everyone, no matter where they are on their spiritual path, is imperfect and needs God's grace. Instead of pulling away, participating in the community could provide opportunities for growth, understanding, and healing for both the individual and those around them.
I remember attending a revival at a rural church in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. As the successful radio host of the "Two More for Jesus" program, I received many reports of God performing miracles through my radio broadcasts. This led churches in the listening area to come together and invite me for a revival.
I was preaching at the revival, and halfway through my sermon, I told the congregation that there were hypocrites among them. I planned to expose them before the service ended. Because of God's many miracles through my ministry, the church was full, and I noticed everyone looking at each other suspiciously as I made that statement.
I approached the grand piano in the church corner and picked up an artificial plant sitting on top of it. With a playful grin, I told the congregation that this plant represented the hypocrite among us. Although it looked lifelike, it lacked the roots and essence needed to thrive.
In conclusion, the room filled with laughter as my words resonated with the diverse experiences of those present. I noticed a few faces in the crowd change; some attendees, who had long suspected their partners’ faithfulness, looked down sheepishly, suddenly aware of the metaphorical spotlight on their relationships. It turned into a light-hearted moment, reminding us of the importance of accountability and the need to nurture the connections that truly matter.
"WHAT GOOD IS A WEDDING WITHOUT THE WINE?"
Beloved, do you remember John 2:1-2, which tells of the wedding at Cana in Galilee where they ran out of wine? It was there that Jesus performed his first miracle by turning water into wine. I enjoy imagining that the water might have blushed in front of its creator before becoming wine, but we understand this miracle was crucial for the wedding. Without it, his mother and the hosts could have been embarrassed.
A wedding is a joyful celebration of love and unity. Yet, it feels incomplete without one essential element: wine. Wine adds elegance and a festive touch, symbolizing happiness and togetherness. Without it, the event seems lacking in substance. So, consider: "What’s a wedding without wine?"
The wine mentioned in John 2:1-2 was real wine, but I want to reflect on the spiritual health of some of our church services today. They often feature shallow programs, leaving little room for the Spirit of God to bless His people.
This is an outward show with no spiritual involvement, as attendees are entertained but leave with empty hearts.
Isn't it true that we have a gospel today that promotes the flesh's survival, even though God’s word calls us to die daily to our agendas, desires, and self-righteousness? The truth is, many people are living below the standards purchased for them by the atoning blood of Jesus, and sadly, deceptive lying spirits are guiding them. They allow those spirits to dominate their lives.
I always strive to offer solutions in my writings, particularly when addressing or diagnosing issues within the church that require attention. That is what I will do. First, let's review what has led us to the dangerous world conditions we face daily.
It was in the 60s that a newspaper published a bold headline declaring that the Living God is dead, and it was then that the Beatles arrived from England with their secular music, infiltrating the hearts of our young teens. One song, titled “The Yellow Submarine,” referenced the high of experimenting with hallucinogenic drugs.
God will never let the devil’s seat rise above His, and He started working through the Christian community by having a songwriter write a song that says, "If God is dead, who is this living in my Soul?"
Can we responsibly claim that people from that generation now hold government positions, and can we also say that some teachers in our schools use books to teach evolution and deny Creation, telling our youth that life has no purpose and that we are just tadpoles from the ocean or the descendants of monkeys?
The enemy decided that because we are a strong, united republic protected by a powerful force that proved its strength during our founding, they would need to find a way to weaken us, since our God is too mighty to be attacked.
Like Daniel of old, they decided the only way to reach us was through our morals, finding a way to indoctrinate our youth to the point that this Sovereign Being would have to turn his back on us. This is how they did it through our music, Hollywood, and MTV.
At the end of World War II, the Industrial Revolution began, pulling mothers away from their children to work in the factories that were rapidly emerging across the country. This left our young children unsupervised, allowing MTV to become a primary influence on them.
[1]. Laws were enacted to legalize abortion, leading to 1.5 million babies being aborted annually. [2] Prayer was banned in schools and public gatherings, which led to teens fighting it out in our streets, parks, and schools. [3.] Today, student rape, teen pregnancy, drug deals, muggings, and drive-by shootings are seen as the norm of the day. [4.] The secular humanistic school boards reject the Holy Bible, while pornography, humanism, occultism, and Satanism are part of the regular curriculum and have recently become entertainment at our sports events.
“FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION.”
The Great Commission, as outlined in Matthew 28:19-20, delivers a powerful command to the Church. It calls believers to "go and make disciples of all nations." This involves actively sharing the teachings of Jesus Christ and encouraging spiritual growth among people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
The passage stresses the importance of baptizing these new believers "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." These powerful scriptures instruct the Church to "teach them to obey everything I have commanded you," emphasizing the ongoing duty to educate and guide disciples in living by Christ’s teachings.
You cannot share what you do not possess; this is why discipleship is so essential. Some seek leadership roles and even claim they want to evangelize the world, when in fact, they haven't even made an impact in their own neighborhood.
Discipleship involves a dedicated relationship where one person learns from another, helping individuals deepen their understanding and improve their skills. By participating in discipleship, we prepare ourselves to serve more effectively and guide others, ultimately building a community founded on knowledge and support.
After completing our training, we are fully prepared for the next vital step in fulfilling the Great Commission: Evangelism. This step is not just about sharing the good news of salvation; it involves actively proclaiming this life-changing message to a world that is often hurting and searching for hope.
Evangelism requires us to reach out with compassion and understanding, sharing the love and grace of God with those who are hurting. This includes nurturing new believers in their faith, offering guidance and support as they navigate their spiritual journeys, helping them develop a strong prayer life, and encouraging their involvement in church activities.
Awakening a church to its purpose requires shifting its focus from self-centeredness to actively meeting the needs of the community and the world. This involves developing strategies for evangelism, social justice, and community engagement that are both meaningful and effective. A missional church understands that its purpose is not for itself, but for advancing God's kingdom.
I tell people, especially leaders I meet, this: for you to be effective in evangelism, you must understand its characteristics, which are not based on your ability but on His ability. You can compare it to an ordinary yellow number two lead pencil that you can find in most schools.
You can use it to make a mark, sharpen it, and create more marks. Yes, there is also an eraser to erase the mark and make a new one, but do you really understand the characteristics of the pencil?
Did you know that applying sufficient pressure and heat to the graphite in a pencil can transform it into a diamond? Additionally, in severe winter conditions, jumper cables connected from each end of the pencil's graphite to a car battery can be used to melt wet underbrush and ignite a fire, potentially helping a family stranded in the snow.
Beloved, when you recognize through years of experience that the gospel you share has the power to transform lives eternally and leave a lasting legacy for future generations, and when you see that the gospel can rescue someone from destruction, and realize that no one is beyond redemption—allowing God to shape that person into someone with divine purpose—then you are truly prepared to be sent to the nations.
MY CONCLUSION
God is raising and realigning people during this time who will dedicate themselves to prayer, solitude, and communion with Him. His plan for this period is for His people to turn away from worldly pursuits and prayerless lives, and to repent of their selfish, fleshly desires for power and status.
God is calling on believers to repent of their church disputes and denominational jealousy. He desires for our pulpits to once again resonate and ignite with the power and purifying fire of his Holy Spirit through men and women who have chosen not to compromise the truth for a paycheck.
Church, it is time to wake up to the call and task before us and to let go of the love for this world and for ourselves. Yes, let us turn to the Lord with all our hearts, fasting and praying, as we soak our altars with our tears while we wait to hear from heaven.
The church we see today, proclaiming itself to the world, is a weak, prayerless church that is focused on materialism rather than reaching out to lost and broken humanity.
Isn't it true that many leaders we see today need mentorship, which is a direct result of jealous leaders who refuse to acknowledge and guide someone stepping into their role?
Many so-called leaders in the church today remind me of people caught in a strong earthquake — unstable and unsteady. The people they lead are stumbling as they try to understand what is happening and are losing focus on making good decisions.
Feeling overwhelmed during tough times and losing hope is a natural response. That's why it's important to pause, reflect on how we got here, and think about what steps we can take to prepare for what’s ahead.
We should also remain alert and watchful, aware that His return could happen at any moment. As we continue fulfilling our duties as believers, let us not lose hope but trust in God's grace and mercy, striving to live according to His will, knowing that one day we will be rewarded for our faithfulness.
In conclusion, let us raise our standards and step out of complacency to answer the clarion call to reach the nations and fulfill the Great Commission —to share the greatest news on earth: that God loves and saves sinners.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
