ON NOVEMBER 8, 2008 Jim O'Neil, age 65, was flying alone in his Cessna airplane at 15,000 over North Yorkshire, England, when he suffered a stroke.
The stroke left Jim totally blind. He immediately radioed for help. His distress call was answered by Paul Gerrard who was flying nearby in a military training airplane. He flew his trainer to within 300 feet of Jim's plane and established radio contact. Then, using a series of very carefully chosen words,, he tried to guide Jim into maneuvering his plane down to the airport. Using words like, "Turn left.. a little right... reduce power... 10% flaps", he skillfully guided Jim down to and onto the runway.
What was it that had saved Jim's life? Jim was saved by following word for word instructions, right? He followed exactly the instructions that he heard and he survived what should, or could, have been, a fatal crash landing.
Life for us here on earth is much like that flight. The end of the world is like this landing. There may be a lot of hazards along the journey but the most dangerous part of our journey is the LANDING". What can we each, do that we know we are saved and thus ensure our "Safe Landing?" Well, basically, its the same thing that saved Jim O'Neil, can also save us: that is, following word for word instructions given to us by our Creator, in His Word, the Holy Bible.
You see, while He was on this earth, for a short 33 years, He spoke of a parable about ten virgins .[ Sorry but this means only that they have not chased after "Strange religions", or human doctrines] In that parable, He mentioned on thing that we absolutely need in order to have a safe landing at the time of the end. It is most important for the Christians living at that time. { Please know that none knows when their last breath shall be, so the very best time to get ready is NOW!]
SO WHAT IS THAT ALL-IMPORTANT THING, VIA 3 SYMBOLS?
1. Why did Jesus tell of the parable of the Ten Virgins?
Matthew 25:1 "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom."
NOTE: Within His directive, He gave us three things that we must have, for eternal life.
(1) Virgin Someone who professes a pure faith, has knowledge of the truth, and is expecting the 2nd Coming of Jesus. Jeremiah 6:2 " I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman."
2 Corinthians 11:2 "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."
Ephesians 5:23-27 "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." {(j.b.) if all did these things with a marriage, there'd be no divorce agree?]
(2) Lamps: Psalms 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.}
(3) Bridegroom: {Jesus]Matthew 25:10-12 "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. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not."
Note: In this parable, Christ is illustrating the experience of the church that shall live just before His coming.
2. What was it that dived the ten into two different groups?
Matthew 25:2-4 "And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps."
Note: Five were wise and five were foolish. The determining factor was whether they had their lamps filled with oil or not. Lamps without oil, can't give light, right? The oil was for the lamps to burn for light. Please remember in Bible Symbols list that oil represent the Holy Bible and the Knowledge of it. [PS. 119:105]
3.. What does the oil represent in this parable?
1 Samuel 16:13 "Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah."
NOTE: The oil represents the Holy Spirit. When David's head was anointed with oil, then the Holy Spirit entered into David. Please read Zechariah 4th chapter, here we are told about the oil that was used to make the 7 candles burn in the Temple. Speaking of that oil it says, "Not by might, nor by power, but by MY Spirit says the Lord."
Note 2: 1 Corinthians 3:17 "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." [God created YOU, and is willing His Spirit to be within YOU, to change you, over time so YOU can have the Character of Christ, thus ready for eternal life! All each must to is be b e willing to allow this to happen!]
4. Because the Bridegroom was was late, what happened to all the Virgins?
Matthew 25:6-7. "And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps."
NOTE: Because the Bridegroom [Jesus] didn't come when THEY expected Him to, all 10 fell asleep, even the wise five. However, even falling asleep did NOT disqualify the wise 5 from going home with our Bridegroom, when latter HE did come! [Yes this IS yet future]
5. What did the Virgins do when the Bridegroom finally did return?
Matthew 25:6-7 "And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps."
NOTE: What was the FIRST thing they did?
They TRIMMED their lamps, right? They put all their attention to their lamps, Now if the Lamps represents the Bible, what would TRIMMING their lamps mean? Well trimming the lamps means you are getting ready to light it, to get it burning.
Remember the Bible is TRUTH ! So, would trimming one's lamp not mean searching for Bible truths? Psalms 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
6. But, why did they trim their lamps rather than rush after the Bridegroom?
Matthew 24:5 "For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many."
NOTE: In this chapter Christ said two times "Let no man deceive you" , or its equal, and then spoke of deceptions and false teachings, in VS. 11,23, and 26, that would deceive many! They Trimmed their lamps because they need to see clearly that this was in fact the real and true Bridegroom, and not just another impostor, counterfeiting the truth of GOD!
WHY?
Ephesians 4:5 "One Lord, one faith, one baptism,"
1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
WHY is this so? Many say this is arrogance of our part, to exclude all other human belief systems! Well sorry, but is it arrogant for one to say "This sweet Lady is my wife"? If you agree, then all truth is arrogant by YOUR standards, right? Besides there in NO prophecy in the writings of any other so-called holy men nor their books, only the The Holy Bible has it and fully 1/3 of is prophecy, much of which, but not yet all, has come to pass, as written, and on time, if a time element is given!
7. What terrible discovery did the foolish Virgins make? Please read this story of Matthew 25.
Matthew 25:8 "And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out."
Matthew 25:2-3 "And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:"
Note: The foolish ones found their lamps were OUT of oil, thus no light! Now a burning lamp. represents an Active Bible Study life, that is powered and fueled by the Holy Spirit. Therefore a wise person, not only is active in Bible Studies, but also puts into daily practice the Bible's Principles, in their daily lives! Sadly we have few wise but many that are foolish, believing the doctrines of man, such as evolution, covered on other blogs in this site.
WHY can this be said?
John 16:13 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." [+ John 14:17:15:26:16:13. Eph. 1:13; 5:9. 2Thes. 2:13. 1 John 4:6.]
Note: Through the Holt Spirit, God's word is a light as it becomes a transforming power in the life of the receivers!
8. What is the Holy Spirit and what is His purpose?
John 16:13-14 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."
Note: If one wants to begin any argument, just ask "What IS truth"? John 17:17 "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. "
Note: The Holy Spirit's job is ti help us understand, and gives us the power to put into practice the things we find in God' s Word. Jesus said "He will guide us into all truth. Did you notice that the "OIL" [ Holy Spirit] goes into the LAMP [ the Holy Bible} and not into the Virgin. In turn, the lamp gives light [truth] to the person with the Lamp!
Please know, the Holy Spirit, is NOT a "tool", we can tap into, or to do things for our own purposes. The Bible tells us that we don't use Him, He uses us, by transforming us into the Christ's character,
1 Corinthians 12:11 "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."
THIS IS WHAT GOD TELLS US IN HIS WORD ABOUT THIS QUESTION.....
IS THE HOLY SPIRIT A A DIVINE BEING OR A FORCE?
JESUS said HE is!
John 16:13. "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."
Note: Please take notice of the seven PERSONAL PRONOUNS. . . HE. . . in this verse.
John 16:14-15 "He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you."
What's the purpose of using a personal pronoun HE? Well rather than a given name, we can use he or she right? It is much easier than to write a a mane with 26 letters in.But look at this next verse......
Ephesians 4:30 "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."
Note: If, as some believe, that the Holy Spirit, is force, or a power, how can we greave, [ hurt His feelings ] a force, that has feelings? THINK!Acts 8:29-30 "Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, [Isaiah] and said, Understand thou what thou readest?
Note: Can a force, speak?
8. Can the Virgins, OR YOU, get oil at midnight?
Matthew 25:9 "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."
Note: Dear reader, I hope and pray, that none of YOU, will be too late, for all this is a life or death situation question, and both shall be eternal! Please know this simple fact: " we all. . . .chose where we go, either to the Heaven with Christ, or to the Lake of Fire with Satan. NONE shall be be lost, unless they so chose it by disobedience and rebellion against Christ! WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
No person can "borrow" "OIL" from an other, No person can believe for another, no person can receive the Holy Spirit for or from an other, period. Noe can one "BUY" their share from any source, as Heaven is NOT for sale, with any of men' s currencies. Pure love is never bought nor sold, but freely given!.
10 How important is the "OIL", the Holy Spirit?
Matthew 25:11-12 "Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not."
Note: Did the foolish Virgins find oil to buy at midnight? The parable doesn't say, but think of the message given here! How can one learn the enough from the Bible, to get ready for Christ's return, when He's ALREADY on His way? The time to buy auto insurance is before an accident, not after, right? Well think of your Bible studies, as "Heaven' s Insurance". For the reason, to all to repent and ask for forgiveness, before we die, as none can so do, while in the grave, agree? NOW. . .right now is the time to ask for the Holy n Spirit's help in your learning, as none knows the time of one's last breath!
11. What does Jesus mean by the phrase Lord, Lord?
Matthew 7:21 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
Note: Jesus used this phrase "LORD, LORD" only 5 times and only HE uses it. EACH time He used it, He was speaking of people who say they know Him, or say they are His followers, or claim to be "Christians" when they do NOT, obey nor do His will, as do all those who shall meet Him in the air! { Please re-read Lessons 7,11 again}
Here's the other 4 times.
(!1 Matthew 7:22-23 "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
(2) Matthew 25:11-12 "Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not."
(3) Luke 6:46 "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
(4) Luke 13:25 "When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:"
12. How do we get the oil, of the Holy Spirit?
Luke 11:13 "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"
Acts 5:32 "And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him."
Note: Please do NOT let the "ye, being evil", throw you off, especially when we are compared to GOD, we are all fallen far short of HIS character.
2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
Note GOD our Father in Heaven, is eager to give you the ultimate gifts of "Peace of Mind" and Eternal life, and all we need to do is to turn to Him and ask for His help in learning His ways! This comes to us in the form of the Holy Spirit, who with our willing hearts, prepares us for life eternal by having take on Christ' s character, and His "Robe of righteousness", as we have none of our won!
WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE OIL IN YOUR LAMP?
VISIT your Seventh day Adventist Church, any Sabbath/Saturday @9:15 AM. You''l be very glad you did.
Questions?......................Comments?
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Thank YOU for your time.
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