Week by week the Lord speaks to His Church. He expects individual believer’s to be growing stronger and therefore, His Church growing stronger and making increased impact.
When we read the story of the 10 virgins, in Matthew 25 verses 1 to 13, we see that 5 of them were wise, and the other 5 were foolish. The 5 wise virgins were ready for the arrival of the bridegroom. They were shown favour and grace as they were rescued from the world. These 5 were constantly growing, learning and were noted as having ‘oil in their lamps.’ Being devoted to Christ and the regular teaching of the Word being spoken is of the utmost importance.
As we enter into week 5 of this year are we paying attention and putting oil in our jars? Do we remember week 1, where we were encouraged to ‘Know the Author?’ How vital it is to know Jesus! In the parable of the 10 virgins mentioned above, Jesus says to the 5 foolish ones:- “But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ So, let us make sure we have an intimate relationship with Jesus!
In weeks 2 and 3, we were encouraged by our guest speakers to ‘train well for the race’ and to ‘go deeper’ with all things of God. By ‘going deeper’ in The Word of God, spending time in prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit strengthens us for the race that is set before us. And last week we heard a message about allowing God to purify our hearts and we receive a new heart, one that is full of Him and His love.
What is next? What will the story be? It depends upon you. By applying all that we have learnt thus far, we will be storing up oil in our jars! True oil that keeps us aware of the hour, aware of the impending arrival of the bridegroom to take His true Church.
