matthew 25

'The Ministry of Jesus' Sermon Series

Have you ever heard someone say that 20% of the people do 80% of the work? Where did that saying come from, anyway? Do you consider that to be generally accurate in a lot of circumstances? Well, a number of people use this 80/20 rule in thinking about several key dimensions of their organizations. Join Kevin as we explore the Pareto Principle of 80/20 and we take it even deeper—then you can decide where and how to take it from there! // Download this episode's Application & Action questions and PDF transcript at whitestone.org.

OBJECTIONS AGAINST ETERNAL SALVATION (PART V)
Matthew 25:1–13 (The Ten Virgins)

The most common interpretation of this parable is that those ten virgins represent born-again believers belonging to the Kingdom of God who were all saved at one time. Then some of them lost their salvation due to their lack of watchfulness in morality and good works.

Let’s analyze first what we know for sure about this parable. First, the parable is about the Kingdom of Heaven, about a bridegroom who is king Jesus, and about ten virgins who represent the visible church of Christ. Second, the action in this parable occurs between the first and second coming of Jesus. Third, the harshness of the bridegroom’s answer in Verse 12—“I don’t know you” or “I never knew you”—makes very clear this parable is about an eternal matter of life and death, respectively the matter of eternal salvation into the Kingdom of God or of eternal damnation. Fourth, it’s also obvious that when the bridegroom came, alluding to the second coming of Jesus, some of those virgins, representing some Christians, participated in the wedding of the Lamb. That means they entered heaven while the rest were rejected and went to hell. Only three things are left to elucidate: (1) First, what do the oil in the lamps and the extra oil in the jars represent? (2) Second, were the people rejected genuinely born again in the first place or not? (3) Third, what does watchfulness mean?

The oil in the Old Testament was used to anoint kings and priests. It was a picture of anointing to work for God:

In the New Testament, believers are anointed with the Holy Spirit, as we see in these passages:

Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit, and believers are also anointed with the Holy Spirit at the time of salvation. 1 John 2:27 says the anointing the believers received from Him abides in them and teaches them all things. According to John 14:16, 14:26, and 16:13, the Holy Spirit is the Helper given to believers to be with them forever, teach them all things, and lead them into all truth. So, the oil in the parable of the virgins is a picture of the Holy Spirit. The light of the lamps represents good works, morality, fruits of the Spirit, or different divine acts of the Spirit like healing the sick, casting out demons and raising the dead.

Now, what is the difference between the oil already in the lamps and the oil in the extra jars? On one hand, based on John 14:16 and 1 John 2:27, we know once the Holy Spirit comes into believers, He abides in them forever. He no longer comes and leaves like He used to do in the Old Testament with the people of God. Moreover, Ephesians 1:13–14 strengthens this eternal presence of the Holy Spirit in believers by asserting that He is a seal of salvation, a guarantee of believers’ inheritance until they acquire full possession of it:

The Greek word translated as “guarantee” in this passage (gr. arrabon) is a legal and commercial term that means first installment, deposit, down payment, or pledge. It represents a payment that obligates the contracting party to make further payments. When God gave believers the Holy Spirit, He committed Himself to give them all the consequent blessings of eternal life, as well as a great reward in heaven with Him. So, the five virgins for whom lamps ceased to burn cannot represent genuinely born-again believers who once had the Holy Spirit in them as a seal and then lost Him.

On the other hand, a closer look into Scripture, in both the Old and New Testaments, will reveal that the Holy Spirit can come over people just for a while, for them to fulfill some divine tasks or even to do good works. However, it is not necessary for the Holy Spirit to remain inside them in a saving way. In other words, the Holy Spirit comes upon them, but not in them. A few examples from the ...

(November 26, 2023) Father Charles Persing reflects on the readings from Matthew 25.

Deacon Bob Hutchison
11/26/23 
Peace Lutheran Church of Camarillo
"Proclaiming Peace Through Christ"

We're looking forward to the last Sunday of the Church year, Christ the King Sunday. Our holy gospel reading is from Saint Matthew 25:31-46, read by Pastor Daniel Hoard. 

God’s Word for Today is a podcast ministry of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America. You can visit our website at apostoliclutheran.org for more information about our ALCA Federation, or to find a congregation. Also, please subscribe, so you’ll receive our new content every weekday.

Jesus gives us another parable and the disciples are sitting at His feet. What would it be like for you to sit at His feet as he speaks this parable? What is going through your head? Join me in the prayer as we relate those things to the Lord.

Resources I use:

Word on Fire Bible: https://www.wordonfire.org/bible/
Roman Missal: https://www.catholiccompany.com/daily...
Meditation and Contemplation by Fr. Timothy Gallagher: https://www.frtimothygallagher.org/pr...

Join me again next week as we engage our imagination to explore the Sunday readings.

We're looking forward to the Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost. Our holy gospel reading is Matthew 25, verses 14 through 30, read by Pastor Phil Wilson. 

God’s Word for Today is a podcast ministry of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America. You can visit our website at apostoliclutheran.org for more information about our ALCA Federation, or to find a congregation. Also, please subscribe, so you’ll receive our new content every weekday.

Discover the transformative power of the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) in this episode of "Your Catholic Corner".

Will this ancient wisdom challenge you to use your gifts in new ways?

We delve into Proverbs 31, examining the timeless virtues of strength and dignity.

How might these scriptural qualities embolden our own faith?

Let's awaken to Paul's call for vigilance in 1 Thessalonians 5 and translate this into meaningful action in our lives.

Can we find focus in a world brimming with distractions?

Join Julie South as she explores explore the profound message in Matthew 25's parable.

Imagine—the worth of a single talent, immense in Jesus's day (probably beyond measure today), calling us to recognise the immense value of our own abilities.

How will this perspective inspire you to cultivate and share your talents?

Hear the moving tale from St. Pius X Parish in Katikati (inspired by parishioners of Te Aroha Parish), New Zealand, where the simple act of remembrance creates a tapestry of community and faith.

What traditions do you hold dear that might similarly inspire others?

As we navigate these biblical lessons, consider how we might apply their wisdom to our contemporary lives.

Your presence enriches our Catholic Corner.

Let's all respond to God's call: share your talents, create new traditions, and touch lives.

Remember, your talents are a gift to the world. How will you use them to make a difference? Join us, subscribe to our podcast, and continue the conversation at yourcatholiccorner.com.

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Pastor Mike Schultze
11/12/23 
Peace Lutheran Church of Camarillo
"Proclaiming Peace Through Christ"

We're looking forward to the Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost. Our gospel reading continues from Matthew, chapter 25, verses 1-13, read by Kierce Matson. 

God’s Word for Today is a podcast ministry of the Apostolic Lutheran Church of America. You can visit our website at apostoliclutheran.org for more information about our ALCA Federation, or to find a congregation. Also, please subscribe, so you’ll receive our new content every weekday.

Preached on Sunday the 24th of September, 2023.

Matthew 25:31-46
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Intro Music by Julius H. from Pixabay

Outro Music by PianoAmor from Pixabay

This week on Heritage Bible Radio, Pastor Harris preaches a message on Matthew 24-25. This teaching by Jesus was a response to the Disciple's question about the End Times. Please follow along with Pastor Jim as he teaches in the Gospel of Matthew.

Heritage Bible Radio is a Ministry of Heritage Bible Church where Jim Harris is the teaching pastor. You can join Jim each weekday at 8:30 am MST. In the Treasure Valley (KBXL 94.1 FM). Every day Jim works to devote his radio time to some portion of the Word of God so you can know God and serve him better.

7071 W Emerald St , Boise, ID 83704
208-321-4373 | info@hbc-boise.org
https://www.hbc-boise.org/

This week on Heritage Bible Radio, Pastor Harris preaches a message on Matthew 24-25. This teaching by Jesus was a response to the Disciple's question about the End Times. Please follow along with Pastor Jim as he teaches in the Gospel of Matthew.

Heritage Bible Radio is a Ministry of Heritage Bible Church where Jim Harris is the teaching pastor. You can join Jim each weekday at 8:30 am MST. In the Treasure Valley (KBXL 94.1 FM). Every day Jim works to devote his radio time to some portion of the Word of God so you can know God and serve him better.

7071 W Emerald St , Boise, ID 83704
208-321-4373 | info@hbc-boise.org
https://www.hbc-boise.org/

This week on Heritage Bible Radio, Pastor Harris preaches a message on Matthew 24-25. This teaching by Jesus was a response to the Disciple's question about the End Times. Please follow along with Pastor Jim as he teaches in the Gospel of Matthew.

Heritage Bible Radio is a Ministry of Heritage Bible Church where Jim Harris is the teaching pastor. You can join Jim each weekday at 8:30 am MST. In the Treasure Valley (KBXL 94.1 FM). Every day Jim works to devote his radio time to some portion of the Word of God so you can know God and serve him better.

7071 W Emerald St , Boise, ID 83704
208-321-4373 | info@hbc-boise.org
https://www.hbc-boise.org/

This week on Heritage Bible Radio, Pastor Harris preaches a message on Matthew 24-25. This teaching by Jesus was a response to the Disciple's question about the End Times. Please follow along with Pastor Jim as he teaches in the Gospel of Matthew.

Heritage Bible Radio is a Ministry of Heritage Bible Church where Jim Harris is the teaching pastor. You can join Jim each weekday at 8:30 am MST. In the Treasure Valley (KBXL 94.1 FM). Every day Jim works to devote his radio time to some portion of the Word of God so you can know God and serve him better.

7071 W Emerald St , Boise, ID 83704
208-321-4373 | info@hbc-boise.org
https://www.hbc-boise.org/

This week on Heritage Bible Radio, Pastor Harris preaches a message on Matthew 24-25. This teaching by Jesus was a response to the Disciple's question about the End Times. Please follow along with Pastor Jim as he teaches in the Gospel of Matthew.

Heritage Bible Radio is a Ministry of Heritage Bible Church where Jim Harris is the teaching pastor. You can join Jim each weekday at 8:30 am MST. In the Treasure Valley (KBXL 94.1 FM). Every day Jim works to devote his radio time to some portion of the Word of God so you can know God and serve him better.

7071 W Emerald St , Boise, ID 83704
208-321-4373 | info@hbc-boise.org
https://www.hbc-boise.org/