The Ghost of Christmas Future

Focus: Our delight is not just a delight in the festive celebrations of Christmas, but in the Christ in whom we celebrate.

I. The wise five represent AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY.

II. The foolish five represent those who PROFESS it, but don't POSSESS it.

III. Be WISE
A. Examine your SPIRITUAL RESOURCES
B. Don't PROCRASTINATE
C. Live NOW in the light of the FUTURE

Matthew 25:1-13

   "Then shall the Kingdom of Heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

2And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.


3They that were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,


4but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.


5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.


6And at midnight there was a cry made: `Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.'


7Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.


8And the foolish said unto the wise, `Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out.'


9But 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.'


10And 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.


11Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, `Lord, lord, open to us!'


12But he answered and said, `Verily I say unto you, I know you not.'


13Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh.

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