You Don't Know? Better Ask Somebody!

Prayer

Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a Word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

A Pietist Poem

If Next Sunday

If Christ should come next Sunday,

And it may be that He will,

Would the thing that I’ll be doing

Set the Master’s heart athrill?

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 7232 If next Sunday

7232 If Next Sunday

If Christ should come next Sunday,

And it may be that He will,

Would the thing that I’ll be doing

Set the Master’s heart athrill?

If the Christ should come next Sunday

Would he find me loyal, true,

In my place with my influence

Doing what He’d have me do?

If the Christ should come next Sunday,

Let’s suppose He came at ten,

Would He hear me answer “present”

In the class I should attend?

If the Christ should come next Sunday,

If He came just at eleven,

Would He find me in His service,

Singing praises unto heaven?

If the Christ should come next Sunday

Would he find me loyal, true,

In my place with my influence

Doing what He’d have me do?

If the Christ should come next Sunday,

Let’s suppose He came at ten,

Would He hear me answer “present”

In the class I should attend?

If the Christ should come next Sunday,

If He came just at eleven,

Would He find me in His service,

Singing praises unto heaven?

Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 1586). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

A Painful Parable

If Next Sunday

If Christ should come next Sunday,

And it may be that He will,

Would the thing that I’ll be doing

Set the Master’s heart athrill?

If the Christ should come next Sunday

Would he find me loyal, true,

In my place with my influence

Doing what He’d have me do?

If the Christ should come next Sunday,

Let’s suppose He came at ten,

Would He hear me answer “present”

In the class I should attend?

If the Christ should come next Sunday,

If He came just at eleven,

Would He find me in His service,

Singing praises unto heaven?

Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 1586). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

A Painful Parable

Matthew 25:1–13 ESV

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Remember your Baptism, not your Certificate

It’s a promise, not an incantation

The Book of Concord Article XXIV: The Mass

18] A sacrament is a ceremony or work in which God presents to us what the promise joined to the ceremony offers. Thus baptism is not a work that we offer to God, but one in which God, through a minister who functions in his place, baptizes us, and offers and presents the forgiveness of sins, etc., according to the promise [Mark 16:16*], “The one who believes and is baptized will be saved.” By contrast, a sacrifice is a ceremony or work that we render to God in order to give him honor.

Mark 16:15–16 ESV

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Romans 6:3–4 ESV

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

They were all virgins, and they all had lamps. They had everything that made them qualified to enter the wedding feast

The Book of Concord Article IV: Concerning Justification

[IV. Concerning Justification]

[1] Furthermore, it is taught that we cannot obtain forgiveness of sin and righteousness before God through our merit, work, or satisfactions, but that we receive forgiveness of sin and become righteous before God out of grace for Christ’s sake through faith [2] when we believe that Christ has suffered for us and that for his sake our sin is forgiven and righteousness and eternal life are given to us. [3] For God will regard and reckon this faith as righteousness in his sight, as St. Paul says in Romans 3[:21–26*] and 4[:5*]

[1] Furthermore, it is taught that we cannot obtain forgiveness of sin and righteousness before God through our merit, work, or satisfactions, but that we receive forgiveness of sin and become righteous before God out of grace for Christ’s sake through faith [2] when we believe that Christ has suffered for us and that for his sake our sin is forgiven and righteousness and eternal life are given to us. [3] For God will regard and reckon this faith as righteousness in his sight, as St. Paul says in [:21–26*] and 4[:5*].

Won’t He do it?

I know that the Lord keeps His promises...

The Book of Concord Article V: Concerning the Office of Preaching

[V. Concerning the Office of Preaching]

[1] To obtain such faith God instituted the office of preaching, giving the gospel and the sacraments. [2] Through these, as through means, he gives the Holy Spirit who produces faith, where and when he wills, in those who hear the gospel. [3] It teaches that we have a gracious God, not through our merit but through Christ’s merit, when we so believe.

[4] Condemned are the Anabaptists and others who teach that we obtain the Holy Spirit without the external49 word of the gospel through our own preparation, thoughts, and works.

[V. Concerning the Office of Preaching]

[V. Concerning the Office of Preaching]

[V. Concerning the Office of Preaching]

Kolb, R., Wengert, T. J., & Arand, C. P. (2000). The Book of Concord: the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (pp. 38–40). Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.

[1] To obtain such faith God instituted the office of preaching, giving the gospel and the sacraments. [2] Through these, as through means, he gives the Holy Spirit who produces faith, where and when he wills, in those who hear the gospel. [3] It teaches that we have a gracious God, not through our merit but through Christ’s merit, when we so believe.

[1] To obtain such faith God instituted the office of preaching, giving the gospel and the sacraments. [2] Through these, as through means, he gives the Holy Spirit who produces faith, where and when he wills, in those who hear the gospel. [3] It teaches that we have a gracious God, not through our merit but through Christ’s merit, when we so believe.

[1] To obtain such faith God instituted the office of preaching, giving the gospel and the sacraments. [2] Through these, as through means, he gives the Holy Spirit who produces faith, where and when he wills, in those who hear the gospel. [3] It teaches that we have a gracious God, not through our merit but through Christ’s merit, when we so believe.

[4] Condemned are the Anabaptists and others who teach that we obtain the Holy Spirit without the external49 word of the gospel through our own preparation, thoughts, and works.

[4] Condemned are the Anabaptists and others who teach that we obtain the Holy Spirit without the external49 word of the gospel through our own preparation, thoughts, and works.

[4] Condemned are the Anabaptists and others who teach that we obtain the Holy Spirit without the external49 word of the gospel through our own preparation, thoughts, and works.

Kolb, R., Wengert, T. J., & Arand, C. P. (2000). The Book of Concord: the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (p. 40). Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.It was the oil that made the difference.

Kolb, R., Wengert, T. J., & Arand, C. P. (2000). The Book of Concord: the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (p. 40). Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.

Kolb, R., Wengert, T. J., & Arand, C. P. (2000). The Book of Concord: the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (p. 40). Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.

It was the oil that made the difference.

It was the oil that made the difference.

But it wasn’t just having oil - they all had that - in their lamps.

in their lamps

Read this next part with me:

Matthew 25:3 ESV

For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them,

Matthew 25:4 ESV

but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.

But the foolish virgins took no oil with them

[VI. Concerning the New Obedience]

[VI. Concerning the New Obedience]

The Book of Concord Article VI: Concerning the New Obedience

[VI. Concerning the New Obedience]

[1] It is also taught that such faith should yield good fruit and good works and that a person must do such good works as God has commanded for God’s sake but not place trust in them as if thereby to earn grace before God. [2] For we receive forgiveness of sin and righteousness through faith in Christ, as Christ himself says [Luke 17:10*]: “When you have done all [things] …, say, ‘We are worthless slaves.’ ” [3] The Fathers also teach the same thing. For Ambrose says: “It is determined by God that whoever believes in Christ shall be saved and have forgiveness of sins, not through works but through faith alone, without merit.”

[1] It is also taught that such faith should yield good fruit and good works and that a person must do such good works as God has commanded for God’s sake but not place trust in them as if thereby to earn grace before God. [2] For we receive forgiveness of sin and righteousness through faith in Christ, as Christ himself says [*]: “When you have done all [things] …, say, ‘We are worthless slaves.’ ” [3] The Fathers also teach the same thing. For Ambrose says: “It is determined by God that whoever believes in Christ shall be saved and have forgiveness of sins, not through works but through faith alone, without merit.”

[1] It is also taught that such faith should yield good fruit and good works and that a person must do such good works as God has commanded for God’s sake but not place trust in them as if thereby to earn grace before God. [2] For we receive forgiveness of sin and righteousness through faith in Christ, as Christ himself says [*]: “When you have done all [things] …, say, ‘We are worthless slaves.’ ” [3] The Fathers also teach the same thing. For Ambrose says: “It is determined by God that whoever believes in Christ shall be saved and have forgiveness of sins, not through works but through faith alone, without merit.”

Where’s your oil? When you came here today, did you bring some oil?

What is the oil? Do you know?

Kolb, R., Wengert, T. J., & Arand, C. P. (2000). The Book of Concord: the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (p. 40). Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.

Kolb, R., Wengert, T. J., & Arand, C. P. (2000). The Book of Concord: the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (p. 40). Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.

Psalm 133:1–2 ESV

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!

Exodus 29:7 ESV

You shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him.

Psalm 45:7 ESV

you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;

The Book of Concord Article VI: Concerning the New Obedience

[VI. Concerning the New Obedience]

[1] It is also taught that such faith should yield good fruit and good works and that a person must do such good works as God has commanded for God’s sake but not place trust in them as if thereby to earn grace before God. [2] For we receive forgiveness of sin and righteousness through faith in Christ, as Christ himself says [Luke 17:10*]: “When you have done all [things] …, say, ‘We are worthless slaves.’ ” [3] The Fathers also teach the same thing. For Ambrose says: “It is determined by God that whoever believes in Christ shall be saved and have forgiveness of sins, not through works but through faith alone, without merit.”

Matthew 7:15–21 ESV

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

[VI. Concerning the New Obedience]

[1] It is also taught that such faith should yield good fruit and good works and that a person must do such good works as God has commanded for God’s sake but not place trust in them as if thereby to earn grace before God. [2] For we receive forgiveness of sin and righteousness through faith in Christ, as Christ himself says [*]: “When you have done all [things] …, say, ‘We are worthless slaves.’ ” [3] The Fathers also teach the same thing. For Ambrose says: “It is determined by God that whoever believes in Christ shall be saved and have forgiveness of sins, not through works but through faith alone, without merit.”

When the bridegroom comes - you’ve gotta have a lit lamp

But to have a lit lamp, you need some oil!

Kolb, R., Wengert, T. J., & Arand, C. P. (2000). The Book of Concord: the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (p. 40). Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.

He’s not coming on Sunday - He’s coming at midnight.

He’s not coming during the sermon, when you can siphon off your neighbor.

He’s not coming during the choir selection, when you can siphon off your friend.

He said that He’s coming when you don’t expect Him - at midnight!

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 7232 If next Sunday

If Next Sunday

If Christ should come next Sunday,

And it may be that He will,

Would the thing that I’ll be doing

Set the Master’s heart athrill?

If the Christ should come next Sunday

Would he find me loyal, true,

In my place with my influence

Doing what He’d have me do?

If the Christ should come next Sunday,

Let’s suppose He came at ten,

Would He hear me answer “present”

In the class I should attend?

If the Christ should come next Sunday,

If He came just at eleven,

Would He find me in His service,

Singing praises unto heaven?

Matthew 25:6 ESV

But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’

1 Thessalonians 4:18 ESV

Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Does Christ think that Sunday is

as the background

When you’re ready, it’s daytime. When your mind is on Jesus, it’s daytime. When you’re loving your neighbor as yourself, it’s daytime.

Are you encouraging or discouraging the brethren? Do your words build up others in the faith, or trip them up into doubt or sin?

A solid uncertainty

The Certainty of His coming

The Uncertainty of His timing

Isaiah 58:10 ESV

if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.

What about your actions - do you set an example of new obedience or of old rebellion?

Constant preparedness

Resources given by God

Resources developed through use

What’cha saying, Preacher?

The coming of the Lord

I’m so glad you asked!

Eschatology

Philippians 2:12–13 ESV

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Personal

The oil you need, you can’t get it for yourself when the Lord comes.

The 10 Virgins

The oil you need, the choir can’t give it to you!

Who they are

The oil you need, Joel Osteen can’t give it to you!

Things in common

The oil you need, you’ve got to get it from God -

Things in contrast

The oil of gladness - the oil of identity - the oil that God presses out -

Wisdom vs Foolishness

Consistency vs Theatrics

Christ in you, the hope of glory - !

Selfishness vs Necessity

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ!

Are you listening? I’m telling you a secret that the world don’t know!

It’s the Word of Christ that you need, in the midnight hour!

It’s the Word of Christ that you need, in the hour of temptation!

It’s the Word of Christ - the Gospel - that is able to keep you from falling!

Are you gonna help me preach?

Can I get a witness?

That’s why you’ve gotta watch and pray - because you don’t know the day, nor the hour, when Jesus is coming. You’re going to get tired in your flesh, you’re going to doze in your flesh and fall asleep.

But when Jesus comes, if you brought oil with your lamps -

If you let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly -

When trouble comes, you’ll say, “The Lord is my light, and my salvation - whom shall I fear?”

The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom, shall I be afraid?”

Can I get a witness?

Are you gonna help me preach?

When I took this call, to preach the Gospel in Gary, and in Lake County, Indiana, they said that I wouldn’t be working alone. They said I’d have some help. And I’m glad about it.

I’m glad when Mission Advance tells me of another pledge.

I’m glad when my Mission Coordinator tells me that another check came in the mail.

But when there’s no pledge, I’ve still gotta preach!

When the check’s still in the mail, I’ve still gotta preach!

When I’m in the Street, I’ve gotta preach!

When I’m at City Hall, I’ve gotta preach!

Can I get a witness?

Are you gonna help me preach?

When you help me preach, I feel us dwelling together in unity!

When you help me preach, I feel the oil, running down my beard!

Are you gonna help me preach?

You help me preach when you pray for the mission!

You help me preach when you support the mission!

You help me preach when you encourage St . John’s, Good Shepherd, and Our Savior.

You help me preach when you support Ascension, the Bakery House, and Lydia House.

Some people are going to Hell

I can’t do it - all by myself!

I need you, you need me. We're all a part of God's body. Stand with me, agree with me. We're all a part of God's body. It is his will, that every need be supplied. You are important to me, I need you to survive. You are important to me, I need you to survive. (Repeat 3X)

It is his will, that every need be supplied. You are important to me, I need you to survive. You are important to me, I need you to survive. (Repeat 3X)

I pray for you, You pray for me. I love you, I need you to survive. I won't harm you with words from my mouth. I love you, I need you to survive. (Repeat 8 X)

It is his will, that every need be supplied. You are important to me, I need you to survive.