In this episode, Greg uses texts from the apostle John's Gospel and Apocalypse to identify and describe the "door" Jesus refers to in this crucial prophetic parable. Why is it important? Simply because this door is the designated portal through which "they that are ready" will pass to enter the great marriage in heaven. He also addresses the claims of some evangelical Bible teachers, based on 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12, that all professing Christians left behind at the Rapture cannot subsequently successfully prove and purify their faith in the trials of the Tribulation period, but will instead be eternally lost.

In this episode, Greg defines the terms "wise" and "foolish" as they are used in the Parable of The Ten Bridesmaids. He also explains what the "extra oil" is, and is not, and how we obtain it. He furthermore explains why Jesus' warning that only "they that were ready" went to the great marriage supper, while the others were left behind, is a very accurate and binding statement: Jesus said what He meant and meant what He said! And if in this text He did not mean what He said (which is preposterous), what other vital New Testament facts and doctrines would also be subject to doubt? Salvation by grace through faith? The necessity of spiritual rebirth? Heaven and hell? We sow what we reap?

In this episode, Greg explores other New Testament texts besides the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids (Matthew 25:1-13) in which Jesus used the wise / foolish motif to describe not non-believers but Christians. He also offers two likely reasons why Jesus used 10 bridesmaids to describe His church rather than one bride. After listening to this episode, you will be convinced that this parable is addressed to born-again Christians, and it is high time we recognize this and begin earnestly preparing for the Bridegroom's Appearing.

Jesus used the Jewish marriage / wedding customs of His day to describe His relationship to the church. Greg describes these customs and explains that Jesus did not use them randomly but rather with clear intent to help us understand more perfectly not only His present relationship to the church but also the nature of His soon-coming Appearing to catch away His bride. This richly illustrative metaphor is established even more firmly by its use in several other New Testament references by the apostles Paul (Ephesians 5:25-27) and John (Revelation 19:7-9; 21:1-3), and by even one key Old Testament passage (Genesis 24:1-67).

In this episode, Greg gives a thoughtful, expanded, expository reading of the primary text: Matthew 25:1-3. He then addresses two crucial questions. First, do the ten bridesmaids represent Jews or Christians? Second, what significance is there, if any, of the bridesmaids calling the bridegroom, "Lord"? Greg then identifies Jesus' last words to the disbelieving Jews of His generation – words which warn of impending judgment and yet also give a sure promise of a future restoration of the Jewish people when they repent of their unbelief, and call Him "blessed."

One of the most important passages in the New Testament is Jesus' teaching on the Vine and branches in John 15:1-8. How do we, Christ's branches, stay close to Him, our Vine? There is no surer or more direct way to maintain vital connection to our Vine than by simply giving Him thanks – in the morning, through the day, and when we lay down to sleep. The result? A dynamic prayer life: "If you abide in [remain in close touch with] me, and my words [including the biblical call to 'give thanks'] abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you" (v. 7). Such fruitfulness in prayer glorifies God: "In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit" (v. 8). So, give thanks! Pray dynamically! Bear much fruit. Bring God much glory!

If God asked you to do something easy to radically improve your Christian walk, wouldn't you do it? That's just what He does in challenging us to "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Nothing is easier than yielding your heart and opening your lips, and saying, "Thank you, Jesus!" Jesus told us His yoke is "easy." Don't be like proud Naaman, who wanted the prophet to tell him something hard to do to receive his healing. Listen to Naaman's servants – and Jesus! – and start forming the habit of giving thanks. Every day. Every moment. In every situation. From your heart. It will enable you to "draw near to God" at any moment of the day or night. And you will never be the same . . .

Christian, do you know you can deeply please God today, right now, just where you are? How? Simply by giving Him thanks from your heart – irrespective of your circumstances. In Psalm 69:30-30, David revealed this great secret that was a part of His daily life and God wants to be part of ours. "I will praise the name of God with a song, and magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs." And when deeply pleased, God is more inclined to readily release His delivering power for us and those for whom we pray. So, today, right now, just where you are, in the midst of blessing or chaos, start giving the "sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our [your] lips giving thanks to His name" (Hebrews 13:15).