Indeed. A prayer that I have rehearsed in my mind's eye is for the Lord to stop the ears of hearing anything that comes from me. And ask the Lord to cause them to hear only His word. Not that I do any formal preaching, but for everything that comes out of my mouth, or what might come from the ink that I write with! And if I ever enter into a blatant confrontation, my prayer would be a "fleece" prayer asking the Lord to decide between me and someone else. Praying that the Lord strike whoever is wrong with three days of blindness and muteness. Either me or the other person! But that's just how I would roll, push come to shove. Point being, it would be made clear that the Lord makes that decision! TR Good message from Pastor Tim Henderson on the parable of the ten virgins. I agree with the sentiment of this thread. That parable is not about the Church and the rapture... Context, context, context. Wow, nice find, Watchman! :good: Amazing explanation ... this is the best I’ve heard so far. Plus he adds about the controversial subject of “no man knows the day or hour” and that it pertains to the 2nd Coming event and not the rapture. :yahoo: Amazing how some words were left out from the original text and that “Jesus comes back with His bride” during the parable of the 10 virgins and the marriage feast is on earth in the kingdom and only 5 of those virgins are let into the feast banquet hall. And his take on how the Bema seat will be. The only thing I disagree with Pastor Tim on is ... at the end he says he believes more Jews will get saved than Gentiles because its the Time of Jacob’s Trouble. I’m not so sure of that because its only 1/3 of the Jews that will have their eyes open and it says here in Revelation 7:9 ... After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; The question then is ... after the rapture ... wouldn’t all the Jews have returned to Israel for safety and then mid point the 1/3 to Petra? :unsure: Psalm 119:105 maybe those virgins had the word of God, but they were not really living in faith in God's word, so when the Bridegroom returns, they are without "oil". If a person does not believe what God says, when they read or hear it, they are not profited by it because they are not allowing God's word to guide them. They have God's word from the bible or from word of mouth teaching, but without it burning, light, sufficiency to do the role of being ready to go into the wedding celebration. 2Tim 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. One thing to keep in view is that it is a parable, not an allegory. A parable's purpose is to highlight a central point, not that every detail represents something symbolic. For example, is the number 10 significant? Is the oil representing the Holy Spirit? Or is the chief meaning that we should be ready for the event, lest we be shut out? I also view it as pertaining to the end of the tribulation, and not for the Church. Indeed, I agree with the conventional wisdom of interpretation for this parable. That said, I can't help but think that out there in the great some where their might at least be the possibility of a double entendre. Or a dual application as God is very good at this sort of thing, IMHO. In any event, God will be discriminate and just with whom He will allow into His home! But whether it be 5 virgins out of ten, or two asleep or at the grinding wheel the concept of 50% does seem to reappear. At least in language and metaphorically, if not in meaning. Can two walk together except they be agreed. Two witnesses to confirm a matter. The one flesh is made of two parts, etc! Just saying. TR 
[ נ Nun ] Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
