What does the parable of 10 virgins mean?

Will you please interpret the Parable of the Ten Virgins?

As in previous parables (cf. The Wedding Garment, Matthew 22)," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 22), the Lord Jesus stresses in this parable the need for keeping watch for His return (see 24:42, 44) as well as His rejection of unreality when He does return. Like the man without the wedding garment, the five foolish virgins represent those who expected to be in the kingdom but had never properly prepared. Although Paul uses the imagery of a chaste virgin in reference to the assembly at Corinth, the Church which is His body is seen as a unit (His Bride), not as friends attending the wedding or wedding supper, therefore the Rapture is not likely in view. Since this is part of an answer to the disciples' question in chapter 24:3 regarding the end of the age and the coming of the Son of Man, it would seem that this parable points to the advent of the Lord Jesus as King of kings, coming to establish His kingdom. During His public ministry, the Lord Jesus was often confronted by those in Israel who felt that, as a result of their natural links with Abraham, they held privileged ground (John 8:33)." TARGET="_blank">John 8:33). His warning to them will have its dire fulfillment at His coming when many "children of the kingdom" will be cast into outer darkness (Matthew 8:12)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 8:12).

E. Higgins

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Will the Church go through the Tribulation?

Will the Church go through the Tribulation?

The Bible affirms the Church, which is the Body of Christ, will not experience "the Great Tribulation" or "the Time of Jacob's Trouble." In this period of divine judgment, God will deal with the spiritual blindness and sins of Israel to restore her to Himself. Daniel 9:24-27" TARGET="_blank">Daniel 9:24-27 is an important passage describing Israel's history from the desolation of Jerusalem by Babylon (2 Chronicles 36:15-21)" TARGET="_blank">2 Chronicles 36:15-21) to their restoration and blessing under Christ as their King. Believers of this dispensation are not mentioned in this prophecy or any other relating to Israel's earthly hope or judgment. Our hope is heavenly for the wrath of God due us was on our wondrous Substitute at Calvary (Romans 8:1, 32-39)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:1, 32-39).

2 Thessalonians 2:3-12" TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 2:3-12 states the Day of the Lord, which includes the outpouring of His wrath upon the nations (first 42 months) and Israel, begins at the appearing of "the Man of Sin." There must be a "taking out of the way" first. Till the Rapture, the work of the Holy Spirit and the presence of the Church restrains the manifestation of this "Wicked One" and therefore God's wrath.

The Church, having been raptured, will not be God's witness on earth during that period. 144,000 Jews are raised up preaching a message for the hope of Israel, not the hope of the Church.

In Christ, we are "children of light" and not "of darkness," saved from the coming wrath appointed for the world (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:2-9)." TARGET="_blank">1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:2-9).

Revelation 3:1" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 3:1 0 promises, "I will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon the whole world." Ours is a "blessed hope," "a comfort," an imminent event, "For our citizenship (Young's Literal) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior (Deliverer), the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20)." TARGET="_blank">Philippians 3:20).

J. N. Smith
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Did the Mayan Calendar predict the end of the world in 2012?

Did the Mayan Calendar predict the end of the world in 2012?

According to many who interpret the Mayan calendar, there will be a world-wide catastrophe in December 21, 2012. How did 12/21/2012 come to the year of the end of the world? Will there be catastrophes or disasters that end civilization? Are there prophecies in the Bible about this being the Great Tribulation or the coming of Christ?

The Mayan civilization was very involved with the study of the movements of the stars. For hundreds of years they carefully observed the stars and created several different calendars that accurately predicted the future positions of planets and stars as viewed from earth. They noticed that there was a wobble in the earth’s rotation that caused slight variation in the positions of the stars. The effect is slow, taking 5,125 years to complete one cycle. The Mayan astronomers noticed that the dark band at the center of the Milky Way (called the Galactic Equator) coincides with the plane of sun’s movement across the sky, once every 5,125 years. The last time these two intersected was in 3114 B.C. The next time they coincide is 2012" TARGET="_blank">is 2012 A.D.

This intersection is significant to the Mayans because they believed that the Sun is a god and the Milky Way is the gateway to life and death. The Mayans believed that 3114 B.C. was the year of the creation of the earth and that 2012 A.D. would mark the change of a new cycle bringing some significant change to the earth which gives rise to the theory that the Mayan’s know when and how the world will end.

As to the specific day of the end of the world, December 21 is the date of the winter solstice every year in the northern hemisphere (the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere) where the sun reaches its maximum distance north (or south) of the equator. This marks the first day of winter in the northern hemisphere and the first day of the summer season in the south which is important for a society of farmers.

The end of the world scenarios is based on uncertain interpretations by scholars of Mayan hieroglyphs. The calendar may end in 2012, but it doesn’t mean that it is the end of the world. Other than the astronomical coincidences, there is little proof that the Mayans prophesied the events of this distant future. The Mayans were not even able to predict their own cultural apocalypse. They died out without any special predictions of their own. They were great astronomers, but lousy prophets.

If we are to believe that the Mayan’s knew the exact date of the end of the world, logically we would have to accept other beliefs of theirs:

•   The Mayans believed that the blood of human sacrifices was what powered the sun and gave it life.
•   The Mayans believed that the world was created in 3114 B.C.
•   The Mayans believed that the movements of the stars affected life on earth – astrology.

The Bible?

Bible prophecies do no indicate the specific year of the end of the world. In fact, the Bible speaks of future events as two periods of time that are yet to come – the Tribulation, which will last seven years, and the Millennium, which will last 1,000 years. (Revelation 21:1-10)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 21:1-10).

The Mayan religion is described along with other false forms of worship in the Bible in Romans chapter 1. “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 1:25).

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How can I serve the Lord in the assembly?

How can I serve the Lord in the assembly?

Answering this could take many pages, but a few suggestions might help. As the question emphasizes, this is primarily service for the Lord. Therefore, honor the Lord by being at all the assembly gatherings (Hebrews 10:25)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 10:25). Come prepared to give something to the Lord whether you are a sister or brother (13:15; 1Pe 2:5)." TARGET="_blank">1Pe 2:5). Live a godly life that manifests Christ (Titus 2:11, 12)." TARGET="_blank">Titus 2:11, 12). Maintain separation from the world and sanctity from sin (2 Corinthians 6:11-7:1)." TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 6:11-7:1). Know the Spirit’s power through a life of communion (Ephesians 6:1-18)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 6:1-18).

But that is incomplete if the Christian life does not reach out to other believers and to unbelievers. Zeal for the gospel will inspire habitual, personal testimony to unbelievers. Working to bring unbelievers to the Sunday school or gospel meetings is a responsibility for all.

"Encourage (JND) one another daily" (Hebrews 3:13)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 3:13). "Consider one another" (Hebrews 10:24)" TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 10:24) so that we will perceive others’ needs. "By love, serve one another" (Galatians 5:13)." TARGET="_blank">Galatians 5:13). Some will appreciate a visit, which may include, as did the Lord (John 21:12-18)," TARGET="_blank">John 21:12-18), material and spiritual provision. Seek the restoration of wanderers. "Bear ye one another’s burdens" (Galatians 6:2)" TARGET="_blank">Galatians 6:2) with a responsive, sensitive heart. Know when a "word in season" (Isaiah 50:4)" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 50:4) will help and when a home-cooked meal will be more helpful. "Use hospitality one to another" (1 Peter 4:9)" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 4:9) for the furtherance of the gospel, the preservation of the young or vulnerable, and the strengthening of fellowship with all the believers in the assembly. Find ways to act and things to do that will increase the unity of the assembly around Christ (Mark 9:34," TARGET="_blank">Mark 9:34, 50b). "Pray one for another" (James 5:16)." TARGET="_blank">James 5:16).

Serving in the assembly includes helping to maintain the assembly’s meeting place. Cutting the grass, planting flowers and shrubs, maintaining the grounds, painting the outside trim, washing toilets, sweeping floors, moving chairs, changing light bulbs, and organizing the storage closet are some low-profile ways to serve the Lord - and expend youthful energy.

D. Oliver
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Must an assembly receive practicing homosexuals?

Must an assembly receive practicing homosexuals?

This may not be an issue currently, but will undoubtedly become an issue, if the Lord doesn't come soon. The principle, "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29)," TARGET="_blank">Acts 5:29), will always apply.

As Christians, our relationships with others must always be courteous (1 Peter 3:8)" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 3:8) and beneficial to others (Galatians 6:10)." TARGET="_blank">Galatians 6:10). Supporting those who violate Biblical morals is neither beneficial to them nor pleasing to the Lord. The Bible is clear in stating that homosexual behavior is unclean (Romans 1:24," TARGET="_blank">Romans 1:24, see Ephesians 5:3" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:3 for the use of the same word) and comes under the definition of fornication. Since fornication is a sin for which a person must be removed from the fellowship of the assembly (1 Corinthians 5:11;" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 5:11; see also 6:9), receiving such a person violates the Word of God. This is not a matter that the changing mores or the legislation of society can alter. This is not a discretionary matter, but directly relates to revealed truth.

D. Oliver
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What does "the husband is the head of the wife" (Ephesians 5:23) mean?

What does "the husband is the head of the wife" (Ephesians 5:23)" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:23) mean?

This statement occurs between two calls for the wife to be subject (verses 22 and 24). The reason for submission is her husband's headship. The pattern for this headship is also mentioned: "even as Christ is head of the church." The headship of Christ, as explained in Ephesians 1:20-23" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1:20-23 and 4:16, involves authority and supply. The same is true here. A husband's headship involves authority. Since Christ is the pattern, this will preserve the relationship from becoming tyrannical. His authority over the church is matched by His affection. His control is coupled with care. Such should also apply in the human relationship. Also, as the physical head supplies the human body with direction and nourishment, so the husband in his role of head gives his wife provision, protection, and guidance.

D. Gilliland

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What does the Bible teach about cloning?

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What do I do if my Christian friends have different standards for their children?

Is there a way for believing parents to have standards for their children that differ from the standards of other assembly believers without belittling those other believers?

If joy really depends on obedience to Christ (John 13:17)," TARGET="_blank">John 13:17), then Christian parents will want to model and teach their children submission to Gods Word. "The fear of man bringeth a snare" (Proverbs 29:25)," TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 29:25), so obeying truth because of what others think confuses the crucial lesson of personal accountability to God. Parents set the standard for their child and explain in a manner appropriate to the childs maturity the Christian truths that influence this decision. If the child points out that another assembly family doesnt do the same thing, the parents have at least two truths to model: personal accountability to God; personal responsibility to others. Modestly, a Christian parent must uphold what He understands from Gods Word. Thats personal accountability to God. Personal responsibility to others includes showing respect for them. This may mean recognizing that they too want to please the Lord, want the best for their family, or are perhaps dealing with circumstances of which others are not aware. It may mean simply expressing respect, yet admitting an inability to understand their decision. By responding in a way that makes his children feel superior to the children of "that other bunch" or makes the other parents seem less spiritual, a parent has not "honored others" (1 Peter 2:17)" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:17) or modeled biblical standards.

D. Oliver
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Are Christians now like the church of Laodicea?

Are Christians now like the church of Laodicea?

Sitting in judgment on others is relatively easy. The characteristics of professed testimony for God mark the seven assemblies in Asia (Rev 1-3)." TARGET="_blank">Rev 1-3). The characteristics in Laodicea (3:14-20) are searching: activity without effective power, self-promotion without contrition, apparent success without spiritual character, Christian involvement without personal communion. These characteristics will mark professed Christian testimony before the coming of Christ and they are apparent around us today. The Lord’s specific concern in writing to those seven assemblies, however, is that these golden candlesticks to whom He has entrusted true testimony sadly reflect the characteristics of those who profess to bear testimony for Him. In writing to the last four assemblies, the Lord indicates that His testimony is only a remnant, a part of the whole.

Our peaceful coexistence with the world is strong evidence that Laodicean characteristics mark us.

D. Oliver
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Should a Christian purchase insurance?

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