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New Covenant Christian Community Church (NC4)
Prepared for Perseverance
1/18/2025
Locations & Times
NC4 Bethlehem Campus
21 E Broad St, Bethlehem, PA 18018, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
Prepared for Perseverance
Matthew 25:1-13
Matthew 25:1-13
“Time is the most expensive, nonrenewable commodity we have on this earth.” Laurie Beth Jones
For the virgins what mattered wasn’t whether they waited, but how well they prepared for the expected delays.
What separated the wise virgins from the foolish ones was that they took... extra oil.
Wisdom, in scripture, is not just about knowledge, it is about how we steward what we know over time.
Effective preparation requires anticipation.
What are some things God has asked you to prepare for that you are procrastinating?
The oil in our lives, meaning the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, leads the preparation of our hearts toward God… over time.
Do I value God’s presence and leading over my own?
And if so then...why do I procrastinate? Is it out of fear, comfort or overconfidence?
And if so then...why do I procrastinate? Is it out of fear, comfort or overconfidence?
While we persevere in waiting and watching we must shift our focus from our expectations of God to His expectations of us.
God knows me when I am about His purposes and kingdom over my own.
God is not impressed by performance. He looks at and desires our hearts!
When He comes, will He know us? And the answer depends on how well we have chosen to reorder our lives and priorities to be aligned to His purposes and kingdom.
“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”
J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien
What will you choose to do with the time you have been given?
Salvation Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for drawing me to Yourself from my darkness, my sin, and my shame. I repent of my sins, and I ask You to forgive me. I welcome You into my heart, and I surrender my future into Your hands. Guide me by Your Holy Spirit, and help me to be a reflector of Your light to those around me. Thank You for including me in Your family. Amen
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for drawing me to Yourself from my darkness, my sin, and my shame. I repent of my sins, and I ask You to forgive me. I welcome You into my heart, and I surrender my future into Your hands. Guide me by Your Holy Spirit, and help me to be a reflector of Your light to those around me. Thank You for including me in Your family. Amen
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