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Announcements

Discovering My Ministry Class
Sunday, September 10th at 11:15am - conference room
The Bridge Church Reno
If you have said yes to Jesus and have started a relationship with Him then you have been given at least one spiritual gift. This class focuses on discovering that gift as well as how you can use your talents, abilities, and past experiences all together to serve God.  In this class we will develop your personal ministry profile and work towards discovering how God has uniquely shaped you to further His Kingdom.  Please sign up using the connection card.
 
Baptism Class
Sunday, September 10th at 11:15am
The Bridge Church Reno – Learning Center
If you are interested in being baptized or just want to know what the scriptures say about baptism, we will be hosting a baptism class on Sunday September 10th. Please sign up using the connection card on The Bridge Church App.
 
Church Wide Small Group Campaign
Sunday September 17th
The Bridge Church Reno
We will be starting a 6 week church wide small group campaign based off the book “8-15 Your World Is Smaller Than You Think.” This book is going to help us better live out our mission and vision here at the Bridge. We are encouraging every Bridge attender to become part of a small group during those six weeks.  We will begin signing up for small groups this Sunday.  Please visit the small group table in the welcome center to sign up. If you are willing to host a small group please plan on attending a short briefing after church this Sunday.

Worship Night and Ice Cream Social
Saturday September 23rd 5-7pm
The Bridge Church Reno
Come join us for an evening of worship and fun.  We will be hosting a worship night and ice cream social on the evening of September 23rd.  We will come together for a time of worship music and singing and enjoy some ice cream afterward.   This will be a great time of worship and fellowship that you won’t want to miss.
Come join us for an evening of worship and fun.  We will be hosting a worship night and ice cream social on the evening of September 23rd.  We will come together for a time of worship music and singing and enjoy some ice cream afterward.   This will be a great time of worship and fellowship that you won’t want to miss.

Message Notes

The Wise and Foolish

September 10, 2023

At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you; I don’t know you.’ “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Matthew 25:1–13

Middle Eastern Weddings:
  • Bridegroom center of attention - Not the Bride.
  • Weddings held at night.
  • Bridesmaids light the way.

United in Waiting
The bridegroom was a long time in coming..
Matthew 25:5
But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Matthew 24:36
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:8–9

Divided in Preparation
At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
Matthew 25:1–5
Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing, and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”
2 Peter 3:3–4

Surprised When It Happens
At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ “ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you; I don’t know you.’
Matthew 25:6–12

Be Ready At All Times
Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Matthew 25:13
You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Luke 12:40

Bottom Line: Live Every Day in Light of His Return
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here

Small Groups Talk About It

Watch the latest Message Summary:

Discussion Questions
Small Groups Talk About It
  1. At what time does Matthew 25:1 refer to? (Read Matthew 24 if you have time). How does this passage connect with the previous chapter? What is the theme of the two chapters?
  2. Who do the virgins/bridesmaids represent? Why are they called “virgins” in this passage, not perhaps “brides?” Is there any implication in the fact that they are called virgins?
  3. Who does the bridegroom represent? Can you think of any other references to Jesus as the Bridegroom in Scripture? See Matthew 9:14-25; John 3:29 and Revelation 19:7.
  4. What did the virgins/bridesmaids do while they were waiting? Was this good or bad for them to sleep? 
  5. What are the two categories of virgins? Why were some called foolish and some called wise?
  6. Why could the wise ones not share their oil? What lesson does this teach us?
  7. What can we learn from the fact those who were not ready were not allowed in? What does this teach us about God’s character and salvation?
What is the conclusion application for us? How can we keep watch? What can we do to be ready?
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here