How do we watch for the Lord Jesus? Matthew 25:1–13 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these thirteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we watch for the Lord Jesus by depending upon the Holy Spirit to use the means of His grace to make us ready for heaven. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1–13 illustrates the necessity of genuine spiritual readiness for Christ's return, emphasizing that outward participation in the church is insufficient, without inward dependence on the Holy Spirit, through consistent engagement with the means of grace. Wisdom is not merely practical foresight but a moral disposition, rooted in fearing God, while foolishness reflects a self-reliant, superficial faith that also neglects spiritual disciplines. Continual, intentional reliance on the Spirit in Scripture, prayer, worship, and sacraments is vital, as we do not know when it will be too late. Ultimately, the call to watchfulness is fulfilled not only through faithful service in the church but through a personal, ongoing dependence on the Spirit, ensuring that when Christ comes, the believer's life shines with His authentic work, not mere outward appearance.

God prepares us for future service by shaping our hearts with Scripture.

God prepares us for future service by shaping our hearts with Scripture.

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 25—especially explaining how God promised life in the covenant of works. Q25. What did God promise in the covenant of works? To reward Adam with life if he obeyed Him. The lesson centers on the covenant of works, in which God promised Adam eternal life upon condition of perfect obedience, with the consequence of death if he disobeyed the prohibition against eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This covenant was not merely a test of obedience but a gracious provision of fellowship with God and a life of divine blessing, contingent on faithful adherence. The failure of Adam to fulfill this covenant is contrasted with the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ, the last Adam, Who atoned for violation of the covenant of works through His death, securing the greater blessings of the covenant of grace. The message underscores that while Adam's probation was temporary and ultimately failed, Christ's obedience has eternally fulfilled the promise of life, making salvation not a matter of human effort but of divine grace accomplished in Christ.

Who was the authority in Israel? Deuteronomy 16:18–18:22 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord's Day. In these forty-seven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the ultimate authority in Israel was God Himself by means of His Word. This passage presents a comprehensive application of the Fifth Commandment—honoring God as the ultimate authority—within the life of Israel as they enter the Promised Land. It establishes a divinely ordered hierarchy of authority: prophets, who speak God's Word directly; priests, who teach and uphold the law; kings, who are to rule according to God's law rather than worldly ambition; and judges, who administer justice impartially in every community. Each office is grounded in obedience to God's revealed Word, with strict prohibitions against idolatry, false prophecy, and corrupt practices such as bribery or unjust judgment. The text emphasizes that true authority is not self-asserted but derived from God, and that rebellion against His appointed authorities—whether judicial, royal, or prophetic—invites divine judgment. Ultimately, the passage points forward to Jesus Christ, the final and supreme Prophet, whose Word alone is to be heeded, and whose authority supersedes all human institutions, calling believers to live in humble, faithful submission to God's revealed truth.

Christ feeds His bride not merely spiritual food, but sweet delight in, and being delighted in by, Himself

Christ feeds His bride not merely spiritual food, but sweet delight in, and being delighted in by, Himself

To live readily for Christ's return, do what He has commanded you to do, especially in His church.

To live readily for Christ's return, do what He has commanded you to do, especially in His church.