It’s Wednesday night in a small-town church, and the coffee’s still warm. Pastor Jim Wilhelm opens Matthew 25 : 1-13, the Parable of the Ten Virgins—a story of lamps, delay, and the long hush before joy arrives.

This isn’t studio religion or slick production. This is real church. Forks clink. Friends laugh. Grace keeps showing up in the Fellowship Hall.

In this episode of The Semi-Seminarian, Pastor Jim walks us into Jesus’ teaching on watchfulness and grace—why faith isn’t about panic at midnight, but oil that keeps burning when the wait feels endless.

Whether you’re driving home, washing dishes, or sitting under a single kitchen light, pull up a chair. You’re part of the table now.

Scripture: Matthew 25 : 1-13 Theme: Grace that prepares; faith that endures delay.

“Your Father Always Told You to Check the Oil” reminds us that holiness isn’t hurry—it’s readiness.