• Matthew 25:1-13
    "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. "And at midnight a cry was heard: "Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!" Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out." But the wise answered, saying, "No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves." And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us!" But he answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you." "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
     
  • Matthew 24:42-44
    Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
     
  • Revelation 19:7-9
    Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”
     
  • Matthew 6:33
    But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
     
  • Romans 12:2
    And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
     
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:8-9
    But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
     
  • 2 Timothy 2:15-18
    Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.
     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Preparation, Spiritual


Resources

Preparing To Work

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

The Millennium will be a time of intense work to repair the damaged infrastructure and the depleted and poisoned soil, bringing it back up to Edenic standards.


Do You Have Enough Oil?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

In the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, the oil is often assumed to represent God's Spirit, yet it indicates much more and it accrues over time.


Preparing for Bad Times (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Spiritual preparation is a vital responsibility for every believer, as it aligns with the biblical call to remain vigilant and ready for the return of Christ. We must live as though His return could happen at any moment, maintaining a constant state of spiritual readiness. This involves being awake and aware of our personal …


Warning of Judgment, Urgency to Prepare!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The concept of judgment in Scripture often serves as a catalyst for spiritual preparation. God's warnings of impending judgment, as seen in the account of Noah, encourage a faithful response to His grace. Noah prepared for the coming judgment by obediently building the ark, an act of physical and spiritual readiness for what God …


Be Prepared

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Spiritual preparation is essential for aligning with God's purpose. Just as we plan extensively for physical needs, we must also prepare spiritually to avoid burdens and to support what God is accomplishing in creating us in His image. God Himself prepares for everything, knowing the end from the beginning, and has provided …


Our Spiritual Career

Sermon by Ryan McClure

God is calling us to be priests in His Kingdom, a role that comes with a profound opportunity and responsibility. As we reflect on what we will be in His Kingdom, we must consider the qualifications for these roles and how we prepare to be successful in them. Unlike human career paths where we often seek specific skills and …


How Prepared Are You?

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Well, brethren, it is preparation time. How prepared are we physically, mentally, and most importantly, spiritually for the disasters that are building around this nation? As the stresses of Deuteronomy 28 that God sends are now coming upon us and growing, it is time to get ourselves ready. The first thing to do spiritually …


Prepare

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

In light of the looming challenges on and over the horizon, God expects us to prepare our hearts and spirits for what is coming. He calls us to put aside wrongdoings, turn around, and make sacrifices to do what is right. We are enlisted by God the Father to come out of the world, to not hold a warm regard for it, as the world …



For more resources, please see the library topic for Preparation, Spiritual