Is the church asleep?

"3When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take oil with them; 4but the wise ones took oil in their flasks with their lamps. 5When the groom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep."             Matthew 25:3   CSB

When I started this series, I had no idea how much we would be able to dig out of it. So, I will have one last session on this before we move on. However, can I encourage you to do your own digging. I promise you, there will be more to find because, this is a living word. Just don't try to rush ahead. Sit on the scripture and wait for the Holy Spirit. He will come and lead you along an exciting path. Just keep a note book of what He shows you.

The scripture above tells us that they slept; they took their eyes off their mission and fell asleep. This reminds me of when Jesus was in Gethsemane and His disciples, who were with Him, couldn't stay awake: 'Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.The Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."  Matthew 26:40-41. 

Many feel today, that the church is asleep; sermons are preached but nothing happens. Some say the leaders are even frightened to upset others. Others feel church has become too much of a fun place to go to; but when they return home, everything goes back to normal. 'There's too much worship,' some declare, 'and not enough of the Word being preached. ' Now, this may be so, yet others will believe that there is too much preaching and not enough worship.  The thing is, both of these sets of people are probably right, the correct balance needs to be set for it all to work together properly.

I'm just saying what I hear, don't shoot the messenger, but, there must be some truth in it. Sermons that are preached with no response whatsoever, must be questioned to whether they were from God at all. When was the last time The Lord's Prayer was said in the service? This is something that many churches have left out. Again, we must consider, are we leaving the oil out of the lamp? Will things work successfully if we do this in our own strength? Well the evidence of the five foolish virgins tells us that we won't be successful, and the doors will close on us unless we sort ourselves out.

Perhaps it is time to shake ourselves awake, fill our lamps to overflow and set our sights on the gates of heaven, taking as many with us as possible. However, to do this, you need to be awake and full of energy with your lamp full.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard.                                

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