19 SEPTEMBER 2017 BODY OF CHRIST NEWS The Wise and Foolish Virgins. For 2000 years, our Lord has been building a new home for His precious bride. No question, every stone laid to perfection. When He comes, He will come for a radiant bride who has spent all of her time making preparations for her groom. She will continuously have her oil lamp full and flaming as she remains ready to leave everything in a moment’s notice. While she is waiting and making prepara- tions, she will remain faithful to her Groom, setting herself apart from the impurities of the world. She will wear a vail so that all will see that she is spoken for. While she stays busy assembling her brides- maids, she will keep her lamp burning while she eagerly waits to be swept away to a sudden wedding ceremony that will last for seven days. Being watch- ful and ready for her Groom to come will be at the very top of her list of priorities (Matt 25:1-13). Jesus, through His apostles, paints a crystal clear modern day contrast between the wise and foolish virgins (Matt 25:1-13). You will find this contrast throughout the entire New Covenant within many passages of scripture. It is obvious that the foolish virgins are becoming too friendly with the world to be looking for our Lord to come. They’ll preach on it once and while, however, it’s not the heart of their weekly message. What does the Word say? (Foolish virgins) “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gath- er around them a great number of teachers to say what their ITCHING ears want to here. They will turn their ears away from the TRUTH and turn aside to myths. (Wise virgins). “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your min- istry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have LONGED-and have LOVED His appearing” (2 Tim 4:3-8 NIV, KJ). For 20 years, as we have rejoiced in victory, dealt with the reality of sin and the joy of being together down at the altar of repentance, my wife and I have been going into the harvest fields within the four walls of the city jails and prisons. We have seen the heart break and tears of thousands as we intro- duce them to the saving power of the uncompromised Word of God. We continue to enter into His pres- ence through praise and worship music as we make ready a people prepared for the soon coming of our Lord. No, we don’t water down the Word so that we can take up an offer- ing. We don’t have to worry about people leaving because of the fire and brimstone message. We don’t get all dressed up in a fine suit and act like we have it all together. Yes, we teach them that Jesus wants to bless us. However, all true believers should be ready to leave it all in a moment’s notice to be with our Lord. False optimistic hope, inspirational and motivational ser- mons and a deliberate life of sin is not going to cut it when Jesus comes. “Then those (virgins) who were READY went in with Him to the marriage feast and the door was locked (Matt 25:1-13). “Since every- thing will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you LOOK FORWARD to the day of God and speed its coming” (2 Pet 3:3-18, 2 Pet 2:1-21). Until next time, Jesus is coming soon! Are you going to be ready? Michael Forti A Race for Life The Colorado Sickle Cell Association (CSCA) hosted their annual 6th annual 5K run/walk Fundraiser on Saturday, August 12th 2017 @ 8 o’clock a.m., in Expo Park 10955 E. Exposition Ave, Aurora, CO 80012. Runners and walkers of all ages, races and creed came out to support the cause. With sponsors such as Whole Foods, Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD), Mountain West Chapter, and others joining forces to put an end to this deadly and incapacitating disease. The impact of Sickle Cell on families in our com- munity is alarming with income and housing short- falls and lack of funds this event was used not only to bring awareness of the Sickle disorder but of the number of families who are homeless, or un- or under employed. Colorado Sickle Cell Executive Director, Donna Dixon, states, “This is vitally important to our com- munity because Sickle Cell disease affects our fami- lies in larger numbers than others, and because it was originally thought to only affects people of color. Sickle Cell disease has not been as well funded for treatment or research, as has other chronic diseases. As such, local fundraising is critical for improving the quality of life for those we serve in our commu- nity, according to Annie Howard, President Mt. West Chapter Top Ladies of Distinction. Colorado Sickle Cell Association is a community- based organization that has been in existence since 1974 and has provided services for hundreds of sickle cell clients in the Colorado area. To aid or donate funds or blood to the Colorado Sickle Cell Association, please contact Donna Dixon by emails her at dixon112@comcast.net. “Who knows the life you save may be your own.” END TIMES We don’t get all dressed up in a fine suit and act like we have it all together. Yes, we teach them that Jesus wants to bless us. By Michael Forti