Topic: Extra Preparation
Text: Acts 1:15-20

Last week, we took a cursory look at the parable of the ten virgins. We shall take a second, and indeed, a closer look at the same parable today. If you can recall what we leant last week you would discover that being a Christian is no enough. Ten virgins started a race but five of them lost out. When the cry came forth as the bridegroom came at midnight, they all head and woke up. All of them were prepared to go and meet the bridegroom. Yet, five made it and five lost out. Why did the five lose out? The message that the Almighty God wants to get across to us is that it would take more than ordinary preparations to get to Heaven.

It requires more than being born-again and being sanctified, and more than attending a Bible-believing Church. There are several people who are born-again who will go to Hell. It would take more than practicing what you hear, as well as more than being baptized in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues, to get to Heaven. Many people who spoke in tongue are in Hell now. We have a good example in Ananias and Saphira. Because, according to Acts 4:31, all the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit, these two people lied to the Holy Spirit, and died and went to Hell. It required more than watching for the second coming of Jesus Christ, paying of tithes and giving of offerings, or Bible study to get to Heaven.

Jesus Christ said in Matthew 5:20, “For I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” It will take more than holiness to get to Heaven. Hebrews 12:14 says, “Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” The first condition to get o Heaven, according to the above Bible passage, is that you should follow peace with all men. The second condition is holiness. It is only the combination of the two that will make you see God. It will take more than being a chosen generation. For instance, Judas Iscariot was chosen, according to our text. He had part in the ministry of God. He cast out demons and probably performed miracles. However, he ended up in Hell. It will take extra preparation to get to Heaven.

Memory verse: Matthew 5:20 - “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of heaven,”