Preparing for the End Times

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

Are you ready to meet the Lord?

Read Matthew 25:1-13.

If you’re not sure you’re prepared for the Lord’s return, Jesus has something to say to you today. In Matthew 25, we find a parable about a wedding feast and ten virgins who fell asleep waiting for the bridegroom to arrive with his procession. Five of the virgins were wise, and five were foolish. Five had oil in their lamps, and five did not. In the same way, some Christians will be ready for the Lord’s return, and some who profess the name of Christ will not be.

When we read this parable carefully, we ought to notice several things the wise and foolish virgins have in common. Both groups were invited. Both groups responded positively to the invitation. Both groups had affection toward the bridegroom. Both groups believed in His coming. Both groups fell asleep. But as soon as the bridegroom showed up, that’s when the similarities ended. Only one group was prepared for His coming.

The Bible tells us that at the end of history, there will be a great falling away. Many people who claim to know Christ will be revealed to be faithless. About those days Jesus warned, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:12-13).

Did you know that according to a recent report from the Barna Group, more than 64 percent of professing Christians said there are other ways to God besides Jesus Christ? How can that be when Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6)? He is the only way. In that same report, 44 percent of professing Christians actually said they believe Jesus sinned. Such a thing would be a total contradiction of God’s plan of salvation! How can a sinner save sinners?

These numbers tell me there are many people in the church today who are like the foolish virgins in Jesus’ parable. They are unprepared for His coming. If you’re not 100 percent sure you’re prepared for Jesus’ return, don’t wait another day! Commit yourself to the Lord fully, not just with words, but with your whole life.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to be alert for Your return. I want to be at work for Your Kingdom, leading others into Your Truth. Give me Your vision for eternity and help me to keep my eyes on You by the power of Your Spirit. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Need Good News?, Part 6: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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