I. The Church Was To Be Sleeping Before Christ's Return  A. The parable of the ten virgins Matthew 25:2-13. All 10 were slumbering, but only 5 had enough oil. Preparation for Christ's coming is an individual effort. It is not something I can do for you, nor you can do for me.  B. Paul's call Romans 13:11  C. 158 years of waiting. At that time there was a strong belief that Jesus's was coming was at the door. That time came and passed. Out of that movement arose a church that continues to preach the gospel to all the world. II. Exact Picture Is Presented In Song Of Solomon Solomon presents waiting for Christ's coming as a wife waiting for her husband.   A. Remember:   1. Christ = husband Isaiah 54:5   2. Church = wife 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:31,32.   3. Christ's desire for his wife Ephesians 5:25-27

 B. Condition of the church Solomon 5:2 (first part)

 C. Return and call Solomon 5:2 (last part)

 D. Reply Solomon 5:3
  1. In other words - too much effort is required.
  2. Attendance at meetings. Sabbath School, Wednesday nights, Evangelistic meetings - too much trouble?

 E. Powerful call Solomon 5:4
  1. Special demonstrations of love.
  2. Near death of Brother Abreu of South America. He became involved in a compromising situation that took him away from God. One night while driving, the car became out of control skidding. He cried out "Oh God save me". The car immediately straightened out. He responded to the opportunity he had been given to renew his relationship with God.

 F. At last, she responds Solomon 5:5
  1. She is set on demonstrating her love.
  2. But she does it in her own good time.
  3. However, let's remember Isaiah 55:6 Seek the Lord when He may be found.

 G. It's too late Solomon 5:6
  1. The frenzy - being alone.
   a. Like the Israelites Numbers 14:40-45 The testimony of the 10 out-weighed the testimony of the 2.
   b. Let's remember Ephesians 4:30 Grieve not the spirit of God.
  2. But, wait! Jeremiah 29:13

 H. She seeks Him feverishly Solomon 3:1
  1. Beatitude Matthew 5:6
   a. John Wesley - a dedicated Christian, but he had not had a conversion experience. He served as a missionary to the colonies of Georgia, but there was no transformation and it proved to be a disappointing experience to him. After his return, he attended a meeting in Aldersgate St., London and experienced a spiritual conversion. After this he became a flame of evangelism.
  2. It has to be whole-heartedly Jeremiah 29:13

 I. She asks for help in her search Solomon 3:2,3
  1. Condition of others. Even the watchmen had not seen him.
  2. Maybe, even ministers
  3. Be careful - others are not to be our norm.
      "Are we waiting until all the church is revived? That time will never come."
We have to seek him individually, crying out for him.

 J. After passing them, she finds him Solomon 3:4
  1. She held him - like Jacob. He would not let go - great desire.
  2. She will not let him go. Remember the parents of Jesus - Joseph and Mary.
"By the negligence of one day, they lost sight of the Savior; but it cost them three days of anxious searching to find him. By careless conversation, evil speaking or the neglect of prayer we can lose the presence of the Savior, and it may require many days of anxious search to find Him and recover what has been lost." DA:62

 K. Attitude of the lover Solomon 6:4,8-10
  1. Doesn't mention the past.
  2. He only speaks of His love and endearment and plans for the future. So Christ looks at the church today. Jesus says I stand at the door and knock...