3/30/03: Lord of The Rings - The Ring of His Return

The Promise Of Jesus Return Should Be Anticipated As A Wedding

I. The Major Players:
1.Jesus is the Bridegroom
“I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. For I promised you as a pure bride to one husband, Christ.” 2 Cor 11:2-3 (NLT)

2. The Church is the Bride (2 Cor. 11:3)

3. The Saints are the Witnesses
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Heb 12:1 (NIV)

4. Other Witnesses: All of Heaven (Rev. 5)


II. We (The Bride) Should Be Prepared:
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
Matt 25:13 (NIV)

“Let us be glad and rejoice and honor him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She is permitted to wear the finest white linen." (Fine linen represents the good deeds done by the people of God).”
Rev 19:7-8 (NLT)

1. Send Out The Invitations
(Jesus)…"The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come…Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner…"But they paid no attention and went off-one to his field, another to his business…Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find,… and the wedding hall was filled with guests.” Matt 22:1-10 (NIV)

“Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'" And he added, "These are the true words of God." Rev 19:9 (NIV)

2. Get Fitted For The Wedding Gown
"Be dressed for service and well prepared, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast.” Luke 12:35-36 (NLT)


“I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.” Isa 61:10 (NLT)

3. Get In Shape
“Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit. Bodily exercise is all right, but spiritual exercise is much more important and is a tonic for all you do. So exercise yourself spiritually, and practice being a better Christian because that will help you not only now in this life, but in the next life too.” 1 Tim 4:7-8 (TLB)

4. Use My Gifts and Talents In The Planning
“It's no different with you. Since you're so eager to participate in what God is doing, why don't you concentrate on doing what helps everyone in the church?” 1 Cor. 14:12 (Msg)

5. Keep The Right Attitude About The Wedding Day
“Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor 1:7-8 (NLT)

6. Enjoy The Honeymoon
“He died for us so that we can live with him forever, whether we are dead or alive at the time of his return.” 1 Thess 5:10-11 (NLT)


III. The Bridegroom Has Already Taken Care of:

1. The Wedding Music: Amazing Grace
2. Reception: Lambs Supper
3. Future Home : Heaven


So what is the hold up?

“God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change.” 2 Peter 3:9 (Msg)

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