Sunday Words of Encouragement October 9, 2022 - The Servant and the Bride

Our Sunday School teacher shared a study on the Second Coming of Christ. He noted that Christ first came to die and pay the price for our sins. He is coming again to complete our salvation and restoration to God, and to establish His kingdom on earth. He will be bringing Heaven down to earth. Maranatha!

We enjoyed lovely worship starting our church service. We shared communion and the Pastor Appreciation Sunday. Pastor’s message was The Servant and the Bride based on Genesis 24:1-9 and 2 Corinthians 11:1-4. The Genesis scriptures shares the story of Abraham making his servant swear that he would go to Abraham’s home country to find a bride for Isaac. Paul tells the believers that they are promised to Christ as a pure virgin.

Isaiah prophesies that God loves us like a bride. Isaiah 62:4-5. John recognized Christ as the bridegroom. John 3:27-29. John tells us in Revelation that the angel said he would show him “the bride, the wife of the lamb.” Revelation 21:9. “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Revelation 22:17.

The servant’s job is to go get a bride The church pastor serves as an agent of God to present a pure bride. The pastor has a divinely called ministry. He will be a shepherd servant of God. The bride is to be a humble bride, not a mistress of the servant. This is God's plan. His church is betrothed to the lord – set apart as His loyal bride.

The job of the servant is to bring people to Christ. Pointing people to Jesus. To build up the body of Christ. Not to be greater than Christ. One of pastor’s mentors explained that accolades are just crumbs. The true reward is pleasing God.

Rebekah went with Abraham’s servant and, as soon as Rebekah saw Isaac across the field, she veiled herself, committing herself to the marriage. Betrothal was equivalent of marriage. We set our eyes (and plans) on the one who we are betrothed to. Believers need to fall in love with Jesus. It is an intimate relationship, greater than any love. God loved us first. John 3:16. When we submit to Christ, we should be all in.

Believers need to get to know God through His voice. Jesus is the revelation of God. Start with the Word of God. Build a relationship with worship and prayer time. Worship Him in spirit and in truth with integrity. Don't love the act of worship more than the one you worship.
The relationship should be comfortable and intimate. Genesis 24.

Believers should not neglect gathering together. We should meet together, encourage one another and inspire each other. Hebrews 10:25.
Draw near to God. Jesus reinstated Peter, telling him to “feed my lambs…take care of my sheep.” John 21:15-17.

I found and chose this song today: Falling in Love.

Verses for Today:
2 Corinthians 11:1-2 NIV
1 I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me! 2 I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.

Lord help me to stay in love with You!