The Bridegroom and the Bride

The signs of the time we're living in tell us that the bridegroom is coming very soon for His bride! But, who is this bridegroom and who's the bride? The Church is referred to as the Bride of Christ. Are you a part of that church?

"Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Acts 2: 21) Jesus died for you as an individual. That means that if you were the only person on earth, He would have died just for you! Therefore, if you believe that, and have called on His Name, then you are His Bride!

The word 'church' in the original Greek means 'the called out ones.' You have not chosen Him, but indeed Jesus has chosen you and set you apart from the world to bear fruit for Him! (John 15: 16) It has nothing to do with denomination, building structure, creed, tradition, or culture.

"For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel. For the Lord hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God." (Isa. 54: 5-6)

God gives a beautiful, graphic description of how much He loves the sinner. He actually, in real life, tells the prophet Hosea to marry a woman whom He knew would be unfaithful. That woman represented the kingdom of Israel, who had turned to serve idols. It's a heart-rending account of how, once having decided to return to her ever-faithful husband, He would buy her back and restore her. (Hos. 1;2)

He then explained how that when you have other idols in your life, you are in fact a servant, enslaved to it. The husband, on the other hand loves you unconditionally!

"And it shall be at that day, saith the Lord, that thou shalt call me Ishi [husband]; and shalt call me no more Baali [idol/master]. For I shall take away the names of Baalim [idols/masters] out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name." (Hos. 2: 16-17)

Do you know Him, but still have idols in your life? Perhaps you've been serving a different master, like a religion which has a form of godliness, but denying the power or knowledge of God (2 Tim. 3: 5)
Be assured that, no matter how you feel or where you're at right now, He is waiting for you! He has already bought you back with a great price! All you need to do is call on His lovely Name and acknowledge Him. Then He will reveal the idols in your life and destroy them. (Hos. 2: 9-10) In fact, He has already conquered principalities and powers by His finished work on the cross, and He has given you the power to overcome! (Col. 2: 15)

Then, He will gently reveal Himself to you, and restore you with a sure hope until you burst out in songs of praise! (Hos. 2: 14-15) And you will be assured that:

"Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken. The Lord delighteth in thee… as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee." (Isa 62: 4, 5)

Ann Stewart is author of With Wings As Eagles, an inspiring story of unwavering faith in God's Word and answered prayer: http://www.lifealteringwords.com/with-wings-as-eagles Looking for affirmation, encouragement and inspiration? The welcome door is wide open at Embracing All the Promises of God: http://www.lifealteringwords.com

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