GETTING READY FOR THE WEDDING

WEEK 1 – PUTTING WEDDING PIECES TOGETHER

WEEK 2 – SYMBOLISMS OF MARRIAGE
WEEK 3 – QUALIFYING TO BE A BRIDE
WEEK 4 – WAITING TIME IS TESTING TIME
WEEK 5 – MAKING IT WORTH THE WAITING

TOPIC GUIDELINES:
1. VISION PURSUING
2. CHARACTER TRANSFORMATION
3. SELF-ESTEEM ENHANCEMENT
4. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
 GETTING READY FOR THE WEDDING - Week 1: PUTTING WEDDING PIECES
TOGETHER

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church
and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by
the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to
himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be
holy and without blemish."

OBJECTIVES:
1. To have a deep understanding of the origin and purpose of marriage as
revealed in the Scriptures;
2. To prepare ourselves and the people we care for about the eternal plan of God
for them.

INTRODUCTION:
➢ Marriage found its roots in God's eternal plan of Union of Himself with His
Redeemed Creation. Whereas, the early creatures were marred with sin that led
them to eternal separation, His redeemed people were clothed in the righteousness
of His Son, Jesus Christ, designed for eternal union.
➢ Free will being so tempting to choose what is convenient and self-gratifying,
only very few people would ever make it to the final union. Despite the provision
God made through the sacrificial death of His Son at the cross, still, free will has
enticed many to the wrong choice unto eternal separation and destruction. Many
would rather play now and pay later, than the other way around.

WEDDING AWAITS EVERY INDIVIDUAL

➢ If only every person on the face of the earth would realize God's intention,
perhaps many would endeavor and pursue to become part of that Grand Wedding of
Jesus Christ with His Bride, the Church. But most people seem indifferent to know
the abundance of knowledge in Scriptures about God's intention. What about you,
would you not care for your destiny? What matter more to you than being back to
God? Is it your job, career, family? (Mat 16:26 “For what profit is it to a man if he
gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange
for his soul?)
➢ Realizing what is best for you, would you still be indifferent and care nothing
about your eternal destiny? Would you rather choose to perish when Jesus said, He
is the only way out of condemnation? (Revelations 22:17 "And the Spirit and the
bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts
come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.")

THE PURPOSE OF BETROTHAL

➢ 2Corinthians 11:2 "For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have
betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ."
➢ Betrothal is an engagement, a promise to marry at a future date. After a man's
proposal has been accepted by the woman, the couple will then announce their
betrothal to their family and friends. They become engaged to be married at a
future date. The time between the betrothal and the marriage is preparation time.
This is a period of blissful expectations for that most awaited Wedding Day which is
the beginning of a lifetime of togetherness for the couple.
➢ In parallel situation, when a person accepts the love that Jesus Christ offers
into his life, he is betrothed to Him in future marriage at His coming. The time
between the acceptance and the actual marriage is preparation time. This should
be the time when Christians should all the more be getting excited about his/her
wedding with the Lord! Sadly, many get dissipated in the process of waiting. Most
grieving on the part of the Holy Spirit is the unfaithfulness of the betrothed bride of
Christ. Some playing the role of harlots, prostituting with the world, not thinking of
the consequences.
➢ Therefore, to overcome dissipation, waiting time should be the most busy of
all times preparing and working hard to make the wedding the most significant
moment in the Christian life!

CHRISTIAN BETROTHAL TO JESUS CHRIST.

➢ Our Scripture is very clear, V 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed
her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church
to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be
holy and without blemish." Waiting time is the time for sanctification process in
preparation for "presenting" the bride unto Himself during the coming Marriage
Supper of the Lamb. Jesus Christ gave Himself (V25), shed His powerful, cleansing
blood, to make us holy or sanctified, to prepare us for the Great Wedding of our
lifetime.
➢ Traditionally after betrothal, the man leaves and finds work or industry to save
money to establish his new family and provisions after the wedding. This was the
Hebrew custom! Look at the Parable of the Ten Virgins. (Matthew 25:5 “But while
the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight a cry
was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!"). The return of
the Bridegroom is not known for a reason, like the return of our Bridegroom, Jesus
Christ. Herein is the bride tested for her faithfulness and readiness for the wedding
day.

GETTING READY FOR THE GREATEST EVENT OF OUR LIVES - OUR WEDDING DAY:
1. PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE RETURN OF THE BRIDEGROOM.
➢ John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would
have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for
you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be
also."
➢ After your betrothal to Christ, there is no moment you are to expect that is
higher and more significant other than your wedding to Jesus Christ, the Eternal
Bridegroom. Patiently wait in full expectation for His promise to " come again and
receive you to Himself"!
➢ Titus 2:13 "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great
God and Savior Jesus Christ,". Are you indeed excited and expectant for the coming
of the Bridegroom? Are you preparing for that blissful event to happen? What are
you doing in preparation?
➢ Again, the time period between the betrothal and the wedding is preparation -
V26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with
the word." This means putting our lives and purpose back into order. This means
Christlikeness. This means discipleship! Jesus would not return for a half-hearted
Bride. Jesus would only come for a bride who is prepared. V 27 so that he might
present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing,
that she might be holy and without blemish. Without spot of sin or wrinkle of
reproaches, but a holy and unblemished Bride. Secure your oil and trim your lamps
you virgin bride of Jesus Christ!

2. PREPARE OTHERS FOR THE WEDDING

➢ Jesus gave you the marching order: "Go therefore and make disciples of all
nations." That is loud and clear, prepare others! Prepare the next generation!
Reach out for others out there!
➢ The saddest moment of Jesus Christ is for people to accept His Wedding
proposal and do nothing to prepare for the wedding. It is your turn to remind the
betrothed people of God, "the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ" is coming back, trim your
lamps and provide oil to keep the light on when He appears!
➢ Overcome dissipation! Serve others, filling your lamps with oil constantly! It
is when you minister or serve others that you are ministered to and filled by the oil
of the Holy Spirit!

CONCLUSION:
Many among the betrothed people of God live as if the Groom is not coming
and as if there is no wedding to happen. Many among the betrothed people of God
have allowed their oil to dissipate from their lamps. Why? "Come back now to your
First Love, My People", says the Lord. Fill your lamps with oil of gladness from the
Holy Spirit. Get ready for your Wedding Day for it would surely come!
 GETTING READY FOR THE WEDDING - Week 2: SIGNIFICANCE OF
SYMBOLISMS

SCRIPTURE: Mat 22:11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a
man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 12 He asked, ‘How did you get in
here without wedding clothes, friend?’ The man was speechless. 13 “Then the king
told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the
darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

OBJECTIVES:
1. To understand the message what the symbolisms in marriage conveys to
God's people;
2. As we appreciate the significance of symbolism, it would strengthen family
relationship bond.

INTRODUCTION:
➢ Last week, we have established the fact that marriage had its roots in God's
eternal plan of uniting Himself with His Redeemed creation when the times of
renewal** of all things takes place. That is when He has dealt a final death blow
against sin and its consequences and the new heaven and new earth shall be
ushered in, in the ages to come (Rev 21:1).
➢ We also established that the moment a person accepted the Lord Jesus Christ
as his/her personal Lord and Savior, he/she had in effect been betrothed to Christ for
a future marriage in the ages to come. And finally, we have also established the
fact that, from the time of betrothal to the day of marriage is preparation time - a
time for a high expectation for the return of the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. It is also
a time period for doing the preparation thru sanctification process, as a Bride
getting ready for the Big Day. Tell the person next to you, "Sanctification is our
Discipleship process".

MARRIAGE CEREMONY, AN EXPOSITION OF SYMBOLISMS.

➢ Marriage elements and symbolisms play a major role in understanding of the
spiritual significance, moral values, responsibilities and roles of the Groom and the
Bride in a Marriage relationship. If the Lord used parables derived from day to day
activities of the people of His time to convey important principles and Biblical
truths, marriage symbolisms has a parallel importance in both marriages.
➢ Understanding the symbolisms would help us relate to the spiritual
significance and values of marriage. Although different cultures have different ways
of performing the marriage ceremony, but the Christian marriage ceremony displays
the essential and timeless Biblical truths and values.

PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MARRIAGE SYMBOLISMS

1. COVENANT COMMITMENT. (MARRIAGE VOW)
➢ A covenant is an agreement which invokes the shedding of blood of both the
agreeing parties.
➢ Marriage vow is a covenant commitment between the husband and the wife,
promising each other that whatever it takes, they would stick to each other for as
long as they both shall live.
➢ A typical pledge goes this way: "I, (pledgor), take you (pledgee) for myself, as
my husband/wife, to hold and to cherish, in sickness or in health; for richer or for
poorer; for as long as we both shall live."
➢ The content of the marriage vow is so important that heaven takes record of
it, and both husband and wife shall be accountable for keeping their promises. The
Lord detests a Covenant breaker.
➢ Speaking of our Covenant relationship with God, Jesus Christ spilled His own
blood to seal His covenant promises with us. This calls for us Christians to be
faithful to Him till we pour our own blood for Him also. So we don't make light of our
promise to God! When we promised God our lives, keep your covenant promise!
Live for Him all the days of your life!

2. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. (RING)

➢ The marriage ring tells us about the "Unconditional Love" of God towards us.
The same love that both the husband and the wife are to demonstrate in their
relationship. 1Corinthians 13:4-7 amply describe this love. If this becomes the rule
in the family, everyone is happy, safe and cared for.
➢ Represented by a ring, love has no end - it goes on and on in a perpetual cycle,
in any circumstances. When tested by trials, like gold placed in fire, it manifests its
radiance and purity. This should be the kind of love manifested in a marriage
relationship between the couple.
➢ The love that God has for us is Agape. He loved us despite our sins and
waywardness. He demonstrated this love for us by the offering of His own life for us
on the cross.

3. AUTHORITY AND SUBMISSION (VEIL)

➢ The veil speaks of the authority vested by God upon the husband (pinned on
the husband's shoulder) as the Head over the wife and their future children. On the
other hand, it reflects the submission of the wife to her husband (placed over the
head of the wife). This requires the husband to get closer to the instructions of God
as he shall be accountable for whatever happens to his family.
➢ Authority and submission is crucial in connection to the Lordship of Jesus
Christ over us. (Eph 5:24 "Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives
should submit to their husbands in everything."
➢ The woman does not lose her identity by submitting herself to the husband,
rather, reinforces the authority of God in the family. In the same way, submitting to
God's delegated authorities reinforces God's authority and order over our every
aspect of life - spiritual, material, social, intellectual.

4. COVENANT BIND (CORD and COMMUNION)

➢ The cord represents the Covenant bind between the couple. As explained
earlier, the marriage covenant is made invoking blood, and shall remain intact as
long as both lives. Only the physical death of either party dissolves the marriage
bind.
➢ Our relationship with the Lord is a Covenant relationship where he poured out
His own blood to seal it up. (1Co 11:25 “... This cup is the new covenant in my
blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”) Whenever you take
the element communion, remember: your life for His life!

5. INSTRUCTIONS (BIBLE)
➢ We all are aware of the importance of God's Word and keeping His
commandments as the proof of our love for God. (John 14:15 “If you love me, keep
my commands.)

6. PROVISIONS (COINS)
➢ Upon betrothal (acceptance of a marriage proposal), the man leaves and
makes ready for the wedding day and comes back for the wedding. Material wealth
or provision is not the goal of marriage, but the means to support the marriage
relationship. Never allow your marriage to be affected by the lack or abundance of
wealth. In the same way, our relationship with God should not depend or whether
we lack or abound with provisions. We use provisions to fulfill our mission.

7. ONENESS (UNITY CANDLES)

➢ In marriage, the two becomes one before God and before the law of the land.
The woman becomes a helpmeet for the husband. The husband loves the wife as he
loves his own self, ready to support, provide, protect and give his life for her.

8. ROBE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (WEDDING GOWN)

➢ For every wedding that we witness, the bride would always have a white
wedding gown. This symbolizes purity and readiness to be accepted as one with
her husband.
➢ This is the most important aspect of our relationship with God, the "Robe of
Righteousness". It signifies our constant preparedness for the "Marriage Supper of
the Lamb". By this, we are made acceptable in God's holy presence. And this is
only achieved thru surrender of our lives to Jesus Christ and accepting Him as our
Savior and Lord of our lives. In return, Jesus washes our sins away through His own
blood and imputing unto us His own righteousness.
CONCLUSION:
Do you wear your wedding clothes on? Keep it unspotted by the world. (Back
to the Scripture)
 GETTING READY FOR THE WEDDING - Week 3: QUALIFYING TO BE A BRIDE

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 19:7 “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the
marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”

OBJECTIVES:
1. To understand the underlying principles of preparedness required of a Bride
who is getting married;
2. To warn the people of God of the lapses that could cause disqualifications as
a Bride.

INTRODUCTION:
➢ After two weeks of intense knowledge dissemination about the things we
needed to know about the origin and purpose of marriage, as well as the
significance of every symbolisms of marriage, we would now go further to our topic
about how a person qualifies to become a Bride of Christ.
➢ In practical situation, a Bride is someone who has been betrothed or engaged
to be married to a Groom at a future date. But going back earlier before betrothal,
something else took place first and this is the process of qualifying to become a
bride of a groom. A man and a woman in their ripe age and status in life found
themselves so much in love with each other that they decided to get married for
life. They have considered every aspect of a married life and both willing to go, live
together, be together in whatever situation they might go through in their married
life, in abundance or in lack, in health or in sickness, in enjoyment or enduring, they
have committed themselves to stick together.

QUALIFYING TO BE THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

➢ In parallel situation, we are not prepared for marriage by just receiving Jesus
Christ's love proposal for us, or when we accepted Him as Lord and Savior of our
lives, or when we surrendered our lives to His Lordship. As long as the actual
Marriage has not come, there are yet preparations to be made to make ourselves
ready for the wedding. It would be a different situation when a person dies right
after accepting Christ into his/her life, like the thief who repented and crucified
together with the Lord.
➢ Our Scripture is very clear, (Revelation 19:7 “Let us be glad and rejoice and
give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made
herself ready.”). Who made herself ready? The wife or the Bride herself did what has
to be done to make herself ready for the marriage!
➢ In our earlier Scripture it says, (Ephesians 5:25 "...as Christ loved the church
and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by
the washing of water with the word,") Christ already made provisions to make the
Bride ready by the shedding of His own blood, but it is the Bride applying the
provisions, it is the Bride obeying, cooperating and fulfilling the commandments of
the Groom, Jesus Christ that make her ready for the wedding. Without the Bride's
action and cooperation, the Groom cannot do anything. Tell the person next to you,
"Hindi si Lord na lang ng si Lord, tapos na si Lord, gawin mo naman ang bahagi
mo!"
➢ This is the reason why in spite of your busy schedule, you need to value your
Daily Devotion, your Cell Group, your weekly Sunday Celebration and trainings! You
are being prepared!

WARNINGS FOR THE ASSUMING BRIDES

➢ This is a sad bible fact: not all Brides would be able to make it to the wedding.
As a matter of fact, there are unprepared Brides who were left out! (Mat 25:10 “And
while they went to buy (oil), the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went
in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins
came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly,
I say to you, I do not know you.’"). How terrible it would be for those assuming
themselves to be part of the Bride, but latter to be denied! In another wedding
parable where a man was found not wearing the wedding clothes (the robe of
righteousness), it concluded in a very sad way: Matthew 22:14 “For many are
called, but few are chosen.”
➢ In essence, the Biblical warnings for disqualifications is clear: UNREADINESS.
How?
1. NEGLECT. (Matthew 25:1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten
virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 3 Those who
were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,). The Virgins represent the
Bride. The lamp represents their lives as the vessels of God, while the oil
represents the Holy Spirit. Without the oil of the Holy Spirit, there would be no light
and fruit of transformed lives. These are the barren and professing Christians who
are not obedient to the commandment of the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ and who do
not recognize the role of the Holy Spirit in their daily walk with God.
2. NAKEDNESS. Not wearing the prescribed wedding clothes. (Matthew 22:2
“The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son,
11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not
have on a wedding garment.12 “So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here
without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless.). We have learned last week
the important role of the blood of Jesus Christ that redeemed us and washed away
all our sins, and imputed unto us the Robe of Righteousness.
3. INFIDELITY. Unfaithfulness to their First Love. Many Christians play with the
ways of the world and neglect their Christian duties without thinking of the terrible
price for their unfaithfulness.

PREPARATIONS FOR QUALIFICATION TO BECOME THE BRIDE OF CHRIST.

1. BETROTHAL
➢ Accepting the Love Proposal of the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, qualifies us to
become part of His Bride. Receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior does not only
forgives and cleanses us from all our sins, but it also signify our acceptance of His
Marriage Proposal, thus making us His Bride. This is the first and crucial step to
qualifying as a Bride to be married to Jesus Christ.
➢ If you are engaged to be united with your Creator, be faithful, never allow the
Robe of Righteousness to be spotted by the world. Remember, there is an enemy
trying to rob you away from your Groom!

2. BE ON FIRE
➢ Remember this: the delay of the Bridegroom's coming would cause many to
have spiritual slumber and sleep. (Matthew 25:5 “But while the bridegroom was
delayed, they all slumbered and slept.") We will have our faults and lapses in this
imperfect world we live in. But if we have the oil of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we
would never be barren or fruitless. We would always have testimonies of victory in
our lives! We will bear our fruit of righteousness! We will make disciples and
reproduce our transformed lives in the lives of people we win for Jesus Christ!
➢ As we keep ourselves in the Fireplaces of Daily Devotion, Cell gathering,
Sunday Cell Celebration and Mentoring, Trainings and Conferences, we will keep
ourselves on fire by the Holy Spirit.
➢ Don't isolate yourself from your spiritual leader and your Cell Group. Be
intentional in attending your spiritual gathering to get your portion of your manna
that would keep you strong and fruitful.

3. WAIT EAGERLY AND PATIENTLY

➢ Titus 2:13 "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great
God and Savior Jesus Christ,"
➢ Always look forward to that glorious Day- the appearing of our Bridegroom,
Jesus Christ. He is coming! Never be hopeless! That would be a glorious day for
everyone who is prepared! For everyone who is clothed in the righteousness of
Jesus Christ, our Bridegroom!
➢ As you wait, keep yourself occupied in the works of the Lord! Keep the oil of
the Holy Spirit coming! Keep yourself replenished by using your oil in lighting the
world around you! In declaring His praises! Let the limitless oil of the Holy Spirit fill
your life and the life of people you serve.

CONCLUSION:
Rev 3:18 “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be
rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your
nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you
may see."
 GETTING READY FOR THE WEDDING - Week 4: WAITING TIME IS TESTING
TIME

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 3:10 “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I

also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to
test those who dwell on the earth."

OBJECTIVES:
1. To learn the value of perseverance in every trying moments of our lives while
waiting for God's promises;

2. To invest time wisely during the waiting moments.

INTRODUCTION:
 Getting ready for Marriage - a very interesting topic for those who are in their
ripe age and status in life, but also for those who understand that they are the
Bride of Jesus Christ waiting for His return!

 Earlier in our studies about waiting from betrothal to the time of marriage is
preparation time. Today, we would learn the value of patience and perseverance
as it applies to our waiting time. Because we would particularly deal with the
tests of life everybody else is experiencing.

 In these days, the word patience seem to have very little meaning or
significance. People would always give preference to short cuts and instants.
Tolerance and patience seem to have been eroded in the vocabulary of people as
the pace of living seem to have gotten into a rat race scenario.

 We cannot short cut a process - the Discipleship Process in particular. Short

cuts often times lead to "going back to square one". In the same way, lack of
patience leads to disaster or failure.

THE VALUE OF PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE IN WAITING.

 Perseverance means persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in
achieving success.

 Synonyms: persistence, tenacity, determination, resolve, resolution,

resoluteness, staying power, purposefulness, firmness of purpose.

 As part of the Fruit of the Spirit (1Corinthians 12:4), patience or longsuffering is a

virtue that seem to be the hardest to achieve, but can be achieved. That is why
it is part of the Fruit of the Spirit! Without the Spirit of God helping us achieve it,
it is very difficult.

THE VALUE OF TESTS AND TRIALS

 Did you know that buildings and structures that withstood strong earthquakes
are those that passed the quality tests? You cannot build a superstructure with
materials that do not pass the standard specifications prescribed by the
designers. The rebar sizes, the spacing, the concrete mix design, the process of
pouring and curing time, the admixtures, the temperature and a lot of other
factors must all pass the quality tests before being approved to be incorporated
into the superstructure. After concrete pouring, there is still the post tension
testing done with every cylinder representing each batch of concrete poured. If
a batch failed, a remedial measure is to be done, otherwise, that portion needs to
be demolished and replaced at the cost of the contractor.

 Similarly, our lives are being tested at every stage to make sure we are being
prepared for the great task God has prepared for each one of us to fulfill. Do not
avoid the tests of life. Do not despise tests and corrections, because God uses
only people whose foundation would pass His tests!

 Therefore, if you consider yourself a person of mission, if you have determined

yourself to serve God in a mighty way, you must be ready to face the tests of life!
When tested, determine to overcome in order to level up! Don't just quit in
difficult times, for surely quitters win no battles! Remember, in this world, only
the strong survives and create an impact and leaves behind a legacy that would
ripple to the generations to come. If you have decided to be a man or a woman
to be used by God for His calling, you must be determined to be strong because
you are going to be tested and opposed by circumstances and people around you.
You cannot please everyone you minister to. You are going to be hated, envied,
and sometimes betrayed. These are all part of the testing of your quality!

 Competition is part of life's training, so be competitive in your area of skill or

career. If you are not a person of challenge, you'll be left behind! You should
have an edge over the others to advance!

 But when it comes to ministry, competitiveness is different, because things are

done by helping one another to be developed because ministry is serving others.
If you have certain edge or advantage over the others, that same advantage is
used to serve!

 Our Scripture is very clear, testing and trials come to every person's life! But
God has a promise for those who would persevere - that He would keep them, He
would help them overcome every form of trials that would come their way. He
would help them overcome in every level of testing in order to prepare them for
their calling. God promised to help them become a person of purpose and
destiny!

FACTS AND PURPOSE OF WAITING

1. WAITING TIME IS PREPARATION TIME
 1 Thessalonians 5:2 "For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the
Lord so comes as a thief in the night."

 The return of the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, to take His Bride, the Church,
would be the biggest surprise for everyone! Many Christians, even Disciples
would be surprised if they are not watchful. And if Disciples can be surprised,
how much more are the nominal Christians and unbelievers!

 Waiting time is not idle time, but productivity. So many tasks need to be done!
Take your assigned task with initiative! Don't maintain the culture of being
always reminded about your responsibility! Know them and do them! Be an
asset and not a liability to your family, to your company, to your church! As a
Bride, show your Bridegroom you are making yourself ready for the Wedding
Day!

2. WAITING TIME IS TESTING TIME

 James 1:2 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience
have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

 Preparation is worth nothing without testing. Testing produces something

that would enhance the quality of your person. Do you want your quality to be
upgraded? Then pass every test! The test of patience, test of self-control, test
of love, test of faithfulness, test of resilience, name it! They come daily in our
lives, sometimes one at a time, other times by package. Pass the test! The
Holy Spirit is in you to enable you pass the test! Learn to understand more!
Learn to forgive more! Learn to love more! Learn to be more flexible! Learn
to work harder in areas of failures and weaknesses. Don't easily give in to
deceptive emotional outburst! Hold your breath, take a deep breath, count 1
to 10.e

3. YOUR EDGE IS YOUR MINISTRY

 Galatians 5:13 "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use
liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

 Whatever advantage you have in life, whether in giftedness, skills or career,

that is your point of serving others. Without an edge, you have very little to
serve others with! We can only share what we have! You are an steward of
the greatest gift - The Gospel of Jesus Christ! Master it and you can have an
edge over others! Even over people of great stature, you have a great edge
over them!
  Disciples minister the Gospel to policemen, to public officials, to businessmen
because being Gospel Ministers, you Disciples and the mouthpiece of God to
take His Good News to every walks of life!

 Accountants, Engineers, Architects, Nurses, you have the edge over other
people as concerning your professional skills! Use them to serve others in
creative ways, not only as your source of living!

CONCLUSION:
Waiting time is not idle time. Rather, it should be the busiest, most productive
moment of our lives to cause an impact on our generation and leave a legacy
of a quality life behind.
 GETTING READY FOR THE WEDDING - Week 5: MAKING IT WORTH THE
WAITING

SCRIPTURE: Rev 21:1 "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first
heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I,
John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven
saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and
they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 “And
God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor
sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed
away.” 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And
He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

OBJECTIVES:
1. To look forward to the culmination of God's wonderful plan, and in
understanding our hope and future, we would receive strength in the face of all
trials and tests of life;
2. To be vigilant, watchful and discerning about the issues that could draw us
away from our focus.

INTRODUCTION:
➢ In light of what is happening today where people, including Christians are
being exposed to the world of the media and the internet, so much confusion and
chaos pervade the homes, the educational institutions, the business sector and
even the Church is not spared.
➢ The saddest part of it, Churches and Christian brothers are being torn apart by
the false pretense of expose' or doctrinal trivia which cause a culture of judgment
against each other. Listen: the reason God placed you inside the Church under a
pastor is for your own protection. The reason why God placed you within a pasture
or a place of feeding is to keep you away from doctrinal poison causing confusion,
strife and falling away. Internet, especially the Facebook is a very dangerous place
to pickup intrigues, and confusing doctrines. If you are too naive, you can get
caught in Satan's bait.
➢ If we are not discerning enough, one day, you may not notice you are being
drawn away from your Cell Group, your Church and your purpose. Remember, trivial
issues are suggestive, convincing and very appealing to the nature and emotion of
the old man inside.

LAST DAYS' WARNINGS.

➢ The Bride of Christ, the Church has to be very vigilant against deceptive
internet and FB articles. Remember this Bride of Christ: somebody is trying hard to
steal you away from your Bridegroom while you are waiting. Don't listen to people
who are not truly concerned with your spiritual welfare!
➢ People post articles, people comment and share articles which they do not
fully understand. They break the basic Biblical principles of unity among the
Christian Churches and speak great swelling words, criticisms and strife promoting
ideas which weakens the potential of God's Army and greatly hinder the fulfillment
of the Great Commission! Not realizing who wins but the devil! If someone is
offended and falls away, great shall be the responsibility of those who cause that
fall! (Romans 14:4 "Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he
stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him
stand."....V10 "But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt
for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ." .... V13
"Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put
a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.")
➢ Let us see the Big Picture and the end of all things who really wins in the end
in order to focus on fulfilling our mission. By understanding what Jesus Christ, our
Bridegroom has in store for us, we will not be swayed away by deceptions and
roadblocks to success. Don't entertain trivia and negative issues that tend to
destroy the unity of the Church, the Bride of Christ. Let us do everything that would
preserve us unto the Great Day of the Lord and the Wedding of the Church!

WHAT AWAIT THOSE WHO WILL MAKE IT TO THE WEDDING

1. NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH.
➢ Rev 21:1 "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and
the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw
the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a
bride adorned for her husband.
➢ In this our present age, Satan is so loose and deceiving nations and people to
put stumbling blocks so that people would not make it to the renewal of the heaven
and earth. In the end of ages, we win if we persevere! We will get there if we keep
ourselves focused on God's divine mandate! The New Heaven and New Earth is our
destined place to be, don't get distracted!

2. GOD DWELLING WITH MEN.

➢ Rev 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle
of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God
Himself will be with them and be their God.
➢ Nothing else is as important as the Marriage of the Lamb and the uniting
together of God with His redeemed people! Desire to be with God forever, it is God's
ultimate purpose for you and me!
➢ Do not let Satan grab you away with deceptive information. Stay close to your
Cell, to your Church, to your Leaders. Only goats would like to scavenge on internet
garbages. Be a sheep and stay in your designated pasture! Don't eat everything
appealing in the internet especially the Face Book. The media helps only in very
limited ways, but not all articles would lead you to God's eternal presence. Do not
let the enemy steal away the most important of all - the very presence of God!

3. LIFE IN ALL ITS FULNESS.

➢ Rev 21:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no
more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former
things have passed away.” 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make
all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
➢ What could be more glorious than living a life in all its fulness? Nothing there
would make you sick, sad or cause any pain! All that your heart desire are there to
be found! Abundance of everything that is good! No more trials, hard work and
failures! Nothing there would stress you! No more traffic, pollution or heat! Not
even sad memories and the things of the past you desire to escape from. All things
new! These all are waiting for you if you will not be distracted.

CONCLUSION:
THE MAKES IT WORTH THE WAITING?
1. Listen to the voice of your Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.
➢ Focus on obedience to His Commandments. This is for your protection and
good. Go, make disciples, this is the summation of all His commands!

2. Focus on your purpose.

➢ Our purpose is loving God and loving people. Trivial issues sow a culture of
hate, strife and dissipation. By focusing on your purpose, would keep you away
from being affected by trivial issues.

3. Keep yourself pure.

➢ Keep yourself away from pollution of the heart and mind. Keep yourself away
from articles that would dislodge you from your purpose. Remember, anything that
promotes love, unity of the Body of Christ and fulfilling the Great Commission are
food for the soul. And anything that promotes hate, division and dissipation are
poison for your soul. Avoid pollution of the mind, it causes all evil.