Preparing the Bride

Chapter I – The Second Coming: Who is Jesus Coming For? These days there is much talk about the end times, Bible prophecy, and the second coming of Christ. Believers and non-believers alike are recognizing the signs of the times and wondering if this could be the Last Days that are spoken of in some way by most of the major religions. Hollywood has fueled and capitalized on this concern by producing many films with an apocalyptic theme. Radio and TV talk show hosts have brought on numerous guests to discuss this hot topic. Even on a national news broadcast I heard one commentator state that in a poll nearly 70% of Americans believe we are living in the last days and that it could even happen in the next few years. This book is not intended to debate whether or not this event will actually happen. As a follower of Jesus Christ and one who has diligently read and studied the word of God for many years, I know that the second coming of Christ is a given. In John 14:2-3, Jesus says that He is preparing a place for His disciples and promises to come again to receive them and take them to be with Him. Also in Acts 1:9-10, when Jesus was taken up to heaven after His resurrection and brief appearance to His disciples, an angel declares that this same Jesus will return in like manner. There are many other verses in scripture that also point to the certainty of this event and even describe some of the events preceding His coming. The many Bible prophecies and end time descriptions are a matter of intense study and debate today as people seek to discover the actual timing of these events. There are numerous excellent books and teachings on prophecy by people more scholarly than I, and I encourage you to prayerfully read or listen to some of these… Since Jesus Himself stated that no on would know the hour or the day, many have concluded, “Then why should we think and worry about it?” However, He went on to warn His disciples that His coming would be sudden and unexpected for those who were not prepared, just “like a thief in the night.” Therefore, He commanded them (and us today) to watch, pray and be ready! During the time of the first advent, in spite of the many prophecies that were fulfilled exactly as they had beenforetold and the miracles which were meant to confirm His identity, many would reject Him. Because their hearts were not prepared, they were blind to the true nature of His Kingdom and they did not know the time of their visitation or the things that would bring true inner peace and well being. This would lead to their eventual judgment and destruction. God knew how important it was for His people to recognize and receive His Son so He sent John before Him in order to prepare them. John was described as a forerunner of the Messiah who was to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. He declared himself to be a voice crying in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord. Make His paths straight.” The message he preached of repentance and surrender made it clear that the preparation required was a matter of the heart. There were many religious people of the day whose outward appearance and actions seemed to indicate they certainly were the ones who would be chosen. They were proud of their good work and sure that God would be equally impressed. However, they were rebuked by both John and Jesus as being a “brood of vipers” and “whitewashed tombs”, looking good on the outside but dead inside. Further, Jesus said they were people who honored Him with their lips but their hearts were far from Him. Before His return Jesus promised that there also would be people who would operate in this same manner as John, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to prepare His people. Like John, they will desire only to attend the bridegroom and help prepare the bride for the great marriage of the Lamb, which will only happen when the bride has made herself ready. So the friend of the bridegroom with the help of the Holy Spirit will continue to make things ready for His coming. At the right time the Spirit and the bride will say, “Come!” Jesus will say, “I am coming quickly.” To which His prepared bride will exclaim, “Amen, Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” When Jesus returns, He will be coming in His full glory as the King of Kings and Lord of lords, unlike His first coming when he emptied Himself and became of no reputation taking the form of a baby. The day of the Lord is declared to be a Great and Terrible Day for that reason. Truly it will be a glorious day for those whose hearts are right and ready, but it will be judgment for those who, for whatever reason, have not made the necessary preparations. So, the important question in these exciting days is not when is He coming, but who is He coming for and will I be among those He receives to Himself? Since the Bible does say that many are called but few are chosen, what must I do to be among the chosen, those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb? As we watch the signs of the times and see the day fast approaching, we need also to be praying for and listening to His instructions. “Lord, give us ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church in this crucial hour!” Then, if we are going to be among those who are prepared for His coming, we must be willing to quickly and completely obey Him in everything or risk being left behind (as the popular book and movie series portrays!) What a terrible thing to hear the door being locked, to know it’s too late, and to hear, “Depart from me. I never knew you…” I have asked the Lord to help me be one of the few who will be ready and chosen to be with Him forever. How can I keep from being one of the many on the path that leads to destruction, or one of the many who will be deceived and fall away in these difficult last days? There are many voices clamoring for our attention, and the church in America seems to be going in so many different directions that it can be very confusing and frustrating. How can I stay on the right path and keep from being discouraged, distracted and/or deceived away from God’s intended purpose for my life and His church? If you have had some of these same questions and are also sensing the urgency of the hour, then keep reading. The answer the Lord gave me brought me back to His original call for me to ministry and is the subject of this book…