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Examining Biblical Scripture

PREPARING THE BRIDE

ATTENTION: BLOG NAME CHANGE…..

I am a Watchman and I have been seeking the LORD on all matters, asking for discernment regarding current events and how they connect to the Word of GOD and the timing of Jesus’ return. Then I’ve shared them on this blog.

Now, I believe, it is time we prepare as Jesus’ Bride. He is coming soon! We do not know what “soon” means to GOD, but we are to prepare and I am called to encourage us — myself included — to weigh up all matters in our lives and shed that which is not of GOD and focus on our purpose in Christ Messiah…. and prepare for the Wedding Day!

And so, whilst I am still a Watchman, I am changing the name of this blog from Watchman on Alert to Preparing the Bride…

Jesus/Yeshua is the Groom. All we who follow him make up The Bride. It is a profound image given to us. It is perhaps harder for men to relate to it than for women. For women, it is easy to consider Esther as she spent a year pampered, preparing herself — body, but also mind and spirit — to meet the king, when she would be considered amongst many to be his new bride. How can men prepare as “the bride”? Perhaps it is more for them a way of preparing for battle: putting on armour, developing military strategy, preparing the mind and body and spirit for the battle ahead. For it is so true that we are all brides and soldiers for him who died to save us. Perhaps then, men can more relate to Jesus’ return as a general arriving to lead the troops in battle. What all of us can relate to is that we will have a celebration when he returns, as we all hail Jesus and give glory to Jehovah GOD who reigns in the universe, who is full of grace, mercy, justice and truth.

And so I ask you the reader, to filter everything you read from me as through the spectacles of Jesus’ return. You are his and he is yours. Let us “work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12) as we draw closer to GOD through His Word, by His Spirit. We are his bride. Come Lord Jesus.

Hallelujah and Amen.

Categories
Reflections and Poetry

Reflecting on Prophecy and Expectation of Jesus’ immanent return

September 23rd has come and gone. Jesus has not yet come, as far as I know, and so I wonder for all those who expected him to come on that date, “Now what?”

We cannot know the time but we must watch the signs and see the seasons. (Matthew 24)

But as time ticks by and the year is in its autumn, we look to October and the Feast of Tabernacles. But if something significant doesn’t happen then, “Then what?”

Our faith is not by sight, though we look for signs of Jesus’ return and God’s kingdom coming to earth. I have no doubt in Jesus: He was hanged on a cross, died, was buried and rose again.

But what of the prompting I had to get back to the home country of England by September? And what for the thousands who believed the Rapture or even the End date of 21-23 September 2017?

How do we hang on when signs tell us God is moving, yet He appears not to have changed anything? How do we hang on when contradictions seem to abound?

I remember Jesus. I hang on in all circumstances because I know that Jesus died for me on a cross two thousand years ago and he lives, and intercedes for me in heaven. I know because I know.

All else pales into insignificance.