I’ve been writing a Bible study lesson about the parable of the great wedding feast. It’s been energizing and uplifting. What a glorious day it will be when the Bridegroom returns for His Bride, but until that time, the Bride of Christ must keep her focus on Jesus. We must utilize the Gift, the Holy Spirit.

And we must live holy lives so that when Jesus returns, He will find His “radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, holy and blameless.” (Ephesians 5:27 – NIV)

As I working on the final questions this morning, I thought of this song. According to this tune written by Bill and Gloria Gaither, Christ’s Bride, the Church is alive and well. She’s been put through some difficult times over the years, but she has withstood all that the evil one has directed toward her.

However, I know that I’ve made my mistakes. Sometimes I don’t feel like that beautiful picture of a cleansed bride. All the more reason to cling to the One who has covered my stain, wrinkles and blemishes with His very own precious blood (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Because of the ransom Jesus paid for me, I will not be defeated by the schemes of darkness. I will rejoice in the fact that I am Jesus’ bride. I will stand and say, the Church is triumphant!

Oh dear friend, please don’t get bogged down in where you’ve been, what you’ve done, or who you once were. Rejoice with me for the “wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” (Revelation 19:7 – NIV) Let’s live triumphant lives. Let’s be prepared for the Bridegroom. Let’s be the Church!

This call to action can be found in the lyrics to “The Church Triumphant.” Won’t you join me in singing?

“The Church Triumphant”

 
Let the Church be the Church, Let the People rejoice.
Oh, we’ve settled the question, We’ve made Jesus our choice.
Let the anthems ring out, Songs of victory swell
For the Church triumphant is alive and well.

Oh, this ship’s been thru many battles before
Storms and tempest and rocks on the shore.
Tho’ the hull it may be battered,
Down inside it’s safe and dry
It will carry its cargo to the port in the sky.

Let the Church be the Church, Let the People rejoice.
Oh, we’ve settled the question, we’ve made our choice.
Let the anthems ring out, Songs of victory swell
For the Church triumphant is alive and well.[i]

If you want to listen to this song, click here for Bill and Gloria Gaither’s version.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna