Today I would like to speak about the Bride of Christ as opposed to the Body of Christ.  I will attempt to explain my reasoning why I believe that they are two distinctly different entities of the Church.  The Body of Christ consists of all who have confessed Christ as their savior.  The Bride of Christ are the ekklesia or the sold out bond-servants of Christ.   Let me explain.

I do not believe there are different levels of Christianity.  Some worship Christ for salvation only, and still enjoy  worldly desires.  They may even be oppressed in mind or have certain desire or lust they are trying, but unfortunately not able to completely overcome.  They settle for a good Christian life, but with fleshy struggles.  Their Bible study and prayer is sporadic and their discipleship is non- existent.  The growth track they are on keeps their desire in the milk of the Word, not meat.  They have not exercised their learning beyond the simplistic doctrines of the Church.  They live in the elementary aspects of basic Christianity.  To grow in Christ, find a mentor, get into a good Bible Study, find someone you trust to be a battle buddy to share and pray with.  Most importantly read the Word!  Neglecting the Word is neglecting Jesus. (John 1:1)  Remember Jesus was not a man that became the Word, but the eternal Word who took on flesh and became a man.  (Philippians 2:5-11)  Fully God and fully man.

In Matthew 25 we have a parable of the wise and foolish virgins. The wise virgins are a type of the true Bride of Christ.  They have a full supply of oil (Holy Spirit) and are ever watching for the Messiah to come back.  May I ask, are you full of the Spirit, and longing to be filled every day? Their desire is to follow and please the Lord Jesus.  They are aware of the time we live in, meditating on Christ and praying even if it is just a few minutes several times throughout the day.  Following Paul’s admonition to pray without ceasing. The constant desire of  bond-servants of God is to be pleasing to Christ and walk in submission to the  Holy Spirit.  They aren’t perfect, but they long to be transformed into the very image of Christ, “partakers in the divine nature of God”.  (2 Peter 1:2-3),

The church is to be, sanctified, cleansed and presented to Christ without spot or blemish. (Ephesians 5:26-27)

A glorious church. 

There are two priorities of the Bride, the Word and the Spirit.  Worshiping in Spirit and Truth. (John 4:24)  Live in the Word, and walk in His Spirit!

 The Spirit and the Bride say “Come!” (Revelation 22:17)

 You were born for such a time as this.  Be strong and courageous for God chose us for this particular time.  If He chose us, He will sustain us!

Maranatha – Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.  Amen!  Rh