Highest Praise Church

Ready for His Return: Living as Christ's Bride Summary The return of Jesus is imminent—nothing else needs to happen before He comes for His church. This reality is rooted in the promise of Scripture, where Jesus will descend with a shout, the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet of God, calling His people to Himself. This event, often called the rapture, is not the same as the second coming, but a distinct moment when Christ comes for His bride, the church. The language and imagery used in the New Testament draw heavily from the ancient Jewish wedding tradition, where the groom pays a price for his bride, leaves to prepare a place for her, and returns unexpectedly to take her to be with him. Our relationship with Jesus is a covenant, much like a marriage, sealed by His blood. We are called to be a pure and prepared bride, set apart from the world, living in the grace that enables us to walk in holiness. The process of preparation is not about earning salvation, but about living in readiness—working, serving, and cultivating intimacy with Christ. Just as the Jewish bride did not know the exact hour her groom would return, we too must be vigilant, keeping our spiritual lamps filled with oil, which represents intimacy with God. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 illustrates the importance of being ready. Five were wise, keeping oil in their lamps, while five were foolish and unprepared. The oil is not knowledge or religious activity, but a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. When the bridegroom came, only those who were ready went in with him. This is a call to examine our lives: Are we living in daily intimacy with Christ, or are we distracted and unprepared? The Jewish wedding culminates in a joyful celebration, just as the rapture leads to the marriage supper of the Lamb—a seven-year celebration in heaven while tribulation unfolds on earth. After this, the church returns with Christ, presented in glory. Communion serves as a reminder of the price Jesus paid and the promise of His return. Each time we partake, we remember that we are His, and He is coming back for us. The question remains: Are we prepared for His coming? Key Takeaways - The Imminence of Christ’s Return Jesus’ return for His church is imminent—there are no prophetic events left to be fulfilled before this can happen. This should create a sense of urgency and anticipation in our hearts, not fear. The reality of His coming is meant to comfort and motivate us to live with expectation and readiness. [01:07] - The Covenant Relationship: More Than a Contract Our salvation is not just a transaction but a covenant, like a marriage, sealed by the blood of Christ. This covenant calls us to faithfulness, purity, and a life set apart from the world. Understanding our relationship with Jesus as a binding, loving commitment transforms how we live and prepares us for His return. [04:17] - Preparation Is Not Earning, But Readiness Just as the Jewish bride prepared herself for the unknown hour of her groom’s arrival, we are called to spiritual preparation. Our works do not save us, but they are acts of readiness—serving, loving, and living out our faith. True preparation is a daily discipline, not a last-minute scramble. [16:56] - Intimacy with Christ: The True Oil The parable of the ten virgins teaches that the oil in our lamps represents intimacy with Jesus, not mere knowledge or religious activity. Only those who cultivate a personal, ongoing relationship with Him will be ready when He comes. Intimacy is built in the quiet, hidden places—through prayer, worship, and time in His presence. [32:29] - Communion: Remembering the Price and the Promise Every time we take communion, we remember both the price Jesus paid for us and the promise of His return. The cup is a symbol of our covenant and a call to continual preparation. It is a reminder that we belong to Him, and He is coming back to take us to Himself—so we must live in a state of readiness and