“Preparing the Bride!” Ephesians 5:25-27

Preparing for a Wedding! Engagement – it’s official! Showers to prepare household Logistics of the wedding: photographer, caterer, florist, invitations Attire: dress, fittings, mothers, bridesmaids, groomsmen Franck Eggelhoffer

Preparation for the Lord’s Return: Obedience to His Will! Vs “That He might present to Himself the church…” * in all her glory – “what is ‘glory’ of the church? * no spot Greek = “spilon” moral fault, stain * no wrinkle “rhytis” = bunched up, wrinkle * or any such thing * she should be holy = in character * she should be blameless = in conduct Compare Eph. 1:4 – the reason He chose you!

Trying to Figure God’s Ways? Dilemmas of discerning His will 27 yr. old Kaleb Whitby, his truck crushed tween 2 semi’s; 26 vehicle pile-up in Oregon 2 band aids, ice on left eye “Thank God that I’m still alive; now I’ve got to go figure out why.” Brush with death brings LIFE into perspective

Some Things We Can Know About His Will “The Lord wishes all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9) - the REASON for His delay! Paul: “we make it our aim to please Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9) His passion for the nations!

What makes for a “Prepared” church? Jesus answers: "Whoever would be great among you must be your servant" (Mark 10:44). Serve INSIDE the Body Serving those OUTSIDE the Body “"Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes” (Matthew 24:46).

Good Deeds Glorify God! “Let your light shine before men so they may see your good works…” (Matthew 5:16). “You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…”(Ephesians 2:10). “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds…” (Hebrews 10:24)

Inventory of Opportunities Sunday a.m. Sunday nights Wednesday nights ** where you work; neighbors, circle of friends ** penetrating darkness Pressing needs: nursery rotations; toddler workers, and bus drivers’ rotations Your personal ministry: 1 Peter 4:10 – everyone can SERVE!

Soul-winning - Mt. 28:19-20 “The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost…” (Luke 19:10). “more joy over 1 sinner who repents” (Luke 15:7) When you love Jesus, you’ll want to please Him! Honor Him! Re-launching GROW outreaches

Ministries of Caring Matthew 9:36 = Compassion! Hurting people / physically (prayer list!) join their point of need! Spiritually – breaking open insights from God’s Word that apply to practical living! Live with open eyes, ears, hearts, to see and smooth out “wrinkles” in life!

Rooted and Grounded in the Word “Receive the Word implanted” (James 1:21) Roots expand/grow deep Into the Word Deep Roots Hold in the Storm