Attitudes and actions that garner God’s blessings • What is this series about? • An examination of 21 attitudes and behaviors identified in the New Testament as “blessed” • A look at Christian conduct and characteristics that will enrich our lives with lasting joy • A look at the condition of those who lack these qualities “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Rev. 19:9) • Outline (Revelation 19:6-9) • The marriage supper of the Lamb • The blessing of being invited • The cursed life: the uninvited • The challenge for us • The marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:6-9) • Imagery is rooted in ancient Eastern marriage tradition • Dowry: Groom paid a dowry to girl’s father • Betrothal: considered married in all ways but sexual union • The bride: keeps herself pure according to groom’s expectations, adorns herself with wedding garments of purity • Marriage supper: celebration of union • Jesus is the Groom, the Church is the Bride (Eph. 5:25-32) • Jesus “paid the dowry” with His blood (Acts 20:28; Rev. 5:9) • The Church is now betrothed to Him in purity (2 Cor. 11:2) • The Church must keep pure & adorn herself with righteous deeds (Rev. 19:7-8) • When the Lord returns, He will claim His Bride and bring her to His home for this great marriage feast of Revelation 19-20 • The blessing of being invited • We will see the Church delivered up to the Father (1 Cor. 15:24) • We will see Jesus Christ our Savior (1 John 3:2) • We will see great saints of the Bible (Matt. 8:11) • We will be united with Christ & the saints (1 Thess. 4:16-17) • But the uninvited will not participate in these things… • The cursed life: the uninvited • Matt. 22:1-9 – those who refuse to come • Acts 13:46 – they choose to reject God’s offer • Matt. 22:11-14 – those not dressed appropriately • Gal. 3:27 – the baptized are clothed with Christ • Matt. 25:1-13 – the unprepared, not ready at the end • Rev. 2:10 - we must be faithful until death • Luke 13:23-28 – those whom the Lord knows not • Many religious people who think they were okay • Eternal curse: “Outer darkness…weeping and gnashing of teeth” “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour” (Matt. 25:13) • The challenge for us: remember that… • Each of us is a member of the body that composes the bride (1 Cor. 12:12-27) • Each of us contributes to the health, growth, and purity of the body/bride (Eph. 4:16) • Each of us must adorn ourselves with purity and righteous acts (2 Pet. 3:14) • Altogether, we are the beautiful Bride of Christ. Let us be ready for His appearance at any moment! • Summary • The imagery of the wedding feast of the Lamb (Jesus Christ) to His Holy Bride (the Church) is beautiful • A great blessing awaits those who are invited • The uninvited have only themselves to blame • It is incumbent upon each of us to prepare ourselves for that glorious celebration Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb! • Believe in Jesus Christ (John 14:1; Acts 16:30-34) • • Repent of your past sins (Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9) • • Baptism puts you into Christ (Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:27) Baptism is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16) Baptism saves you (1 Peter 3:21) Be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10) • • Declare your belief that Jesus is God’s Son (Acts 8:37) Receive Baptism (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12) • • • • Commit yourself to holy conduct (Acts 26:30; Titus 2:11-12) Confess your faith (Matthew 10:32) • • That He died for your sins and was resurrected (1 Cor. 15:3-4) Trust His grace and obey His commands (Hebrews 5:9) Or face the retribution due to those who do not obey • 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Romans 2:8; John 3:36 Pray without ceasing…Practice what Jesus preached…Prepare for our next assembly