Tag: devotional

Chosen, Cherished, and Called

You are not just saved from sin—you are called into covenant. Christ did not die simply to rescue you. He died to wed you to Himself in love, truth, and eternal communion.

The Bible begins with a marriage (Genesis 2) and ends with a wedding (Revelation 19). This is the divine story of redemption: a Bride prepared for the Lamb, purchased in blood, washed in the Word, and made one with the King.

“As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.”
— Isaiah 62:5

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You Are Chosen by the King

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you…”
— John 15:16

The Bride is not random or self-made. She is chosen in love, pursued by grace, and betrothed through covenant. This is not an invitation to pride, but to humble awe.

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You Are Cherished, Not Tolerated

“Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her…”
— Ephesians 5:25

You are not barely accepted. You are deeply desired. The Cross is proof that the Bride is treasured—not by merit, but by mercy.

The early Church lived in this reality. Their obedience was not driven by fear, but by love. They saw themselves as espoused to Christ, and longed to be found faithful.

“I have betrothed you to one Husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.”
— 2 Corinthians 11:2

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You Are Called to Prepare

The Bride doesn’t wait passively—she prepares actively:

• Through repentance and purity
• Through worship and devotion
• Through good works and faithful witness
• Through longing and watchfulness

“The one who is betrothed keeps herself pure, anticipating her Husband’s return.”
— Tertullian, Exhortation to Chastity

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What We Can Learn

1. We are not just saved—we are espoused.
2. The Church is not a building—it is a Bride.
3. Our lives are to reflect the love we’ve been given.
4. The Spirit is preparing us for union with Christ.

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Sources:

• The Holy Bible — Revelation 19:7–9; Isaiah 62:5; Ephesians 5:25–27; 2 Corinthians 11:2; John 15:16
• Tertullian, Exhortation to Chastity
• Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to Polycarp
• Hermas, Similitudes 9
• Didache, ch. 10

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The Spirit’s Work in Preparing the Church for Christ’s Return

The Church is not just a gathering of believers—it is the Bride of Christ, being purified, refined, and prepared for the return of the King. While the world drifts toward compromise, the Spirit is working to awaken the Bride to holiness, hope, and readiness.

This part of the series focuses on the final preparation of the Church—not through fear or end-time hype, but through devotion, purity, faithfulness, and mission. The Bride doesn’t wait passively—she prepares actively.

“Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready…”
— Revelation 19:7

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Post Index:

1. The Bride of Christ — Chosen, Cherished, and Called
   Understanding the Church’s identity as the Bride of Jesus
2. The Spirit and the Bride Say ‘Come’
   The Spirit’s work in awakening love, longing, and preparation
3. Keeping Our Lamps Lit — Watchfulness and Holiness
   Living alert, consecrated, and filled with oil for the return of Christ
4. Faithful in the Waiting — Perseverance and Hope
   Enduring through trials, keeping faith, and not losing heart
5. Without Spot or Wrinkle — Purity and Repentance in the Last Days
   What it means to be sanctified and cleansed by the Word
6. The Midnight Cry — Responding to the Call of the Bridegroom
   How the Church must arise and go out to meet Him
7. Prepared People, Glorious King
   A vision of the ready Bride and the coming Kingdom

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Living for the Glory of the King

A royal priest is not idle. They are not hidden behind temple walls. They are sent ones—ambassadors of the Kingdom, commissioned by the King to represent Him in the world.

“As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you.”
— John 20:21

The mission of the Church is not survival—it is proclamation, compassion, and witness. And every priest in the Kingdom is part of that mission.

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Priests Are Ambassadors, Not Tourists

“We are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:20

The Kingdom of God is not something we escape into—it is something we carry with us. Priests are not tourists on earth. They are citizens of heaven, placed strategically by God in families, workplaces, neighborhoods, and nations to shine His light.

Wherever you are, you are on mission.

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The Mission Is Local and Global

The early Church did not wait for a mission board or a conference. They carried the Gospel from house to house, from city to city, from nation to nation.

• They planted churches
• Served the poor
• Preached boldly
• Raised up disciples
• Endured persecution with joy

“They go out not seeking glory, but seeking souls.”
— Tertullian, Apology 50

The mission didn’t stop at conversion. It continued through discipleship, justice, and love.

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The Mission Is Fueled by the Holy Spirit

Jesus told His disciples not to go until the Spirit came (Acts 1:4–8). Why? Because mission without the Spirit becomes mere activity. But when priests move in the power of the Holy Spirit, lives are transformed.

• He gives boldness (Acts 4:31)
• He gives direction (Acts 13:2–3)
• He opens hearts (Acts 16:14)
• He convicts and comforts (John 16:8)

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What We Can Learn

1. Every priest is called to mission—not just ministry leaders.
2. Wherever you are, you are sent.
3. The Spirit empowers the mission of the Church.
4. Our lives, love, and labor reflect the glory of the King.

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Sources:

• The Holy Bible — John 20:21; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Acts 1:4–8; Acts 4:31; Acts 13:2–3; Acts 16:14; John 16:8
• Tertullian, Apology 50
• Didache, ch. 14
• Clement of Alexandria, Who Is the Rich Man That Shall Be Saved?
• Justin Martyr, First Apology

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