We Are the Bride
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We Are the Bride
Pastor Ben Marshall continues the "We Are" series, exploring the profound biblical metaphor of the Church as the bride of Christ. Drawing from personal wedding memories and scripture, he invites us to embrace our role with faithful obedience and communal commitment.
Introduction: Celebrating the Bigger Picture
Let us rejoice, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready! We’re back in our "We Are" series, building on last week’s launch by Pastor Jeff. In this area, "we are" might spark a college chant, but as a Notre Dame fan, I’ll steer us clear of that! Instead, let’s say it together: "We are" — "the church!" This series transcends Pathway Church’s 50-year milestone, connecting us to the global Church. It’s about more than attendance—it’s about worship, grow, and serve, a discipleship path to deepen our faith and impact.
1. The Marriage Picture: Bride and Bridegroom
Today’s focus is the bride of Christ, an image from Revelation 19. Scripture uses marriage to depict a deeper reality—Christ and His Church, an eternal union. In Ephesians 5, Paul reveals the bride is the Church, and the bridegroom is Jesus Christ. This goes beyond a man and woman’s marriage, pointing to a mutual participation. The bride submits to the bridegroom’s headship, submitting to His word with loving obedience, while the bridegroom loves, sacrifices, sanctifies, and cleanses the bride to present her holy and without blemish.
2. Mutual Participation: Love and Submission
Ephesians 5:22 calls wives to submit to husbands as the Church submits to Christ, its Savior and head. This submission reflects our call to follow Jesus as Lord, aligning our will with His word. Verse 25 shows the bridegroom’s role: Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the Church, giving Himself to sanctify and present her in splendor. Jesus nourishes and cherishes us, protecting and sustaining His bride to thrive, a commitment deeper than mere attendance— it’s how the gospel transforms lives.
3. The Profound Mystery: Exclusive Intimacy
Paul calls this a profound mystery in Ephesians 5:32, saying the one-flesh union refers to Christ and the Church. This is an exclusive, intimate relationship, echoing the command to have no other gods. In a world distorting intimacy, we’re called to a deep, desiring obedience to our King of Kings. This exclusivity shapes how we view the Church—locally and globally—as Jesus’ vessel for salvation.
4. The Future Hope: Marriage Supper of the Lamb
Revelation 19:6-9 paints a future celebration: The Lord reigns, and the marriage supper of the Lamb will come. The bride, the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2), will be presented holy, clothed in fine linen—the righteous deeds of the saints. Not all will attend; it’s an invitation through Jesus’ nail-scarred hands. We must trust Him as Savior and Lord, preparing through faithful living.
5. Mobilizing Practice: Make Yourself Ready
We’re not there yet, but Revelation 19:7-8 calls us to action: The bride has made herself ready through faithful discipleship. Verse 8 adds she’s granted fine linen, symbolizing Christ’s righteousness. To prepare, we worship regularly, grow in community, and serve intentionally. This isn’t a solo journey—we need each other to stay faithful in a fickle world. Will you commit to living as His bride, ready for that day?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us Your bride. Help us grasp this imagery’s depth, walking in humble submission daily. Holy Spirit, guide our steps, guard our hearts, and grow our faith in this complex world. Jesus, our bridegroom, we pray in Your name. Amen.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Ben Marshall
Series: We Are
Sermon Title: We Are the Bride
Date: Mar 16, 2025
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Ephesians 5:22-25, 28
Revelation 19:6-9
Revelation 21:1-2
2 Corinthians 11:2
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