1. Attitudes and actions that garner God’s blessings

2. 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

3. “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

4. 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

5. 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…

6. 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)

7. 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!

8. 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!

9. Believe in Jesus Christ (John 14:1; Acts 16:30-34) That He died for your sins and was resurrected (1 Cor. 15:3-4) Repent of your past sins (Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9) Commit yourself to holy conduct (Acts 26:30; Titus 2:11-12) Confess your faith (Matthew 10:32) Declare your belief that Jesus is God’s Son (Acts 8:37) Receive Baptism (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12) 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) 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

10. Pray without ceasing…Practice what Jesus preached…Prepare for our next assembly