THE BOAT & BRIDE
- UnstoppableRevKev
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
“...just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless.” -Ephesians 5:25–27
🔎Reflection: Christ did not die for disconnected, selfish, or autonomous religious people—He gave Himself up for His Bride, the Church. The Bridegroom’s love is not generic; it is perfect, relentless, covenantal, savory, specific, and sacrificial. Christ’s mission continues in and through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit: to regenerate sinners, graft us into His masterpiece, and to cleanse and sanctify His Bride through the WORD and by the Spirit.
There is no legitimate and enduring version of Christianity apart from His Church (Acts 2:42, Heb 10:24–25). There is no legitimate and enduring version of His Church apart from refining through fiery trials. Our spot-less-ness isn’t the result of human effort, but rather the sanctifying work of God through fire and water. The dross must be burned away; the chaff must be removed; and the stains must be made clean. When the LORD sees His reflection—His image—in us, the Bride will have been made ready!
🤺Action: Celebrate the Gospel: reflect on what Christ has done for His Church and in you as an integral and devoted part. Worship. Repent. Serve with joy. Commit to deep, regular engagement with God’s WORD and His people. Don’t just ask the LORD how you can build up the Church for His glory… become part of His Ark of Salvation here on earth, the local church, and its mission to take the GOSPEL to the ends of the earth… earth… earth!
🙏Prayer: Lord Jesus, You gave Yourself for Your Bride, of which I am called to be a part. I am in awe of You, and Your sacrificial love of relentless sanctification. Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect will and plan of redemption through Your only begotten Son. Holy Spirit, I submit fully to Your ongoing work of purification through fiery trials and the washing of the WORD. Thank You, O God of eternal Holy Trinity, for desiring to present the children of God as holy, spotless, and blameless on the Day of the LORD. May I be found faithful, with all the saints, prepared, and radiant in Your sight! Amen.
Click the following link for a short video version of today's devotional:
Blessings & love,
Kevin M. Kelley
Pastor
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