Lecture on Wedding Imagery in Christian Theology

Introduction

Speaker: John Bevere and son Ardan
Topic: Christian theology using ancient Jewish wedding imagery to describe the relationship between Jesus and the Church.

Used as a metaphor for the relationship between Jesus and the Church.
Key Phrase: "No one knows the day or the hour" – relates to the unpredictability of the groom's return in Jewish tradition.
Betrothal (Hebrew: Cuba): Initiated by the bridegroom, negotiations with the bride's family for a bride price.
Bride Price: Could be gold, treasures, or animals as compensation for the bride's contribution to her family.
Wine Ceremony: A glass of wine is shared between the bride and groom, symbolizing their covenant.
Separation Period: Groom returns to construct a dwelling; bride prepares herself (wedding dress, bridesmaids).
Father's Role: Only he knows when the groom will return, paralleling the Father knowing the time of Jesus' return.
Return of the Groom: Occurs at night, signaled by shouting and trumpets.
Consummation and Celebration: Held under a canopy (Hoopa), followed by a 7-day feast.

Imminent Second Coming: Can happen at any time.
1 Thessalonians 4:15-18: The dead in Christ will rise first, the living will be caught up.
Greek Word "Harpazo": To seize or snatch away, describing the rapture.

Divine Nature: Placed in believers, leading to godly and holy lives.
False Teachers: Warned against in 2 Peter, leading believers away from godliness.
Apostasy: Falling away precedes the revelation of the antichrist.
Church's Role: A restraining force against lawlessness until the Second Coming.

Living in Readiness: Christians are to live pure, blameless lives in anticipation of Christ's return.
Study and Understanding: Encouragement to use tools like Logos for deeper biblical study.

Second Peter Overview: Emphasis on godly character and anticipation of Jesus' return.
Encouragement: Believers should be diligent in advancing God’s kingdom.