Highest Praise Church

The Bride

Ready for His Return: Living as Christ's Bride Summary The return of Jesus is imminent—nothing else needs to happen before He comes for His church. This reality is rooted in the promise of Scripture, where Jesus will descend with a shout, the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet of God, calling His people to Himself. This event, often called the rapture, is not the same as the second coming, but a distinct moment when Christ comes for His bride, the church. The language and imagery used in the New Testament draw heavily from the ancient Jewish wedding tradition, where the groom pays a price for his bride, leaves to prepare a place for her, and returns unexpectedly to take her to be with him. Our relationship with Jesus is a covenant, much like a marriage, sealed by His blood. We are called to be a pure and prepared bride, set apart from the world, living in the grace that enables us to walk in holiness. The process of preparation is not about earning salvation, but about living in readiness—working, serving, and cultivating intimacy with Christ. Just as the Jewish bride did not know the exact hour her groom would return, we too must be vigilant, keeping our spiritual lamps filled with oil, which represents intimacy with God. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 illustrates the importance of being ready. Five were wise, keeping oil in their lamps, while five were foolish and unprepared. The oil is not knowledge or religious activity, but a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. When the bridegroom came, only those who were ready went in with him. This is a call to examine our lives: Are we living in daily intimacy with Christ, or are we distracted and unprepared? The Jewish wedding culminates in a joyful celebration, just as the rapture leads to the marriage supper of the Lamb—a seven-year celebration in heaven while tribulation unfolds on earth. After this, the church returns with Christ, presented in glory. Communion serves as a reminder of the price Jesus paid and the promise of His return. Each time we partake, we remember that we are His, and He is coming back for us. The question remains: Are we prepared for His coming? Key Takeaways - The Imminence of Christ’s Return Jesus’ return for His church is imminent—there are no prophetic events left to be fulfilled before this can happen. This should create a sense of urgency and anticipation in our hearts, not fear. The reality of His coming is meant to comfort and motivate us to live with expectation and readiness. [01:07] - The Covenant Relationship: More Than a Contract Our salvation is not just a transaction but a covenant, like a marriage, sealed by the blood of Christ. This covenant calls us to faithfulness, purity, and a life set apart from the world. Understanding our relationship with Jesus as a binding, loving commitment transforms how we live and prepares us for His return. [04:17] - Preparation Is Not Earning, But Readiness Just as the Jewish bride prepared herself for the unknown hour of her groom’s arrival, we are called to spiritual preparation. Our works do not save us, but they are acts of readiness—serving, loving, and living out our faith. True preparation is a daily discipline, not a last-minute scramble. [16:56] - Intimacy with Christ: The True Oil The parable of the ten virgins teaches that the oil in our lamps represents intimacy with Jesus, not mere knowledge or religious activity. Only those who cultivate a personal, ongoing relationship with Him will be ready when He comes. Intimacy is built in the quiet, hidden places—through prayer, worship, and time in His presence. [32:29] - Communion: Remembering the Price and the Promise Every time we take communion, we remember both the price Jesus paid for us and the promise of His return. The cup is a symbol of our covenant and a call to continual preparation. It is a reminder that we belong to Him, and He is coming back to take us to Himself—so we must live in a state of readiness and devotion. [38:47] 

Enoch - End Time Series

Today’s focus is on the certainty and significance of biblical prophecy, especially as it relates to the times we are living in. The Word of God is clear: there are things that have been foretold which have not yet come to pass, and it is crucial for us to be aware, discerning, and prepared. We are reminded that the last days are marked by the rise of false teachers and deceiving spirits, and that many will seek out teachings that suit their own desires rather than the truth. This is why it is so important to know the Scriptures for ourselves, to be rooted in what God has actually said, and to be vigilant against the subtle distortions of truth that are so prevalent in our world.

The pattern of God’s dealings with humanity is consistent: what He says, He will do. Just as the world in Noah’s day was warned and then judged, so too our world is reserved for a coming judgment—not by water, but by fire. Yet, God’s timing is not like ours; a thousand years is as a day to Him. He is patient, not wanting any to perish, but calling all to repentance. The “lease” that the enemy has on this world is almost up, and soon, Christ will return to establish His kingdom and bring true rest to His people.

We are called to live in expectation of Christ’s return, not just as a doctrine, but as a daily reality that shapes our choices, our families, and our standards. The example of Enoch, who walked with God and was taken up, serves as a prophetic picture of the rapture and a challenge to us: are we walking in agreement with God? Are we living in such a way that we would not be ashamed should Christ return at any moment? There is a clear distinction between the worldly and the godly, and we must choose daily which path we will walk. Ultimately, the call is to ask for the help of the Holy Spirit, to agree with God’s direction, and to live with a heart that is always looking for His appearing. This is not a message of fear, but of hope and comfort for those who are truly seeking Him. Let us be a people who are not just hearers, but doers—always looking, always ready, and always walking with God.

The Leap

Acts chapter 3 tells the story of a man who had been lame from birth, carried daily to the temple gate called Beautiful to beg for alms. This gate, symbolic of Jesus as the Door, is a reminder that all access to God’s presence and blessing comes through Christ. Peter and John, filled with power, love, courage, authority, and faith, encountered this man not just with sympathy, but with a readiness to impart what they had received from Jesus. They didn’t have silver or gold, but they had something far greater: the authority to speak healing in Jesus’ name. When Peter declared, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk,” the man was instantly healed—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

The miracle was more than a restoration of legs; it was a restoration of hope, dignity, and joy. The man didn’t just walk—he leaped, praising God, a sign that God’s healing goes deeper than the surface. For forty years, this man’s story had been written by limitation and disappointment, but in a moment, the Author of faith rewrote his narrative. The leap was a visible sign of an inward transformation, a release from years of depression and defeat.

This theme of leaping is echoed in Luke 1, when Mary, carrying Jesus, visits Elizabeth. At Mary’s greeting, the baby John leaped in Elizabeth’s womb, filled with joy at the presence of the Messiah—even when Jesus was just the size of a peanut. No matter how tight or confining our circumstances, the presence of Jesus brings the power to leap, to praise, and to hope again. The enemy may try to write a story of confusion and despair over our lives, but Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, has the final word. Whatever chapter you’re in, it’s not the end—God is still writing, and He’s restoring your leap, your joy, and your future.

Are You Mobilized or Paralyzed?

Today is a day of celebration and transition, as many are graduating and stepping into new seasons of life. But with every new step, fear often tries to creep in, paralyzing us and making us question, “What if I fail? What if I’m not enough?” Yet, God’s plan for each of us is not to be held captive by fear, but to move forward in faith, trusting that His presence is with us every step of the way. Fear is a natural response, but it does not have to control our actions or our destiny. Every day, in big and small ways, we are all “graduating”—moving from one stage to another, overcoming old struggles, and stepping into new callings.

Looking at the story of Moses and the Israelites at the Red Sea, we see how fear can tempt us to retreat to what is familiar, even if it means going back to bondage. God’s instruction is to “stand still”—to set aside our emotions, get out of our heads, and listen to what He is saying in our hearts. Head knowledge is valuable, but it is the presence of God within us that truly guides and sustains us. Our primary calling is not just to do things for God, but to be with Him, to live out of His presence, and to let His Spirit flow through us like a river.

Is There Not a Cause?

On this special Mother’s Day, we gather to celebrate not just mothers, but all women who nurture, care, and stand in the gap for others. The heart of today’s reflection is a question that God placed deep within: “Is there not a cause?” This question, drawn from David’s story in 1 Samuel 17, challenges us to consider the purpose and mission God has given each of us, especially when we face giants that seem insurmountable. David, the least likely among his brothers, was chosen and empowered by God not because of his strength or status, but because of his heart and obedience. In the same way, God has placed His Spirit within each of us, equipping us with what we need to face the battles in our lives and in the lives of those we love.

We live in a world where fear, passivity, and a lack of faith can paralyze us, just as they did the army of Israel. The giants we face—whether they are cultural pressures, personal struggles, or challenges within our families—often seem overwhelming. Yet, like David, we are called not to shrink back, but to remember who we fight for and who fights with us. The world may urge us to become cultural rather than biblical, to accept the status quo, or to be distracted by causes that do not matter. But God calls us to stand for what is right, to restore Him to His rightful place in our homes and hearts, and to fight for the next generation.

Advancing

Isaiah 43:18-19 calls us to “forget the former things” and not dwell on the past, because God is doing a new thing—something that springs up even now, if only we have eyes to perceive it. Life often tempts us to drift into neutral, letting circumstances, seasons, or the opinions of others dictate our direction. But God has given us the gift and responsibility of choice. We are not at the mercy of our environment; we are called to stand on God’s promises, to choose life, and to walk in His will, not just for ourselves but for the generations that follow.

Letting go of the past is essential. Forgetting doesn’t mean erasing memories, but refusing to let them control our present or future. Our past—good or bad—can become so familiar that it feels safer than the unknown future God is calling us into. Even our best days can become a trap if we believe that’s as good as it gets. But God never consults our past to determine our future. His grace and mercy are greater than our failures and our successes. The past can teach us, but it must never mentor us; only God’s promises and presence should guide us forward.

God is not just interested in giving us second chances; He delights in new beginnings. He is forming and making something new in us, often through uncomfortable seasons that require trust and patience. Like the Israelites, we must learn to number our days—not just counting time, but assigning purpose and meaning to each day, recognizing that today is an assignment from God. Consistency and faithfulness in the present open the door to the wonders God wants to do in our future.

They All Praised Him

We reflect on the significance of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a moment that fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah and marks the beginning of a pivotal week in Christian history. The people of Jerusalem welcomed Jesus with palm branches and garments laid on the road, a gesture of honor and praise. This act of worship, using what they had, reminds us that God values our sincere offerings, no matter how simple they may seem. The crowd's praise was not just for the miracles they had witnessed, but also for the hope and salvation Jesus represented.

The story of Jesus riding on a colt, a symbol of purity and newness, speaks to us today. It reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their past or perceived inadequacies. Just as the colt was chosen for a divine purpose, we too are called to serve in God's kingdom. This Palm Sunday, we are encouraged to praise God with what we have, laying down our burdens and offering our lives as a testament to His glory.

Confidence

Confidence is a vital component of our spiritual journey and daily life. It is the backbone of every victory, and without it, defeat is inevitable. Confidence in God is rooted in our faith and courage, as illustrated in 1 John 5:14, which assures us that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. This confidence is not just a feeling but a profound trust in God's promises and His word. The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who demonstrated unwavering confidence in God, such as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who stood firm in their faith despite facing a fiery furnace. Their confidence was not in their strength but in God's ability to deliver them.

Confidence is defined as faith on the inside and courage on the outside. It is the assurance that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, as stated in Philippians 4:13. This confidence is not arrogance but a humble assurance in God's power and promises. It is a weapon of war, an indispensable instrument in the battle of life and destiny. When we walk in confidence, we are not swayed by the opinions of others but are anchored in what God says about us.

Where Shall We Buy Bread

In John 6, we find Jesus during the time of Passover, a period rich with spiritual significance. As Jesus attempts to retreat for rest, a great multitude follows Him, drawn by the miracles He performed. Despite His own need for rest, Jesus is moved by compassion for the crowd. He poses a question to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread that these may eat?" This question is not born out of ignorance but is a test of faith. Jesus already knows what He will do, but He uses this moment to teach His disciples about reliance on divine provision.

God Given Destination

We are visiting Joshua 14:9, focusing on the story of Caleb and the importance of wholehearted obedience to God. Caleb's life exemplifies how obedience to God creates a destiny, as he wholly followed the Lord and was able to inherit the land promised to him. This narrative reminds us that everyone is following something or someone, and our obedience shapes our destiny. Caleb's story is a powerful testament to the importance of staying close to God, not just in proximity but in obedience and dedication.