I live by faith in the Son of God - Rethinking Galations 2:20

I've always struggle with this Declaration by Paul to Peter to other Jewish believers,

found in Galatians chapter 2 and specifically verse 20,

I have been crucified with Christ. 

It is no longer I who live, 

but Christ who lives in me. 

And the life I now live in the flesh 

I live by faith in the Son of God, 

who loved me and gave himself for me.

* Today it got "rearranged" in my mind.

In this order of  the statements,

I can much better "relate" to what Paul is saying

When I put the "Action" Paul is taking FIRST.

the life I now live in the flesh 

I live by faith in the Son of God, 

who loved me and gave himself for me.

This is how the first part is achieved ( experienced ). By the Faith - Trust and relying about Jesus.

Resulting in =

It is no longer I who live, 

but Christ who lives in me.

--

Saved by Grace,

Andrew Cross

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, 

but exhorting one another, 

and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23-25

YouTube channel = We belong to the Day

Who is the Bride of Christ according to the Bible? Just an Analogy or some to be taken Literally?

A comment made to the "Marriage Supper" video post is as follows:

Thanks you for your teachings. Nothing fluffy here, just straight to the point, short, succinct and based entirely in scripture. Love it!

One question if I may. Through the scriptures, I have begun to wonder who the actual "Bride" is. We, the Church, are the Body of Christ. We are considered 'friends of the bridegroom'. We see this clearly in the NT epistles. If we search the NT for the phrase "Bride of Christ", we find it nowhere. All through the OT, we see that Israel was God's wife and He gave her a bill of divorce. (Isaiah 54, Jeremiah 3) In Hosea we see God's plan to restore her to Himself again (Hosea 2:16) As the Body of Christ, we will certainly be united with Israel in Christ at that time, but I believe that Israel is God's bride and we are part of His body, making us part of the bridegroom and not the bride. I'd love your thoughts on this. And thank you again. :)

******** My Response was:

Short answer would be =

The Bride references believers as a group.

At the very least those who have believed during the church age, 

but could include all believers since Adam & Eve. 

It is NOT spelled out for us in Scripture. 

Long answer = I see a lot of "imagery" used in Scripture. 

I believe it is there to help us relate to and understand things that, frankly, are beyond our understanding. 

I did notice the similar "imagery" used with the LORD God in the O.T. for the relationship with Israel. 

Both as a bride and a wife ( unfaithful ). 

In the N.T. we see the Church referenced in may ways ( brethren, sons & daugthers, joint heirs, and the body of Christ ). 

And just to make things more confusing, 

we notice that the term as a Bride is used in reference to the city New Jerusalem ( Revelation 21:9-10 ). 

There are several places that Paul uses a marriage metaphor. 

My current conclusion is = 

I believe the term BRIDE is used because there is nothing more exciting, initimate, or "close" as the relationship between a Groom and his Bride. 

This "oneness" has no greater example. 

I believe it is a mistake to take every Analogy too literally. 

Especially the imagery found in the book of Revelation. 

Many "myths" have been created by assuming more than what is stated in the Scriptures. 

The good thing about this is that in our near future, 

we will see CLEARLY and understand what it all means.

--

Saved by Grace,

Andrew Cross

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, 

but exhorting one another, 

and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23-25

YouTube channel = We belong to the Day

When is the wedding feast? Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!

Youtube version = https://youtu.be/LQXkbMw4a10

When is the marriage supper of the Lamb of God?

Before or after His physical return to earth?

You may have heard that the marriage feast of the Lamb 

( Jesus ) 

and His Bride ( the Church ),

it to occur in heaven

during the 7 year tribulation period.

This assumes the Rapture of the Church

occurs at the beginning of the tribulation period.

But as I've shared in previous videos,

there is no secret Rapture 

at the beginning of the Tribulation period.

And that the Tribulation period will last only 3 1/2 years 

Not the 7 years 

as many have been told.

Today I'd like to concentrate on the popular teachings 

about the "marriage feast".

Revelation chapter 19 is where you find this event referenced.

I would challenge you to read the WHOLE chapter,

and notice the "timing" of the event.

First off 

we see that it is to occur 

after the great Harlot,

also called Bablyon is destroyed.

Read chapter 19 verses 1 - 5.

Followed by Revelation 19 verse 6,

Where we learn God is now in control.

The 42 months of authority the Beast had,

seems to have come to an end at this point.

We read,

And I heard, as it were, 

the voice of a great multitude, 

as the sound of many waters 

and as the sound of mighty thunderings, 

saying, “Hallelujah! 

For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.

Then in Verses 7 - 9  

we find the reference to the marriage feast,

 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, 

for the marriage of the Lamb has come, 

and His wife has made herself ready.”
And to her it was granted to be arrayed 

in fine linen, clean and bright, 

for the fine linen is 

the righteous acts of the saints.

Then he said to me, “Write: 

‘Blessed are those who are called 

to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ”

When are they called?

Who exactly is the multitude?

And where are they 

when they are speaking?

There is no scripture that says this is to occur in heaven,

or prior to the physical return of Jesus Christ. 

Only that the time has come for this marriage to take place.

The next thing we are told 

is what happens next. 

Jesus begins to reign here on Earth.

His physical and visible return.

The rest of chapter 19 verses 11 - 21,

Starting with verse 11 which says,

Now I saw heaven opened, 

and behold, a white horse.
And He who sat on him 

was called Faithful and True,
and in righteousness 

He judges and makes war.

I think you should be able to see the connection with this passage,

and what Jesus foretold in 

Matthew 24 verses  29-31.

Which says:

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days 

the sun will be darkened, 

and the moon will not give its light; 

the stars will fall from heaven, 

and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 

Then the sign of the Son of Man 

will appear in heaven, 

and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, 

and they will see the Son of Man coming 

on the clouds of heaven 

with power and great glory. 

And He will send His angels 

with a great sound of a trumpet, 

and they will gather together His elect 

from the four winds, 

from one end of heaven to the other.

and Matthew 25:31-34

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, 

and all the holy angels with Him, 

then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 

All the nations will be gathered before Him, 

and He will separate them 

one from another, 

as a shepherd divides 

his sheep from the goats. 

And He will set the sheep on His right hand, 

but the goats on the left. 

Then the King will say 

to those on His right hand, 

‘Come, you blessed of My Father, 

inherit the kingdom prepared for you 

from the foundation of the world:

Paul tells us

in Colossians 3:4

When Christ who is our life appears, 

then you also will appear with Him in glory.

AND in  2 Thessalonians 1:7-10

we read

and to give you who are troubled 

rest with us when the Lord Jesus is 

revealed from heaven 

with His mighty angels, 

in flaming fire 

taking vengeance on those 

who do not know God,

and on those who 

do not obey the gospel 

of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

These shall be punished 

with everlasting destruction 

from the presence of the Lord 

and from the glory of His power, 

when He comes, 

in that Day, 

to be glorified in His saints 

and to be admired among 

all those who believe, 

because our testimony 

among you was believed.

Most other theories about this wedding feast 

rely heavily on Jewish wedding traditions.

There is no scripture to support this.

Many assumptions are made 

While trying to draw parallels between

the traditional wedding, 

and God's future plans.

I will just add the words of Jesus to support my view, 

that the timing of the marriage supper is most likely 

at the beginning of the millennial reign of Jesus Christ.

After His return to both resurrect and transform believers,

and to destroy the forces 

that had aligned with the Beast against Him 

at the time of His return to Jerusalem.

Jesus states:

In Matthew 26:29 

But I say unto you, 

I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, 

until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

and in Luke 22:18

For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, 

until the kingdom of God shall come.

The Kingdom on earth must come first.

Before any marriage supper 

or feast is to be celebrated.

For more on the timing of the Rapture,

and the Return of Christ to Rule and Reign,

please check out some of the other posts on this channel.

Marantha!

--

Saved by Grace,

Andrew Cross

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, 

but exhorting one another, 

and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23-25

YouTube channel = We belong to the Day

Eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ - What are you waiting for?​

What are you waiting for?

In 1 Corinthians 1:7–8, 

Paul tells believers that
they “lack no spiritual gift
as they eagerly wait for
the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

who will also sustain you to the end,
so that you may be blameless 

in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The word translated “revelation” comes from the Greek apokalypsis. 

In Koine Greek it sounds like "ah-poh-KAH-loop-sees."

In the King James Version,
it’s often translated as “coming.”
While the New King James Version uses “revelation.”

Both point to the same reality:
the visible return—
the second coming—of Jesus Christ.

Paul isn’t speaking symbolically here.
He’s pointing to a real moment in time
when Jesus will be revealed openly, seen by all.
This is what Scripture calls “His day.”

Now, when the Bible talks about “the day of the Lord,”
it’s not referring to a 24-hour day like we think of.
It describes a period—
a turning point in history—
when human rule ends
and God’s righteous judgment begins.

For thousands of years,
humanity has tried to govern itself,
largely under the influence of Satan,
and it hasn’t worked.
Scripture gives us an interesting perspective
in 2 Peter 3:8,
where a day with the Lord is like a thousand years.
Following that pattern,
you could think of human history as six “days” of self-rule.

But the seventh “day” is different.

That’s when God steps in.

That’s when His kingdom is established.

And it begins with the visible return of Jesus Christ—

Coming in the clouds, in power and great glory,
just as described in Matthew 24:30
and Mark 13:26.

Every eye will see Him.

This is not hidden.

This is not secret.

Paul expands on this
in 2 Thessalonians 1:7–10.
He describes Jesus being revealed from heaven
with His mighty angels, in blazing fire,
bringing judgment on those who reject God
and refuse the gospel.
It’s a sobering picture—
one of justice, accountability,
and final separation.

But it’s not only about judgment.
It’s also about glory.

Because in that same moment,
Jesus will be “glorified in His saints.”
Those who belong to Him—
those set apart—
will be raised and transformed.
As explained in 1 Corinthians 15:40–52,
they will exchange their earthly bodies for heavenly ones.

So when we read about the “revelation” of Jesus Christ,
We’re not just talking about an event—
we’re talking about a complete unveiling.

A moment when Christ is seen as He truly is.

A moment when justice is carried out.

And a moment when His people are transformed
and share in His glory.

And this is the future we are to be
Eagerly Awaiting!
Maranatha.

--

Saved by Grace,

Andrew Cross

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, 

but exhorting one another, 

and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23-25

YouTube channel = We belong to the Day

No Longer I but Christ - Results

"I have been crucified with Christ; 

it is no longer I who live, 

but Christ lives in me; 

and the life which I now live in the flesh

 I live by faith in the Son of God, 

who loved me 

and gave Himself for me."

 Gal. 2:20

Paul, by the grace of God, 

discovered the glorious experience awaiting any soul 

that gives itself in faith to Christ. 

That life could be

• the steady radiance of a light rising, filling the commonest ways of earth with a gladness that was new every morning.
• It would make men not less efficient for life, but more so.
• It would vitalize them, not only morally and spiritually, but even physically and mentally.
• It would give them a verve, a creativeness, an exhilaration, which no other experience in the world could impart.
• It would key life up to new pitch of zest and gladness and power.

This article is an excerpt from: A Man in Christ: The Vital Elements of Paul's Religion, 

by James S. Stewart. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House. Original edition - 1935. Pgs. 160-163. 

James Stuart Stewart (1896 – 1990) was a minister of the Church of Scotland. 

He taught New Testament Language, Literature and Theology at the University of Edinburgh

A Testimony of Sarah Edwards - the inexpressible happiness and peace of my soul.

Saints in the Hands of a Loving God: A Testimony of Sarah Edwards

I felt a strong desire to be alone with God, to go to Him, without having any one to interrupt the silent and soft communion, which I earnestly desired between God and my own soul; and accordingly withdrew to my chamber. It should have been mentioned that, before I retired, while Mr. Reynolds was praying, these words, in Romans 8:34 came into my mind, "Who is he that condemneth; it is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us" as well as the following words, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ," etc.; which occasioned great sweetness and delight in my soul. But when I was alone, the words came to my mind with far greater power and sweetness; upon which I took the Bible, and read the words to the end of the chapter, when they were impressed on my heart with vastly greater power and sweetness still. They appeared to me with undoubted certainty as the words of God, and as words which God did pronounce concerning me. I had no more doubt of it, than I had of my being. I seemed as it were to hear the great God proclaiming thus to the world concerning me; "Who shall lay any thing to thy charge," etc.; and had it strongly impressed on me, how impossible it was for any thing in heaven or earth, in this world or the future, ever to separate me from the love of God which was in Christ Jesus. I cannot find language to express, how certain this appeared; the everlasting mountains and hills were but shadows to it. My safety, and happiness, and eternal enjoyment of God's immutable love, seemed as durable and unchangeable as God himself. Melted and overcome by the sweetness of this assurance, I fell into a great flow of tears, and could not forbear weeping aloud. It appeared certain to me that God was my Father, and Christ my Lord and Saviour, that He was mine and I His. Under a delightful sense of the immediate presence and love of God, these words seemed to come over and over in my mind, "My God, my all; my God, my all." The presence of God was so near, and so real, that I seemed scarcely conscious of any thing else. God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, seemed as distinct persons, both manifesting their inconceivable loveliness, and mildness, and gentleness, and their great and immutable love to me. I seemed to be taken under the care and charge of my God and Saviour, in an inexpressibly endearing manner; and Christ appeared to me as a mighty Saviour, under the character of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, taking my heart, with all its corruptions, under his care, and putting it at his feet. In all things, which concerned me, I felt myself safe under the protection of the Father and the Saviour; who appeared with supreme kindness to keep a record of every thing that I did, and of every thing that was done to me, purely for my good. The peace and happiness, which I hereupon felt, was altogether inexpressible. It seemed to be that which came from heaven; to be eternal and unchangeable. I seemed to be lifted above earth and hell, out of the reach of every thing here below, so that I could look on all the rage and enmity of men or devils, with a kind of holy indifference, and an undisturbed tranquillity. At the same time, I felt compassion and love for all mankind, and a deep abasement of soul, under a sense of my own unworthiness. I thought of the ministers who were in the house, and felt willing to undergo any labour and self-denial, if they would but come to the help of the Lord. I also felt myself more perfectly weaned from all things here below, than ever before. The whole world, with all its enjoyments, and all its troubles, seemed to be nothing. My God was my all, my only portion. No possible suffering appeared to be worth regarding; all persecutions and torments were a mere nothing. I seemed to dwell on high, and the place of defense to be the munition of rocks. After some time, the two evils mentioned above, as those which I should have been least able to bear, came to my mind--the ill treatment of the town [opposition to pastor Edwards requiring a profession of faith for church membership], and the ill will of my husband [infrequent corrections about her manner of relating to parishoners]; but now I was carried exceedingly above even such things as these, and I could feel that, if I were exposed to them both, they would seem comparatively nothing. There was then a deep snow on the ground, and I could think of being driven from my home into the cold and snow, of being chased from the town with the utmost contempt and malice, and of being left to perish with the cold, as cast out by all the world, with perfect calmness and serenity. It appeared to me, that it would not move me, or in the least disturb the inexpressible happiness and peace of my soul. My mind seemed as much above all such things, as the sun is above the earth. Jonathan Edwards' comments on his wife's experience "What shall we find to correspond with these expressions of Scripture,  The peace of God, that passeth all understanding:  Rejoicing with joy unspeakable, and full of glory:  God's shining into our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ:  With open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of God, and being changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord:  Being called out of darkness into marvellous light:  and having the day-star arise in our hearts?  What, let me ask, if these things that have been mentioned do not correspond with these expressions; what else can we find that does correspond with them?" [1]   ____________________ [1] from THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS WITH A MEMOIR BY SERENO E. DWIGHT. CHAPTER XI. http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edwards/works1.i.html

30 A.D. Possible Date of the Cruxifiction - Passover dates include Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday

Here is an AI summary:

The exact day of the week for Passover in 30 A.D. is a subject of scholarly debate due to different historical calendar reconstruction methods, 

but the most common conclusion among researchers is that it fell on either a Wednesday or a Friday. [1, 2]

Primary Calculated Dates for 30 A.D. [1]

Scholars and astronomical models provide different dates based on whether they prioritize the calculated Jewish calendar or the first visibility of the new moon crescent: [1, 2]

• Friday, April 7: Many scholarly sources and the U.S. Naval Observatory identify Nisan 14 (Passover) as Friday, April 7, 30 A.D.
• Wednesday, April 5: Some reconstructions using the calculated Jewish calendar place Passover on Wednesday, April 5.
• Thursday, April 6: Other astronomical calculations suggest the first visibility of the new moon would have occurred on Thursday evening, 
  making Thursday the day of Passover. [1, 2, 3]

Context of the Observation

In the Hebrew calendar, days begin at sunset. Therefore, an "observation" on a specific Julian date (like Friday, April 7) actually begins on the prior evening (Thursday evening). [1, 2, 3, 4]

• The "Crucifixion Year" Debate: Because 30 A.D. is one of the most likely years for the crucifixion of Jesus,
  many researchers argue for a specific day that fits the biblical narrative of being "three days and three nights" in the tomb.

*** Looking at 33 A.D. we find ,

In 33 A.D., Passover (14 Nisan) began on the evening of Wednesday, April 1 and continued into the daylight hours of Thursday, April 2. [1, 2]

However, the specific day of observation often depends on which historical or biblical interpretation is used:

• Wednesday Observation: Astronomical reconstructions based on the Jewish lunar calendar place 14 Nisan (the Day of Preparation) on Wednesday, April 1. In this model, the Passover lambs would have been slaughtered on Wednesday afternoon before the festival officially began at sunset.

--

Saved by Grace,

Andrew Cross

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 

not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, 

but exhorting one another, 

and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:23-25

YouTube channel = We belong to the Day