This in-depth 6 week Bible study will help you see the church as Christ sees her - a shining Bride preparing for her beloved Bridegroom. You will discover how Jesus often used the marriage relationship to teach us about Himself, His purposes and His ways. The study draws from the rich symbolism of the ancient Jewish wedding customs, familiar during Jesus' time, but not always understood by today's Christians. This remarkable journey through Scripture will encourage and inspire you as you come to better understand God's plan for the church and how believers can work together to prepare for Christ's return. By the conclusion of this study, you will discover fascinating biblical truths that point the climax of human history- the marriage feast of the lamb! After graduating from Baylor Law School, Martha Lawley began her legal career in Houston, Texas, where she specialized in business litigation. While in Houston she met and married the love of her life, Roger Lawley. Martha continued to practice law until 1994, when God called her family to Utah. For the next five years Martha was blessed to be a full-time wife and mother as well as serving in her home church. Then, in late 1999, God called Martha to be the Women's Consultant for the Utah-Idaho Baptist Convention where she served until her family relocated to northern Wyoming. Martha has been blessed with many opportunities to lead women's conferences and retreats nationwide. God has given her a passion for discipleship and called her to minister to women. Her holistic approach to ministry emphasizes the importance of women being involved in each of the core spiritual disciplines of Bible study, prayer, worship, using spiritual gifts in service, and personal evangelism. Martha also serves as a women's ministry multiplier for LifeWay Church Resources. She contributed to the women's leadership books, Women Reaching Women (Revised and Expanded) and Transformed Lives: Taking Women's Ministry to the Next Level (Revised and Expanded), both published by LifeWay Press, and has written numerous articles for LifeWay's Women's Ministry Web page. Martha attends First Southern Baptist Church of Worland, Wyoming, where she and Roger teach a small group Bible Study. She also serves her home church as a Women's Bible study leader and women's ministry team member. Martha and Roger have three wonderful children, two fabulous sons-in-law, one amazing daughter-in-law and four precious grandchildren. For more information on<