Reading Time: 4 minutes
The main text for this lesson has often been considered a template for selecting leaders in the church—particularly deacons. But maybe it is a template on how the early church resolved problems. . . .
Study
October 8 | Sharing and Pretending
Reading Time: 4 minutes
The church was considered by onlookers not only as a dangerous place but also a desired place. . . .
October 1 | Birth of the Church
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and so was the church. . . .
September 24 | The Lord Speaks
Reading Time: 4 minutes
For centuries scholars have wrestled with the “natural” meaning of the Song of Songs. Is its meaning to be understood literally or figuratively? . . .
September 17 | The Friends Speak
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Not only did the wife admire her husband, and not only did the husband describe his wife, but the friends of the couple also spoke about the couple’s love for one another. . . .
September 10 | The Husband Speaks
Reading Time: 4 minutes
The woman in the Song of Songs took her sense of romance from the closeness and affection of her husband and being desired by him. The man took his romance from the sight, smell, and touch of his wife. . . .
September 3 | The Shulammite Woman Speaks
Reading Time: 5 minutes
In Song of Songs, students will learn of a woman’s love for her husband, the husband’s love for his wife, the watchful celebration of their love by the couple’s attendants, and the Lord of love whose love is the basis for all other loves. . . .
August 27 | Justified
Reading Time: 4 minutes
A theological dilemma in the biblical story is this: How can God punish sin (and thereby stay true to his promise and character) and yet absolve the sinner? . . .
August 20 | Justice Dispensed
Reading Time: 4 minutes
The world is on a collision course with the God of justice. If God did not punish sin, he would be untrue to his word and his nature (Romans 3:26). . . .