Revelation Quote

RevQuotes

God is revealing himself in glory to you right now as we consider what chapters 4, 5 show us about the Creator and Redeemer. God reveals himself to you in his creation, which reflects his glory, and God reveals himself in a uniquely precise way in the Bible that he inspired.  With the glory of God in creation all around you and with the Bible before you, you are surrounded by God’s glory.  Drink it in and pray that God will set you free from the world’s idolatry, immorality, and godless way of interpreting life.

– James M Hamilton, Jr. on Revelation 4-5 in Revelation (PTW)

Reflections on Song of Solomon 5-8

Today’s passage speaks of love within marriage.

  • Delight in one another – These chapters speak clearly of the couple’s delight in one another. Why is this important in marriage?  If you are married, in what ways do you delight in your spouse?
  • Strength of love – Real love is strong; it cannot be quenched (8:6-7). Real love endures.  How is this truth an important complement to the book’s focus on love as a desire for one another?  If you are married, how do you need to apply both romance and endurance to your marriage?

Family Collection

As the Fall draws nigh, here are some good posts for parents on family worship and discipleship:

5 Reasons to Prioritize Family Worship – Donald Whitney (Crossway)

Five Benefits of Regular Family Worship – Tom Ascol (FM)

Parents, Disciple Your Teens (While There’s Still Time) – Jaquelle Crowe (Crossway)

Revelation Quote

RevQuotes

John’s readers lived in a world (as we do) where evil was rampant and apparently all-powerful.  Goodness was weak and frustrated and ineffectual. But John’s very first vision of heaven shows that these appearances are deceptive….God’s power and eternal being ensure that His holiness will triumph over all evil.

– Leon Morris on Revelation 4:8 in The Revelation of St. John (TNTC)

Reflections on Song of Solomon 1-4

Song of Solomon begins with a time of courtship leading ultimately to the wedding in chapter 4.

  • Awakening romantic love – Twice, we are called not to awaken love (the feelings and desires of romance) before it is time (2:7, 3:5). Why is this teaching more helpful than just “don’t do it”?  How might this teaching have helped you in the past?  If you are single, how might this teaching help you now?  Practically, what does living this out mean for you?
  • Wedding – The husband comes to the wedding (3:6-11). He is enraptured with his bride (4:1-15).  Following the wedding, the marriage is consummated (4:16-5:1).  What truths does this passage speak to our culture?  The church?  You?

Song of Solomon: A Love Poem

(1-8) Read through the entire book.  Do you think this book is primarily a love poem about a young man and a young woman or an allegory about Christ and His church?  Why?

What do you think the human author intended this book to be?

(1-8) Starting with the love poem interpretation, what is God telling us about romantic, even sexual, love within marriage?

(1-2, 5-6, 8) What are some tips we might we learn about marriage from this young couple’s example?

8:6-7 –

6:3, 2:16 –

5:16 –

2:10 & 13 –

2:2-3 –

1:9 –

(2, 3, 8) What instruction is given three times in this book (2:7, 3:5, 8:4)?  Why is this instruction more helpful than just instructing youth/singles to not have sex outside of marriage?

(1-8) Throughout the Old Testament, marriage is a picture of God’s relationship with Israel.  In the New Testament, marriage is a picture of Christ and His church.  How might we apply the following passages to our relationship with the Lord?

1:2 (see Psalm 63:3) –

2:10 & 13 –

2:16, 6:3 –

3:1-3 (see Psalm 63:1) –

8:6-7 –

Sermon Songs: Revelation 4

MusicNotes

Behold in heaven stands the throne
Of God in His glory
Rich and brilliant like precious stone
In splendor and beauty
Lightning and thunder from the throne
Announce coming judgment
But faithful mercy to His own
With whom He is present

Around the throne four Living Ones
Cry “Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
Holy, holy, holy”
The Elders join and cry “Worthy
Is He who makes all things
All power, honor, and glory”
Now lift your voice and sing!

Holy, holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
Is our Lord God Almighty
Who reigns eternally
Worthy, worthy, worthy, worthy
Is our Creator King
All power, honor, and glory
Let all creation sing!

To the tune of “We Sing The Greatness Of Our God”