This Sunday, I am beginning a new series from Song of Solomon that will last into June entitled Faithful Love. Song of Solomon is a unique book in the Bible, as it is primarily composed of poems between a man and a woman sharing their intimate love for one another. Throughout church history, interpreters have not known exactly how to understand this book, and rarely is it preached on. Yet I believe this book offers a vision on what an intimate marriage relationship looks like. The language of the poetry is emotional, romantic, and passionate. And within the language, there are certain metaphors, images, and repeated refrains that open up one’s imagination toward understanding what intimacy looks like between a husband and wife. We will explore these pathways to intimacy over the next 6 weeks or so.
To go along with this series, we will be highlighting our partnership with ChristianWorks for Children. As many of you may know, ChristianWorks is a faith-based nonprofit that is expanding into Fort Worth and will be located right across the street. They offer help with adoption care, support groups for children dealing with trauma and divorce, and offer Christian counseling for marriages and families. During this Faithful Love series, a counselor from ChristianWorks will be present and available to meet with during the Bible class hour. Southside has developed a partnership with ChristianWorks to make it easier for partners to go see a counselor. We have purchased hours at a reduced price so we can see a counselor inexpensively if we need to. We will have this special opportunity throughout this series.
Also, I am going to offer a one-time, optional adult Bible class in the auditorium on May 21 where I will discuss what Song of Solomon says about sexual intimacy. Much of the Song’s language is sexual in nature, but we will minimize talking about this during the sermons. Rather, we will use this Bible class to discuss more in-depth the vision that Song of Solomon offers for sexual intimacy within marriage.
Please be praying about this studying of Song of Solomon, particularly for the marriages and relationship of our church. To love like Jesus loves starts in our family with our spouse and children. Hopefully this study will revive our marriages to full of intimacy, joy, and love.
