I have had the Song of Solomon on my mind lately. That enigmatic little Old Testament Book that puzzles many a Bible teacher!

Well, let me offer an idea or two.

I do know this.

It is a Compilation of Love Poems shared between a Groom and his Bride , some written during their engagement period, others after their marriage.

But I just cannot believe this is just secular Literarure!

Or even Jewish culture at its best!

I must be, to my mind and heart anyway, symbolic of the Love that is to be shared between the real Bride and the real Bridegroom!

In other words, between Christ and His Church!

When read that way, things seem to “fall into place” much better, interpretive issues especially.

I once read (note the adverb once) that the Book was lewd, off-color and at times downright vulgar. I do not believe that for a minute!

When read properly … it is beautiful and holy and reverent!

Amen!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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Early this evening, around 4:00 PM, our newest “Evening Meditation” Bible study will be available.

It is an exposition of Hebrews 12:22-24, and well worth watching. I just thought I’d remind you this Saturday morning.

The Text, precisely …

HEBREWS 12:22-24

“22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

You might be wondering, “How can I watch this video?”

It’s simple finding it. (Or all our other Bible Studies there as well, dozens and dozens of them.) Just Google … Dr. Mike Bagwell YouTube Channel. And there it will appear on your screen!

If you’d like, subscribe and then touch the little “bell” symbol, and I think you will get a short notice each time a new Meditation is posted.

Whatever you do, study some in the Word of God today!

The Greatest Book ever written!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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Let’s think about Titus 1:2 … “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”

Did I just read that God “promised” … ETERNAL LIFE … “before the world began?”

Scant information within itself, yet thrilling!

Before death ever came (due to sin) … God had the Remedy.

In promising eternal life, as a gift presumably since God needs no financial bolstering, the Lord is merely giving of Himself!

After all … “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27

Wow!

But now … look … God not only promised eternal life before time began (the meaning of the noun “world” is “ages upon ages, unending ages”) … God also devised the Means of giving eternal life!

Peter one day long ago, writing his first Epistle, taught us about Jesus: “The precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.” 1 Peter 1:19-20

“Before the foundation of the world!”

Yes, Eternal Life … in God’s Mind before the world (ages) began!

And yes, Jesus the Saviour, dying for you and me, also in God’s Mind before the world began!

Hallelujah!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Again I say … before we knew we had the deadly (sin) Problem … God had the Perfect (Jesus) Solution!

Glory to His Name!

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Proverbs 7:1 begins with words like these: “My son, lay up my commandments with thee.”

The Hebrew verb translated “lay up” means “to hide, to treasure, to esteem (highly value)”, and even “to secret away” as in wherever one secludes his valuables.

I am going to let that verb today mean “to memorize,” as in hiding something in your heart, in your mind. To study that intensely and diligently!

I know I need to focus on JESUS, every aspect of His human and divine Life.

But now I am learning I need to study God’s COMMANDMENTS too!

The noun “commandments” simply means “orders.” Things God absolutely requires me to do! God’s “charges” in my life, “mandates.”

I once (30+ years ago at least) taught a class on this subject: “The commandments of Paul!” There were more than I could possible discuss in the allotted time! (Of course Paul’s commands are Holy Ghost commands because the Bible is an “inspired of God” Book!)

Just some thoughts today … on a new area of Bible study I need to pursue. Might I interest you in the same?

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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I certainly have no criticism of that great Bible verb, “giving.”

Jesus taught us to use it, in fact. By His example anyway. “GIVE, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.” Luke 6:38, most of the verse.

But other verbs do apply to our stewardship as well.

And here’s the one I would like to emphasize today … “sowing!” Yes, as a farmer “sows” his seed, hoping for a great harvest.

My Text Verse (often called a Proof Text) is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6. Where the Apostle Paul writes: “He which SOWETH sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which SOWETH bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” In context he is talking about an offering, financial help, he plans to collect and take to the needy saints in Jerusalem.

“Giving” is one thing. And a great thing at that. Obedience to the commands of God, truthfully.

But, it seems to me, “sowing” is an even greater concept! Sowing one’s assets looks to the Lord Himself … to multiply that gift many times over!

Folks, next time that offering plate is passed, or next time you mail that check to the missionary … think of it as “seed” sown for the sake of the Kingdom of God!

And ask, trust the dear Lord to bring a great harvest through your generosity.

Amen!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Jesus elsewhere sort of expanded the word “giving” as well. But He explained it in terms of “investing” … of investing in the future!

“Lay not up for yourselves TREASURES upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves TREASURES in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” Matthew 6:19-20, amazing!

At any rate, whatever we do for the Lord, giving or sowing or investing, it is done because we love Him!

He is worthy!

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