The fifth chapter of Song of Songs mirrors the dream motif found in the third chapter. But it differs in a significant way: Even though she suffers abuse her attention remains focused on the groom. In fact, so enraptured is she with her beloved that her friends can’t help but ask to know more about him.
As we began our study of the Song of Songs the congregation was prepared that it would be a study of erotic Hebrew poetry. The fourth chapter of the book is perhaps the most “steamy” yet. Come and learn what poetry such as this can teach us about our relationships to sex and romance and even to God Himself.
We come prepared for erotic language when reading the Song of Songs for how it celebrates the physical joys of intimacy. What can catch us off guard is how unabashedly it also addresses sexual abuse. The third chapter of this challenging Biblical poem contrasts the joys of physical love with the terror of sexual abuse.
Join us for a community Easter service at the Port Angeles High School Auditorium. Childcare provided for children birth to 5 years old.
Sponsored by Independent Bible, First Baptist, Harbor of Hope, Open Bible, and Lighthouse. Services will not be held at First Baptist Church on Easter Sunday.
Port Angeles Performing Arts Center (PAHS Auditorium)
304 E Park Avenue
Port Angeles, WA
Greetings on this Good Friday,
I am looking forward to seeing all of you this Sunday at our 10am Easter service at the Port Angeles High School. Our online congregation is able to join our service stream via the same link as always.
May you find a bit of quiet time to reflect on the meaning and power of this day. It was on this day that our Lord hung on the cross. It was on this day that he cried out to heaven asking God that heartbreaking question, why hast thou forsaken me? It was on this day that Jesus breathed out the words, it is finished and then breathed no more.
Pause as you read this to take time to ponder all that followed that final breath of Jesus; the proof of his death when speared in his side; the grim removal from the cross; the grief as his followers carried his corpse to the tomb; the finality when the stone was rolled into place and the Romans stood guard.
Think too of the overwhelming sadness of the absolute defeat and all the questions and thoughts swirling around. How could Judas have done such a thing? I thought Peter of all people would have stood with him. What do I do now? What does it all mean?
We call this day, of all days, Good, for it is indeed good and we know it to be so because we know how the story ends. We know what the disciples did not yet understand. We know that Easter is just around the corner. But for today, this day of all days, dont move too quickly to that celebration. Allow the sorrow of the moment to linger. Our faith is made stronger by enduring what others flee: the questions, the doubts, the sorrow.
Boldly ask the hard question, Why Lord? Why did you have to die? And listen deeply as the Spirit whispers the answer for the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). And let the Spirits answer become personal,for the wages of (my) sins is death.
Only by enduring the weight and meaning of Good Friday will we truly understand the celebration of Sunday and the joy of the refrain: He is risen!
I look forward to seeing you at the High School and online.
Blessings all,
Pastor Tim
Song of Songs is unique among all the books of the Bible. It uses erotic language and metaphor to speak of the love between man and woman - what we are calling the “plain reading” of the book. But we are also challenged to see the language and metaphor as an illustration of the affection which ought to exist between human kind and God.
Song of Songs is a record of idealized love between the bride and groom. However, guilt over past decisions, or shame as a result of hurtful circumstances, can make us feel as if anything “ideal” can’t really be for us. Certainly not idealized love. But what if God isn’t surprised by our woundedness? What if His healing grace what makes His love ideal?
Jesus is "Lord of Lords" because he’s the highest and best of all Lords. Today we begin our study of the "Song of Songs” - which means the metaphorical melodies and harmonies of this book are the very best of all songs ever written. So what does it mean that this poetic writing is also rich with erotic imagery? Join us in this first sermon on our new series through the Song of Songs.
Guest speaker Chris Cummings invites us to reflect on the Sabbath and Solitude.
Reaching the conclusion of the problem of evil we discover the great reversal Jesus brings to the struggles we face individually and as a people. As every Sunday School student can tell you, the answer really is Jesus.
Have you ever wondered about the supernatural world and how it interacts with the material world? Join us as we take a look at what scripture has to say on the subject.
When most people think of “evil” they tend toward to extremes, either conjuring up cartoonish pictures of a guy with a goatee in a red suit complete with pitchfork and tail or else imagining the very worst this world has to offer. But is that really all we mean by evil, or can it be much more subtle a player in our lives?
When most people think of “evil” they tend toward to extremes, either conjuring up cartoonish pictures of a guy with a goatee in a red suit complete with pitchfork and tail or else imagining the very worst this world has to offer. But is that really all we mean by evil, or can it be much more subtle a player in our lives?
This week we explore the introduction of evil into God’s newly created world of Genesis 1-3. What was the original plan, and how did it get so messed up?
We're looking forward to joining with you in Worship this last Sunday of 2023.
“I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” This is what Mary said in reply to the Angel Gabriel’s pronouncement that she was going to bring forth baby Jesus. Mary’s faith and bravery cannot be overstated, not only believing that God would do the impossible but also trusting him to keep her safe; pregnancy outside of marriage was not something taken lightly in Mary’s day. We could all stand to be a little more like Mary, don’t ya think?
On that first Christmas night so many years ago the angels promised the shepherds that Jesus’ birth meant "peace to all upon whom God’s favor rests”. But what does that mean? What, in this war torn world does “peace” really mean? And who exactly is it that God’s favor rests upon? These are some of the questions we will dig into in the message today. Join us!
Have you ever pondered what was the motivation for the Wise Men to actually follow that bright star they saw in the sky? It was no small journey to go and worship the King of Kings. Although our traditional nativity sets tell a different story, the Wise Men didn’t actually arrive on the night of Jesus birth - that’s just when they started following the star. They didn’t actually arrive to worship Christ until he was about two years old. I know many of us travel long distances at Christmas time, but a two year journey! What could so motivate these men to make this trek? I suspect, as we read about them in Matthew 2, we will discover that deep down we are all seeking the same thing - joy.
An amazing aspect of the Christmas story is that Jesus birth was long foretold by the Hebrew prophets of old. Thousands of years Jesus birth, life and even his manner of death and resurrection was an aspect of prophecy. Truly, amazing! Join us today as we discuss the awe-inducing truth that to understand these proclamations of the future to merely be prophesy is to misunderstand them - for they were much more than just telling us what would come to be. These prophesy were promises to give people living in a messy world hope. A hope of a God who loves them and who redeems them. A hope that has meaning for us even today.
Join us for a guest sermon from Rev. Chris Cummings.
