38And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
37Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Thinking about the parallels between Christ and the Church in Song of Solomon. The beloved says, “Draw me after you, let us run.” And, the King says, “You are altogether beautiful my love.” As Christ draws us in, we cannot help but praise Him when we see Him for who He is. He is beautiful, kind, pursuing, the God who says that the “winter is gone.” It’s all because of Christ that winter passes for us—in Him, we are constantly in the process of being made new. ❤️
38And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Sharon, Erica and Kristi I saw you girls posted your comments a couple hours ago. I never committed myself to read the whole bible but it’s a challenge I would like to do and I’m glad we can share this journey. I have been trying in the past but I hope this time I will make it! Let’s share and motivate each other!
43And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
I love that they were in awe as God was forming the church through the disciples.
God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. May we marvel at the grace which makes Jesus Lord our over lives and the Christ who saves us. This Jesus whom we crucified.
I love sitting in the beauty of Song of Songs as Jesus’s gentle pursuit of his church. The call of my heart today is Songs 1:4- Draw me after you, let us run!
Interesting how in Acts 2 the believers sold all their possessions and basically cared for one another financially… I’ve seen some argue that because of this scripture that “Jesus was a liberal”. Even so, I have to take note the *the believers* did this and not extending that offer to outside people. Their belief is a heart of serving and not receiving and taking advantage which for unbelievers isn’t the same. Just some political thoughts. What do you think?
Proverbs 13:22 says to leave an inheritance for your children’s children. You also must read 1 Timothy 5:8 which states to take care of your own household or you’re worse than an unbeliever. I manage my possessions and belongings as they belong to God, not myself. To give more of this money to the government who is terrible at managing it themselves. Look at the national debt would be a waste of the blessings from God. Private charities do a much better job of managing their resources and more of the donation goes to the actual cause than the government taking care of people.
It is my understanding that Jesus is not a respecter of persons, so I don’t think he would claim to be a liberal. He is about his father’s business. This act was an act of voluntary love, to give because we have given much. To love others because we have been loved much. Giving should not be forced because it is a decision of conscience, not a government program. This act from the first century church is a model for the church that we care for one another. Care is in the hands and hearts of the individual and not dependent on the government. That is not the role of the government. Government is here to protect the people from those who do not adhere to laws, who harm those who pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Yay thats so exciting Veronique! Gods got you! Totally! :) I am praying for you in faith. As the other ladies have commented already, keep turning to Jesus daily! Lots of love and keep shining ❤️
I agree with Sarah. Repentance means turning from something to something (or in this case Someone ) else. And if we have truly turned to Christ when we are confronted with sins in our life maybe ones we didn’t even know were sins before we came to Christ, we will want to turn from that sin.
Its a weird sensation i had the other day, i have recently started going to church again and that in itself is not full christianity. But a worship song played and in that moment I realized for the first time that in order for me to fully accept Jesus as my savior he wants all of me the good and all the bad. I have a dark and stained past and in that moment I was dumbfounded by the immense desire to give my all to Him. Does that qualify as repentance?
I’d say that is a great first step, realizing you what you have to repent from. The next step is repenting and turning away from those things and daily asking God to give you strength to follow Him with every bit of yourself.
I heard repentance explained as “running from sin and running to God.” It sounds like that is certainly your desire. I would add that repentance isn’t the only part in becoming a Christian. There must also be a complete trust in Jesus Christ and the work that He did on the cross for you (and me!)
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” This stuck out to me… REPENT is a word so many forget when considering if they are saved. Is it necessary only to call on Jesus to be saved or must we also repent?
I might be mistaken bc I am not a theologian but it seems that turning to Christ in itself is an act of repentance. We are turning from our sin of unbelief and believing on him. The repentance is turning from any belief that we are good or worthy of salvation without him and his sacrifice. Turning from our belief that we can save ourselves by keeping the laws.
Good point Brittany! I think people can turn to Jesus because they acknowledge needing help to get to heaven, but they might not be truly repentant. They might not think that what they’ve done is THAT bad. Maybe this explains lukewarm Christianity to an extent. Makes me look at my own heart to see if I’m truly humbled and disgusted by my sin or not
We will be married 15 years this August. I love the Song of Solomon. The courtship is reminding me of all of the intensity of new love. We are in a good place but nothing wrong with finding a little passion in each other. With little ones at home it’s easy to put spouse time on the back burner so I am always glad for a dose of Song of Solomon.
The song of Solomon passage was there early yesterday, but I didn’t get thru it all, and I didn’t see it missing until today! good thing we still have other copies of the Bible available.
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart..”
Cut to the heart. They realized who it was they had been persecuting. The one whom they had crucified was indeed, the Messiah. And it cut deep for them. They realized the weight of their disobedience and it caused them to repent. Gods spirit convicts and truth cuts deep
Amen. Loving acts
Hi ladies, I would love some advice! My friend set me up with a guy who she told me was a Christian, I found out after our second date that he is not. I thought about ending it then but some of my Christian family members and friends suggested that I still see him because they know so many people who come to Christ during a relationship and this might all be part of God’s plan. I’ve been praying about it a lot but am still confused. Any advice?
Hi Nikki! i want to be honest – i have never been in the same situation. But what God is teaching me recently is to not settle for something less than for what He wants to give me. And He wants to give lifa fulfilled life, including a relationship which honors Him. my advice is to end this. you can/should still pray for him and the whole thing, you can try to be friends, stay in contact, but make clear that a relationship isn’t an option at this time. Don’t continue it just because others want you to, and mostly don’t continue when you don’t feel good about it.
Hi Nikki, I agree with Christine. If your first thought was to stop dating him then you should. If he is interested in becoming a Christian you can invite him to your church, as a friend not a date. If God has chosen him for you he will become a christian. Not to please you but because he finds the Lord. I admire that your first condition is that a date be a christian, excellent base to start from.
Nikki,
My worry is that this guy would not come to know the Lord and you would end up in love with a man whose heart is far away from God. That is a situation you do not want to be in!! I have friends who have had husbands who lacked a relationship with the Lord and it was a very hard road to walk. And even if you just date him and don’t marry him, it is hard enough to keep a dating relationship within the confines of God’s plan when that’s what you both want…I can’t imagine how hard it would be when one of you doesn’t hold the same goals.
Don’t you just get so pumped/get chills when you read acts! It’s so incredible and truly awesome. I feel the Holy Spirit stirring in me and moving me when I read peters sermon.
Lord you word is wonderful and inspiring, thank your for giving us your Holy Spirit would we not quench it but allow it to guide us more and more each day. In your holy name Amen.
I love the structure of the first church that is outline in Acts 2:42-47! Dependent, connected, related- so different from our individualistic culture today. They were truly like family to each other!
As a single, young woman, I’ve always struggled a bit with Song of Solomon, but today God has used it to challenge my heart.
As I was reading, I asked, “Does my relationship with God actually mirror or even outweigh the love and desire shown here?”
Often my struggle in relationships has been putting the relationship with a man before my relationship with God. So until God has control over my life, desires, and time, and until he has built in me the self-control to turn to Him in and for all things, before any man, I will remember Song of Solomon 2:7.
“I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.”
This is something that I struggle with as well. Thank you for putting into words. I have been confused about whether I should be dating again or not, but now I know for sure that I need to strengthen my relationship with God before starting anything new. Thank you! I pray that your journey with Him will become a part of who you are more and more each day :)
I am going through a similar experience now also. I have been single for almost a year now (I had a tough break up in October). But I have learned so much about myself and grown so much in God since being single. I don’t think I could have learned as much if I was with someone and I know that God is building me up for that time when he does bring me a great, Christian man.
I want to encourage you Emily, that even after I got married I still have to keep my love and relationship in check! Do I love and idolize my husband over my relationship with God? Does my heart beat for the man he made in his image more than it beats for the living God? I will always be disappointed if I put all my trust in my marriage, blessed as though it may be — my heart must align with God and seek him first, even above my husband. This Song of Solomon reading is so good for all of us at any stage in life!
Missed the last few days… Will catch up. Just want to share, my husband came home from the hospital after 13 days in ICU and 2 days in step down care. God worked in a mighty way to restore his lungs after bypass surgery thru the prayers of so many. Beyond thankful for your prayers, ladies. Thank you God. Still a long road ahead… But we are home!
Acts 2:44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.
46 …….They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.
This warms me. It feels safe and comforting.
❤️
❤️
38And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
37Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
❤️
❤️
39For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
Thinking about the parallels between Christ and the Church in Song of Solomon. The beloved says, “Draw me after you, let us run.” And, the King says, “You are altogether beautiful my love.” As Christ draws us in, we cannot help but praise Him when we see Him for who He is. He is beautiful, kind, pursuing, the God who says that the “winter is gone.” It’s all because of Christ that winter passes for us—in Him, we are constantly in the process of being made new. ❤️
✝️
Anyone else notice what’s posted here for Song of Solomon is actually from Genesis?
I did notice this.
38And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
✅
Song of Songs is so beautiful! I love the repeated line, “I charge you, do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.”
“‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; -ellie
Sharon, Erica and Kristi I saw you girls posted your comments a couple hours ago. I never committed myself to read the whole bible but it’s a challenge I would like to do and I’m glad we can share this journey. I have been trying in the past but I hope this time I will make it! Let’s share and motivate each other!
43And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
I love that they were in awe as God was forming the church through the disciples.
God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. May we marvel at the grace which makes Jesus Lord our over lives and the Christ who saves us. This Jesus whom we crucified.
I love sitting in the beauty of Song of Songs as Jesus’s gentle pursuit of his church. The call of my heart today is Songs 1:4- Draw me after you, let us run!
Interesting how in Acts 2 the believers sold all their possessions and basically cared for one another financially… I’ve seen some argue that because of this scripture that “Jesus was a liberal”. Even so, I have to take note the *the believers* did this and not extending that offer to outside people. Their belief is a heart of serving and not receiving and taking advantage which for unbelievers isn’t the same. Just some political thoughts. What do you think?
Proverbs 13:22 says to leave an inheritance for your children’s children. You also must read 1 Timothy 5:8 which states to take care of your own household or you’re worse than an unbeliever. I manage my possessions and belongings as they belong to God, not myself. To give more of this money to the government who is terrible at managing it themselves. Look at the national debt would be a waste of the blessings from God. Private charities do a much better job of managing their resources and more of the donation goes to the actual cause than the government taking care of people.
Hi Brooke,
It is my understanding that Jesus is not a respecter of persons, so I don’t think he would claim to be a liberal. He is about his father’s business. This act was an act of voluntary love, to give because we have given much. To love others because we have been loved much. Giving should not be forced because it is a decision of conscience, not a government program. This act from the first century church is a model for the church that we care for one another. Care is in the hands and hearts of the individual and not dependent on the government. That is not the role of the government. Government is here to protect the people from those who do not adhere to laws, who harm those who pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Yay thats so exciting Veronique! Gods got you! Totally! :) I am praying for you in faith. As the other ladies have commented already, keep turning to Jesus daily! Lots of love and keep shining ❤️
I agree with Sarah. Repentance means turning from something to something (or in this case Someone ) else. And if we have truly turned to Christ when we are confronted with sins in our life maybe ones we didn’t even know were sins before we came to Christ, we will want to turn from that sin.
Its a weird sensation i had the other day, i have recently started going to church again and that in itself is not full christianity. But a worship song played and in that moment I realized for the first time that in order for me to fully accept Jesus as my savior he wants all of me the good and all the bad. I have a dark and stained past and in that moment I was dumbfounded by the immense desire to give my all to Him. Does that qualify as repentance?
I’d say that is a great first step, realizing you what you have to repent from. The next step is repenting and turning away from those things and daily asking God to give you strength to follow Him with every bit of yourself.
I heard repentance explained as “running from sin and running to God.” It sounds like that is certainly your desire. I would add that repentance isn’t the only part in becoming a Christian. There must also be a complete trust in Jesus Christ and the work that He did on the cross for you (and me!)
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” This stuck out to me… REPENT is a word so many forget when considering if they are saved. Is it necessary only to call on Jesus to be saved or must we also repent?
I might be mistaken bc I am not a theologian but it seems that turning to Christ in itself is an act of repentance. We are turning from our sin of unbelief and believing on him. The repentance is turning from any belief that we are good or worthy of salvation without him and his sacrifice. Turning from our belief that we can save ourselves by keeping the laws.
You’re so right! We need to keep our eyes on Christ and stay out of the way of others who seek him.
Good point Brittany! I think people can turn to Jesus because they acknowledge needing help to get to heaven, but they might not be truly repentant. They might not think that what they’ve done is THAT bad. Maybe this explains lukewarm Christianity to an extent. Makes me look at my own heart to see if I’m truly humbled and disgusted by my sin or not
We will be married 15 years this August. I love the Song of Solomon. The courtship is reminding me of all of the intensity of new love. We are in a good place but nothing wrong with finding a little passion in each other. With little ones at home it’s easy to put spouse time on the back burner so I am always glad for a dose of Song of Solomon.
Song of Solomon passage appears to be still missing
Thank you Ruth, Alexis, and Christine! I appreciate it
one word to answer your question: run!
The song of Solomon passage was there early yesterday, but I didn’t get thru it all, and I didn’t see it missing until today! good thing we still have other copies of the Bible available.
Song of Songs is just making my heart happy today :)
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart..”
Cut to the heart. They realized who it was they had been persecuting. The one whom they had crucified was indeed, the Messiah. And it cut deep for them. They realized the weight of their disobedience and it caused them to repent. Gods spirit convicts and truth cuts deep
Amen. Loving acts
Bella, amen! Reminds me of Hebrews 4:12
Hi ladies, I would love some advice! My friend set me up with a guy who she told me was a Christian, I found out after our second date that he is not. I thought about ending it then but some of my Christian family members and friends suggested that I still see him because they know so many people who come to Christ during a relationship and this might all be part of God’s plan. I’ve been praying about it a lot but am still confused. Any advice?
Hi Nikki! i want to be honest – i have never been in the same situation. But what God is teaching me recently is to not settle for something less than for what He wants to give me. And He wants to give lifa fulfilled life, including a relationship which honors Him. my advice is to end this. you can/should still pray for him and the whole thing, you can try to be friends, stay in contact, but make clear that a relationship isn’t an option at this time. Don’t continue it just because others want you to, and mostly don’t continue when you don’t feel good about it.
Hi Nikki, I agree with Christine. If your first thought was to stop dating him then you should. If he is interested in becoming a Christian you can invite him to your church, as a friend not a date. If God has chosen him for you he will become a christian. Not to please you but because he finds the Lord. I admire that your first condition is that a date be a christian, excellent base to start from.
Nikki,
My worry is that this guy would not come to know the Lord and you would end up in love with a man whose heart is far away from God. That is a situation you do not want to be in!! I have friends who have had husbands who lacked a relationship with the Lord and it was a very hard road to walk. And even if you just date him and don’t marry him, it is hard enough to keep a dating relationship within the confines of God’s plan when that’s what you both want…I can’t imagine how hard it would be when one of you doesn’t hold the same goals.
Don’t you just get so pumped/get chills when you read acts! It’s so incredible and truly awesome. I feel the Holy Spirit stirring in me and moving me when I read peters sermon.
Lord you word is wonderful and inspiring, thank your for giving us your Holy Spirit would we not quench it but allow it to guide us more and more each day. In your holy name Amen.
Please say a prayer for me today ladies!!
Praying for you
I love the structure of the first church that is outline in Acts 2:42-47! Dependent, connected, related- so different from our individualistic culture today. They were truly like family to each other!
Thank you:)
i have written a note to SRT to let them know Song of Solomon is missing from todays reading.
Hey you might want to let them know it’s missing from tomorrow and Monday too
As a single, young woman, I’ve always struggled a bit with Song of Solomon, but today God has used it to challenge my heart.
As I was reading, I asked, “Does my relationship with God actually mirror or even outweigh the love and desire shown here?”
Often my struggle in relationships has been putting the relationship with a man before my relationship with God. So until God has control over my life, desires, and time, and until he has built in me the self-control to turn to Him in and for all things, before any man, I will remember Song of Solomon 2:7.
“I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases.”
This is something that I struggle with as well. Thank you for putting into words. I have been confused about whether I should be dating again or not, but now I know for sure that I need to strengthen my relationship with God before starting anything new. Thank you! I pray that your journey with Him will become a part of who you are more and more each day :)
I am going through a similar experience now also. I have been single for almost a year now (I had a tough break up in October). But I have learned so much about myself and grown so much in God since being single. I don’t think I could have learned as much if I was with someone and I know that God is building me up for that time when he does bring me a great, Christian man.
I want to encourage you Emily, that even after I got married I still have to keep my love and relationship in check! Do I love and idolize my husband over my relationship with God? Does my heart beat for the man he made in his image more than it beats for the living God? I will always be disappointed if I put all my trust in my marriage, blessed as though it may be — my heart must align with God and seek him first, even above my husband. This Song of Solomon reading is so good for all of us at any stage in life!
Song of Solomon is in the Old Testament just after Ecclesiastes. A beautiful book about the love between a husband and wife.
Missed the last few days… Will catch up. Just want to share, my husband came home from the hospital after 13 days in ICU and 2 days in step down care. God worked in a mighty way to restore his lungs after bypass surgery thru the prayers of so many. Beyond thankful for your prayers, ladies. Thank you God. Still a long road ahead… But we are home!
Praise the Lord!
To God be the praise and Glory! So happy for you both.
Hooray!! All praise and glory be to God alone! Will continue to pray for him!
This is so wonderful to hear! I have been praying for you and your husband.
Acts 2:44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.
46 …….They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.
This warms me. It feels safe and comforting.
Where is Song of Solomon?
Song of Solomon 1 – 3 is missing!