An odd book indeed.

I firmly believe that it requires reading on 'paper' or at least on a Kindle. The audio book version is significantly harder to follow.

Nonetheless, it is truly worth reading. In my opinion, it presents a different perspective compared to, say, Matt Chandler.

I think, quite probably, that the Song of Solomon is about sex. It delves into real, human intercourse and the associated aspects between a couple deeply in love.

Moreover, I also consider it as a metaphor for Christ and the church.

I would very much like to obtain a book that can explore both these aspects comprehensively. However, for the moment, this particular book is still a very helpful read anyway.

It offers valuable insights and makes one think deeply about the complex themes it presents.

Whether it's the physical and emotional connection within a relationship or the spiritual significance between Christ and the church, this book manages to touch upon these profound topics.

Despite its odd nature, it has the power to engage the reader and expand their understanding.

So, if you're looking for a thought-provoking read that challenges your preconceptions, this book might just be worth checking out.

One of the Best Books I’ve Ever Read

I have delved into a vast number of books throughout my life. However, this particular one stands out as truly remarkable. The author has managed to extract an astonishing depth of study from what might otherwise seem like a baffling or even vulgar and basic subject matter. It is truly a feat of literary excellence. In this relatively tiny volume, a wealth of knowledge has been meticulously compiled, presenting a veritable feast for those with a voracious appetite for learning. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. In fact, I have already recommended it to numerous friends and acquaintances. This happens to be my first encounter with the works of J. Hudson Taylor, but I am now the proud owner of several more of his books. I am eagerly looking forward to commencing my exploration of the next one in the very near future. I am confident that it will prove to be just as captivating and enlightening as this one.

Intimacy and Communion with God - an allegorical interpretation that is truly encouraging! And it's FREE on Kindle.

Often, the real secret behind an unsatisfied life lies in an unsurrendered will. How foolish and wrong this is! Do we really think we are wiser than God? Or that our love for ourselves is more tender and strong than His? Or that we know ourselves better than He does?

James Hudson Taylor, in his work "Union And Communion or Thoughts on the Song of Solomon" (published on 2012-05-16, Kindle Edition, page 4), poses these thought-provoking questions. It makes us stop and reflect on our relationship with God. We should consider whether we are truly surrendering our wills to Him and allowing Him to guide our lives. By doing so, we may find the intimacy and communion with God that we so desire, leading to a more fulfilled and satisfied life.

A Delightful Little Devotional on the Song of Solomon

The Song of Solomon is a beautiful and mysterious book in the Bible. It is a love song that speaks of the deep and passionate love between a man and a woman. A delightful little devotional going through this book can be a wonderful way to explore the themes of love, intimacy, and relationship with God.

As we read through the Song of Solomon, we can see the different stages of a relationship. From the initial attraction and courtship, to the deepening of love and commitment, and finally to the celebration of the union. We can also see how God is involved in this relationship, as He is the source of all love and intimacy.

This devotional can help us to understand our own relationships better, and to see how we can grow in love and intimacy with our partners. It can also help us to draw closer to God, as we learn to love Him with all our hearts, souls, and minds.

By spending time in this delightful little devotional, we can be inspired to live a life of love and intimacy, both with those around us and with God.

The Song of Solomon is a beautiful and profound book in the Bible that can be seen as a metaphor for the relationship between the bride of Christ (Shulamite) and Christ (Solomon).

In this song, we witness the deep love and longing between the Shulamite and Solomon. Their interactions, conversations, and expressions of affection mirror the intimate connection that exists between Christ and His church.

The Shulamite is described as beautiful and desirable, just as the church is considered precious in the eyes of Christ. She is pursued by Solomon with great passion and tenderness, much like Christ pursues His people with unwavering love.

The Song of Solomon also reveals the stages of their relationship, from initial attraction to deep commitment. This can be paralleled to the journey of believers as they grow in their faith and draw closer to Christ.

Overall, the Song of Solomon serves as a powerful reminder of the love that Christ has for His bride, the church. It encourages us to cultivate a similar love and intimacy with Him in our own lives.

This article is truly one that is worthy of being re-read!

It contains valuable insights and engaging content that leaves a lasting impression. The author's writing style is captivating, making it easy for the reader to become fully immersed in the text.

Each paragraph offers something new and interesting, whether it's a thought-provoking idea, a vivid description, or a powerful argument. The flow of the article is smooth, guiding the reader through the various topics with ease.

Re-reading this article allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of its nuances. It gives the reader the opportunity to pick up on details that may have been missed the first time around and to further explore the ideas presented. Overall, it is a must-read for anyone looking for a great piece of literature.

I truly had a great fondness for this concise exploration of the Songs of Solomon.

Taylor leads us in a sequential manner, enabling us to witness how Christ rescues us and establishes our identity within Him.

After that, He accompanies us as we encounter the world and those in our surroundings.

This experience was so enriching that I have a strong desire to read it once more.

The detailed examination of the Songs of Solomon provides profound insights into our relationship with Christ and how He guides us through life's various challenges.

It makes one reflect on the significance of our identity in Christ and how it shapes our interactions with the world.

I am looking forward to delving deeper into this text and uncovering more of its hidden treasures.

Overall, it was a captivating and enlightening read that left a lasting impression on me.

There are extremely few topics, if any at all, that have the potential to be more thrilling than God's loving communion with believers.

Taylor's interpretation of the Song of Solomon aligns with a long-established tradition that perceives the poetry as a drama unfolding between the people of God and Christ.

His study is deliberately concise yet brimming with profound insights into the inner workings of the Christian life.

It makes for great devotional reading that is certain to kindle one's love for Christ.

Pick it up and join the Bride in tearfully proclaiming: "My beloved is radiant and ruddy, distinguished among ten thousand."

This passage not only offers a beautiful description of Christ but also serves as a reminder of the depth of His love for us.

As we engage with Taylor's study, we are invited to enter into a closer relationship with Christ and experience the fullness of His love.

It is a journey that is sure to transform our lives and draw us ever closer to the heart of God.

I found it truly remarkable and insightful that the Song of Songs is regarded as an in-depth exploration and exposition on the crucial command to "abide in the vine."

Time and again, when we encounter this profound command, a natural question that arises within us is, "What exactly does it mean and what does it look like in practical terms?"

Thankfully, the concept of Union and Communion provides us with a language and framework to begin answering this question. It offers us a way to understand and experience the deep connection and intimacy that is possible when we truly abide in the vine.

By delving into the rich imagery and teachings of the Song of Songs and relating them to the idea of Union and Communion, we can gain a greater understanding of what it means to be in a close and abiding relationship with God.

This can have a profound impact on our spiritual lives, transforming the way we approach our faith and our daily walk with God.

The most frigid interpretation possible.

To even call it an interpretation of the Song of Solomon is a stretch.

This is for the most part a failed attempt to escape the erotic nature of the poem.

It seems that those who offer such a frigid view are perhaps uncomfortable with the passionate and sensual elements within the Song of Solomon.

Rather than facing and exploring the true essence of the poem, they try to twist and distort it into something that is far removed from its original intention.

However, by doing so, they are actually missing out on the beauty and depth that lies within this ancient and profound piece of literature.

The Song of Solomon is a celebration of love and desire, and any attempt to deny or suppress its erotic nature is a disservice to both the text and the readers.

We should embrace the full range of emotions and experiences that the poem presents, and allow ourselves to be touched and inspired by its passionate words.

Only then can we truly understand and appreciate the significance of the Song of Solomon.

This is an astonishingly mystical work penned by the founder of the China Inland Mission. I was truly captivated by its passionate writing. Taylor offers a unique perspective on the Song of Solomon through the eyes of a Christian Mystic. He empathizes with the bride who is completely enraptured by her bridegroom, lovesick and longing. In her, he discovers the intense experience of the believer, at times in perfect union with Christ, and at others, feeling the agony of separation due to a heart that is "prone to wander."

Taylor also reveals a hint of his own soul. This hero of modern missions has the heart of a true mystic - not one who is lost in self-absorbed navel-gazing, which often leads to the criticism of mystics, but one whose passionate love for his Beloved compels him to take action.

When the bride is separated from her beloved for the second time, she describes to the daughters of Jerusalem how utterly lovely he is. Her heart is on fire with love, growing fainter as she speaks, yet her passion intensifies. (SS 5:9-16)

The LION of the tribe of Judah is to His own bride the KING of love; and, with full heart and beaming face, she so recounts His beauties that the daughters of Jerusalem are seized with a powerful desire to seek Him with her, longing to behold His beauty as well.

This is precisely why Hudson Taylor journeyed to China! His heart was so filled with the beauty of his Savior that he felt an overwhelming need to share it. By comparing the church to the bride of Solomon, he proclaims that this is the experience of every Christian - to be so completely in love with Christ that the impulse to spread the Gospel flows naturally from the heart, just as honey oozes from the comb.

This is truly so refreshing to read!

It is centered around the concept of abiding in Christ, which is a beautiful and profound idea.

Abiding in Christ means to have a deep and lasting connection with Him, to stay close to Him in all aspects of our lives.

It is a relationship that brings peace, joy, and strength.

In every way, this topic is lovely.

It reminds us of the importance of keeping our focus on Christ and allowing His love and grace to transform us.

When we abide in Christ, we are able to face the challenges of life with confidence and hope.

We are able to love others as He loves us and make a positive difference in the world.

This article serves as a wonderful reminder of the beauty and power of abiding in Christ.