A Quick Bible Study Vol. 310: 'What Wonderous Love Is This' |
Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
Thanks for joining us today. I use "us" because this is an interactive study where readers share their impressive knowledge of Scripture and often disagree with each other, and sometimes with me, too. As I like to say, "No fighting in the Bible study comments section." Additionally, the study is "interactive" because I especially appreciate hearing from you via email (at the end), and I always try to respond to anyone who takes the time to send a message.
Now, I will explain how this study came about. Over the past seven years of writing this study, I have frequently received strong "callings" to write about a specific topic. (But I never take this for granted). If my husband is with me, I tell him I received a "ding-ding."
In church last Sunday, as the soloist beautifully sang "What Wonderous Love Is This," I read the words projected on the large screen. As the magnificent lyrics touched my heart and soul, I felt a "ding-ding."
Some readers are likely familiar with this traditional hymn, dating back to 1811 in the American South. According to Wikipedia, the earliest printings cited an anonymous author. However, in an 1848 hymnal, the text is attributed to Alexander Means, a Methodist pastor from Oxford, Georgia. The melody is from an English ballad.
Since Easter Sunday is four weeks away, the hymn serves as a reminder of what Jesus did for us on the cross — a fundamental tenet of faith that I believe is underplayed. Perhaps that is why........