On November 19th we concluded our study of Wayne Jackson’s book, Biblical Figures of Speech. We began that study on April 2nd and took almost eight months to get through it. I had used the same book for my Wednesday night class in 2007. Hopefully, however, it was a good study for everyone involved and helpful to us all.
            On November 19th I made available copies of the new study to begin on December 3rd. The new study is Sing To Me of Heaven. It is a book of twelve studies adapted from the transcripts of lessons taught at the Polishing the Pulpit Workshop in Sevierville, Tennessee, in 2024. Writers include Dan Winkler, Eric Owens, Greg Dismuke, Kyle Butt, Eric Garner, Doug Burleson, Cliff Goodwin, Michael Shepherd and Allen Webster. The study includes spiritual lessons from some of our favorite hymns including, “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Sing to Me of Heaven,” “God’s Family,” “Sing and Be Happy,” “Our God He Is Alive,” “You Never Mentioned Him to Me,” “Come Let Us Worship and Bow Down,” “Can He Still Feel the Nails?” “Blessed Assurance,” “Just As I Am,” “Get Right Church and Let’s Go Home,” and “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us.”
            Some of these hymns may be new to us. Others will be old-time favorites. These lessons will not be typical hymn studies. By “hymn studies,” I simply mean a study of the author of the lyrics and composer of the music, including the time it was written, why it was written and various details pertaining to the hymn itself. I love hymn studies and have several different books on the subject. Some of the writers may delve into some study of the background to the different hymns. Also, your teacher may work some into the class at times as well. The focus, however, will be on the spiritual lessons involved in each hymn.
            If you did not receive your copy of the book they will be available again as you enter the auditorium on Wednesday night. I hope you will be able to join us for what promises to be a very interesting study!