Chuck Smith explores the profound imagery in Song of Solomon 6:10, illustrating the church's role as a beacon of hope and light in a dark world. He emphasizes that just as the morning light signifies a new day, the church's message heralds hope and renewal for individuals trapped in darkness. The church, reflecting the glory of Christ, is called to shine brightly like the moon, testifying to the living presence of Jesus. Smith also highlights the importance of holiness, urging believers to measure themselves against Christ rather than others, and to embody strength and courage in spiritual warfare. Ultimately, the church is depicted as a powerful force, instilling fear in the enemies of God.

Intro: The Song of Solomon is a love song between the bride and groom as they declare their desires and longings for each other. There are many possible interpretations and allegories, one being Christ and the church. Here we find the description of the church. I. "LOOKETH FORTH AS THE MORNING." A. The first light of morning testifies of a new day. 1. The darkness of the long night is yielding to the light of a new day. 2. The church's message to the world is of a new day that is about to dawn. a. The history of man has been rather dark. 1. Wars with their inhumane atrocities. 2. Gluttony and famine co-existing. 3. Exploitation of the weak or poor. 4. Suffering, pain, sickness, deformities have marred so many. 5. Added to these today, increase in violent crimes, child pornography, general chaos. b. We look with hope to the new day. 1. Power corrupts, man cannot govern over man without corruption. 2. We look for the King of Glory to come. 3. Man seems incapable of framing lasting treaties of peace. 4. We look for the coming day when the prince of peace shall reign. Beat swords. 3. We see the sing of the new day. a. Israel again a nation. b. 10 nations European community. c. Russia's threatened move into Middle-East. d. While the world trembles at the prospect of a show-down between the super-powers, the church cries, "Have hope, the new age will soon be here." B. The new day always brings new hope. 1. Our message to the individual is that of hope. a. A new day can dawn in your life. b. The dark powers that have enslaved you can be broken. Darkness must yield to light. II. "FAIR AS THE MOON." A. Through the darkness of the light, the moon shines. 1. The moon's light is a reflected light of the sun. a. So the church is to always reflect the glory of the Son. b. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world." 2. The witness of the moon is that the sun is still shining. a. The witness of the church is that Jesus lives. b. The worlds cannot see Him, but we see Him. "Yet a little while and the world see Him." c. We must live above the world to see Him. 1. If you live in darkness as the world you shed no light. 2. The standards of the world are corrupt. d. Their's is a fallacious philosophy, born in hell that the church must become like the world to win the world. III. "CLEAR AS THE SUN." (CLEAR AS THE "SON") A. God said, "Be ye holy for I am holy." 1. In 1 John 3:2-3, "Beloved, now are we..." 2. Jesus Christ is our standard for holiness. a. Jesus pointed to the error of measuring yourself with other men. 1. "I look at you and I'm not so bad." 2. I look at Him and I am wretched. 3. Jesus said the Holy Spirit will reprove the world of righteousness, because I ascend to ... IV. "AND TERRIBLE AS AN ARMY WITH BANNERS." A. Much of the warfare in those days was psychological even as it is today. 1. One way to psyche out the enemy was to have disciplined regiments marching beneath their fierce banners. B. The church should strike terror to the enemies of God. 1. We should be roaring as a lion rather than purring like a pussycat.