Turn in Your Hymnal to..... artwork

Turn in Your Hymnal to.....

87 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago -

Presenting the backstories of the writing of Christian hymns, and pointing the Church and the nation to its true Source of Strength, Jesus Christ.

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Episodes

Amazing Grace

May 02, 2023 02:38 - 11 minutes - 15.4 MB

Have you thought of yourself as a wretch? I would say few of us take that personal perspective, but John Newton saw himself in that way and had lived a life that validated it. A brief look at his life gives us a glimpse at the saving grace, the Amazing Grace, that turns our lives around, transforms us, and directs us on the path to become more like Jesus. The dedication of a godly, devout mother was eventually answered when John entered the ministry and was a Christ-follower the rest of his...

Saved by Grace

April 13, 2023 02:57 - 10 minutes - 13.5 MB

How can Queen Liliuokalani of Hawaii, the hymn Pass Me Not O Gentle Saviour, and the Park Street Church in Boston all be included in the same story with Fanny Crosby? It isn't easy, but the podcast today will help tie in the connections. Of greater significance than these peripheral actions, however, is the incredible body of hymns and poems written by Fanny Crosby. To say she was prolific does not do justice to the thousands of hymns and poems she wrote. Further, it is hard to imagine she...

Lead Kindly Light

March 28, 2023 00:46 - 8 minutes - 12.2 MB

Celestial navigation. Sailing and navigating by the position of the stars. And, during the day, the "star", our sun, can be used for navigation. Today, we have numerous sophisticated devices to give us our position on earth and show us what direction we should travel. With all of these devices, it is tempting to discard the old-fashioned ways of navigating but there is no guarantee the sophisticated devices will be available. There is the similar parallel in our spiritual lives. We want ...

America the Beautiful

March 21, 2023 23:47 - 10 minutes - 14.1 MB

How do the structures men have built compare to the works of God? Such a question was on the minds of Katharine Lee Bates and other teachers and professors from Wellesley College. When she saw the grandeur of the handiwork of God from atop Pike's Peak, she was inspired to write America the Beautiful. More than that, she expressed her dream that, "We must match the greatness of our America with the goodness of personal godly living." We have heard John Adams' words expressed many times, "Ou...

Peace Perfect Peace

March 15, 2023 21:47 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MB

The word "peace" is used constantly in our conversations, invoking the need or desire for the end of a war, or political harmony, or the end of emotional distress, and many more.  We will comment about someone's recent death, "May he rest in peace" signaling the end of the struggles of life.  There is only one place where we can find true peace, however, and that is in the Prince of Peace, Christ our Savior (see Isaiah 9:6).  It was confirmation of this peace that a dying relative of Dr. Edw...

God be with You Till We Meet Again

March 07, 2023 01:20 - 8 minutes - 11.9 MB

Does your church use a regular benediction hymn or closing hymn to close a service and send the people on their way with a blessing?  Finding a good hymn to express a blessing can be a challenge and such was the case for Jeremiah Eames Rankin.  What does a poet do who cannot find the hymn that says what he or she wants?  They write their own.  Rankin did just that and from his pen flowed God be with You Till We Meet Again.  We abbreviate so many things in our lives and often rush to move on....

From Greenland's Icy Mountains

February 27, 2023 16:34 - 8 minutes - 12.1 MB

One of the characteristics of the Christian faith is that of mission work or evangelism or outreach.  Jesus gave us the Great Commission in Matthew 28, telling us to go into all the world and make disciples.  He showed us the expansion of the kingdom in Acts 1, starting in Jerusalem and going to the ends of the earth.  In preparation for a sermon on the Great Commission to be given on Pentecost, and an offering for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Countries (does that...

The Ninety and Nine

February 20, 2023 20:28 - 9 minutes - 12.5 MB

Life experiences provide us with great stories that are uplifting or show overcoming obstacles and are very relatable when put into song.  The parables of Jesus can also provide us with that musical and spiritual uplift as The Ninety and Nine by Elizabeth Cecelia Clephane (music by Ira D. Sankey) demonstrates.  Have you felt like you have been left by yourself, away from the rest of the flock, at the mercy of the elements and enemies.  Take heart.  Jesus has not abandoned you but reaches out...

More Love to Thee, O Christ

February 09, 2023 02:05 - 9 minutes - 13.2 MB

Ever since the Fall, mankind has dealt with many tragedies, certainly a far cry from the original Creation that God put into place.  Many of the hymns in this series came into being because of tragedy in the poet's life.  In their despair and distress, they found they were not alone but they had a Savior who knew their pain, healed their wounds, and carried them through it.  Elizabeth Prentiss was one who was impacted deeply by loss.  In her time of trial, the words of her pastor husband hel...

Safe in the Arms of Jesus

January 31, 2023 01:40 - 9 minutes - 13.1 MB

If you had to create a poem to fit someone else's music, and had about 30 minutes to do it, could you?  Such was the capability of Fanny J. Crosby.  Not only was she able to to write the poem, but Safe in the Arms of Jesus was one of her most popular hymns.  Her blindness was not an obstacle to the use of her great talents.  When she dedicated her life to God at the age of nine, she ultimately became one of the most prolific writers of hymns, songs, and poems in the Christian era.  Although ...

Nearer, My God, to Thee

January 19, 2023 22:24 - 8 minutes - 11.8 MB

Well before the Titanic struck the iceberg and the strains of Nearer, My God, to Thee could be heard from the orchestra as the ship slipped below the waves, this hymn was a great blessing to Christendom.  It wasn't well-received at first, but Sarah Flower Adams' words were set to a new tune and its acceptance grew.  The hymn tells the story of Jacob at Bethel.  While few, if any, of us will have the kind of awe-inspiring dream of a stairway to heaven with the accompanying angels, we have the...

Another Year is Dawning

January 09, 2023 17:49 - 6 minutes - 8.53 MB

The love that Frances Ridley Havergal had for Jesus is clear in her hymn, Another Year is Dawning.  In looking forward to a New Year, she saw it as a time of continued relationship and service to God, and His mercies and faithfulness to us.  A remarkably talented woman, she was proficient in multiple languages, had a beautiful singing voice, was an accomplished pianist, and poet.  Her desire for a closer relationship with Jesus fueled her activities to tell others about Him and it is likely ...

Abide with Me

December 30, 2022 02:15 - 10 minutes - 12.7 MB

If you have seen the movie, A Bridge Too Far, you may recall that almost at the end of the movie, this hymn, Abide with Me by Henry Francis Lyte, was being sung.  The British battalion under Lt. Col. Frost had been defeated by German forces and were regrouping themselves and tending the wounded while waiting to be moved elsewhere.  Softly, the hymn was started and many of the soldiers joined in, giving themselves comfort in the dire circumstances.  The setting is in stark contrast to the idy...

O Little Town of Bethlehem

December 19, 2022 02:02 - 8 minutes - 12.2 MB

Over 1800 years after the wondrous events in Bethlehem, the town was still providing inspiration to those who visited the area.  Such was the case with Phillips Brooks.  Thinking  back on his trip to the Holy Land, he penned the lines to O Little Town of Bethlehem, having in mind the children he wanted to sing it.  What a marvelous inspiration his trip must have been.  To think of the night Jesus' birth, there was little fanfare to announce His coming.  Of course, we know the sky was split a...

Onward, Christian Soldiers

December 12, 2022 04:10 - 7 minutes - 9.8 MB

Was it a military march to stir the soul or a quickly composed song to help keep children together on an outing?  Sabine Baring-Gould wanted a good marching hymn for children on a hike and Onward, Christian Soldiers came into existence.  While we may not know the success of keeping the children together, we know that the hymn stirs us and should inspire us to carry the message of the Gospel to "all the world".  Should we envision ourselves as "marching as to war?"  Ephesians 6:11 tells us, "...

I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

December 12, 2022 02:58 - 5 minutes - 7.34 MB

Many songs written for children resonate with adults, especially when they have melodies that stick with and uplift us. Horatius Bonar connected with children, enjoying a great ministry with them while he filled the pulpit. I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say was one of the songs he wrote for children that also ministers to adults.  He brings out the promises of Matthew 11:28, John 4:14, and John 8:12, showing us the blessing we receive when we respond to Jesus’ promises. Article taken from Then...

Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus

December 05, 2022 15:29 - 9 minutes - 12.2 MB

A tragic farm accident cut short the life of Dudley Atkins Tyng.  The bold, outspoken young priest served the Lord wholeheartedly.  Among his last words were those he spoke to his father to tell others to stand up for Jesus.  When hearing that account during Tyng's memorial service, the Rev. George Duffield, Jr. was inspired to write the poem, Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.  Tyng's words have long outlived him and provide inspiration to us today to serve Jesus to our fullest.  In these tumult...

Silent Night, Holy Night

October 26, 2022 01:39 - 7 minutes - 10.6 MB

The broken pipe organ did not have a chance of functioning for the Christmas Eve service.  Yet, the inspiration of a new-born baby was what Father Joseph Mohr  needed to pen one of the most-loved Christmas carols in all of Christendom, Silent Night, Holy Night.  The number of musicians and artists who have performed or recorded or painted, etc, a rendition of this carol is legion.  Often, we in the northern hemisphere envision a snow-covered setting along the lines of a Currier and Ives scen...

O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go

October 17, 2022 15:39 - 8 minutes - 11.1 MB

Although he lost his eyesight, George Matheson pressed on with his plans for Christian ministry.  A poetic and eloquent preacher, his life had its share of heartache as many/most of us do.  From his heartache, he recognized the unchanging love of God that is always with us and holding us up, and penned this hymn, O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go.  Have you found this to be true in your own life?  Have you found that regardless the setbacks of the day or time, or misguided direction you have go...

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

October 10, 2022 15:30 - 7 minutes - 10.6 MB

What do the poem of an Anglican-turned-Methodist clergyman and a song celebrating the commemoration of the anniversary of the discovery of printing have in common?  When combined (following some editing of the poem over time), it resulted in a world-famous Christmas carol.  The clergyman/poet was of course, Charles Wesley and the composer Felix Mendelssohn.  When their work was ultimately combined, it gave us the Christmas carol, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.  Whether you sing along with the...

Rock of Ages

September 20, 2022 01:24 - 8 minutes - 10.6 MB

Due to the great revival led by Charles and John Wesley, it is perhaps a little difficult for us to imagine a theological holy war of sorts between John Wesley and Augustus Toplady.  However, that was the case as each made his arguments for his theological views.  From their exchanges, the hymn for which Toplady is best known, Rock of Ages, was printed, a poem that recounted his experience in the cleft of the rock. Article taken from Living Stories of Famous Hymns by Ernest K. Emurian. Copy...

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

September 12, 2022 02:58 - 8 minutes - 11.5 MB

Jesus will meet us where we are.  Joseph Scriven found this insight when he poured out his heart in prayer in the depths of loneliness and despondency.  His relief was such that he penned the poem, Pray without Ceasing, reminiscent of I Thessalonians 5:17.  We know it as the hymn, What a Friend We Have in Jesus.  Do we have tragedies and difficulties in our lives that try to steal our happiness or even the joy of the Lord?  We do not have to face those difficulties alone but we can have the ...

Let the Lower Lights be Burning

September 06, 2022 18:23 - 8 minutes - 12.2 MB

Philip P. Bliss met an untimely death but made a profound and lasting impact on American Christian music.  This hymn, Let the Lower Lights be Burning, is emblematic of his ability to turn a story into a moving hymn.  The lower lights:  those lights that are not the primary navigational lighthouse but are those aids to navigation mariners need to negotiate difficult waters to find the channel and come into port.  Do we not see ourselves in a similar role as lights to those who are searching f...

Into the Woods My Master Went

August 29, 2022 03:11 - 7 minutes - 9.84 MB

In Scripture, we see numerous references to Jesus going off by Himself to pray.  We specifically see references to times of prayer on the Mount of Olives, most notably during His Passion.  In His times of prayer, He gained strength for ministry and especially gained strength for the ordeal leading up to and including the Crucifixion.  As the great Southern poet Sidney Lanier's life was declining, he gave thought to Jesus' time on the Mount of Olives and similarly, spent many hours in the woo...

The Sweet By and By

August 22, 2022 02:10 - 8 minutes - 12 MB

"The druggist and a violinist were in the drugstore" may sound like the attempt to start a joke or funny story, but it was the setting that brought about the hymn The Sweet By and By.  The druggist, Samuel Bennett, was listening to his friend, Joseph Webster, the violinist, pour out his troubles.  Was it simply a passing comment by Webster that things would be all right in the by and by?  Regardless, it inspired Bennett's thoughts.  And, such a hope as this can inspire us that regardless our...

O Jesus, Thou Art Standing

August 14, 2022 23:45 - 9 minutes - 12.5 MB

A painting and a poem sparked a hymn.  William How studied Holman Hunt's painting The Light of the World, and later read from Jean Ingelow's poem Brothers and a Sermon.  These so moved him that he was able to pen O Jesus, Thou Art Standing.  We often use Revelation 3:20 as an evangelistic or witnessing tool when speaking to someone about committing their life to Christ.  That verse is contained in the admonition to the church at Laodicea concerning their lukewarm commitment to Jesus.  While ...

Break Thou the Bread of Life

August 09, 2022 14:48 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MB

When we think of breaking the bread of life, do we think of focusing on Jesus or opening our Bible or the physical bread Jesus gave the crowds?  Such were the choices that Mary A. Lathbury had when she began to contemplate the thoughts that eventually became Break Thou the Bread of Life.  How often do we go to the Bible as our source of sustenance or uplifting or inspiration?  Jeremiah 15:16 tells us, "When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight...." (NIV)  And ...

The Old Rugged Cross

August 01, 2022 01:50 - 10 minutes - 15.1 MB

We see so often that difficulties in life lead Christ's followers to more closely depend on Jesus in their situation and in their life.  This was the case with Reverend George Bennard and the penning of The Old Rugged Cross.  Although he received inspiration for the hymn, he waited and later, difficult circumstances caused him to focus on Christ and the hymn flowed.  We may be going through difficult times in our lives but we know that we have a Savior who will bring us through.  In addition...

The Church in the Wildwood

July 26, 2022 17:51 - 8 minutes - 10.3 MB

Inspiration is found in many ways.  While a beautiful scene or magnificent church may inspire a song, a song can inspire an idea or move people to action.  The Church in the Wildwood, also commonly known as The Little Brown Church in the Vale, by William S. Pitts was such a song.  Through a series of events, his song was used to popularize the building of The Little Brown Church in the Vale, which was dedicated in 1864 and is still active today.  Where do we get our inspiration?  Does that i...

God Moves in a Mysterious Way

July 19, 2022 14:19 - 7 minutes - 9.45 MB

William Cowper (pronounced Cooper), the English poet and lawyer, did not have an easy life.  He fought bouts of insanity most of his life, including a stay in an asylum.  His brother was instrumental in his conversion to following Christ.  The friendship of the Reverend John Newton (Amazing Grace), and their collaborative effort on the hymnal Olney Hymns buoyed him. Often, questions are asked as to why God acts in certain ways or allows certain events/catastrophes to occur in our lives.  Su...

My Faith Looks Up to Thee

July 11, 2022 00:00 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MB

Don't you love it when you do something and your first try is outstanding?  Such was the case with Ray Palmer when he wrote My Faith Looks Up to Thee.  Palmer, however, wasn't trying to create a great hymn, or necessarily pen a hymn at all.  He was so taken with Christ's grace and love that he was filled with deepest emotion and the words flowed.  You can feel the deep sense of worship as you read or sing the words and can have assurance that Christ will be beside you regardless the ebb and ...

I Need Thee Every Hour

July 04, 2022 01:28 - 7 minutes - 10.6 MB

We generally think of the hymn I Need Thee Every Hour as something to help us in time of need or distress.  And, rightfully, it does provide comfort as we call on the Jesus.  Have you thought of it as simply of time of worship and sensing God's nearness and presence?  It was in this manner that Annie Sherwood Hawks felt consumed by the presence of the Lord and penned this hymn.  Whether we use it as worship of Jesus or call on Him in times of trouble, it blesses us and He is with us. Articl...

Father, Whate're of Earthly Bliss

June 27, 2022 18:37 - 7 minutes - 9.84 MB

We often desire that our lives be lived without pain or discomfort. When it comes to us, is our reaction to rail against and question God for those trials? Anne Steele’s life was one that had significant pain and loss. She poured out her grief in her hymns and poems and remained steadfast in her faith in her heavenly Father. One such hymn that can buoy us up in time of trial is this one, Father, Whate’er of Earthly Bliss, even expressing to the point of being free of murmuring. Paul encourag...

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

June 21, 2022 17:32 - 9 minutes - 11.8 MB

The wild and antagonistic actions of young men are nothing new.  When the reckless, young Robert Robinson heard the "prediction" of a drunken gypsy, it  haunted him and eventually led him to commit himself to Jesus Christ.  Later, he penned this spiritual autobiography, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, his most popular hymn.  Even today, this hymn enjoys a great popularity.  Many arrangements of it can be found, including those of well-known artists.  It is soul-stirring and many versions...

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine

June 13, 2022 01:27 - 7 minutes - 9.62 MB

The daughter of evangelist Dr. Walter Palmer, Phoebe Knapp showed unusual musical talent early in her life.  When she composed the tune that became Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine, Fanny Crosby gladly provided the lyrics that made this uplifting song one of hope and blessing to Christians all over.  It is not only her songwriting that blessed so many, Phoebe was generous of heart and contributed much to charity and philanthropic work.  Her life was a blessing to many in many ways. Article ...

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

June 06, 2022 03:30 - 8 minutes - 11.5 MB

If you were to open a hymnal and not find multiple hymns by Isaac Watts, you might question if you were actually holding a hymnal. His desire to worship God and put it in a form that not only glorified God but was pleasing to the ear and soul, resulted in a tremendous number of hymns that bless us to this day. His work is said to have “almost single-handedly changed the congregational singing habits of English-speaking Christendom.” Merely hearing the titles of so many of his hymns will star...

Just as I Am

May 17, 2022 17:13 - 8 minutes - 10.4 MB

If you have attended or seen a Billy Graham crusade meeting, you have heard this hymn, Just as I Am.  It significantly predates anything Billy Graham did and has blessed people since Charlotte Elliott penned the poem.  More than a blessing, it is something of an autobiography for her.  Angry at God, she lashed out at those around her, spouting her bitterness on them.  When talking with Dr. Cesar Malan, she found she needed to come to Jesus just as she was at that moment.  It changed her life...

Jesus Calls Us O'er the Tumult

May 11, 2022 00:55 - 7 minutes - 10.6 MB

Pastor's wives do a tremendous number of things to support their husband's ministry.  Imagine being asked to write a poem related to Sunday's upcoming sermon.  This is what was asked of Cecil Frances Alexander, already a notable poet, and from her pen we have Jesus Calls Us O'er the Tumult.  While this poem was written in 1852, its words beckon us today in the midst of the cacophony of cultural upheaval, social strife, wars, political turmoil, entertainment and social media distraction, and ...

Rescue the Perishing

May 02, 2022 01:59 - 9 minutes - 12.4 MB

The number of poems, hymns, and gospel songs Fanny J. Crosby wrote is breathtaking.  This hymn, Rescue the Perishing, is one of her finest.  From her work with those who were down and out in the Bowery of New York City, came the inspiration for this hymn.  Lives were changed when they were committed to Christ through the work of the rescue missions.  And, though blind, Fanny was able to "see" many lives rescued by Jesus. Article taken from Living Stories of Famous Hymns by Ernest K. Emurian...

Master the Tempest is Raging

April 25, 2022 00:54 - 11 minutes - 14.8 MB

When there is tempest in our lives, how do we respond and react to it?  Are we like Mary Ann Baker and question what a "God of love" is doing in our lives?  How often do the tragedies of life toss us around like the small fishing boats in the storm on the Sea of Galilee?  And worse still, do we think that Jesus is asleep and unaware of what is happening?  Such was the case with Mary Ann after the loss of her brother.  The love of God through Jesus eventually calmed the storm in her life.  Sh...

In the Cross of Christ I Glory

April 15, 2022 00:20 - 7 minutes - 9.83 MB

How could such a brilliant man as Sir John Bowring (fluent in 22 languages and conversant in many more) pen the beautiful hymn In the Cross of Christ I Glory and still be known as the most unpopular governor Hong Kong ever had?  Bowring's accomplishments were many and in his younger days, this follower of Christ gave us many wonderful hymns.  Sadly, as too often happens in positions of political power, he took his eyes off Christ and was corrupted by that power.  Nonetheless, we are blessed ...

It Is Well With My Soul

April 04, 2022 02:55 - 11 minutes - 14.8 MB

"I am glad to trust the Lord when it will cost me something."  These are the words of Horatio G. Spafford, author of It Is Well With My Soul.  There was indeed a cost to him, particularly in the loss of his children to a tragedy at sea.  Despite his difficulties and setbacks, he removed steadfast in his faith.  His trust in the Lord is inspirational to us and produced this moving and comforting hymn.  "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the...

God of Our Fathers, Known of Old

March 07, 2022 03:26 - 10 minutes - 13.1 MB

Nations founded on or embracing Christian values will likely stray from those values as time goes on.  This is particularly true when one of the seven deadly sins, pride, creeps into the national consciousness.  Such was the case in 1897, the year of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, when the great poet, Rudyard Kipling, wrote God of Our Fathers, Known of Old.  Though not a particularly religious man, Kipling called on his countrymen to remember Who it was that made England great; "Lest we f...

Blest Be the Tie That Binds

February 28, 2022 01:47 - 6 minutes - 9 MB

We are saddened when we must leave family or friends and be geographically distant from them. This is particularly true of our Christian family, especially when a pastor in good standing is called elsewhere. Such was the case with John Fawcett who believed he was called to leave Wainsgate, England, and take a different pastorate in London. The congregation was loath to see him go and when he changed his mind, one of the benefits was Fawcett’s penning of this hymn, Blest Be the Tie That Binds...

O to Be Like Thee

February 14, 2022 03:10 - 6 minutes - 8.45 MB

Thomas O. Chisholm's yearning for more Christlikeness gave us the words of this hymn, O to Be Like Thee.  It was composer William J. Kirkpatrick who set the words to music to complete a hymn of longing and commitment.  Kirkpatrick published more than one hundred collections of hymns and his love for Christ resulted in composing many popular hymns.  Between Chisholm and Kirkpatrick, many beautiful hymns resonate in our hearts. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert J....

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

February 07, 2022 03:47 - 6 minutes - 8.34 MB

Timeless, authorless songs that are soulful and full of yearning is an apt description of the Negro spirituals that were born of slavery.  The Jubilee Singers of Fisk University, named for the biblical year of Jubilee when slaves were liberated as found in Leviticus 25, helped bring these spirituals to America and the world.  One of the favorites they brought out is this song, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert J. Morgan. Copyright © 200...

Living for Jesus

January 18, 2022 16:31 - 6 minutes - 7.07 MB

If you had to create a poem and turn it into lyrics but didn't know how to make that transition, could you do it?  Thomas O. Chisholm was able to adapt by having his daughter hum the melody over and over, turning a children's song into a hymn of redemption and dedication, Living for Jesus.  Chisholm had poor health and limited formal education, but his poetry was notable and many poems were turned into hymns that still bless us today. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by ...

We Gather Together

December 30, 2021 20:10 - 5 minutes - 8.03 MB

The holiday season that encompasses Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year is a time where many of us hold or attend family events, special activities, and parties, or in other words, we gather.  This hymn, We Gather Together, is often thought of and sung at Thanksgiving services.  It originated, however, from circumstances that did not create thanksgiving but were embroiled in strife, and sadly, that being religious strife.  It is a Dutch song that celebrates freedom from Spain and the f...

O Holy Night

December 22, 2021 15:02 - 8 minutes - 10.3 MB

What do a French wine merchant, a penniless Parisian, and a liberal clergyman have in common?  One of Christianity's holiest hymns about the birth of Jesus.  O Holy Night came to us from the French wine merchant, Placide Clappeau, who wrote poetry as a hobby.  Adolphe Charles Adam provided the music to "Christian Midnight" and when it was eventually translated into English, we are lifted in praise and worship to O Holy Night.  It seems that almost every artist who does a Christmas album incl...

The Church's One Foundation

December 13, 2021 04:10 - 6 minutes - 8.47 MB

Attacks from without, attacks from within.  The Church throughout history has suffered persecution and/or controversial or heretical views.  Such was the case in the mid-1800s when liberal views of German theologians severely impacted the Church of England.  As a result of the conflict, Samuel Stone, who was on the side of evangelical, historical truth, wrote twelve hymns based on the twelve articles of the Apostles' Creed.  One of the hymns was The Church's One Foundation, which was the pro...