Turn in Your Hymnal to.....
87 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 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
I Am Thine, O Lord
December 06, 2021 04:06 - 7 minutes - 9.02 MBWho was one of the three most prominent evangelical leaders of the last part of the 1800s and also a hymn writer of over 8,000 hymns? If you find these aspects of Fanny Crosby's life amazing, the amount of the Bible she memorized would overwhelm most moderns and certainly put us to shame. In addition, she did this despite having been blinded in infancy. She is indeed a remarkable woman whom God used in many ways. Like this old favorite hymn, I Am Thine, O Lord, many of her songs are stil...
Christ Arose!
November 30, 2021 15:13 - 6 minutes - 8.14 MBThis hymn, Christ Arose!, may seem out of place as it was recorded and is published during the Christmas season, or if you prefer, the Advent season. (Unfortunate scheduling) We set aside specific times of the year on the Christian calendar to celebrate and emphasize various aspects of our faith. Though a little untimely for this release, it helps us see beyond the baby in the manger to that time that our hope was solidified in the resurrection. The season of Advent identifies the first ...
Nothing But the Blood
November 18, 2021 15:34 - 6 minutes - 8.05 MBThroughout the Bible we see many references to the precious blood, redemption by blood, cleansing by the blood, and many more. How precious is the blood of Christ that redeems us and cleanses us from sin. Robert Lowry and William Doane teamed up to write many hymns and gave us one of the most popular hymns about the blood, Nothing But the Blood (also known as What Can Wash Away My Sin?). Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert J. Morgan. Copyright © 2003 by Robert J...
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
November 09, 2021 03:00 - 6 minutes - 8.79 MBScotland has been a great source of hymns and poetry. One such hymnist was Walter Chalmers Smith, author of the powerful hymn Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise. He served in a variety of pastorates, finally serving in the Free High Church (Presbyterian) of Edinburgh. The powerful words to this song are carried by an equally powerful Welsh melody (staying in the Celtic family). Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert J. Morgan. Copyright © 2003 by Robert J. Morgan....
Shall We Gather at the River
October 25, 2021 15:48 - 7 minutes - 8.17 MBWhat do a sweltering hot day in New York City, the river flowing from the throne of God, and a river baptism service have in common? Answer: Robert Lowry's hymn, Shall We Gather at the River? Of Lowry's many hymns, this is his best known. It came about as his imagination took flight from the oppressive heat and dwelled on the "pure water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and the Lamb." Over time, it has also been used, and is a symbol of, baptism services co...
Hallelujah Chorus
October 04, 2021 03:07 - 7 minutes - 8.39 MBOften, out of times of deep sorrow and distress come great blessings. We may not choose those times for ourselves but God is at work in our lives and will bring glory to Himself. Such was the case for George Frideric Handel. From being the highest paid composer in the world to bankruptcy, Handel's life had wrenching turns. The trying times molded and matured him, and with the inspiration of Scripture in his life, Handel composed The Messiah. Each year, primarily at Christmastime, we not...
Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed
September 27, 2021 01:30 - 5 minutes - 7.67 MBIsaac Watts was a prolific hymn writer and brilliant Bible student. Many of his hymns were written for Above Bar Congregational Church in Southampton, England, while in his late teens and early twenties. In 1707, his Hymns and Spiritual Songs was published. His impact has been felt long after his death, as witnessed by the part his music played in winning to Christ the author of a new generation of hymns and gospel songs and the impact we experience today. Article taken from Then Sings M...
Savior, Like s Shepherd Lead Us
September 20, 2021 16:50 - 7 minutes - 10.1 MB"Out of the mouth of babes..." (Ps 8:2), is a saying many of us have used. We find that songs written for children often find their way to much wider acceptance and enjoyment. Such is the case with this hymn, Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us. William Bradbury ministered in the musical education of children in New York City, composing numerous songs and publishing Sunday school songbooks. Having been inspired by his banker-turned-composer mentor, Lowell Mason, William helped change America...
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
September 20, 2021 16:50 - 7 minutes - 10.1 MB"Out of the mouth of babes..." (Ps 8:2), is a saying many of us have used. We find that songs written for children often find their way to much wider acceptance and enjoyment. Such is the case with this hymn, Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us. William Bradbury ministered in the musical education of children in New York City, composing numerous songs and publishing Sunday school songbooks. Having been inspired by his banker-turned-composer mentor, Lowell Mason, William helped change America...
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
September 13, 2021 02:30 - 5 minutes - 7.42 MBWhen we enter the Advent season, we meditate on various Scriptures during the time leading up to the Nativity and sing hymns also in keeping with the season. One such hymn is Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, from the pen of Charles Wesley. We sing such songs in comfortable homes and churches, not always realizing the hardships that evangelists such as John and Charles Wesley faced as they went about the countryside on horseback preaching the Gospel and bringing new songs to the hearts of Je...
Joy to the World!
September 06, 2021 01:54 - 5 minutes - 6.95 MBWe often sing the songs of Isaac Watts as a normal part of our worship services. This type of hymn was not always available to the church, however. Prior to Watts' "invention" of the English hymn, most singing in British churches was from the Psalms. His hymns not only brought a new singing experience to the church, he also brought a New Testament view to the Psalms. We see this in the hymn Joy to the World! that flowed out of Psalm 98:4. Our Christmases have resounded for 300 years wit...
O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
August 30, 2021 01:53 - 7 minutes - 8.82 MBFrom the medieval aristocracy to the monastery. Bernard of Clairvaux felt the call of God on his life to follow Christ in the monastic ministry. We are blessed that he followed the leading. Not only did he advise kings and popes, but helped preserve the doctrine of the Trinity, was a hymnwriter and more. The hymn O Sacred Head, Now Wounded is often sung during Easter services and gives us much to contemplate about Christ's death on the cross. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volum...
Go, Tell It on the Mountain
August 23, 2021 01:03 - 6 minutes - 8.41 MBFrom the bitter days on the plantations arose a unique musical genre, the Negro spiritual. John W. Work, Jr., loved the music and strove to preserve it and have it performed. Initially, Go Tell It on the Mountain was not well-known but Work published it along with many other songs of that genre. The Christmas message of the liberating Savior's birth not only brought hope to slaves but brings that message to all mankind. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert J. Mo...
We'll Understand It Better By and By
August 17, 2021 00:06 - 5 minutes - 6.63 MBWhen we read the narratives of the lives of Joseph or Job, Paul or even Jesus, we do not always see what God is doing in people's lives. This was also true of the prominent black Philadelphia preacher Charles A. Tindley, for whom the Tindley Temple Methodist Church was named. In his service to Jesus, he was faithful and knew that one day all would be made known, as expressed in the song he wrote, We'll Understand It Better By and By. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by...
Revive Us Again
August 09, 2021 03:15 - 5 minutes - 6.99 MBA mother's prayers. A dying man's comfort. A Bible that was sold but found its way back to its original owner many years later. These are the elements that make for mystery and miracles to bring a soul to the Savior. Perseverance in prayer is something for which we may not see the results but we must continue on. God will work through those prayers. Let William P. Mackay's hymn, Revive Us Again, be our cry for both ourselves and those we know and love. Article taken from Then Sings My...
He Leadeth Me
August 02, 2021 14:25 - 5 minutes - 7.35 MBAs we go through life, we often look at a pathway that is unclear at best and many times unsettling. Regardless our confidence on the path, we can be secure knowing it is God who leads us along. The pathway may be obvious or mysterious but as He leads, we have our confidence in Him, as the Psalmist clearly proclaims to us. This is true for us individually and also for us as a nation. He leads us in the paths of righteousness. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Rober...
Rejoice, the Lord is King
July 26, 2021 23:41 - 6 minutes - 8.22 MBUnless you are familiar with the events of the English Reformation, you may not be aware of the religious turmoil in England as the monarchs changed. Even in the mid-1700s, Charles Wesley's preaching and ministry were not always welcome, the hostility sometimes coming to the point of being dangerous. Despite those trials, he persevered in his service to the Lord. He spoke to huge outdoor crowds, many numbering in the thousands, and was a prolific hymnwriter. Today's hymnals include many ...
The Lily of the Valley
July 19, 2021 01:29 - 4 minutes - 5.8 MBWilliam Booth had a tremendous ministry in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, converting many to become followers of Jesus. He began to focus his ministry primarily among the poor of London's East End. Though persecuted, his ministry grew and he began calling it The Salvation Army, as the converts saw themselves having enlisted in the Lord's army. And, the Salvation Army brass bands? Would you find it a surprise they started out as protection for the Salvation Army workers? Enjoy t...
Lead On, O King Eternal
July 12, 2021 13:13 - 7 minutes - 9.66 MBGraduations are celebratory events that can reach to the point of regal. Such was the vision of Ernest Shurtleff when he penned the words to Lead On, O King Eternal. He wrote this prayer, "seeing" fellow seminarians marching to receive their diplomas and seeking the guidance of God. The words he wrote are as regal as Henry Smart's tune to which it is set, LANCASHIRE. This hymn still inspires us today. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert J. Morgan. Copyright © ...
Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken
June 27, 2021 12:04 - 7 minutes - 10.2 MBA birthday celebration for an emperor and two national anthems, Franz Joseph Haydn's melody AUSTRIA, has stirred many for years. For Christians around the world, the melody carries John Newton's song Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken and lifts us up to the city of Zion he metaphorically describes. This is another of the songs found in the famous hymnal Olney Hymns first published in 1779, in Olney, England. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert J. Morgan. Copyrig...
The Saints Should Never Be Dismayed
June 14, 2021 02:08 - 4 minutes - 6.18 MBThe Olney Hymnal contains hymns of John Newton and William Cowper (pronounced Cooper). All his life, William suffered bouts of depression. After coming to Christ, his poems were set to music and sung throughout England. His poetry/hymns provided relief for himself and shows us how we can fight off the blues and find God's grace in our situation so we need never "sink in hopeless fear". Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert J. Morgan. Copyright © 2003 by Robert J....
All People That on Earth Do Dwell
June 02, 2021 01:23 - 6 minutes - 9.09 MBShould we sing hymns and carols or should we sing Psalms? Even the Reformers had disagreements about how church services should be conducted. Regardless, hymnody of the time created many moving and uplifting hymns and songs still in use today. Whether using the Psalms or creating new music, they wrote for the glory of God and uplifting and blessing of our souls. "The Old 100th" is one such song. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert J. Morgan. Copyright © 2003 b...
We're Marching to Zion
May 13, 2021 02:32 - 6 minutes - 7.85 MBSixteenth and seventeenth century England experienced considerable upheaval as the changing of the monarchy brought into or out of favor the current state church, whether Protestant or Catholic. Various groups came into being as a result of the changing tenets and practices of the established state church, such as the nonconformists or dissenters. One such group initially met in homes in Southampton, eventually forming a congregation and drafting a constitution. Isaac Watts senior was one of...
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
April 30, 2021 00:50 - 7 minutes - 8.83 MBCharles Wesley was a veritable fount of hymns. He provided a wealth of theologically sound hymns that helped undergird his brother John's ministry and the growth of the Methodist movement in England and America. The popularity and soundness of his work is still seen today as many of his hymns, such as this favorite, Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (evidenced by the many melodies to which it has been set), are found in modern day hymnals. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 &...
On Jordan's Stormy Banks
October 03, 2020 01:19 - 6 minutes - 8.06 MBSamuel Stennett's poem raises our vision from the trials that confront us in our daily walk to the land of "Canaan" "where my possessions lie," my true possessions. The metaphor Canaan is extended to show the Promised Land is beyond this life and is the land where Jesus reigns. What great hope we have, and can tell to others, as we look forward to that time when we will cross those banks and be in Jesus' presence. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert J. Morgan. ...
This is My Father's World
September 04, 2020 20:19 - 5 minutes - 7.71 MBIf the name Maltbie Babcock isn't familiar, you will now likely remember it for a good while. The man with the uncommon name had such a wide range of skills that most of us would be jealous. Whether in academics, athletics, the arts, or winning personality, he was greatly accomplished. God called him to the ministry where he served faithfully in multiple churches. As he was going out for a run, he would say he was "going out to see my Father's world." He was inspired to write a sixteen-...
Brighten the Corner Where You Are
August 18, 2020 02:18 - 5 minutes - 7.14 MBWhat do Billy Sunday, the new-fangled "horseless carriage", and the Chautauqua Circuit have in common? The song, Brighten the Corner Where You Are, of course. Ina Duley Ogdon wanted to impact lives for Christ but her dream did not materialize, at least, not in the manner she anticipated. God took disappointment in her life and used it to impact millions with one of gospel music's most popular songs. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert J. Morgan. Copyright © 200...
Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty
July 19, 2020 22:48 - 6 minutes - 7.45 MBDo you think of a great hymn when you hear the name, Neander? Or, are you drawn toward the thought of the extinct people group, Neanderthal, whose bones were found in the Neander Valley in Germany? How was Joachim Neander able to write such a great and uplifting hymn while battling tuberculosis and dying at the age of 30? Our God holds us up in times of trial, lifting our spirits and making it possible to give such words of praise as these. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes ...
I Sing the Mighty Power of God
July 06, 2020 02:09 - 6 minutes - 8.04 MBWe find great enjoyment in singing the great truths that Isaac Watts penned and set to music by many different composers. Regardless the composer, the hymns are uplifting and glorify God. While we find enjoyment in our day, it wasn't also so for Isaac's work. Early on, there was great controversy about the singing of his hymns in church. Eventually, the tide turned and we participate in the blessing of his work. Listen closely and sing heartily. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, V...
Be Still My Soul
July 02, 2020 03:36 - 6 minutes - 8.83 MBThis hymn is a beautiful combination of a poem of God's comfort and strength and a melody that adds to the depth of the words. As the story relates, days of despair, disappointment, turmoil, and hardship are overcome by the grace and comfort of the Lord. He will hold us up and restore "love's purest joys". Let us look to the Lord our God and rest in Him. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert J. Morgan. Copyright © 2003 by Robert J. Morgan. Used by permission of T...
My Country 'Tis of Thee
June 18, 2020 03:00 - 6 minutes - 5.38 MBSamuel Francis Smith's patriotic hymn extols the beauty of the land and the promise of liberty that is America. In doing so, he points us to the true source of our liberty, "Our fathers' God." Let us lift our voice to God in praise, confession of sin, and thanksgiving. Let us worship the Lord our God and give thanks for the many blessings He has poured out upon us. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert J. Morgan. Copyright © 2003 by Robert J. Morgan. Used by perm...
Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah
June 10, 2020 17:31 - 5 minutes - 6.31 MBAn excellent hymn that came out of the Great Awakening, one of William Wiliams' finest. It lifts us up in worship and acknowledges our need and dependency on Jehovah in our life's journey. In these times of turmoil, let us renew our reliance on the Lord and look to Him as our strength. It is reported the choir that sings the hymn is a group of Indian Christians who had been threatened to be killed in India a few years ago. The grace of God was upon them and they never relented nor turne...
Be Thou My Vision
June 04, 2020 03:34 - 6 minutes - 7.54 MBIn the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd, we see much turmoil and we have many questions. High on the list of questions and the thoughts in our minds is that of racism. Do we see racism in our country that still must be resolved? How can this be done? Christian brothers and sisters, we must get on our knees, turn to Jesus, confess our sins, and pray for a resolution that can be found only in hearts transformed by Jesus. Romans 12 tells us to be transformed and it can be done. Let...
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
May 25, 2020 23:59 - 5 minutes - 6.71 MBIt may seem odd that a Christmas song is being posted at this time. And, while it is a bit unusual, the parallels to today's situation make it worthwhile for us to consider. In Longfellow's time, the Civil War raged on, his son had been wounded in battle, and there was much turmoil in the country. Similarly, today we have much that is unknown, much strife, and much that is unsettling, mocking the song of "peace on earth, goodwill to men." But God "is not dead nor doth He sleep." In thes...
Eternal Father, Strong to Save
February 16, 2020 23:29 - 5 minutes - 5.57 MBOriginally, a hymn asking for God's protection on mariners. It is the Navy Hymn, which graduates of Annapolis can readily identify. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert J. Morgan. Copyright © 2003 by Robert J. Morgan. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. www.thomasnelson.com
O God, Our Help in Ages Past
February 16, 2020 23:25 - 5 minutes - 6.23 MBDescription and verses of Isaac Watts' hymn that was included in his 1719 work Psalms of David Imitated. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert J. Morgan. Copyright © 2003 by Robert J. Morgan. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. www.thomasnelson.com
A Mighty Fortress is Our God
February 16, 2020 23:23 - 7 minutes - 8.44 MBMartin Luther's famous hymn, directing us to the mighty fortress on which we can rely. Article taken from Then Sings My Soul, Volumes 1 & 2 by Robert J. Morgan. Copyright © 2003 by Robert J. Morgan. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. www.thomasnelson.com