Author Archives: admin

Bob Kauflin and “O Great God” (#174)

John Piper first became well-known as a result of his 1990 book, “The Supremacy of God in Preaching.”  At the very beginning, he wrote the memorable statement that every sermon should be about God.  That seems so obvious, but when … Continue reading

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George Herbert and “Let All the World in Every Corner Sing” (#173)

Everyone knows about the work of William Shakespeare (1564-1616).  And everyone knows about the King James Bible (1611).  And everyone knows about John Milton (1608-1674) and “Paradise Lost.” But not everyone knows about the poetry of George Herbert (1593-1633).   All … Continue reading

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The Blood of Jesus and “Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder” (#71)

Note: This is a replacement for the previously issued and updated #71 – ed. The blood of Jesus is precious to those who belong to Jesus.  It was His blood that redeemed us as it was shed for us on … Continue reading

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Infant (Covenant) Baptism and “In Your Arms, Lord Jesus Christ” (#172)

When the revision of the “Trinity Hymnal” (the official hymnal of the Presbyterian Church in America and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, published in 1990) was being developed, the committee wanted to include as broad a spectrum of theological topics as … Continue reading

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Images of the Church and “We Are God’s People” (#171)

The Bible contains many descriptive images of the church.  In many people’s minds, the church today is not something that engenders admiration, much less a positive influence.  If not ridiculed for hypocrisy and pride, it is at least ignored by … Continue reading

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World Communion Sunday and “At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing” (#170)

One place where all true believers should be able to come together is at the Lord’s Table.  This can bridge the gap between denominations and ethnicities and social standing, as long as the pure gospel is honored and those who participate … Continue reading

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Divine Providence and “Though Troubles Assail Us” (#169)

Originally published as #71, this study has been revised and republished as #169. -ed “God’s works of providence are His most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all His creatures and all their actions.”  So reads the answer to … Continue reading

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Timothy Dudley-Smith and “Tell Out, My Soul, the Greatness of the Lord” (#168)

What greater theme can there be in our hymnody than the greatness of God?  That is the central truth in this hymn by the British hymn-writer Timothy Dudley-Smith, a retired evangelical bishop of the Church of England.  Author of more … Continue reading

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Invitation Hymns and “Only Trust Him” (#167)

One of the lingering practices of the revivals and crusade meetings in recent centuries (like those of Charles G. Finney, Dwight L. Moody, Billy Sunday, and others) was the invitation hymn at the end of the service.  Best known among … Continue reading

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Facing Death with “Jesus Lives and So Shall I” (#166)

One of the ways a Christian’s funeral service can testify to the promise of the gospel is through the hymns that are selected for congregational singing.  If we choose to do so, every one of us has the ability to … Continue reading

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