Category Archives: Hymn Study

A Hymn of Contrasts and “Out of My Bondage, Sorrow, and Night” (#252)

The Bible has many contrasts, things that are opposite one another, because of the incredibly powerful transformation that comes about as a result of the gospel.  A number of those are found in the Gospel of John, contrasts like life … Continue reading

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A Former Homosexual’s Testimony and “You Are My All in All” (#251)

Many of our hymns have special stories associated with them.  Some of these from the past have been recorded and passed on to us, like those of John Newton and Fanny Crosby.  We are fortunate to have some from our … Continue reading

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The Father’s Care and “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” (#250)

Many of the Bible’s most lofty doctrines, which could be expounded in lengthy sermon series and substantial theological volumes, can also be expressed in simple texts that even a child can embrace and appreciate.  God’s providential care is one of … Continue reading

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CityAlight and “Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me” (#249)

When someone thinks about Anglican music, they rightly think about 18th century Psalm chants and 19th century Victorian hymns sung in the dark, reverberant cathedrals in British cities, and they would be right.  This music is often filled either with … Continue reading

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The Source of Our Security and “Who Trusts in God, a Strong Abode” (#248)

The times in which we live can be very unsettling.  We not only read about things that disturb us.  We also experience them that have their origin in our own hearts.  Whether it’s worries about our kids or job pressures, … Continue reading

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Haydn’s “Creation” and “Exalt the Lord, His Praise Proclaim” (#122)

This is a replacement for the old #122 which was recently replaced as #246 – ed Christians love the Bible’s account of creation in Genesis.  It is an absolutely magnificent literary work. As God-breathed Scripture, it is not only true … Continue reading

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Praying for Ukraine and “Peace, Perfect Peace” (#247)

Is peace possible in the midst of difficult circumstances?  In Isaiah 26:3, God promises it.  “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because He trusts in You.”  This hymn study is being written on February 24, 2025, the … Continue reading

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The Heidelberg Catechism and “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death” (#246)

This is an updated version of a previous review (#122). A new hymn study will be released shortly to replace #122 – ed. Almost everyone is familiar with question and answer number one in the 1645 Westminster Shorter Catechism.  “What … Continue reading

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Saved by Grace and “Not What My Hands Have Done” (#245)

One of the most wonderful words in a Christian’s vocabulary is “grace.”  It thrills us (and honors the Lord) to remember what God has done for us … and why.  He has taken on Himself, through His Son, the punishment … Continue reading

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The Saints’ Great Privilege and “Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners” (#244)

The Bible gives us many words that describe the Lord.  That’s especially evident in the Psalms, where we are told that He is our rock, our fortress, our strong tower, our Savior, our Redeemer, our shield, our hiding place, our … Continue reading

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