Category Archives: Hymn Study

A Great 1000 Year-Old Resurrection Hymn: “Sing, Choirs of New Jerusalem” (#257)

Our glorious Christmas and Easter hymns are too wonderful to sing just once a year!  We should find great joy in celebrating these two events of redemptive history many times during the year.  We have more hymns for those two … Continue reading

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America’s National Day of Prayer and “Sweet Hour of Prayer” (#256)

America’s National Day of Prayer, now observed on the first Thursday in May, has roots stretching back to the nation’s founding. While not formally established until 1952, the practice of national days of prayer and thanksgiving existed even before the country’s … Continue reading

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Easter Victory and “The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done” (#255)

One of the best words to capture the essential message of Easter is “Victory!”  By His death and resurrection, Jesus has been victorious over sin. He has conquered Satan, He has conquered the fall, and that will lead to His … Continue reading

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Easter Joy and “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” (#254)

Easter is a time of great joy for believers.  Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is not only an historical event of enormous theological significance.  It is the very center of the unique power of the Christian faith.  Paul made that … Continue reading

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Palm Sunday Children and “When His Salvation Bringing” (#253)

Children find a special kind of joy in the church seasons that are closely connected to the historical events of Jesus’ life and ministry.  When we list those seasons, we can all very quickly think of hymns we learned as … Continue reading

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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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