Category Archives: Hymn Study

Ascension Day Victory and “See, the Conqueror Mounts in Triumph” (#205)

Of all the Christ-centered events in the biblical account of Jesus’ life, probably the one least celebrated in the Church Year is that of His ascension.  The details of the event are clearly described in Scripture as the concluding step … Continue reading

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Why We Don’t Sing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” in Worship (#113)

“The Battle Hymn of the Republic” is often sung on patriotic occasions across America.  The music, especially in the famous anthem arrangement by Peter Wilhousky, is absolutely thrilling!  When choir and brass and percussion unite in this awesome setting, nationalistic … Continue reading

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Comfort Amidst Tragedy and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” (#204)

When we are in the midst of some terribly painful experience, we find great comfort from a friend who stays nearby.  It may be our pain while suffering in a hospital bed, or our grief while weeping beside the casket … Continue reading

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A Plea for Mercy and “Lord, Like the Publican I Stand” (#203)

One of the most precious attributes of God is that of His mercy.  The Hebrew and Greek words that are translated into English as “mercy” have the basic idea of kindness.  In fact, one of those words is usually translated … Continue reading

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Psalm 150 and “O Praise Ye the Lord” (#202)

God is the author of the Psalms, through the Holy Spirit’s work of inspiration, guiding the human authors to write what He intended, as we read in 2 Peter 1:20-21 … “knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of … Continue reading

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Longing for Purity and “Search Me, O God” (#201)

Self-examination is one of the most valuable dimensions of spiritual health.  Psalm 139 concludes with the request that God would search our hearts.  When we make that request, it implies that we will embark on such an examination ourselves, trusting … Continue reading

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Handel’s Messiah and “Hallelujah” (#200)

People around the world associate Handel’s great masterpiece “Messiah,” with Christmas.   But it was originally an Easter composition in three parts.  The oratorio’s structure follows the liturgical year.  Part 1 corresponds with Advent, Christmas, and the life of Jesus.  Part … Continue reading

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Good Friday’s Lamb and “Not All the Blood of Beasts” (#199)

Christians around the world mark the end of the week prior to Resurrection Sunday (a better title for it than “Easter”), with special services drawing meditative attention to the conclusion of that week in Jesus’ earthly life.  One of the … Continue reading

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The Glorious Passion Story and “My Song Is Love Unknown” (#198)

England’s cathedrals have been the sites of some of the most wonderful preacher/theologians of all time.   Among them must be named John Donne (St. Paul’s, London) and J. C. Ryle (Liverpool). Others who never served in cathedral positions would certainly … Continue reading

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Palm Sunday and “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” (#2)

This is a revision to the previously released study on this hymn – ed. We all have childhood memories of coming into church on Palm Sunday, waving palm fronds.  For me, growing up in Miami, we had access to plenty … Continue reading

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