Category Archives: Hymn Study

Denominational Assemblies and “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord” (#209)

Each summer, Protestant denominations in America hold their annual meeting.  Depending on the polity (church government) of each, different types of representation from local churches gather to review how their bodies are carrying out the Great Commission.  This includes addressing … Continue reading

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Three Tunes and “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” (#208)

Paul wrote in Philippians 2 that, as a result of Jesus’ having humbled Himself and being obedient even to death on the cross, “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the … Continue reading

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Looking Heavenward and “All the Way My Savior Leads Me” (#207)

Christians are on a journey through life, and our destination is heaven, where we will forever be with the Lord.  But this is not an easy journey.  It is one that demands perseverance and determination, as well as the struggle … Continue reading

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A Pentecost Prayer and “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” (#206)

When we think of Pentecost Sunday, our minds naturally focus on the event as recorded by Luke in the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles.  But we ought also to recall Jesus’ promise to give the Spirit as … Continue reading

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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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