Two Views on Christ’s Invitation
Below are two works of Christian imagination. Both attempt to depict what it means for Christ to invite sinners to Himself, and how sinners should… Read More »Two Views on Christ’s Invitation
hymnody
Introducing the New Church Pew Edition of Hymns to the Living God
Religious Affections Ministries is pleased to announce the new Church Pew Edition of our new hymnal, Hymns to the Living God. This hymnal is the… Read More »Introducing the New Church Pew Edition of Hymns to the Living God
Crown Him With Many Crowns
The principal figure of the book of Revelation is the Lamb. He is introduced in Revelation 5, where the seven-sealed scroll represents the outpouring of… Read More »Crown Him With Many Crowns
Isaac Watts was kind enough to write me a letter (with a postscript)
I received this letter from Isaac Watts a couple years ago, and published it on my blog. Watts gave me permission to publish it so… Read More »Isaac Watts was kind enough to write me a letter (with a postscript)
Hymnody of Quiet Trust in Trials
We sang several songs in our Sunday morning service which emphasized the believer’s quiet and confident trust in God in the midst of the trying… Read More »Hymnody of Quiet Trust in Trials
Does “Slow Fade” really communicate God’s truth to His people?
I recently listened to a message delivered by a music pastor at a pastor’s conference on the subject of song selection. He touched on issues… Read More »Does “Slow Fade” really communicate God’s truth to His people?
The Judeo-Christian Worship Tradition
I argued in the last essay that if we intend to preserve the truth handed down to us, we must never reject tradition outright. Instead, if… Read More »The Judeo-Christian Worship Tradition
Hymns on Pardon
A few Sundays back, I structured our congregational singing around the theme of God’s pardon of guilty sinners on the basis of Christ’s death. There… Read More »Hymns on Pardon
Samuel Rodigast, "Whate'er My God Ordains Is Right"
Samuel Rodigast, “Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right” This outstanding hymn was introduced to our church back in 2009, and after singing it for a… Read More »Samuel Rodigast, "Whate'er My God Ordains Is Right"
Tobias Clausnitzer, "Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word"
“Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word” makes an outstanding musical call to worship. The text is superb, and the tune LIEBSTER JESU is a good fit.… Read More »Tobias Clausnitzer, "Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word"
Teach children hymns
We believe that the great Christian tradition of hymnody should be perpetuated. We treasure the invaluable contributions of the saints to our corporate and private… Read More »Teach children hymns
Wesley on prayer in "Soldiers of Christ, Arise"
This month, our pastor preached through the Ephesians 6 passage on spiritual warfare. We used Wesley’s “Soldiers of Christ, Arise” (to the usual tune DIADEMATA),… Read More »Wesley on prayer in "Soldiers of Christ, Arise"
O Lord, How Shall I Meet Thee (More "Incarnational Hymnody")
A friend of mine once mused that it was at Christmas that Christians finally sing good hymns. Selah.1 And Chuck Bumgardner (here and here and… Read More »O Lord, How Shall I Meet Thee (More "Incarnational Hymnody")
Incarnation Hymnody: "Come, Thou Redeemer of the Earth" and “Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming"
We here continue our series on Incarnation Hymnody. Today: the ancient “Come, Thou Redeemer of the Earth” and the not-quite-as-ancient-but-still-very-old “Lo, How a Rose E’er… Read More »Incarnation Hymnody: "Come, Thou Redeemer of the Earth" and “Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming"
Hymn Highlights: "Jesus Lives, and So Shall I"
I am always thrilled when someone introduces me to a hymn that is well-written and theologically rich, and for some reason or another has been… Read More »Hymn Highlights: "Jesus Lives, and So Shall I"