Category Archives: Hymn Study

The Polish Carol “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” (#181)

“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly.”  What a simple and yet profound fact that is!  Charles Spurgeon said that here at Christmas-time we try to grasp the enormity of the beauty and mystery and marvel of that statement.  His words are so … Continue reading

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Isaiah 40 and “Comfort, Comfort Ye My People” (#180)

Most of us are familiar with metrical Psalms in which the actual text of Scripture is set in a form that enables people to sing God’s Word.  Almost all hymnals have Psalms 23 and 100 in this format.  When we … Continue reading

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Suffering Christians and “Commit Now All Your Griefs” (#175)

Suffering is an unavoidable reality in this life for all people, whether Christians or not.  It takes many forms, from illnesses and disasters to persecution and old age.  We were not designed for pain and sadness, but sin’s curse has … Continue reading

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George Beverly Shea and “I’d Rather Have Jesus” (#176)

Anyone who has ever attended a Billy Graham Crusade will recall hearing the smooth bass-baritone voice of George Beverly Shea (1909-2013 … yes, he lived to be 104!) singing what many regarded to be his signature song, “I’d Rather Have … Continue reading

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Bob Kauflin and “O Great God” (#174)

John Piper first became well-known as a result of his 1990 book, “The Supremacy of God in Preaching.”  At the very beginning, he wrote the memorable statement that every sermon should be about God.  That seems so obvious, but when … Continue reading

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George Herbert and “Let All the World in Every Corner Sing” (#173)

Everyone knows about the work of William Shakespeare (1564-1616).  And everyone knows about the King James Bible (1611).  And everyone knows about John Milton (1608-1674) and “Paradise Lost.” But not everyone knows about the poetry of George Herbert (1593-1633).   All … Continue reading

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The Blood of Jesus and “Let Us Love and Sing and Wonder” (#71)

Note: This is a replacement for the previously issued and updated #71 – ed. The blood of Jesus is precious to those who belong to Jesus.  It was His blood that redeemed us as it was shed for us on … Continue reading

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Infant (Covenant) Baptism and “In Your Arms, Lord Jesus Christ” (#172)

When the revision of the “Trinity Hymnal” (the official hymnal of the Presbyterian Church in America and the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, published in 1990) was being developed, the committee wanted to include as broad a spectrum of theological topics as … Continue reading

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Images of the Church and “We Are God’s People” (#171)

The Bible contains many descriptive images of the church.  In many people’s minds, the church today is not something that engenders admiration, much less a positive influence.  If not ridiculed for hypocrisy and pride, it is at least ignored by … Continue reading

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World Communion Sunday and “At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing” (#170)

One place where all true believers should be able to come together is at the Lord’s Table.  This can bridge the gap between denominations and ethnicities and social standing, as long as the pure gospel is honored and those who participate … Continue reading

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