Category Archives: Hymn Study

Coming to the Lord’s Table and“How Sweet and Awesome is the Place” (#262)

When we come to the Lord’s Table, our pastors encourage us to give careful thought ahead of time about the seriousness and magnificence of all that is represented in this sacrament. Our colonial ancestors typically held a communion preparatory service … Continue reading

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Denominational Assemblies and “Built on the Rock the Church Doth Stand” (#261)

During the summer months, most denominations hold their annual national meetings.  These can be times of great joy and celebration as reports are shared about the progress of the gospel through their church planting, foreign missions, and discipleship ministries. In … Continue reading

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Pentecost Sunday and “Spirit of the Living God” (#259)

One of the major holidays for the Christian Year is Pentecost Sunday, marking the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostolic church.  Luke’s record of that event in Acts 2 describes what happened that day as people had … Continue reading

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 Jesus and Psalm 23; “The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want” (#100)

Note: Dr. Roff has released an update to this hymn study, enjoy! — ed. Singing the Psalms has long been a distinguishing mark of biblical faith.  It dates from the time of David, the author of half of the Psalms, … Continue reading

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Whole-Hearted Consecration and “Take Thou Our Minds, Dear Lord” (#258)

The Bible makes it clear that what the Lord most wants from us is neither slavish obedience to His laws (though a rightly-motivated embracing of His laws is an essential part of biblical religion) nor casual engagement with worship rituals … Continue reading

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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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