[ mites from our momentary marriage and ministry ]
The Wesleys (John and Charles) had a profound impact in proclaiming the message of Jesus in the 18th century. Charles Wesley penned over 6500 hymn texts in his lifetime, including hymns we sing at church like “Arise My Soul Arise“, “And Can It Be“, “Christ the Lord is Risen Today“, and “O For A Thousand …
Continue reading “John Wesley’s Rules for Congregational Singing”
To my fellow sojourner in Christ, This last week has been hard. Sin, rebellion, death on open display in our world. Suffering and sorrow in our own lives. There’s the tears in our eyes, the thorn in our flesh. I want to recommend this hymn by Martin Luther again to you. In the midst of …
Anyone sung the following hymn line from “Come Thou Fount” recently? Here I raise my Ebenezer; Hither by Thy help I’m come; And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home. The word Ebenezer there is a reference to 1 Samuel 7:12, where the prophet Samuel takes a stone and names it …
Continue reading “Raising my Ebenezer and changing hymn lyrics”
I had a bit of a chuckle after reading this anecdote from a book: “Not long ago, I attended a gathering with a congregation other than my own, and I thought my ears were going to bleed. The moment the preservice music began, the congregation collectively shuddered and stood cringing under the instrumental blast for …
Continue reading “Has this ever happened to you on Sunday morning?”
I’m really appreciating this series of posts by Tim Challies on hymn stories. I like hearing about the stories behind each hymnwriter. I’m noticing that many of these songs were written by pastors who desired their church family to understand and apply God’s truths into their lives. Here’s hoping more will do the same …
Continue reading “Hymn stories and where to find them online”