Heritage Hymns Podcast

We know that Luther Bridgers wrote it, but history debates the when and the why.  Regardless of such historical detail, we as Bible-believers have all been enjoyed by this joyous anthem.  Hear the story in the episode!  

Bankrupt and on the verge of complete failure "The Messiah" became  reality in but 24 days of musical genius. This is the story of George Frederic Handel in this episode of Heritage Hymns

Dr. Robert Lowry did not want to be known as a musician; he wanted to be remembered as a preacher.  However, we remember him as a great hymn writer, and his song is an essential song on a sacred resurrection day.  Hear the story of "Christ Arose" in this episode!

Were are not really sure who the first believer was to say it out loud, but we have all felt it and thought it.  Why should we worry about the prosperity of those around us?  We are headed to Heaven one day!  This is the story of "Farther Along" in today's episode!  

Only in Christ could a song written about God's faithfulness in Franklin, Kentucky, encourage a missionary couple from Chicago as they gave their lives for Christ in China.  This is the story of "Great is Thy Faithfulness" in today's episode of Heritage Hymns!  

Do you cherish the old rugged cross?  If you do, you are bound to cherish this great hymn.  Here's the story of George Bennard, the author of "The Old Rugged Cross."  

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow contributed to the American poetic lexicon in a nation-altering way, but he also wrote a hymn sponsored by his private pain.  Here's the story of "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" in this episode.

The next time you sing this classic the dark hours of your life, think of a Jewish Rabbi who wrote it during the dark ages of genocide, who, as still incomplete, understood something of the love of God.  Here's the story of "The Love of God."  

Julia Johnstone's life story is the story of the hymn.  Unlike other hymn stories, there is no great circumstance underlying its authorship-- just a  Christian who loved Christ and understood grace.  Listen to the story in today's episode!  

Today’s story is the tale of influence— the influence of a blind, lay preacher in a trinket shop in England…and the influence of a seasoned song writer on a universally-known singer.  This is the story of Sweet Hour of Prayer in today’s episode of Heritage Hymns.    

We live in an era of Anti-Americanism.   Our flag is trodden under foot,   our history has been revised, and our anthem has come under attack.  Hear the story of Francis Scott Key's authorship of the "Star-Spangled Banner" in this episode.   God bless America! 

Charles Weigle overcame the loss of his loved ones by remembering that "No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus."  Hear the episode in today's episode!

Joseph Scriven was the "Good Samaritan of Port Hope," with the exception that he should have been the victim, but through Christ he became a victor and helper of others. Hear his story in this episode of Heritage Hymns! 

Reginald Heber never saw the fruits of his devotional labor.  Time with Christ in God's Word produced a song that has long outlived his earthly journey.  Hear the story of "Holy, Holy, Holy" in this episode!  

Charles Fry served in the musical battalion of the Salvation Army.  His lasting influence was a hymn that made the streets of London glad.  Hear the story of "The Lily of the Valley in this episode!

Just like that nine year old boy in the poor country of Texas, my father is building me a mansion just over the hilltop!  Hear the story in today's episode!

William Kirkpatrick was so burdened for a soloist in a conference whom he did not believe knew the Lord.  Hear the story of the soloist's conversion in this episode!  

What do you say after watching the sunset?  Fanny Crosby exclaimed, "Draw Me Nearer!"  Hear the story in today's episode.  

Seeking just the right words to give to two friends who had suffered the loss of their wives, Mr. Showalter encouraged them through the words of Dueteronomy 33:27.  Lean on the everlasting arms!   Hear the story in this episode!

George Matheson came to understand that Jesus' love never fails.  Friends, family, and fiancées leave us, but God's love will never let us go.  Hear the story in this episode!

"Day by day and with each passing moment" we learn how wonderful our Father's care is in our lives!  Carolina Sandell Berg would come to sweet assurance in Jesus after the passing of her father.  Hear her story in this episode!

How shall we know Jesus when we get to Heaven?  How would blind Fanny Crosby know the Lord Jesus?  "By the prints of the nails in His hands!"  Hear her story and ours in this episode of Heritage Hymns!

Judson Van de Venter was struggling with the will of God. For five long years he resisted, until he waived his white flag of surrender, exclaiming, "I Surrender All!" Hear his story in today's episode of Heritage Hymns!

Dudley Tyng uttered a self-destructive prophecy, yet he had lived a life which so exalted the Savior that thousands rallied to Christ's cause after his death.  This is the story of "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus!" in this episode.  

Although this song is popular in today's culture, you cannot really understand this episode if you do not truly know the Savior of whom the song so eloquently speaks.  From Carl Boberg to Stuart Hine, Christians for almost 150 years have been saying "Amen!" when hearing this awesome anthem!  Hear about its authorship in today's episode of Heritage Hymns!

William Longstaff was a Christian man who wanted to make a difference for Christ.  His life story is primary, and the authorship of his hymn is second. Both are helpful in understanding the Christian hymn, "Take Time to be Holy."  

Charles Wesley was a minister...a struggling rector without a clear testimony of salvation in Christ.  Nothing but amazing love would satisfy the longings of his heart.  Hear the story of "And Can it Be" in this episode of Heritage Hymns!

Harriet Buell could not wait for camp meeting!  The expectations she carried in her met with the wondrous truths of salvation in Christ through the preaching of God's Word!  Expectation mingled with manifestation and a great hymn was born!  

Will Lamartine Thompson made a choice: he would only write songs that exalted the Savior.  God used his decision in a world-wide way.  Hear his story in this episode!

Phillips Brooks was a renowned preacher, but in the days of America's Civil War, the fire of was extinguishing in his soul.  However, a trip to Bethlehem kindled the fire long missing.  Hear his story in this episode!

Who really wrote the Christmas classic?  Find out more in today's episode!  

Happy Thanksgiving!  Let's give God glory for all of His blessings.  He surely has watched over all of us.  

Frances Ridley Havergal gave her all to the Lord Jesus.  Her hymns live centuries beyond their provenance.  When "out of the abundance of her heart" the hymns sprang, God wrote them into the annals of time.  Hear a partial telling of her story and propensity to personal letter to convey a consecrated heart for God in this episode!

Horatio Spafford tasted of life's bitter cup in three particular trials, but for him, it was well with his soul.  Hear his story in this episode!

When Jesus spoke upon the Mount of Beatitudes, He provided the disciples with a prayer plan.  Missing the message, they returned again to be taught to pray as were John's disciples.  Finally, Jesus took them to the Garden of Gethsemane to watch real prayer in action.  Hear our pattern of prayer set to music in this episode!

Frank Graeff and Charles Weigle found I Peter 5:7 and learned to cast all their cares upon Jesus.  Graeff called and Weigle responded, harmonizing two great gospel songs in one story!

Words written in 1840 in the English countryside became the dying eulogy of an American President and were heard on the sinking bow of the Titanic.  This is the story of "Nearer, My God, to Thee."

Charles Gabriel is a name that you may not know, but you certainly know his music.  This Iowan is an irreplaceable part of our hymnology.  Hear his story in today's episode of Heritage Hymns!  

George A. Young had given his life to Christ.  Living week-to-week was all he and his wife had ever known, but building a small home of their own proved too great an extravagance for some thugs in his community.  Regardless of what he lost, he still realized that "God Leads Us Along."  Hear his story in this episode of "Heritage Hymns."

John Newton was more than a slave owner between England and Africa, for at one point he was the servant of slaves in Africa.  Yet, by the marvelous grace of Christ, he was saved.  His song would later become one of the most popular songs around the world, sung by saints and sinners alike.  However, only the truly redeemed can understand its true meaning and power.  This is the story of "Amazing Grace" in today's episode of Heritage Hymns.

Few songs are as beloved as Robert Robinson's "Come Thou Fount."  Listen to Pastor Cox tell the brief history of Robinson's classic hymn.

Ray Overholt was used of God to write the beloved song "10,000 Angels."  Listen to the fascinating story of how this wonderful song was used to bring its author to Jesus.

In 1707 Isaac Watts produced a new hymnal.  This publication served as a pivot-point for church music that still echoes through the pews of our day.  Hear the story of Isaac Watts and his masterful depiction of Calvary, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross!

A brief history of the life and songwriting ministry of Ira Sankey.  Ira Sankey was used of God to write the beloved hymn "The Ninety and Nine."

A brief history of the life and songwriting ministry of songwriter Wallace Willis.  Wallace Willis was used of God to write the beloved hymn "Swing Low Sweet Chariot."

A brief history of the life and songwriting ministry of songwriter C. Austin Miles.  C. Austin Miles was used of God to write the beloved hymn "In the Garden."

A brief history of the life and songwriting ministry of songwriter Frances R. Havergal.  Frances Havergal was used of God to write the beloved hymn Take My Life and Let It Be.

A brief history of the life and songwriting ministry of songwriter Thomas Ken.  Thomas Ken was used of God to write the beloved hymn "Doxology."

A brief history of the life and songwriting ministry of songwriter Ray Palmer.  Ray Palmer was used of God to write the beloved hymn "My Faith Looks Up To Thee."

A brief history of the life and songwriting ministry of songwriter Elvina M. Hall, and John T. Grape.  They were used of God to write the beloved hymn "Jesus Paid It All."