Podcasts about hymnary

Send us a textSurrender might be the hardest spiritual practice of all. It runs counter to everything our culture celebrates – control, self-determination, making our own path. Yet somehow, in the letting go, we find something extraordinary.This episode explores the powerful hymn "Have Thine Own Way, Lord" – a hymn born from disappointment when Adelaide Pollard's missionary dreams crumbled in 1902. Instead of bitterness, she found profound surrender after hearing an elderly woman at their prayer service.Drawing from Jeremiah's vision of the potter and clay, Pollard crafted verses that have guided generations through seasons of uncertainty and change.  What part of your life needs surrendering today? Where are you resisting the Potter's hands? Join us in discovering how saying "Have Thine own way" opens doors to purposes greater than we could design ourselves.SHOW NOTES:Have Thine Own Way, Lord performed by Songs and Everlasting Joy and can be found on their Youtube channel of the same name.Lyrics and chord chart for "Have Thie Own Way, Lord" are available on Hymnal.net.Hymnal sheet music can be found here from Hymnary.com.Support the show www.thebrightforever.comAll songs used by permission.

Birgitte Katerine Boye (1742–1824) was a prolific and accomplished Lutheran poet, hymnwriter, and playwright in her native Denmark. In this episode — part Story Time, part Hymn Sing, part ode to Scandinavian Lutheranism — Sarah shares her story with a world that has largely forgotten her.   In and around rabbit trails on Mahler's Second Symphony, single-stanza festival hymns, and the wonderfully named Friedrich Gottlieb Klopstock, Sarah examines the life and hymnody of this extraordinary Lutheran lady, with a special focus on the three Boye hymn lyrics that have appeared in recent LCMS hymnals: “Rejoice, Rejoice This Happy Morn” (LSB 391), “He Is Arisen! Glorious Word” (LSB 488), and “Holy Spirit, God of Love” (TLH 230).   For further reading, check out the following resources:  Birgitte K. Boye | Hymnary.org  He Is Arisen! Glorious Word — The Hymnal Project  Lutheran Service Book 391. Rejoice, rejoice this happy morn | Hymnary.org  Lutheran Service Book 488. He is arisen! Glorious Word! | Hymnary.org  The Lutheran Hymnal 230. Holy Spirit, God of Love | Hymnary.org  Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

On October 26, the church commemorates THREE notable Lutheran hymnwriters: Philipp Nicolai, Johann Heermann, and Paul Gerhardt.   Hold onto your hymnals, friends: this Hymn Sing with Sarah episode is a harmonious hymn fest in triplicate. Hymns featured in this episode include:   “Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying”  “O Morningstar, How Fair and Bright”  “O Christ, Our True and Only Light”  “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”  “I Will Sing My Maker's Praises” (PDF from CTSFW: ctsfw.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/LSB-977-I-Will-Sing.pdf) To learn more about these and other beloved hymnwriters, check out Hymnary.org or the monumental Lutheran Service Book: Companion to the Hymns from CPH. For readers seeking a more compact treatment, CPH also offers Eternal Anthems: The Story behind Your Favorite Hymns in two volumes.   Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

Inspired by the upcoming 2024 Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music (July 9–12), the Ladies are turning their attention to the book of Psalms. In the third of a five-episode series, Sarah turns her attention to Psalm paraphrases in a special Hymn Sing episode.   Lyrics featured in this episode include hymns by Isaac Watts (“Joy to the World,” “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”), Martin Luther (“A Mighty Fortress,” “Out of the Depths”), Joachim Neander (“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty”), Johann Gramann (“My Soul Now Praise Your Maker”), and many more.   Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook group members: visit our ongoing poll in the group to vote for your favorites and see how they rank.   Resources referenced in the episode include:  Hymnary.org: a comprehensive index of hymns and hymnals | Hymnary.org  "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need" (arr. Virgil Thomson) (youtube.com)  Hymnapalooza episode on Louis Bourgeois The Westminster Standard – To glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.  2024 Institute on Liturgy, Preaching and Church Music - LCMS Calendar  Engaging the Psalms: A Guide for Reflection and Prayer - Concordia Publishing House (cph.org)  Lutheran Service Book: Companion to the Hymns - 2 Volume Set - Concordia Publishing House (cph.org)  Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

Learn about us.Read about our upcoming musical satire on Christian nationalism.Learn more about The Jewel Prize for African American Spirituals.Chris' links can be found below, and here.Chris Fenner is a premiere hymn scholar in the United States, creator and editor of HymnologyArchive.com, and contributor to the Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology, the Sounding Spirit Digital Library, and Hymnary.org. He is editor of The Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs of Isaac Watts (D&T, 2016), Spurgeon's Own Hymn Book (Christian Focus, 2018), Amazing Love! How Can It Be: Studies on Hymns by Charles Wesley (Resource, 2020), and the forthcoming Hymns & Devotions for Daily Worship (2024). Chris has also proof-edited other hymnal projects such as Sing the Wonders, 3rd ed. (Grace Music, 2021), Sing Unto the Lord (ACNA, 2023), and The Gospel Story Hymnal (Word & Wonder, 2023).

Need help planning a baptismal birthday party? Never fear! The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge party-planning committee is here!  In this four-segment Sharathon episode, the Ladies provide friendly advice to anyone hoping to celebrate a baptism birthday in style. Rachel (subcommittee for interesting conversation) starts things off with a short Trivia Challenge all about the history and theology of baptism. Erin (recipe subcommittee) introduces a luscious simul-justus-et-peccator-inspired dessert recipe for Choco-Flan, also known as Impossible Cake. Sarah (music subcommittee) tells the story of a beloved baptism hymn: “God's Own Child, I Gladly Say It,” and Bri (subcommittee for fun) brings it home with five tips for planning the most enjoyable party possible.   Sources referenced in Rachel's Trivia Challenge:   Constantine the Great - Wikipedia  AUGNET : 1110 Augustine's baptism  Godparent - Wikipedia  gossip | Search Online Etymology Dictionary (etymonline.com)  Lutheran Service Book 601. All who believe and are baptized | Hymnary.org  Luther's Baptismal Rites - Lutheran Reformation  Erin's friend's recipe for Choco-Flan  Recipe from Clelia Gonzalez  Preheat oven at 350.   For the cake: store bought cake mix, I personally like Devil's food one because to me is more chocolatey, but any chocolate cake mix will do, prepare cake mix as per instructions in the box.   For flan: you'll need 6 large eggs, one can of evaporated milk, one can of condensed milk, a dash of vanilla extract, put all ingredients in blender, until well mixed.  Now, grease, with butter or non-stick spray, a Bundt cake pan, now proceed pouring all the cake batter. When done proceed to slowly pour all of the flan mix, bake for about 40-50 mins, or until you stick a fork/toothpick and comes out clean.   Let it cool down, and store in fridge. Once it is cold, you can release it onto a plate. Decorate with "cajeta/dulce de leche or caramel syrup and chopped pecans, you can decorate it prior to storing in fridge or prior to eating it.   Enjoy!!   The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge podcast is produced by KFUO Radio, the listener-supported broadcast voice of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To support the work of KFUO Radio during Sharathon (or anytime) — and request an exclusive Lutheran Ladies' Lounge thank-you gift — visit kfuo.org or text “KFUO” to 41444.  Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), Erin (@erinaltered), and Bri (@grrrzevske) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

There have been many songs, in the church and in popular music, written about love. In fact, if you search “love” on the Hymnary.org website you’ll find 59,040 hymn texts. The same cannot be said about “obedience.” That search turns up only 1,342 results. Apparently, we like to sing about one much more than the other! Yet from the apostle John’s perspective, love and obedience are matching bookends. He uses family relationships to demonstrate why they connect. Because of our salvation through Christ, we’re God’s children. As children, we owe love and obedience to God, including the Father and the Son. We also owe love to one another, as members of the same family. Human families may be marred by sin, but God’s family is transformed to be like Christ. As John explained, to trust in Christ for salvation is to be born of God (v. 1). No special knowledge is needed. To be born of God is to love God. Even further, to love God is to love His other children. Love and obedience are in fact how we can be certain that we are born again and members of God’s family (v. 2). Love and obedience are so inseparable that we can almost regard them as the same thing (v. 3). Obedience to God’s commands is not burdensome. Why not? Because “everyone born of God overcomes the world” (v. 4). How? By trusting in the One who has already overcome the world (v. 5; 1 John 4:4). The victory, then, comes not by any merit of ours but through faith. As Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28–30). Spiritually, obedience is true freedom, not in the American cultural sense of doing whatever we want, but in the biblical sense of freedom from sin (John 8:34–36). >> Tell someone today one thing you’ve been learning from this study of John’s letters. Even better, invite them to join our Bible study and request Today in the Word for themselves!

Today is "Weigh-In Day"! Woo hoo! Everyone's favorite day, especially after the holidays, right?

Who would have thought that a poem set to the tune "Greensleeves" (A Newe Northen Dittye of ye Ladye Greene Sleves) would become one of the most popular Christmas hymns? What is with all of the rhetorical questions anyway? In this episode, we revisit the question of singing angels (with more prooftexts). We also dig into the gifts brought the infant Christ (frankincense, gold, myrrh) to find Old Testament symbols. Lyrics: What Child is this who laid to rest on Mary's lap is sleeping, Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing! Haste, haste to bring Him laud, the babe, the son of Mary! So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; come peasant, King to own Him; The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone Him Raise, raise a a song on high! The virgin sings her lullaby Joy, joy for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary! Nails, spears shall pierce Him through; the cross He bore for me, for you! Hail, hail the Word made flesh, the babe, the son of Mary! Further reading: Hymnary.org notes and versions: https://hymnary.org/text/what_child_is_this_who_laid_to_rest Audio Sampled in this Episode: 1 - What Child is This? Chris Tomlin ft. All Sons & Daughters - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzDxDv2WLMc 2 - Linus' Christmas Monologue - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eff0cqYefYY 3 - Royal Choral Society sings Hallelujah Chorus (from Handel's Messiah) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUZEtVbJT5c 4 - Bishop T.D. Jakes preaches at First Baptist Church of Glenarden https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP-pEViFUQQ Other noteworthy versions: 1 - Vocal Spectrum performs What Child is This? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U70xshi06Ls --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/worship-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/worship-review/support

We are continuing our series on Christmas/Advent music. This week's episode discusses a poem by Ambrose of Milan, translated into German by Martin Luther, translated into English by William M. Reynolds. After crying out for the advent of the Savior, "Savior of the Nations, Come" invites us to marvel at the wonder of Christ's birth and the hypostatic union, to sing in awe at our King's great triumph over death and hell, and to offer praise to the three Persons of the Godhead. English lyrics used in this episode: 1 Savior of the nations, come; virgin's Son, make here your home. Marvel now, O heav'n and earth, that the Lord chose such a birth. 2 Not by human flesh and blood, by the spirit of our God was the Word of God made flesh, woman's offspring, pure and fresh. 3 Wondrous birth! O wondrous Child of the virgin undefiled, though by all the world disowned, still to be in heav'n enthroned. 4 From the Father's throne he came and ascended to the same, captive leading death and hell. High the song of triumph swell! 5 Praise to God the Father sing, praise to God the Son, our King, praise to God the Spirit be ever and eternally. Modernized German (Luther's) text with a good translation: https://www.bach-cantatas.com/Texts/Chorale016-Eng3.htm Latin (Ambrose's) text with a good translation: https://www.cpdl.org/wiki/index.php/Veni_redemptor_gentium More about this text and tune: Hymnary.org: https://hymnary.org/text/savior_of_the_nations_come_virgins_son Music used in this podcast: Stanza 1: Concordia Publishing House: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKO-C5NTNvA Stanza 2: Chris Brunelle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP_4YN7aRuM Stanza 3: David Tolk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWFyqYl57ec Stanza 4: Koiné: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsNPi71O7FI Stanza 5: David Tolk Other noteworthy versions: Cardiphonia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ol78eWbhE1o Other notes: We also briefly sample "So Fresh So Clean" by Outkast (C) 2000 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/worship-review/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/worship-review/support

Join my guest Harry Plantinga as he talks about the origins of Hymnary.org!

Written in 1680, this hymn was written by Joachim Neander, who was born in 1650. His father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather—all Joachim Neanders—had been preachers of the gospel. What a goodly heritage! The resources used for the podcast include, but not limited to; “How Great Thou Art” written by Robert J. Morgan and Hymnary.org.

Written in 1677, This hymn came from Roman Catholic Jesuits in Germany and originally had six verses. Who translated it into English? That, too, is largely a mystery. How appropriate that no human author draws attention from the great theme of this song. The resources used for the podcast include, but not limited to; “How Great Thou Art” written by Robert J. Morgan and Hymnary.org.

Evangelist Vance Havner once quipped, “When I was a boy, preachers used to talk about ‘holding a revival.' What we really need is somebody who will turn a revival loose.” Well, that's what Philip Spener did in Germany, spurred on by his friend and attorney, Johann Jakob Schutz. The story of Spener and Schutz reminds us we should never give up on revival. If you don't see a revival starting around you let it begin in your own heart, then let is overflow to others. The resources used for the podcast include, but not limited to; “How Great Thou Art” written by Robert J. Morgan and Hymnary.org.

Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” Thomas Ken has been called “England's first hymnist.” In 1680, Thomas was appointed chaplain to England's King Charles II. The resources used for the podcast include, but not limited to; “How Great Thou Art” written by Robert J. Morgan and Hymnary.org

Our oldest hymnal is the Book of Psalms, and Christians throughout history have wanted to obey the biblical injunction to praise the Lord using “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16). “The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want. He makes me down to lie In pastures green; He leadeth me The quietly waters by. The resources used for the podcast include, but not limited to; “How Great Thou Art” written by Robert J. Morgan and Hymnary.org

An old English preacher once said, “A grateful mind is a great mind,” and the Bible agrees. There are 138 passages of Scriptures on the subject of thanksgiving, and some of them are powerfully worded. Unfortunately, few hymns are devoted exclusively to thanking God. Among the small, rich handful we do have is “Now Thank We All Our God.” The resources used for the podcast include, but not limited to; “How Great Thou Art” written by Robert J. Morgan and Hymnary.org

We think of Martin Luther as a great reformed, Bible translator, political leader, fiery preacher, and theologian. But he was also a musician, having been born in an area of Germany known for its music. Luther's most famous hymn is “Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott,”—“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” The resources used for the podcast include, but not limited to; “How Great Thou Art” written by Robert J. Morgan and Hymnary.org

Possibly the most Jewish of all Christian hymns, “The God of Abraham Praise” has its roots all the way back to the Jewish scholar Moses Maimonides (1135-1204), who wrote a confession of faith containing thirteen creeds. Modern congregations don't have the patience to sing all thirteen stanzas, so here is one of the lesser-known verses for you to ponder: “The God Who reigns on high the great archangels sing, And “Holy, holy holy!” Cry, “Almighty King!” Who was, and is, the same, and evermore shall be: Jehovah, LORD, the great I AM, we worship Thee! The resources used for the podcast include, but not limited to; “How Great Thou Art” written by Robert J. Morgan and Hymnary.org

Though written in 1225, an English version didn't appear until 1919, when Rev. William H. Draper decided to use it for children's worship festival in Leeds, England. But is it sound theology to exhort birds and billowing clouds to lift their voices in praise? Yes! “All Creatures of our God and King” simply restates an older hymn-Psalm 148.” The resources used for the podcast include, but not limited to; “How Great Thou Art” written by Robert J. Morgan and Hymnary.org

When Bernard, (c. 1090-1153), a sickly youth in Dijon, France, was unable to fulfill military service, he became a monk. So successful was he that he eventually founded the famous monastery in nearby Clairvaux; in time almost 170 other monasteries sprang from Bernard's leadership. He became the most powerful preacher of his era, and is remembered as a pious man, a deeply contemplative mystic, the “honey-tongued doctor.” Martin Luther called Bernard “the best monk that ever lived, whom I admire beyond all the rest put together.” He wasn't a perfect man, as seen in his support for the Second Crusade to liberate the Holy Land from Muslim control. But for 800 years, his words have been read and sung, and his good work has continued. If you've never read Bernard, here are some excerpts from his writings and sermons: “How do we know that Christ has really overcome death? Precisely in that he, who did not deserve it, underwent it….But what kind of justice is this, you may say, that the innocent should die for the guilty? It is not justice, but mercy.” “I was made a sinner by deriving my being my Adam; I am made righteous by being washed in the blood of Christ.” “You will never have real mercy for the failings of another until you know and realize that you have the same failings in your soul.” “Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your kindness in uniting us to the church so dearly love, not merely that we may be endowed with the gift of faith, but that, like brides, we may be one with you…, beholding with unveiled faces that glory which is yours in union with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.” “You wish me to tell you why and how God should be loved. My answer is that God Himself is the reason He is to be loved.” Several well-known hymns are attributed to St.Bernard: “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee,” “O Sacred Head Now Wounded,” and a lesser-known hymn entitles “Open Wide are Thine Hands,” the second verse of which says: Lord, I am sad and poor, but boundless is Thy grace; Give me the soul transforming joy for which I seek Thy face.” The resources used for the podcast include, but not limited to; “How Great Thou Art” written by Robert J. Morgan and Hymnary.org

The mighty Charlemagne (742-814), King of the Franks, united most of Western Europe under his crown. He was a visionary who advanced education and reformed the laws, economy, and culture of Europe. When Charlemagne died, his son Louis I, assumed the throne. At first, all went well. But in 817, he began diving the empire among his nephews and his four sons, causing no end of problems. Twice he was deposed by his sons, and, though he regained his throne both times, he was never again able to rest securely. Caught in the middle of this epic family conflict was Theodulph, Bishop of Orleans, a city south of Paris. Theodulph, born in Spain about 750, had gone to France as a church leader at Charlemagne's request. He was a brilliant man who worked hard to reform the clergy. He established schools and advanced education. He advocated high morals, built churches, and composed hymns of praise to God. But during the political intrigues of Louis' reign, Theodulph was accused (falsely, it seems) of conspiring with King Bernard of Italy; and on Easter Sunday, 818, he was imprisoned in the monastery of Angers, a city southwest of Paris. There, as he meditated on our Lord's triumphal entry into Jerusalem prior to His Crucifixion and Resurrection, Theodulph wrote the great Palm Sunday hymn, “All Glory, Laud, and Honor.” According to a tradition that can be neither confirmed nor denied, when King Louis later visited Angers, he momentarily halted by the monastery where Theodulph was helped, and the bishop appeared at the window, singing “All Glory, Laud, and Honor.” The king was reportedly so moved that he order the bishop's release. For whatever reason, we know Theodulph was released in 821, but he died on his way back to Orleans, or shortly after his return there. Originally there were 78 verses to this hymn! Theodulph had lots of time in his prison-monastery. The first several are the ones we commonly sing today. One stance that has called by the wayside is this verse: “By Thou, O Lord, the Rider; and we the little ass, That to God's holy city together we may pass.” The resources used for the podcast include, but not limited to; “How Great Thou Art” written by Robert J. Morgan and Hymnary.org

Only one missionary is honored with a global holiday, and only one is known by his own distinct color of green-St.Patrick, of course, missionary to Ireland. Patrick was born in A.D. 373, along the banks of the River Clyde in what is now called Scotland. His father was a deacon, and his grandfather a priest. When Patrick was about 16, raiders descended on his little town and torched his home. When one of the pirates spotted him in the bushes, he was seized, hauled aboard ship, and taken to Ireland as a slave. There he gave his life to the Lord Jesus. “The Lord opened my mind to an awareness of my unbelief,” he later wrote, “in order that I might remember by transgressions and turn with all my heart to the Lord my God.” Patrick eventually escaped and returned home. His overjoyed family begged him to never leave again. But one night, in a dream reminiscent of Paul's vision of the Macedonian Man in Acts 16, Patrick saw an Irishman pleading with him to come evangelize Ireland. It wasn't an easy decision, but Patrick, about 30, returned to his former captors with only one book, the Latin Bible, in his hand. As he evangelized the countryside, multitudes came to listen. The superstitious Druids opposed him and sought his death. But his preaching was powerful, and Patrick became one of the most fruitful evangelists of all time, planting about 200 churches and baptizing 100,000 converts. His work endured, and several centuries later, the Irish church was still producing hymns, prayers, sermons, and song of worship. In the eight century, an unknown poet wrote a prayer asking God to be his Vision, his Wisdom, and his Best Thought by day or night. In 1905, Mary Elizabeth Byrne, a scholar in Dublin, Ireland, translated this ancient Irish poem into English. Another scholar, Eleanor Hull of Manchester, England, took Byrne's translation and crafted it into verses with rhyme and meter. Shortly thereafter it was set to a traditional Irish fold song, “Slane,” named for an area in Ireland where Patrick reportedly challenged local Druids with the gospel. It is one of our oldest and most beloved hymns even to this day. Be Thou My Vision! The resources used for the podcast include, but not limited to; “How Great Thou Art” written by Robert J. Morgan and Hymnary.org

The Dead Sea Scrolls were, until recently, our oldest copies of Biblical Text. But in 1979, Villanova professor, Judith Hadley, was assisting archaeologist, Gabriel Barkay, in excavating a site in Jerusalem's Hinnom Valley. In a burial cave, she saw something resembling the metal cap of a pencil. It was a sensational find, a tiny solver scroll of great antiquity. Another was found nearby. These tiny amulets, dating to the Hebrew monarchy seven centuries before Christ, were so small and fragile they took several years to painstakingly clean and open. When scientists finally unrolled them, they found the world's oldest extant copy of a Biblical text, the words of Numbers 6:24-26: “The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” While amulets date from the seventh century B.C., the original words are far older, coming 1,400 years before Christ. As the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, the Lord commanded the priests to bless the people with this three-fold blessing. These ancient lyrics have been set to music many times, but never more beautifully than by Peter Christian Lutkin in his classing tune BENEDICTION. During the Fanny Crosby/Ira Sankey era of gospel music, when so much was written for easy congregational singing, Lutkin wrote more elaborate melodies with a classical flare. Lutkin was born in Wisconsin in 1888, and devoted his life to church music, studying the masters in Europe, excelling on the origin, and founding the School of Music at Northwestern Illinois. He helped start the American Guild of Organists. He died in 1931 and was buried in Rosehill Cemetery in Chicago. In his ‘Noted from My Bible', D.L. Moody said about the priestly blessing of Numbers 6: “Here is a benediction that can give all the time without being impoverished. Every heart may utter it, every letter may conclude with it, every day may begin with it, every night may be sanctified it. here is blessing-keeping-shining-the uplifting upon our poor life of all heaven's glad morning. It is the Lord Himself who (gives us) this bar of music from heaven's infinite anthem.” The resources used for the podcast include, but not limited to; “How Great Thou Art” written by Robert J. Morgan and Hymnary.org

Charles Wesley was born just before before Christmas in 1707. He was premature and neither cried nor opened his eyes. His mother, Susanna, kept him tightly wrapped in wool until his actual due date, whereupon he opened his eyes and cried. At age eight, he was taken to London to attend Westminster Schoo. At thirteen, he became a King's Scholar at Westminster, and upon graduating, Charles enrolled at Oxford. He was nineteen and full of life. He later said, “My first year of college I lost in diversions.” During his second year at Oxford, he grew serious about spiritual things. Neither he nor his brother, John, had yet received Christ as Savior, but they began seeking to live the Christian life so methodically they were dubbed “Methodists” by fellow students. Their studies completed, the brothers volunteered to go to Georgia, a new colony in America for those in Britain's debtors' prisons, founded by Colonel James Oglethorpe. But as a missionary, Charles was an utter failure. He was demanding and autocratic, and he insisted on baptizing infants, not by sprinkling, but by immersing them three times in succession. One angry woman fired a gun at him. Charles left America ill and depressed. Some time later, John also returned in low spirits. Finding themselves in spiritual crisis, the brothers began attending meetings led by the Moravian Christian, Peter Boehler. Finally, on Sunday, May 21, 1738 Charles, 31, wrote, “I now found myself at peace with God, and rejoiced in hope of loving Christ. I saw that by faith I stood.” John came to Christ about the same time, saying, “I felt my heart strangely warmed.” On Tuesday, May 23, Charles wrote in his journal, “I began a hymn upon my conversion.” We aren't certain which hymn he meant, but many historians think it was “And Can It Be,” because of the vivid testimony of verse 4. There is a verse often left out of the singing that goes as such: “‘Tis myst'ry all! Th'Imortal dies: who can explore his strange design? In vain the firstborn seraph tries to sound the depth of love divine. ‘It's mercy all! Let earth adore, let angel minds inquire no more.” The resources used for the podcast include, but not limited to; “How Great Thou Art” written by Robert J. Morgan and Hymnary.org

Romanus the Melodist looms large from his lifetime in the sixth century. Today he is much sung and little known—at least with certainty. Beautiful legends have filled in the cracks of his biography. According to one, he was tone-deaf and non-musical when heaven granted him the gifts of composition and vocal performance. He went on to compose many verse homilies, kontakia, which are still sung in the Eastern churches today. Having lived in Homs, and then Beirut and Constantinople, he introduced Syriac forms and methods into Byzantine liturgical music.     LINKS Romanus the Melodist page at Hymnary.org https://hymnary.org/person/Romanus1?tab=texts Pope Benedict XVI on Romanus the Melodist https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=8216 Romanus on the Resurrection, sung performance https://youtu.be/XT-igWEsIh4 Mike Aquilina's website https://fathersofthechurch.com Mike Aquilina's books https://catholicbooksdirect.com/writer/mike-aquilina/ Theme music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed http://www.ccwatershed.org Donate today! https://www.catholicculture.org/users/donate/audio  

Prudentius is the Latin poet most praised from the ancient Church. Phenomenally creative, he invented new poetic forms and genres—and established artistic standards that would hold through the Middle Ages. Scholars as varied as C.S. Lewis and Robert Wilken call him “the first Christian poet,” the first great representative of a real Christian literature. Compared to Prudentius, all earlier Christian poets were dabblers. Upon his model depended such later luminaries as Bunyan, Milton, and Spenser. LINKS The Hymns of Prudentius (Cathemerinon) https://www.gutenberg.org/files/14959/14959-h/14959-h.htm Latin text of two works by Prudentius https://www.thelatinlibrary.com/prud.html Prudentius's page at Hymnary. org https://hymnary.org/person/Prudentius_AC Study of Prudentius by F.J.E. Raby https://archive.org/details/historyofchristi2edunse_t5b7/page/44/mode/2up Mike Aquilina's website https://fathersofthechurch.com Mike Aquilina's books https://catholicbooksdirect.com/writer/mike-aquilina/ Theme music: Gaudeamus (Introit for the Feast of All Saints), sung by Jeff Ostrowski. Courtesy of Corpus Christi Watershed http://www.ccwatershed.org Donate today! https://www.catholicculture.org/users/donate/audio Follow this link to join the Online Great Books VIP waiting list and get 25% off your first 3 months: https://hj424.isrefer.com/go/ogbmemberships/tmirus/

My daughter read "Animal Farm" in middle school. Luckily she had a teacher who could unpack the symbolism and interpret the text in such a way that she understood and enjoyed the Orwell classic. Sometimes it takes a little extra study to understand the things we read in Scripture, too. Shane & Shane's rendition of "Before the Throne of God Above" sends us from Hebrews to the Old Testament and back to learn more about Jesus as our Great High Priest.     Pack your bags with a few nuggets of information mined on this week's podcast before you journey into the book of Hebrews for yourself. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Read in context Listen to an audio version of the text Consult outside resources Start with God/Jesus Make a list Compare and contrast The 30 Day Music Challenge - ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE HERE Sneaking in a hymn because of the great truths repeated in every line The author and the original title of the hymn - Hymnary.org Getting distracted studying about Jesus as our advocate in 1 John 2:1-2 Reading the entire text of Hebrews to place your detailed study in context How "high priest" is mentioned 17 times in the book of Hebrews, making the priesthood of Jesus Christ a central theme Consulting outside resources to learn more about the role of the high priest - GotQuestions.org and Warren Wiersbe's Commentary on Hebrews Learning about the role of the high priest in the Old Testament (specifically duties on the Day of Atonement) - Leviticus 16 Starting with Jesus as we approach the text (instead of ourselves) Making an ongoing list of characteristics we discover about our Great High Priest Comparing and contrasting the high priests of the Old Testament and our new covenant High Priest   Additional Resources Lyrics and Chords - WorshipChords.com What was the Biblical role of the high priest? - GotQuestions.org The High Priest's Purpose - Ligonier.org Jesus the Priest - Ligonier.org The Day of Atonement - BibleProject.com This Week's Challenge Read Hebrews for yourself. Try listening to an audio version of the entire text while keeping your attention on each mention of "high priest." Read Leviticus 16 to get clear on what was required of the high priest on the Day of Atonement. Make a list of characteristics you learn about your Great High Priest, Jesus Christ, who can provide complete salvation because of His perfect offering.

Order of Service: - Prelude - Confession of Sin: p. 120 - Versicles & Gloria Patri: (led by the choir) - Hymn 34 - Kyrie, God Father in Heav'n Above - Luke 17:14-19: So when He (Jesus) saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” - Homily - Magnificat in B-flat - C.V. Stanford: (text found on p. 123 in the front of the Hymnary) - Kyrie, Lord’s Prayer - Hymn 584 - Grant Peace, We Pray, in Mercy, Lord - Collect: p. 126 Service Participants: Chaplain Don Moldstad (Preacher), Rev. Prof. Mark Degarmeaux (Organist), BLC Concert Choir (Choral Group), Rev. Prof. Dennis Marzolf (Choir Director)

Order of Service: - Prelude - The Confession of Sin (p. 120) - The Versicles (pp. 120-121) - Jubilate Deo (Psalm 100) - A. Sullivan: O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands: Serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song. Be ye sure that the Lord he is God; It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise Be thankful unto him, and speak good of his Name. For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting And his truth endureth from generation to generation. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen. - Mark 2:16-17: When the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” - Magnificat in B-flat - C.V. Stanford: (text found on p. 123 in the front of the Hymnary) - The Kyrie (p. 124) - The Lord's Prayer (p. 125) - Hymn 584 - Grant Peace, We Pray, in Mercy, Lord - The Collect (pp. 125-127) Service Participants: Chaplain Don Moldstad (Preacher), Rev. Prof. Mark Degarmeaux (Organist), BLC Concert Choir (Choral Group), Rev. Prof. Dennis Marzolf (Choir Director)

Robert McMullen was working as a Presbyterian missionary in eastern China when Japan invaded the country in 1937. His letters describing the chaotic period that followed are presented in a new book by Charles Bright and Joseph Ho. Its title is War and Occupation in China: The Letters of an American Missionary from Hangzhou, 1937-1938. I ask Bright and Ho about their book in this episode. We discuss the goals and methods of American Protestant missionaries in modern China, with a special focus on McMullen’s career. Then we explore McMullen’s attempts to mediate between the Chinese residents of Hangzhou and the occupying Japanese forces during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Last, we touch on some contemporary topics raised by McMullen’s experience, including public memory of Christian missions in China and the ingredients necessary for religious communication between cultures. Theme song composed by Brian Brill. Additional music from audionautix.com, the U.S. Army Band, and Hymnary.org.

Lloyd shares two thoughts on how Psalm 146 and Ash Wednesday relate to the school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Sgt. Bill shares lessons learned from a disqualification at his first sanctioned USPSA match. Mia shares a story of the dangers of being a good Samaritan. Aaron Israel shares some lessons we can learn from a Texas road rage incident. And Pastor Bennett answers some listener emails. THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY COOK'S HOLSTERS. AMERICAN MADE CUSTOM HOLSTERS WITH A 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE. www.CooksHolsters.com Links of Interest Daily Wire – BREAKING: CNN Reports FOUR Broward County Deputies Waited Outside School As Children Were Massacred Time – Broward Sheriff Deputy Resigns After Video Shows He Avoided School Shooting Sun Sentinel.com – Sheriff's hiring of political supporters under fire Hymnary.org – Savior, When in Dust to Thee [LSV 419] Commentary: Psalm 146 “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When this breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.” Psalm 146 cautions us to be careful in whom we place our trust. We place our trust in government, in schools, in police, to keep our kids safe. In every way imaginable, they fail us. Commentary: Ash Wednesday Few in the media noticed or commented on the fact that the Parkland shooting took place on Ash Wednesday. A day when we are reminded of our mortality. We are but dust, and to dust we shall return. Ballistic Minute with Sergeant Bill Sgt. Bill drove to Houston for his first sanctioned USPSA match and was disqualified after three stages. He shares the lessons he learned about how to avoid doing it yourself. Aaron Israel of Fundamental Defense A Travis County, Texas road rage incident serves as the basis for today's self-defense tip. Mia's Motivations with Mia Anstine Mia shares a personal friend's horrifying Good Samaritan story gone wrong and asks “what would you do?” Clinging to God and Guns Pastor Bennett answers some listener emails about specific Bible verses and how they relate the the gun-rights debate. Prayer of the Week O God, our heavenly Father, seeing that of ourselves we have no strength, keep us both outwardly and inwardly that we may be defended from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Our Closing Theme A rockin' rendition of A Mighty Fortress is Our God, performed just for Armed Lutheran Radio by Kenny Gates.