Podcast appearances and mentions of Isaac Watts

Episode 2.78Should Christian worship be limited to the inspired words of Scripture alone—or is it faithful to sing biblically rich hymns that proclaim Christ explicitly?In this episode, Michael and Zach examine Exclusive Psalmody, the view that only the Psalms should be sung in corporate worship. We explore what Exclusive Psalmody is, why it once dominated Reformed worship, and why it declined in the 18th century. Along the way, we trace the historical and theological arguments behind the practice, including its grounding in the regulative principle of worship and the sufficiency of the Psalter.The discussion then turns to Isaac Watts, whose question—“Where is Christ?”—reshaped Protestant worship by introducing explicitly Christ-centered hymnody. We weigh the strengths and challenges of both approaches, addressing concerns about inspiration, doctrinal purity, New Covenant worship, and pastoral clarity.The episode closes with a pastoral reflection on what our songs reveal about our theology—and whether faithfulness in worship is best defined by inspired words alone or inspired truth faithfully expressed.Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/ud-ToP15bd4Merch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

“From Slaves to Sons” - A lesson on the way that the triune God worked in our salvation not only to justify us, but to adopt us as sons of God. Music: “Behold the Glories of the Lamb.” Lyrics by Isaac Watts. Arranged by Toby Logsdon. Performed by “Crimson Covenant.” Copyright ©TobyLogsdon, 2026

“The Christian Identity” - a lesson on the Christian's identity in Christ as a member of the family and nation that God has been building throughout human history and as an inheritor of God's covenant promises. Music: “Psalm 119, part 16” Lyrics by Isaac Watts. Arranged by Toby Logsdon. Performed by “Theotronica!” Copyright ©TobyLogsdon, 2026

From the opening chapters of Scripture, the narrative of humanity is marked by the presence of a tree. At the heart of Eden stood two trees: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The tree of life offered the promise of ongoing life, while the other was strictly off limits, carrying the warning that eating its fruit would bring death. When the first humans chose to take what God had forbidden, they inherited not blessing but a cursebanishment from paradise and the inheritance of death. Since that fateful day in Eden, we have lived beneath the shadow of that curse outside of Eden, our lives marked by its consequences. Throughout this series,The Tree, we have traced Gods answer to the problem introduced in Eden. We have seen a promised Seed spoken of in the garden (Gen. 3:15), a promise preserved through judgment in the days of Noah (Gen. 69), narrowed through Abrahams only son (Gen. 22), carried forward through broken families and deeply flawed people, guarded through exile and deliverance, and entrusted to kings who both reflected Gods purposes and failed to live up to them. Again and again, the message has been unmistakable: Gods promise advances not because His people are faithful, but because He is. And then, in the fullness of time, the promise took on flesh (Gal. 4:4-7). The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). God did not merely speak againHe stepped into the story Himself (Heb. 1:1-2).Yet Luke 4 marks a decisive moment. Jesus is no longer simply the child of promise or the quiet presence of Immanuel. In Luke 4, Jesus stands up, opens the Scriptures, and for the first time publicly declares who He is and why He has come. It is no mystery that we humans are a mess. Scripture does not flatter us, and history confirms the diagnosis. We are fallen creatures living under the curse of sin. We are born spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1), enslaved to desires we cannot master (Rom. 6:16), inclined to distort what God has called good (Rom. 1:2125), and we live beneath the shadow of deathboth physical and spiritual (Rom. 5:12). Though humanity still bears the image of God (Gen. 1:2627), that image is no longer reflected as it once was. Our thinking is darkened, our lives disordered, and our relationships fractured. We were made for communion with God, yet we live far from Him. This brokenness did not occur in a vacuum. Scripture is equally clear that there is an enemy in the storyreal, personal, and malicious. Satan is the great antagonist of redemptive history, a murderer from the beginning who traffics in lies and delights in death. Jesus said of him,He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him for he is a liar and the father of lies(John 8:44). Yet even in judgment, God spoke hope. To the serpent and the woman He declared that a descendant would comeOne who would be wounded, yet in being wounded would crush the serpents head (Gen. 3:15). Death would strike, but it would not have the final word. From that moment forward, the Scriptures move with expectation. God promised His people a Deliverersomeone greater than Moses (Deut. 18:15; Heb. 3:16), someone greater than David who would reign with justice and peace forever (2 Sam. 7:1216; Ezek. 37:2428), someone who would not merely rule but redeem. Through the prophets, God revealed that peace would come through suffering, that the One who would heal the world would first bear the curse Himself. Isaiah saw it clearly:But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings and by His wounds we are healed(Isa. 53:5). This is why the announcement of Jesus birth was not sentimental but staggering. When angels appeared to shepherds living in darkness, they did not proclaim a teacher or a moral example, but a Savior:For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord(Luke 2:11). As the apostle Paul later wrote,For all the promises of God are Yes in Christ(2 Cor. 1:20; BSB). Jesus is not one promise among manyHe is the fulfillment of them all. It is against this backdrop that Luke 4 unfolds. Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth, enters the synagogue, and is handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He reads words every faithful Jew knew well: The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord (Luke 4:1819; Isa. 61:12). After reading, Jesus sat down and declared,Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing(Luke 4:21). We are then told that the immediate response of those in the synagogue that day was that of admiration: And all the people were speaking well of Him, and admiring the gracious words which were coming from His lips; and yet they were saying, Is this not Josephs son? (v. 22). Now listen (or read) what Jesus said next: And He said to them, No doubt you will quote this proverb to Me: Physician, heal yourself! All the miracles that we heard were done in Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well. But He said, Truly I say to you, no prophet is welcome in his hometown. But I say to you in truth, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months, when a severe famine came over all the land; and yet Elijah was sent to none of them, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And there were many with leprosy in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian. (vv. 23-27) Jesus mentioned two different people who had no biological connection to Abraham nor were they Jewish. A prophet called to speak on behalf of God by the name of Elijah went to Zarephath under the direction of Yahweh, to a town full of Gentiles during a time that a famine also affected Israel, and yet Elijah went to a Gentile widow who God miraculously fed and protected during that famine (see 1 Kings 17:824). Listen, the point Jesus was making is this: The widow of Zarephath was a Gentile outsiderpoor, desperate, and forgottenyet she received the mercy Israel assumed belonged to them alone. A second example Jesus gave was that of Naaman the Syrian who served as a commander of the enemies of Israel. Jesus said, And there were many with leprosy in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian (v. 27). Listen to what we are told concerning Naaman in 2 Kings 5, Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in the view of his master, and eminent, because by him the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man was also a valiant warrior, but afflicted with leprosy (v. 1). And yet, God healed him! How was Naaman healed? He was only healed after he humbled himself in obedience to the word of God delivered by Elisha the prophet (see 2 Kings 5:1-14). What was Jesus main point? He was showing that the promise of a Deliverer and redemption was never exclusive to Israel, but it was intended for all nations. When Jesus read from Isaiah and proclaimed, Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing (Luke 4:21), He wasnt simply interpreting the passageHe was revealing Himself as its fulfillment. In that moment, Jesus was announcing His mission, His authority, and the inclusive nature of His kingdom. He declared Himself as the promised Delivererthe greater Adam, the greater Abraham, the true Israeland made clear that through Him, blessing would extend to every nation, not just one people. In Luke 4:2527, Jesus reminds His hometown that God sent Elijah to a Gentile widow in Zarephath and healed Naaman the Syrianan enemy commandermaking clear that Gods mercy is received through Jesus by faith to all who will receive it, not where privilege assumes it. There are four facets of Jesus ministry that is described in these verses: Jesus Came as Good News to the Poor for All People Jesus clarifies the kind of poverty He has in view when He says,Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven(Matt. 5:3). This poverty is not merely economic. Scripture and experience alike tell us that not all who are materially poor long for God. The poor in spirit are those who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy before Himthose who know they have nothing to offer God but their need. Jesus is good news to such people precisely because it is only through Jesus that one can have God. Those who believe themselves rich in righteousness will feel no need for a Savior, but those who know they are empty will discover that Christ is everything. Jesus Came to Set Captives Free Out from the Nations Scripture declares,For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God(Rom. 3:23). Every human being is born enslaved to sinany violation of Gods holy standard. Human experience confirms what Scripture teaches:The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?(Jer. 17:9). Apart from Christ, every one of us stands under judgment (Rev. 20:1115). This is why Jesus came. As John the Baptist proclaimed,Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!(John 1:29). When Jesus read Isaiah 61 in the synagogue, His hearers assumed He was announcing political liberation and national restoration. What they did not understand was that their deepest captivity was not Roman oppression but spiritual bondage. Jesus came to proclaim liberty to captives whose chains were forged by sin. Jesus Came to Give Sight to the Blind Who Make Up All Humanity While Jesus healed physical blindness throughout His ministry, His greater work was opening spiritually blind eyes. This blindness is not learnedit is native to us. Scripture teaches,The hearts of the sons of mankind are full of evil, and insanity is in their hearts while they live, and afterward they go to the dead(Eccl. 9:3). Like a blind man standing in bright sunlight, the human heart may sense that something is there yet remain unable to see it. The apostle Paul explains this condition plainly:But a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned(1 Cor. 2:14). Only Jesus can open blind hearts to see the truth and beauty of God. Jesus Came to Bring Salvation and Redemption as Far as the Curse is Found Isaiah 61 was understood as a promise of a new agean age in which broken people and a broken creation would be restored, an age without tyranny, injustice, suffering, or death (Isa. 11:69; 65:1725). When Jesus read that passage, He claimed to be the One who would inaugurate that renewal. His miracleshealing the sick, restoring the lame, opening blind eyes, and raising the deadwere not merely acts of compassion; they were signs pointing to a greater restoration still to come (Matt. 11:45). Jesus redemption is both spiritual and physical. Though believers continue to struggle with sin and weakness in this life, there is coming a day when resurrection will make us whole:For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality(1 Cor. 15:53), whenwhat is mortal will be swallowed up by life(2 Cor. 5:4). How far reaching is the salvation and redemption Jesus was born to bring? Oh, let the anthem of Isaac Watts great hymn ring true in your heart: No more let sins and sorrows grow Nor thorns infest the ground He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found How far Christian? As far as the curse is found! Far as, far as the curse is found This is the gospel Jesus declared in Nazareth. It is comprehensive, gracious, and costly. It confronts sin, heals blindness, breaks chains, and promises restoration. And yet Luke tells us that this announcement did not lead to repentanceit led to rejection (Luke 4:2830). What Jesus proclaimed as good news, His hometown soon heard as an offense. They wanted a Messiah of their own making, not one who exposed their sin and need of a redeemer! They wanted deliverance on their terms, not salvation on Gods terms. And when Jesus made clear that Gods grace could not be claimed or secured by their religious deeds alone, admiration turned to rejection. Luke 4 reminds us that the greatest danger is not rejecting Jesus outright but rejecting Him after we think we know Him. The Promised One stood before them, opened the Scriptures, and declared fulfillmentand they refused Him. And that leaves us with the same question this passage presses upon every hearer: Will we receive Jesus as He truly is, or will we reject Him because He refuses to be the Savior we want Him to be? He is still good news to the poor, freedom for the captive, sight for the blind, and restoration for the brokenbut only for those willing to receive Him on His terms. The people rejected Jesus because He did not fit their mold of what the Messiah should be. He was not the Savior they wanted, even though He was exactly the Savior they needed. Jesus fulfilled Gods promises, but He refused to conform to human expectations. And Luke 4 presses the same question upon us today: will we receive Jesus as He truly is, or will we reject Him because He will not become the Messiah we want Him to be?

From the opening chapters of Scripture, the narrative of humanity is marked by the presence of a tree. At the heart of Eden stood two trees: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The tree of life offered the promise of ongoing life, while the other was strictly off limits, carrying the warning that eating its fruit would bring death. When the first humans chose to take what God had forbidden, they inherited not blessing but a cursebanishment from paradise and the inheritance of death. Since that fateful day in Eden, we have lived beneath the shadow of that curse outside of Eden, our lives marked by its consequences. Throughout this series,The Tree, we have traced Gods answer to the problem introduced in Eden. We have seen a promised Seed spoken of in the garden (Gen. 3:15), a promise preserved through judgment in the days of Noah (Gen. 69), narrowed through Abrahams only son (Gen. 22), carried forward through broken families and deeply flawed people, guarded through exile and deliverance, and entrusted to kings who both reflected Gods purposes and failed to live up to them. Again and again, the message has been unmistakable: Gods promise advances not because His people are faithful, but because He is. And then, in the fullness of time, the promise took on flesh (Gal. 4:4-7). The Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). God did not merely speak againHe stepped into the story Himself (Heb. 1:1-2).Yet Luke 4 marks a decisive moment. Jesus is no longer simply the child of promise or the quiet presence of Immanuel. In Luke 4, Jesus stands up, opens the Scriptures, and for the first time publicly declares who He is and why He has come. It is no mystery that we humans are a mess. Scripture does not flatter us, and history confirms the diagnosis. We are fallen creatures living under the curse of sin. We are born spiritually dead (Eph. 2:1), enslaved to desires we cannot master (Rom. 6:16), inclined to distort what God has called good (Rom. 1:2125), and we live beneath the shadow of deathboth physical and spiritual (Rom. 5:12). Though humanity still bears the image of God (Gen. 1:2627), that image is no longer reflected as it once was. Our thinking is darkened, our lives disordered, and our relationships fractured. We were made for communion with God, yet we live far from Him. This brokenness did not occur in a vacuum. Scripture is equally clear that there is an enemy in the storyreal, personal, and malicious. Satan is the great antagonist of redemptive history, a murderer from the beginning who traffics in lies and delights in death. Jesus said of him,He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him for he is a liar and the father of lies(John 8:44). Yet even in judgment, God spoke hope. To the serpent and the woman He declared that a descendant would comeOne who would be wounded, yet in being wounded would crush the serpents head (Gen. 3:15). Death would strike, but it would not have the final word. From that moment forward, the Scriptures move with expectation. God promised His people a Deliverersomeone greater than Moses (Deut. 18:15; Heb. 3:16), someone greater than David who would reign with justice and peace forever (2 Sam. 7:1216; Ezek. 37:2428), someone who would not merely rule but redeem. Through the prophets, God revealed that peace would come through suffering, that the One who would heal the world would first bear the curse Himself. Isaiah saw it clearly:But He was pierced for our offenses, He was crushed for our wrongdoings and by His wounds we are healed(Isa. 53:5). This is why the announcement of Jesus birth was not sentimental but staggering. When angels appeared to shepherds living in darkness, they did not proclaim a teacher or a moral example, but a Savior:For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord(Luke 2:11). As the apostle Paul later wrote,For all the promises of God are Yes in Christ(2 Cor. 1:20; BSB). Jesus is not one promise among manyHe is the fulfillment of them all. It is against this backdrop that Luke 4 unfolds. Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth, enters the synagogue, and is handed the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He reads words every faithful Jew knew well: The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord (Luke 4:1819; Isa. 61:12). After reading, Jesus sat down and declared,Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing(Luke 4:21). We are then told that the immediate response of those in the synagogue that day was that of admiration: And all the people were speaking well of Him, and admiring the gracious words which were coming from His lips; and yet they were saying, Is this not Josephs son? (v. 22). Now listen (or read) what Jesus said next: And He said to them, No doubt you will quote this proverb to Me: Physician, heal yourself! All the miracles that we heard were done in Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well. But He said, Truly I say to you, no prophet is welcome in his hometown. But I say to you in truth, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up for three years and six months, when a severe famine came over all the land; and yet Elijah was sent to none of them, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. And there were many with leprosy in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian. (vv. 23-27) Jesus mentioned two different people who had no biological connection to Abraham nor were they Jewish. A prophet called to speak on behalf of God by the name of Elijah went to Zarephath under the direction of Yahweh, to a town full of Gentiles during a time that a famine also affected Israel, and yet Elijah went to a Gentile widow who God miraculously fed and protected during that famine (see 1 Kings 17:824). Listen, the point Jesus was making is this: The widow of Zarephath was a Gentile outsiderpoor, desperate, and forgottenyet she received the mercy Israel assumed belonged to them alone. A second example Jesus gave was that of Naaman the Syrian who served as a commander of the enemies of Israel. Jesus said, And there were many with leprosy in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian (v. 27). Listen to what we are told concerning Naaman in 2 Kings 5, Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man in the view of his master, and eminent, because by him the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man was also a valiant warrior, but afflicted with leprosy (v. 1). And yet, God healed him! How was Naaman healed? He was only healed after he humbled himself in obedience to the word of God delivered by Elisha the prophet (see 2 Kings 5:1-14). What was Jesus main point? He was showing that the promise of a Deliverer and redemption was never exclusive to Israel, but it was intended for all nations. When Jesus read from Isaiah and proclaimed, Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing (Luke 4:21), He wasnt simply interpreting the passageHe was revealing Himself as its fulfillment. In that moment, Jesus was announcing His mission, His authority, and the inclusive nature of His kingdom. He declared Himself as the promised Delivererthe greater Adam, the greater Abraham, the true Israeland made clear that through Him, blessing would extend to every nation, not just one people. In Luke 4:2527, Jesus reminds His hometown that God sent Elijah to a Gentile widow in Zarephath and healed Naaman the Syrianan enemy commandermaking clear that Gods mercy is received through Jesus by faith to all who will receive it, not where privilege assumes it. There are four facets of Jesus ministry that is described in these verses: Jesus Came as Good News to the Poor for All People Jesus clarifies the kind of poverty He has in view when He says,Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven(Matt. 5:3). This poverty is not merely economic. Scripture and experience alike tell us that not all who are materially poor long for God. The poor in spirit are those who recognize their spiritual bankruptcy before Himthose who know they have nothing to offer God but their need. Jesus is good news to such people precisely because it is only through Jesus that one can have God. Those who believe themselves rich in righteousness will feel no need for a Savior, but those who know they are empty will discover that Christ is everything. Jesus Came to Set Captives Free Out from the Nations Scripture declares,For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God(Rom. 3:23). Every human being is born enslaved to sinany violation of Gods holy standard. Human experience confirms what Scripture teaches:The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?(Jer. 17:9). Apart from Christ, every one of us stands under judgment (Rev. 20:1115). This is why Jesus came. As John the Baptist proclaimed,Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!(John 1:29). When Jesus read Isaiah 61 in the synagogue, His hearers assumed He was announcing political liberation and national restoration. What they did not understand was that their deepest captivity was not Roman oppression but spiritual bondage. Jesus came to proclaim liberty to captives whose chains were forged by sin. Jesus Came to Give Sight to the Blind Who Make Up All Humanity While Jesus healed physical blindness throughout His ministry, His greater work was opening spiritually blind eyes. This blindness is not learnedit is native to us. Scripture teaches,The hearts of the sons of mankind are full of evil, and insanity is in their hearts while they live, and afterward they go to the dead(Eccl. 9:3). Like a blind man standing in bright sunlight, the human heart may sense that something is there yet remain unable to see it. The apostle Paul explains this condition plainly:But a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned(1 Cor. 2:14). Only Jesus can open blind hearts to see the truth and beauty of God. Jesus Came to Bring Salvation and Redemption as Far as the Curse is Found Isaiah 61 was understood as a promise of a new agean age in which broken people and a broken creation would be restored, an age without tyranny, injustice, suffering, or death (Isa. 11:69; 65:1725). When Jesus read that passage, He claimed to be the One who would inaugurate that renewal. His miracleshealing the sick, restoring the lame, opening blind eyes, and raising the deadwere not merely acts of compassion; they were signs pointing to a greater restoration still to come (Matt. 11:45). Jesus redemption is both spiritual and physical. Though believers continue to struggle with sin and weakness in this life, there is coming a day when resurrection will make us whole:For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality(1 Cor. 15:53), whenwhat is mortal will be swallowed up by life(2 Cor. 5:4). How far reaching is the salvation and redemption Jesus was born to bring? Oh, let the anthem of Isaac Watts great hymn ring true in your heart: No more let sins and sorrows grow Nor thorns infest the ground He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found How far Christian? As far as the curse is found! Far as, far as the curse is found This is the gospel Jesus declared in Nazareth. It is comprehensive, gracious, and costly. It confronts sin, heals blindness, breaks chains, and promises restoration. And yet Luke tells us that this announcement did not lead to repentanceit led to rejection (Luke 4:2830). What Jesus proclaimed as good news, His hometown soon heard as an offense. They wanted a Messiah of their own making, not one who exposed their sin and need of a redeemer! They wanted deliverance on their terms, not salvation on Gods terms. And when Jesus made clear that Gods grace could not be claimed or secured by their religious deeds alone, admiration turned to rejection. Luke 4 reminds us that the greatest danger is not rejecting Jesus outright but rejecting Him after we think we know Him. The Promised One stood before them, opened the Scriptures, and declared fulfillmentand they refused Him. And that leaves us with the same question this passage presses upon every hearer: Will we receive Jesus as He truly is, or will we reject Him because He refuses to be the Savior we want Him to be? He is still good news to the poor, freedom for the captive, sight for the blind, and restoration for the brokenbut only for those willing to receive Him on His terms. The people rejected Jesus because He did not fit their mold of what the Messiah should be. He was not the Savior they wanted, even though He was exactly the Savior they needed. Jesus fulfilled Gods promises, but He refused to conform to human expectations. And Luke 4 presses the same question upon us today: will we receive Jesus as He truly is, or will we reject Him because He will not become the Messiah we want Him to be?

Summary: Joy to the World (Advent Devo #18) In this final advent devotional for 2025, Pastor Jason Van Bemmel of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church examines the "accidental Christmas classic," "Joy to the World". Taking its inspiration from Psalm 98, this session explores how Isaac Watts' 1719 poem was originally intended as a New Testament reflection on the Psalms rather than a Christmas carol. The devotional highlights how the song bridges the "first coming" of Jesus as our Savior with the joyful anticipation of His "second coming" as King. Key highlights include: The Name of Jesus: A look at how Psalm 98 repeatedly references "salvation," which in Hebrew (Yeshua) is the very name of Jesus. Creation's Response: An exploration of why the "sea roars" and the "hills sing for joy"—nature itself rejoices in the rescue mission of God. The Accidental Classic: The history of how Watts' poetry was adapted and set to music over a century after its publication to become a worldwide holiday staple. The Gospel in the Psalms: Understanding Jesus as the "righteousness of God revealed" and the fulfillment of every covenant promise. Join us for this final study as we remember the first coming of Christ and pray with joy, "Come quickly, Lord Jesus". #Advent2025 #JoyToTheWorld #Psalm98 #BibleStudy #ForestHillPres #IsaacWatts #ChristmasEve #ChristianHymns

Based on Psalm 98, Isaac Watts' classic “Joy to the World” was written about Christ's 2nd coming, not His birth. 

Episode 2.65Every December, churches sing Joy to the World as if it were written for the manger. But historically—and theologically—that's not quite true. In this episode, Michael and Zach explore the surprising origins of one of the most beloved Christmas hymns and ask a simple question: What is this song actually about?Written by Isaac Watts and drawn primarily from Psalm 98, Joy to the World is not a nativity hymn but a declaration of kingship. It celebrates the Lord coming to reign, judge the world with righteousness, and restore creation—not the quiet birth of a child in Bethlehem. There are no shepherds, angels, or manger scenes here. Instead, the imagery is cosmic: seas roaring, fields rejoicing, nations witnessing salvation, and creation responding to the arrival of its King.That doesn't make Joy to the World unfit for Christmas—it makes it richer. Christmas marks the arrival of the King whose reign Psalm 98 anticipates. Advent looks not only backward to Christ's first coming but forward to His return. The hymn pulls Christmas out of sentimentality and anchors it in hope: sin and sorrow will not reign forever, because Christ does.In a season often focused on comfort and nostalgia, Joy to the World reminds believers that Christmas is not just about a baby—it's about a throne. We sing it not because the world is already joyful, but because its King has come…and He's coming again.Find our videocast here: https://youtu.be/lLg-V2hi8kAMerch here: https://take-2-podcast.printify.me/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone⁠License code: 2QZOZ2YHZ5UTE7C8Find more Take 2 Theology content at http://www.take2theology.com

Did you know “Joy to the World” was not originally written as a Christmas carol? Isaac Watts wrote it as a poem inspired by Psalm 98, a picture of all creation celebrating the day when Christ comes to reign and when sin and sorrow are finally gone. Even so, the joy he described, the joy of a world made new under its rightful King, traces back to a quiet field where angels announced good news of great joy for all people. I hope you will join us as we look at that joy together this Sunday.

In this four-part Advent series we are looking at four Christmas Carols and the history behind them. But most of all, we will consider the Scripture that motivated being written in the first place. Today we begin with Joy to the World, a song written by Isaac Watts and prompted by his reading of Psalm 98. https://midtownchurch.com/

Joy to the World isn't just a Christmas song — it's a Kingdom announcement.Isaac Watts didn't write it about the manger. He wrote it about the King who reigns. In this message we look at the true source of joy, and why “joy” is not the same thing as “happiness.” Happiness responds to circumstances. Joy […]

Why this series about Christmas carols? What was left out of the sermon? Why "Joy to the World"? What was it about this song? What is the best Isaac Watts fact? Why is the incarnation such a big deal? What's next? All this and more on this week's episode. Enjoy!

Today John dives into the surprising backstory of Joy to the World and why this famous Christmas song was never meant to be a Christmas song at all. Written by Isaac Watts as a reflection on Psalm 98, this carol points to the three Advents: Jesus coming in Bethlehem, Jesus coming into our hearts today, and Jesus coming again to set all things right. Learn why singing shapes our soul, how “collective effervescence” connects us to God and each other, and how you can choose the song you carry into the world today.

It's almost Christmas, and the song "Joy to the World" is playing everywhere! But did you know that its author, Isaac Watts, never meant it as a Christmas song? And did you know that he faced some opposition when he proposed that Christians can sing more than just the biblical Psalms? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Grace, Isaac, and Sean talk with our expert, Rev. Jonathan Landry Cruse, pastor of Community Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo, MI, and author of many books. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at 10ofThose Publishing, we are pleased to offer our listeners a copy of Jonathan Cruse's book, Sing in Exultation: A Christmas Devotional Exploring Our Favorite Carols. Enter here to win.    Show Notes: Several past episodes of Kids Talk Church History were mentioned today. Check out our website to listen to some of them: https://alliancenet.org/broadcasts/ktch/ More Jonathan Cruse books: https://reformedresources.org/authors/jonathan-cruse/

Advent begins here with a reminder of what joy actually is. This message invites us to consider what happens when the true King arrives and how His coming reshapes both the world around us and the places in our lives we keep trying to manage alone. “Joy to the World” isn't merely a Christmas playlist song. It's a proclamation of a reigning Savior, a broken curse, and a rescue that genuinely changes everything.Isaac Watts' 1719 hymn is a bold announcement of a Savior who confronts sin, quiets sorrows, pushes back the thorns of Genesis 3, and rules with truth and grace. It's theologically deep, anchoring our hope in the One whose arrival continues to transform hearts, creation, and the story we're living in.What you will discover:· The history of “Joy to the World” and why it was originally written.· How singing and spiritual warfare go hand in hand (and why that matters for you).· The surprising scope of salvation (hint: it's bigger than you think).· What hidden assumptions in your daily frustrations reveal about your heart and how the gospel confronts them.· How the cross turns the birth of Jesus from an inspiring story into a world-shaking announcement.Support our mission and learn more atwww.alloflife.churchGive to the work of the gospel herewww.alloflife.churchcenter.com/giving

Isaac Watts' beloved 1719 hymn is not a Christmas carol but a triumphant anthem of Christ's second coming and earthly rule, —a truth that calls believers to worship with understanding as they anticipate the soon-coming King who will replace failing human governments with everlasting righteousness and peace. If ever the world needed a King to rule it is now. Reality dictates that while men and organizations strive to establish a one-world government, to resolve world problems, it is a counterfeit attempt to usurp the will of the Father: "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

DateNovember 30, 2025SynopsisIn this sermon, we kick off our Advent series, Repeat the Sounding Joy: Practicing an Honest Advent, by reclaiming joy as a defiant and contagious act of resistance. Joy is not a denial of despair, but an empowering force that opens our lips and loosens our tongues to sing of a future that refuses to be limited by current reality. We explore how Elizabeth's loud blessing and Zechariah's prophetic song disrupt the silence of Empire, giving us the courage to bless what God is doing and declare the breaking dawn now.ReferencesScripture: Luke 1:39–45; Luke 1:67–80About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

Let's examine the theology behind the song "Joy to the World" by Isaac Watts.

The season of Advent begins this Sunday, November 30, and ends, appropriately enough, on Christmas Eve — Sunday, December 24. No doubt many churches will sing Isaac Watts' "Joy to the World" throughout this season, especially on Christmas Eve. But did you know that Watts wrote that song to celebrate the Second Coming, not the birth of Jesus Christ? Advent celebrates both in the Christian tradition. It looks backward to the First Coming and forward to the Second Coming. It is a thoroughly historical and end-times holiday season. In this episode of the podcast, I talk to Allen Tennison about the relationship between Advent and eschatology. I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host. Tennison is theological counsel of The General Council of the Assemblies of God. ————— This episode of the Influence podcast is brought to you by My Healthy Church, distributors of the Ignite Parenting Conversation Cards. Strengthen your family's relationships with God and each other with these easy-to-use Conversation Cards. Each card is uniquely designed with a question, faith builder statement, and a Bible verse to spark meaningful conversations that cultivate an open and nurturing environment in your home. For more information about the Ignite Parenting Conversation Cards visit MyHealthyChurch.com.

Isaac Watts famous hymn encourages us to "Survey The Wondrous Cross". This turning point in history is the place where every sinner must come. We must bring our sins and look to the only One who can atone for them. We consider what was happening and the eternal significance of Christ's death and the momentous events of Calvary.

In reflecting on Hurricane Melissa which hitting Jamaica (a place very dear to Carmen), Carmen reflects the storms in the Bible and also on Isaac Watts' hymn "Our God in Help in Ages Past." Pastor Julio Volcy and Andy Carr of Haiti Teen Challenge talk about how in the midst of such a broken nation, God is doing great things in the lives of many Haitians. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

We talk about a lot of things…Charles Wesley, Isaac Watts, but especially William Billings and his “erroneously” telling his readers to pair a text with tunes THAT DON'T MATCH! Did we crack the mystery?You can read and link to Chris' accomplishments here, and please check out his new book, “Hymns & Devotions for Daily Worship.”

In this episode of The Chorus in the Chaos, Jack sits down with Greg De Blieck, hymn writer and leader of New Scottish Hymns, to explore the deep connection between music, theology, and worship. Greg shares his story of growing up in Scotland, his love for hymnody, and his passion for writing songs that communicate biblical truth with clarity and beauty. Together, Jack and Greg discuss: The power of music to shape culture, community, and faith The role of hymns in encouraging believers beyond Sunday worship Theological foundations for music as communication and communion The Reformers' cautious yet profound view of music in the church Practical wisdom for pastors, elders, and worship leaders choosing songs for corporate worship The dangers of Christian celebrity culture and why the local church must remain central From folk influences in Scottish hymnody to reflections on Tolkien, Lewis, and Isaac Watts, this episode offers a rich and thoughtful conversation about why music matters—and how it can point us more fully to Christ.

In our hymn study this weekend we look at a famous hymn by Welsh hymn writer, William Williams. Williams was known as the "Watts of Wales" comparing him to Isaac Watts of England. In this hymn Williams uses the history of God's Old Testament people as an analogy for our earthly lives. He uses historical accounts of the Manna God provided from heaven for the Israelites, the pillar of cloud and fire, the water that God brought forth out of a rock, and finally the crossing of the Jordan river into the Promised Land of Canaan as illustrations of God's guiding and protecting hand in our lives today. Just as the Children of Israel were strangers in the wilderness, looking ahead to the Promised land of Canaan, so we are also strangers in this world of sin, looking ahead to the Promised Land of Heaven. Our prayer is that God would guide us, defend and protect us and feed and nurture us both physically and spiritually throughout our earthly lives, until He finally brings us across the river of physical death and delivers us into His eternal kingdom.  May the LORD enrich our understanding of His word and cause us to appreciate His presence in our lives and His defeat of death in Christ, which gives us confidence in our eternal future!

In Matthew 13 Jesus tells a parable about the kingdom of heaven and he says that, "the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field." The point of this parable is that there is nothing more valuable than the kingdom of God, and that, like the man in the parable, we should not allow anything to stand in the way of our entering that kingdom. Psalm 72 has much to say about the kingdom of God and what it will be like, but even more importantly, I think Psalm 72 shows us why the kingdom of God is so valuable and so great. In Psalm 72 we see that The Greatness of God's Kingdom is Found in the Greatness of God's King...The author of Psalm 72 beautifully draws upon many Old Testament promises about the Messiah-King and essentially turns them into a prayer for God to bring this king, and all of his blessings, into the world. So wonderfully, then, does this great prayer find an even greater answer in the true king of God's kingdom, the Lord Jesus Christ. In Psalm 72, we see that the reign of King Jesus will bring Righteousness & Justice, Peace & Prosperity, and most importantly, it will last forever... Psalm 72 has been long loved by the people of God and was the inspiration for the great hymn "Jesus Shall Reign" written by Isaac Watts in 1719. You can find that great song at this link: Click Here for "Jesus Shall Reign"

Send me a Text Message! (I can't directly respond, but I can answer questions and share comments in upcoming episodes! Proverbs 18:2 says "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion." Today I am going to share why pursuing a well educated mind is not only helpful in not being the fool, but is actually part of being a faithful Christian. Plus I have a few practical tips to help you jumpstart your own journey of growing in understanding and wisdom.------Non HE Top Loader Washers with agitators are superior - Change my Mind.Text me your laundry hacks and woes.------The Bible stays GET wisdom, GET understanding. This is not just the accumulation of knowledge but of understanding that grows into wisdom."No man is obliged to learn and know everything; this can neither be sought nor required, for it is utterly impossible. Yet all persons are under some obligation to improve their own understanding, otherwise it will be a barren desert or a forest overgrown with weeds and brambles. Universal ignorance or infinite errors will overspread the mind, which is utterly neglected and lies without any cultivation." - Isaac Watts------Stay tuned for PART TWO! The practical tips are next!Isaac Watts "Improvement of the Mind"Support the showLove wellness products for your whole family? Shop Earthley and support SPF!Get 10% off your first order with code FIRSTSPF : https://earthley.com/?affiliateId=lauren-hlushakSupport SPF $5 a month: patreon.com/sheprovesfaithfulSign Up for the SPF newsletter: sheprovesfaithful.com/newsletterIf you're enjoying the SPF Podcast, please leave a review on your favorite podcast player! Thank you!

What are the characteristics of effective prayers and praying? Well, one of them is praying biblically in accordance with the will of God from Scripture. Few were equal or better than this than the Puritans. One of the greatest devotionals I've ever read and meditated upon is titled, "The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions," edited by Arthur Bennett. It is an inspirational collection of prayers/devotionals that will certainly engage the reader's heart and mind to learn prayer and follow Christ more closely. This prayer on this episode of 2Days Denarius is titled, "Morning Dedication." The author of the prayer is not given, as none are in the book. But prayers from names such as, Richard Baxter, David Brainerd, Thomas Watson, Isaac Watts, Charles Spurgeon, among others are the ones who are the contributors to this collection. It's encouraged to those who listen to acquire a copy of "Valley of Vision" and discover the devotional value of this book!"Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions," Arthur Benntt, ed. Banner of Truth Trust, Carlisle, PA: 1975."Valley of Vision" may be purchased on the Banner of Truth Trust website at: banneroftruth.orgSong "Holy Is the Lord" is used by permission of author/performing artist, Pastor Steve Hereford, of the Changed By Grace Church in Jacksonville, FL. His inspirational Scripture songs may be found on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and many other well-known streaming services. Search "Steve Hereford."Your comments are welcome! Send a text my way!2Days Denarius is a Bible believing teaching ministry devoted to the inerrancy, infallibility, and authority of Scripture as our only rule of faith and practice. It also holds to the doctrinal tenets of the London Baptist confession of 1689. This ministry may be reached at 2daysdenarius@gmail.com Material used in this podcast are provided under the educational and commentary provisions of Section 207 of the Fair Use Act of 1976.

About "Humility: Adopting Paul's "Less Than the Least" Mindset" Isaac Watts saw pride as a root‑poison in the soul and wrote these pages to help Christians dig it out by its very source. Here you will find no mere rules or moralizing, but a steady unfolding of: Pride wears subtle disguises in every heart. Christ's humility is our pattern, and Paul's self-abasement is our example. There is quiet power in depending on God and knowing our nothingness. Peace and grace flow from esteeming others and denying self. Read slowly. Let each gentle conviction awaken you to your own need. Then, having learned to think "slightly less of yourself and slightly more of others," discover the unsearchable riches Christ gives to the humble of heart. A worm may lift itself up above other worms, but one step from a man crushes it into the dust. So it is with us. We may seem greater than our neighbors, but in God's presence, we are nothing. — Isaac Watts

About "Humility: Adopting Paul's "Less Than the Least" Mindset" Isaac Watts saw pride as a root‑poison in the soul and wrote these pages to help Christians dig it out by its very source. Here you will find no mere rules or moralizing, but a steady unfolding of: Pride wears subtle disguises in every heart. Christ's humility is our pattern, and Paul's self-abasement is our example. There is quiet power in depending on God and knowing our nothingness. Peace and grace flow from esteeming others and denying self. Read slowly. Let each gentle conviction awaken you to your own need. Then, having learned to think "slightly less of yourself and slightly more of others," discover the unsearchable riches Christ gives to the humble of heart. A worm may lift itself up above other worms, but one step from a man crushes it into the dust. So it is with us. We may seem greater than our neighbors, but in God's presence, we are nothing. — Isaac Watts

To learn the backstory of a hymn can be a richly rewarding exercise. The same applies with hymnwriters. This week we consider the life and faith of two wonderful hymnists of yesteryear: Isaac Watts (1674–1748) and Frances Ridley Havergal (1836–1879).    Featured Resources:  – Mark S. Shuttleworth, 'Isaac Watts: The Man Behind the Hymns', The Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 221, February 1982. – Pamela D. Bugden, 'Sweet Singer and Poet of Worcestershire', The Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 503, August–September 2005.    Worthy of note:  The Havergal Trust has been set up by David Chalkley to make the complete works of Frances Ridley Havergal available to the body of Christ in our own day. To date, a number of the titles have appeared as paperbacks, and there is a strong desire to see all volumes published in due course. If you would like to browse the books, or find out more about the project, see below:  https://www.havergaltrust.com/about/about-the-havergal-trust/    Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

2025晨鐘課－每天，都是新的起點 以歷史智慧滋養生活，點亮2025每一天！ 借鑑過去，活在當下，展望未來！ 粵語廣播網站 (時兆出版社授權錄製) https://soundcloud.com/mediahk Podcast@靈修廣播站 7月17日 永不再分散 以後我們這活著還存留的人必和他們一同被提到雲裡，在空中與主相遇。這樣，我們就要和主永遠同在。 帖撒羅尼迦前書 4：17   有些告別在我們心中留下深深的空洞。眼睜睜地看著想與之朝夕相處的人離去，會讓我們心碎。如果我們已看出某個人想離開，那麼開口請求他／她留下肯定會令我們感到痛苦。當我們知道一聲「再見」過後，今生就再無可能和對方相見，這種告別更是令人肝腸寸斷。沒錯，人人都憧憬著這樣一處美地，可以讓我們永遠不用對彼此說再見。 以撒．瓦茨（Isaac Watts，1674–1748）於1674年7月17日出生在英國南安普敦；被譽為「英國讚美詩之父」的他一生創作了大約六百首聖詩。他在1707年寫下了下面這首優美的《永不再分散》（新版《讚美詩》第133首）。以下是它第一段歌詞和最初的副歌： 「有一地方永無痛苦，神人同居相歡，無窮白晝驅盡陰暗，耶穌永為我伴。我們將到光明天鄉，不久即聞號筒吹響，那時耶穌永為我伴，永遠不再、不再分散。」 這是威廉．米勒耳（William Miller）最愛的聖詩之一。1849年在他離世之前，他請家人一遍又一遍地唱著這首詩歌。多年來，復臨教會的全球總會代表大會和營會也曾多次以這首讚美詩作為終場詩歌，並將接下來的問題留給會眾：「這會是我們最後一次的聚會嗎？下一次會不會在天堂？」 耶穌沒有像復臨派的先驅者們所期望的那樣快快復臨。但要知道，如今祂復臨的時刻要比以撒．瓦茨譜寫這美麗的詩歌，或威廉．米勒耳唱這首詩歌時更加接近；同樣，也比那些以這首歌作為終場詩歌的復臨教會大會和營會更加接近。毫無疑問，耶穌很快將駕天雲顯現，帶我們回家，之後我們將「永不再分散」！ #媒體佈道部 #港澳區會 #聲音書 #時兆出版社 #每天，都是新的起點 #本書由時兆出版社授權刊載

A new MP3 sermon from Grace Audio Treasures is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Worship at Emanuel's Feet Subtitle: Puritan Devotional Speaker: Isaac Watts Broadcaster: Grace Audio Treasures Event: Devotional Date: 7/13/2025 Bible: Psalm 22; Isaiah 53 Length: 7 min.

“David's Last Words” - a lesson on trusting in God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, and finding our hope in that rather than anything else. Music: “Psalm 119 (part 9)” Lyrics by Isaac Watts, Abridged by Toby Logsdon, performed by Theotronica!

When everything else fades, God remains our dwelling place through all generations.

Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/editorialtpv El día de hoy hablaremos sobre el impacto de los avivamientos del siglo 18 entre los bautistas, especialmente en la obra de Andrew Fuller, de acuerdo al capítulo 2 "The Enlightenment" del libro 2,000 Years of Christ's Power Vol. 5: The Age of Enlightenment and Awakening, por Nick Needham. Ver aquí: https://www.christianfocus.com/products/3092/2000-years-of-christs-power . Páginas: 183-265. El podcast explora el impacto del renacimiento evangélico del siglo 18 en Inglaterra y Gales, destacando la resistencia inicial de los disidentes ortodoxos como Isaac Watts, que encontraron problemático el emocionalismo del renacimiento y el contexto anglicano. A continuación se traza la influencia del renacimiento a través de la revitalización de los bautistas particulares, liderados por el énfasis de Andrew Fuller en la libre oferta del Evangelio, y los bautistas generales, reformados por el trinitarismo de influencia metodista de Daniel Taylor. Además, el podcast examina las importantes contribuciones de mujeres como Anne Dutton y el papel fundamental de los renovadores galeses, como Griffith Jones, Howell Harris, Daniel Rowland y William Williams (famoso por sus himnos), en la configuración de la vida religiosa galesa. Por último, se analiza la persecución que sufrieron los metodistas, las consecuencias duraderas del Renacimiento (nueva himnodia, literatura, denominaciones, misiones y reforma social) y su impacto en cuestiones sociales como la reforma penitenciaria y la abolición de la esclavitud.  Siguenos: - Web: https://teologiaparavivir.com/ - Blog: https://semperreformandaperu.org/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teologiaparavivir/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teologiaparavivir/ - Youtube: https://www.instagram.com/teologiaparavivir/

Today's episode focuses on one of the great people of the Christianity, Isaac Watts' lesser-known, but deeply powerful ideas that comes from his devotional writings. He wrote: “Fixing and living on a particular word of grace for the whole day will let it abide on your heart and whisper to your soul with divine sweetness in the dark and solitary watches of the night.” The idea is simple. Each day, you let one word from Scripture—a word of grace—settle in your soul. Listen to learn more and be inspired!DONATE You can help support this podcast by clicking our secure PayPal account. For donation by check, make payable to Transform This City, P.O. Box 1013, Spring Hill, Tennessee, 37174. “gwot.rocks” is a ministry of Transform This City, a registered 501(C)(3) The Four Spiritual Laws - how you can be born again and have eternal life?The Spirit Filled Life- how you can live each day in the power of God'd Holy Spirit!Voices From The Past Volume 1 & 2"Other Things with... " YouTube ChannelCut & Paste Personal Invitation to invite your friends to check out “gwot.rocks” podcast: I invite you to check out the podcast, “gwot.rocks: God, the World, and Other Things!” It is available on podcast players everywhere! Here is the link to the show's home base for all its episodes: http://podcast.gwot.rocks/ (Ctrl+click to follow the link) LIFE HELPSgwot.rocks home page Transform This City Transform This City Facebook gwot.rocks@transformthiscity.org Thank you for listening! Please tell your friends about us! Listen, share, rate, subscribe! Empowering Encouragement Now segments are based in part on C.H. Spurgeon's Morning & Evening Devotions (public domain.)ChatGPT and/or Bard may be used at times to expedite research material for this podcast.Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian StandardBible®, Copyright © 2016 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. ChristianStandard Bible® and CSB® is a federally registered trademark of Holman Bible Publishers.At times, I also quote from the NIV version of the Bible - Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Give All to Gain All - Matthew 13:44-58When the child of GodLooks into the word of GodAnd sees the Son of GodThey are transformed by the Spirit of GodInto the image of GodFor the glory of God- Warren WiersbeWhen King Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, He was offering Himself up as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.Zechariah 9:9 (ESV)9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!Behold, your king is coming to you;righteous and having salvation is he,humble and mounted on a donkey,on a colt, the foal of a donkey.Jesus came into Jerusalem on the very day the sacrificial lambs that would become the Passover lambs were brought into Jerusalem from Bethlehem. Jesus is the Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7) who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).Psalm 118:25-26a (ESV)25Save us, we pray, O Lord!O Lord, we pray, give us success!26Blessed is he who comes in the name [authority] of the Lord!Let's do the math: 10 sins a day x 365 days = 3,650 sins per person per year; Multiplying that by 30 years per person equals 109,500 sins per person in a lifetime. Multiplying that by the 117 billion people who have lived in history = 12 quadrillion, 811 trillion, 500 billion sins.- Jim Denison2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.Matthew 27:46 (ESV)46And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”John 19:30 (ESV)30When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished [Tetelestai]," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.Two little parables about the Kingdom's inestimable value - V. 44-46What is the point to us of the parables in verses 44-46? To get the greater treasure the man had to first give up everything he previously treasured. And for us to really get Jesus we have to do the same. But when we give our all to get Jesus, two things happen: we gain more than we could ever imagine, and we also gain what was ours back better than before.Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small. Love so amazing, so Divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. - Isaac Watts, Verse 4 of When I Survey the Wondrous CrossLearn to know Christ and Him crucified. Learn to sing to Him and say, “Lord Jesus, you are my righteousness, I am your sin. You have taken upon Yourself what is mine and given me what is Yours. You have become what You were not so that I might become what I was not." - Martin LutherAnother parable about the great ‘sorting' to come - V. 47-50Are you ready for the ‘great sorting' to come after Christ returns?Hebrews 9:27-28 (ESV)27And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.Remember from Matthew 13 that we are called to be sowers not sorters! Catch all the people you can for Jesus – He will sort out whether they were truly saved or not. True Disciples will bring forth Scripture treasure - V. 51-52In chapter 13 Jesus spoke of making what was a mystery in the past known now. Those who love Jesus will be able to explain how New Testament truth comes out of Old Testament truth.If you don't take who Jesus is, what He has taught, and what He has done for you seriously, you won't see God do much either. But if you recognize how valuable this faith is, you will give up everything to gain Jesus!

Today's episode is a discussion about conversation. Or maybe it's a conversation about discussion?? No matter, the point is that Isaac Watts has some helpful advice for us if we want to have fruitful interactions with others. You're going to love this conversation! *** If you've considered upgrading your Sistership membership from FREE to Sophie level, now is the time to do that! Next week, we're hosting a live workshop with Elsie Iudicello on a white board tool called Closing Board that is as scrappy as homeschool can get – it's the tool you never knew you needed. To attend the workshop, and so much more, all you have to do is make sure you are a Sophie level member of the Sistership! Just go to scholesisters.com/join and sign up. *** Click here to access today's show notes. Click here to join the FREE area of the Sistership.

Daniel J. Mount and Levi Johnston discuss the best nine songs from Psalm 14.Show NotesFree searchable database of expository songs: https://expositorysongs.com/ Audio version of podcast: https://expositorysongs.buzzsprout.com/ Featured SongsLord, Protect Your People (Psalm 14) - Nathan Clark Georgehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWplWgO22yo O that the Lord's salvation - Henry Francis Lytehttps://hymnary.org/text/o_that_the_lords_salvation The Fool Has Said in His Heart (Psalm 14) - My Soul Among Lions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az_pt_yU9os Psalm 14, Let Deliverance Come Out Of Zion - Karl Kohlhasehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30KBzrzI83U O Savior, Come (Psalm 14) - My Soul Among Lions, Jake Mentzel|Philip Moyerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BF_7mSFHYyU https://songbook.warhornmedia.com/songs/psalm-14-o-savior-come-msal/ Fools in their hearts believe and say - Isaac Watts https://hymnary.org/text/fools_in_their_hearts_believe_and_sayThe Fool Speaks in His Heart - Anonymoushttps://hymnary.org/text/the_fool_speaks_in_his_heart_there_is Psalm 14 - David R. Erbhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqTxDI9mvyIPsalm 14 - Ian Whitehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lW2ndgaqEQPsalm 14 (Only Fools) - Randy Gordonhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoEWqzveTZ8The Fool Speaks In His Heart (OPC Trinity Psalter 2016)https://hymnary.org/text/the_fool_speaks_in_his_heart_there_isSure wicked Fools, devoid of Shame - Francis Hopkinsonhttps://hymnary.org/text/sure_wicked_fools_devoid_of_shameVain foolish Men profanely boast - Martin Luther (Johann Jacobi, trans.)https://hymnary.org/text/vain_foolish_men_profanely_boast 

Isaac Watts' influence extends far beyond the hymns he penned. Today, Stephen Nichols reflects on five powerful sayings from Watts, revealing his deep theological insight and enduring impact on Christian worship. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/isaac-watts-in-5-sayings A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Daniel J. Mount and Chad Berry discuss the best songs from Psalm 13.Show NotesFree searchable database of expository songs: https://expositorysongs.com/ Audio version of podcast: https://expositorysongs.buzzsprout.com/ Featured SongsHow Long, O Lord, How Long (Psalm 13) (Sovereign Grace Music / Matthew Carpenter, Lisa Clow, Brittany Born, David Zimmer)https://sovereigngracemusic.org/music/songs/how-long-o-lord-how-long-psalm-13/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdUnNIktxxI How Long, O Lord (Psalm 13) (My Soul Among Lions / Jody Killingsworth, Jake Mentzel)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R00Kl8iwq2E How Long? (Rachel Wilhelm / Jeremy Geddert)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykxwK2iT9PA How Long? (Michael Card / Michael Card)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy7ERI2uRPs Psalm 13 (The Corner Room)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBv21Q_WJp0 How Long, O LORD (Psalm 13) (Abe & Liza Philip / Abe & Liza Philip)https://songsfromscripture.bandcamp.com/track/how-long-o-lord-psalm-13 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yci4Ei917QU How Long (Psalm 13) (Kiran Young Wimberly and The McGraths)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCig6M87cy8 Psalm 13:5,6 (Catherine Melodie McCluskey)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFBX8Hmodx4 Song of Lament (Psalm 13) (Alliance Worship)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBDzuGNL7Zg Consider (Jamie Soles)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgr89kZOA0EPsalm 13: How Long? (The Psalms Project)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INXhqpHVFB0 Psalm 13 Word for Word (Zac Fitzsimmons Music)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Umj_bhn6ys How Long, O Lord? (13) (Dan Becker)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EcZmuuJYKkHow Long O Lord (Psalm 13) (Pete Crockett)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYqv32AMNSURe-tuning challenge:How Long Wilt Thou Forget Me, Lord (Charles Wesley)https://expositorysongs.com/lyrics/how-long-wilt-thou-forget-me-lord-charles-wesley/ How Long Wilt Thou Conceal Thy Face (Psalm 13) (Isaac Watts)https://hymnary.org/text/how_long_wilt_thou_conceal_thy_face How Long Wilt Thou Forget Me (Author unknown)https://hymnary.org/text/how_long_wilt_thou_forget_me_o_lord_t

One of the great hymn writers of all time, Isaac Watts, wrote “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” In penning its lyrics, he used the poetic device of paradox to show a contrast in themes: “my richest gain I count but loss” and “pour contempt on all my pride.” We sometimes call these “oxymorons,” words used in seeming contradiction to themselves—like “awfully good” and “jumbo shrimp.” In the case of Watts’s lyrics, this device is far more profound. Jesus used paradox often. “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3), He said, suggesting that those who have no hope will receive more than they could ever hope for. Jesus speaks to you and me who’ve lost someone dear (v. 4), assuring us that those who are sad “will be comforted.” Later in His ministry Jesus says, “Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first” (19:30). Jesus was showing how in God’s kingdom the common rules of religion don’t apply. These paradoxes tell us that life in Christ defies all expectations: we who are nobodies are cherished as somebodies. It was on the cross that Jesus bore a visual paradox—a crown of thorns. Isaac Watts took this symbol of ridicule and, paradoxically, gave it soaring beauty: “Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, / or thorns compose so rich a crown?” In this we thrill yet are mindful of the final line of the hymn: “Love so amazing, so divine, / demands my soul, my life, my all.”

Segment 1: • Tim Challies Hits Hard: We easily fall into the habit of critiquing sermons rather than learning from them. • What's at Stake? Constant criticism of pastors does little to build us up spiritually. • Biblical Perspective: Matthew 20 reminds us that Scripture isn't random—it's teaching us to focus on Jesus, not just theological nitpicking. Segment 2: • Consumer vs. Servant: Do you approach church expecting to be fed, or expecting to serve? • A Better Way to Listen: Instead of critiquing every word of a sermon, come to church as a needy person, eager to grow. • Matthew 20's Challenge: True greatness in the kingdom isn't found in tearing down but in humbling yourself and serving others. Segment 3: • God's Sovereignty in Your Church: Your pastor is the one God placed in your life for a reason—support and pray for him. • Big Names Aren't Always Better: Older pastors often soften their theology—are we idolizing voices over biblical truth? • Where's Your Assignment? Instead of chasing spiritual celebrity culture, invest in your local church community. Segment 4: • Different Reactions: Why do we mourn some fallen pastors while being outraged by others? • Who Are You Consuming? If a pastor simply echoes your voice, their fall will agitate you. But if they help you love Jesus more, it will grieve you. • Isaac Watts' Warning: Even centuries ago, humanism was creeping into the church—what are we allowing to shape our theology today? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!

Kirk picks apart not one, not two, but twenty one micro-songs by the great They Might Be Giants.What's that blue thing doing here? Who's knocking on the wall? And for that matter, who's that standing out the window? It's time to answer those questions and many more, as Kirk delves into The Might Be Giants' singular collection of mini-songs, "Fingertips." It's a stylistic smorgasbord of sound, with everything from jazz to rock to lounge to... honestly, genre doesn't exist and "Fingertips" proves it. Each tiny song shines for its brief moment of life, and then lives on forever in your imagination. Written by: John Flansburgh and John LinnellAlbum: Apollo 18 (1992)Listen/Buy: Apple Music | Amazon | SpotifyALSO FEATURED/DISCUSSED:"Particle Man," "Birdhouse In Your Soul," and "Minimum Wage" by They Might Be Giants and "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" by Jimmy Kennedy and Nat Simon from Flood, 1990"Extra Savoir Faire" by TMBG from John Henry, 1994The 2002 documentary Gigantic (A Tale of Two Johns)“The Simpsons Main Title Theme” by Danny Elfman, 1989“Joy To The World” - lyrics by Isaac Watts as performed by Nat “King” ColeOUTRO SOLOIST: Kirk HamiltonKirk is the host of Strong Songs. He lives in Portland, Oregon, where he likes to play the drums. He thinks he's getting good but he can handle criticism.----LINKS-----RECAST RECOMMENDATION: "Samba Party" by Matteo Mancuso from The Journey, 2023SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!Paypal | Patreon.com/StrongsongsMERCH STOREstore.strongsongspodcast.comSOCIAL MEDIAIG: @Kirk_Hamilton | Threads: @Kirk_HamiltonNEWSLETTERnewsletter.kirkhamilton.comJOIN THE DISCORDhttps://discord.gg/GCvKqAM8SmSTRONG SONGS PLAYLISTSSpotify | Apple Music | YouTube MusicSHOW ARTTom Deja, Bossman Graphics--------------------DECEMBER 2024 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSElizabeth CulverMeryl AllisonRobyn MetcalfeCesarBob TuckerCorpus FriskyBen BarronCatherine WarnerDamon WhiteJay SwartzRushDaniel Hannon-BarryChristopher MillerJamie WhiteChristopher McConnellDavid MascettiJoe LaskaKen HirshMelanie AndrichJenness GardnerNathaniel BauernfeindPaul DelaneyDave SharpeSami SamhuriJeremy DawsonAccessViolationDave FloreyDECEMBER 2024 HALF-NOTE PATRONSChristopher Selby SpinkPhilip KellyDaniel NervoKevin StaffordLawrenceSy JacobsirritableIan PiddAndrew HoferJordan GatenbyMelissa KuhnsAshleySeattle Trans And Nonbinary Choral EnsembleKevin MarceloSamantha CoatesJamesMark NadasdiJeffDan CutterJoseph RomeroOl ParkerJohn BerryDanielle KrizClint McElroyMordok's Vape PenInmar GivoniMichael SingerMerv AdrianJoe GalloLauren KnottsDave KolasHenry MindlinMonica St. AngeloStephen WolkwitzSuzanneRand LeShayMaxeric spMatthew JonesThomasAnthony MentzJames McMurryEthan LaserBrian John PeterAaron WilsonDent EarlCarlos LernerMisty HaisfieldAbraham BenrubiLee R.Chris KotarbaLynda MacNeilDick MorganBen SteinSusan GreenGrettir AsmundarsonSean MurphyRandal VegterKaya WoodallRobert Granatdave malloyTim RosenwongAlan MaassNick GallowayHeather Jjohn halpinPeter HardingDavidJohn BaumanMartín SalíasStu BakerSteve MartinoDr Arthur A GrayCarolinaGary PierceMatt BaxterLuigi BocciaE Margaret WartonCharles McGeeCatherine ClauseEthan BaumanKenIsWearingAHatJordan BlockAaron WadeJeff UlmDavid FutterJamieDeebsPortland Eye CareRichard SneddonJanice BerryDoreen CarlsonDavid McDarbyWendy GilchristElliot RosenLisa TurnerPaul WayperMiles FormanBruno GaetaKenneth JungZak RemerRishi SahayJeffrey BeanJason ReitmanAilie FraserRob TsukNATALIE MISTILISJosh SingerAmy Lynn ThornsenAdam WKelli BrockingtonVictoria Yumino caposselaSteve PaquinDavid JoskeBernard KhooRobert HeuerDavid NoahGeraldine ButlerMadeleine MaderJason PrattAbbie BergDoug BelewDermot CrowleyAchint SrivastavaRyan RairighMichael BermanLinda DuffyBonnie PrinsenLiz SegerEoin de BurcaKevin PotterM Shane BordersDallas HockleyJason GerryNell MorseNathan GouwensLauren ReayEric PrestemonCookies250Angela LivingstoneDiane HughesMichael CasnerLowell MeyerStephen TsoneffJoshua HillGeoff GoldenPascal RuegerRandy SouzaClare HolbertonDiane TurnerTom ColemanDhu WikMelmaniacEric HelmJonathan DanielsCaro FieldNaomi WatsonDavid CushmanAlexanderChris KGavin DoigSam FennTanner MortonAJ SchusterJennifer BushDavid StroudBrad CallahanAmanda FurlottiAndrew BakerAndrew FairL.B. MorseBill ThorntonBrian AmoebasBrett DouvilleJeffrey OlsonMatt BetzelNate from KalamazooMelanie StiversRichard TollerAlexander PolsonJustin McElroyArjun SharmaJames JohnsonKevin MorrellColin Hodo

This week Pastor Brent looks at the classic Christmas hymn, "Joy to the World." And while this is among the most popular Christmas songs, the original writer--Isaac Watts--intended this song to focus on Christ's *second* coming, not His first. Yes, Jesus came as a humble servant, but one day, He will return as a conquering King restoring the world to its intended peace.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we examined the origins of the popular Christmas song, "Joy to the World." It was written by Isaac Watts, an English writer and theologian. The song was intended to be sung year-round, and it's based on Psalm 98. Our special guest was author, speaker, and podcaster Kathi Lipp. She shared about meal prepping and holiday plans. Her new book is called Sabbath Soup: Weekly Menus and Rhythms to Make Space for a Day of Rest. Finally, we also mentioned that Moody has several Christmas specials to enjoy, including the Karl and Crew Special. You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew podcast. Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month's Deep Dive series is all about family dynamics. Listen to the whole playlist on Spotify. Are you the “bad parent” in your home? The enforcer of bedtimes, the keeper of deadlines, the stern shusher in the church pew? Or are you the “good parent,” the authority figure more likely to agree that time is a construct and that ice cream not only can, but should, be what's for dinner? This week we're breaking down  how this dynamic plays out in each of our homes whether the primary caregiver has to always be stuck with the Killer of Joy role how this can play out when parents are divorced how drill sergeants can ease up on the oversight how the “good time Charlies” can become more aware  As in most things, change is possible when we watch our stories. These aren't roles that have to harden in amber and then never change. The Carrier of the Diaper Bag and The Worrier of All Potential Outcomes deserves to kick back once in a while too.  Here are links to some of resources we discuss in the episode:  Isaac Watts' poem “Love Between Brothers and Sisters” Julia Austin for Madame Noire: How The Good Cop/Bad Cop Parenting Dynamic Ruins Marriages James Lehman for Empowering Parents: Good Cop/Bad Cop Parenting This clip from the movie The Great Santini Our episode Parenting as a Team We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ Future Fans: helping little kids become BIG fans - https://www.futurefans.com What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson. mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, invisible workload, default parent, preferred parent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thursday 28th November: Isaac Watts by St Martin's Voices

Is the Hackney town of Stoke Newington a place of true stoke or is it simply just a name? Perhaps the Father of English Hymnody, Isaac Watts, who wrote the most stoke inducing hymn of all time may provide a clue within his lyrics. Take a virtual historical stroll through Stoke Newington and more with Strider.  Strider's Special Makin' Memories Raw Dog Captain Hat Sources: britannica.comworldhistory.org 'Gnosticism' by Rebecca Denova 2021, pastemagazine.com by ‘Hackney Why You Must Make Time For This Underrated London Neighborhood' by Bryony Parker 2022, stokenewingtonhistory.com, thehistorypress.co.uk ‘Stoke Newington: The Dissenting History of a London Parish' by Rab MacWilliam 2021, wikipedia.org

Today on the Christian History Almanac we remember Isaac Watts and his role in shaping modern hymnody and singing in church. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: When You Meet Jesus | Gospel Encounters Conference Pre-order: Hitchhiking with Prophets: A Ride Through the Salvation Story of the Old Testament by Chad Bird 30 Minutes in the NT on Youtube Remembering Rod Rosenbladt Encouragement for Motherhood Edited by Katie Koplin More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (gillespie.media).