Explore every episode of the podcast The Worship Review

"Keep Us All Close" by Eastlake Music assumes a universal search for God amidst diverse beliefs and struggles. The song petitions God to "let in" friends, enemies, the marginalized and people of all faiths. Tyler and Colin discuss whether this contemporary Christian song is, in fact, Christian.

God bless our friends, God bless our enemies
All of our children, all of our families
We've got no idea what we're doing
We've tried to find You throughout the centuries
Different religions in different countries
We've got no idea what we're doing
We'll never make it on our own
We've got too much dark inside of us
We'll never make it on our own
God bless the poor, God bless the broken-hearted
God bless the widow, God bless the long departed
We've got no idea what we're doing
God bless the christian, God bless the atheist
God bless the muslim, God bless the rest of us
We've got no idea what we're doing
Keep us all close, every one of us close
Don't let anyone go
Let all our friends in, and all our enemies
All of our children, all of our families
We've got no idea what we're doing
We've tried to find You throughout the centuries
Different religions in different countries
We've got no idea what we're doing

This song encourages us to see all our feasting, mourning, love, work, and play as opportunities to worship God. Join Colin & Tyler as we examine the poetic language and Biblical references in this modern hymn.

Verse 1

If creation is longing for freedom and glory

Every winter that passes each forest that burns

There’s a cry from its heart come Lord Jesus return

Every season a temple of praise

Verse 2

If all history is marked by the sign of the cross

Then each year that I give You is gain and not loss

For in time all our empires just melt like the frost

May our days be a temple of praise

Chorus 1

Oh Ancient of Days You have chosen Your moments

All our feasting and mourning our love work and play

So when time is rolled up on that great Judgment Day

May my days be a temple of praise

Verse 3

I can rise to Your song on the wings of the morning

Walk with your Spirit in the cool of the day

I can pray with a child as the sun bows his head

May my days be a temple of praise

Chorus 2

O Lord now I see that my days are all numbered

All the feasting and mourning the love work & play

So when I lay down my life at Your feet for a crown

May eternity ring with Your praise

May eternity ring with Your praise

May my days be a temple of praise

Part two. Can the doctrine of God's sovereignty serve as the basis for an emotional and powerful contemporary Christian worship song? CityAlight's "Your Glory & My Good" grapples with some of the most weighty and challenging issues in the Christian faith. As a result, Colin and Tyler end up in a wide ranging discussion about trusting God in the midst of suffering, the beauty and power of the Psalms, Christian deconstruction and even some social psychology. Enjoy!

Can the doctrine of God's sovereignty serve as the basis for an emotional and powerful contemporary Christian worship song? CityAlight's "Your Glory & My Good" grapples with some of the most weighty and challenging issues in the Christian faith. As a result, Colin and Tyler end up in a wide ranging discussion about trusting God in the midst of suffering, the beauty and power of the Psalms, Christian deconstruction and even some social psychology. Enjoy!

This week's episode analyzes a song by Dustin Kensrue called "Grace Alone." The song addresses several core elements of the gospel: that we have no right to approach God, that we have redemption and salvation through Jesus, that the Holy Spirit makes the light of Christ shine on our darkened hearts, and more.

Lyrics:

I was an orphan lost at the Fall, Running away when I'd hear Your call, But Father, You worked Your will

I had no righteousness of my own, I had no right to draw near Your throne, But Father, You loved me still

And in love before You laid the world's foundation You predestined to adopt me as Your own

You have raised me so high up above my station I'm a child of God by grace and grace alone

You left Your home to seek out the lost; You knew the great and terrible cost, But Jesus, Your face was set

I worked my fingers down to the bone; Nothing I did could ever atone, But Jesus, You paid my debt

By Your blood, I have redemption and salvation; Lord, You died that I might reap what You have sown

And You rose that I might be a new creation; I am born again by grace and grace alone

I was in darkness all of my life; I never knew the day from the night, But Spirit, You made me see

I swore I knew the way on my own; Head full of rocks, a heart made of stone, But Spirit, You moved in me

At your touch my sleeping spirit was awakened; On my darkened heart the light of Christ has shone

Called into a kingdom that cannot be shaken; Heaven's citizen by grace and grace alone

So I'll stand in faith by grace and grace alone; I will run the race by grace and grace alone

I will slay my sin by grace and grace alone; I will reach the end by grace and grace alone

If you saw the phrase "Free to Love" on a bumper sticker in California, what would you think it meant? What about in a worship song? Colin and Tyler talk about "It was Finished upon that Cross" by CityAlight.

Colin and Tyler yuk it up on this episode of The Worship Review. Brandon Lake's very popular song 'Gratitude' provides an opportunity to discuss thankfulness and how we express it to God.

This worship song reminds us that all our praise ultimately belongs to King Jesus. As we dive into the lyrics of this modern praise tune, we take a closer look at the creation declaring God's glory, the implications of God existing outside of time, and the eternity of praise Christians have to look forward to. "1,000 Hallelujahs and 1,000 more" equals 2,000, but how many points out of five will Colin and Tyler give this song? Tune in to find out.

[Verse 1]

Who else would rocks cry out to worship?

Whose glory taught the stars to shine?

Perhaps creation longs to have the words to sing

But this joy is mine

[Chorus]

With a thousand hallelujahs

We magnify Your name

You alone deserve the glory

The honor and the praise

Lord Jesus

This song is forever Yours

A thousand hallelujahs

And a thousand more

[Verse 2]

Who else would die for our redemption?

Whose resurrection means I’ll rise?

There isn’t time enough to sing of all You’ve done

But I have eternity to try

[Bridge]

Praise to the Lord

To the lamb

To the King of Heaven

Praise for He rose

Now He reigns

We will sing forever

Praise to the Lord

To the lamb

To the King of Heaven

Praise for He rose

Now He reigns

We will sing forever

This classic song has been sung at Advent time for generations. How well does it present the gospel? Is it easy to understand? Should churches sing it? We discuss on this episode of The Worship Review.

Lyrics:

O Holy night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appears and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O Holy night, O night divine!
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the Wise Men from Orient land
The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend
Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is Peace
Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother
And in His name, all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us Praise His Holy name
Christ is the Lord; O praise His name forever!
His power and glory evermore proclaim
His power and glory evermore proclaim

This easy-going and elegant song appeared on both the Rain For Roots Waiting Songs album as well as Sandra McCracken's God's Highway. Should an advent song like this one-a song which relies on metaphor and seasonal context--be treated differently than songs which use similar elements, but without the context? Colin and Tyler discuss.

Lyrics:

For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait
For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait
Truly our hope is in You
Truly our hope is in You
O Lord of life, our only hope
Your radiance shines
On all who look -- to You in the dark
Emmanuel come, come light our hearts
For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait
For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness wait
Truly our hope is in You
Truly our hope is in You
O Joy above all other loves
In you we find more than enough
We come as we are, O heal and restore
Come light our hearts

Colin and Tyler look at a CCM classic that wonders at what the experience of Heaven will be like. We talk about individual vs. collective expression of worship, thinking and feeling in worship, and reference some Biblical texts that shape our understanding of Heaven.

Lyrics: I can only imagine what it will be like When I walk, by your side I can only imagine what my eyes will see When you face is before me I can only imagine I can only imagine Surrounded by You glory What will my heart feel Will I dance for you Jesus Or in awe of You be still Will I stand in your presence Or to my knees will I fall Will I sing hallelujah Will I be able to speak at all I can only imagine I can only imagine I can only imagine when that day comes When I find myself standing in the Son I can only imagine when all I would do is forever Forever worship You I can only imagine I can only imagine Surrounded by Your glory What will my heart feel Will I dance for You, Jesus Or in awe of you be still Will I stand in your presence Or to my knees will I fall Will I sing hallelujah Will I be able to speak at all I can only imagine I can only imagine hey ya ah Surrounded by Your glory What will my heart feel Will I dance for You, Jesus Or in awe of you be still Will I stand in Your presence Or to my knees will I fall Will I sing hallelujah Will I be able to speak at all I can only imagine I can only imagine hey ya ah I can only imagine yeah yeah I can only imagine I can only imagine ey ey ey I can only imagine I can only imagine when all I will do Is forever, forever worship You I can only imagine

Song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_lrrq_opng

Colin and Tyler are presented with a challenge this week in comprehending the lyrics to Thank God I Do by Lauren Daigle. Undoubtedly popular, the song peaked at number 1 on the Billboard US Christian Songs chart. Thank God I Do says "you're my safe place, my hideaway, my anchor, my saving grace," but who is the "you" of the song? Tune in to hear the discussion.

Lyrics

I've seen love come and
I've seen love walk away
So many questions
Will anybody stay?
It's been a hard year
So many nights in tears
All of the darkness
Tryin' to fight my fears
Alone, so long, alone
I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know You
I'd probably fall off the edge
I don't know where I'd go if You ever let go
So keep me held in Your hands
I've started breathin'
The weight is lifted here
With You, it's easy
My head is finally clear
There's nothin' missing
When You are by my side
I took the long road
But now I realizе
I'm home, with You, I'm home

I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know You
I'd probably fall off thе edge
I don't know where I'd go if You ever let go
So keep me held in Your hands
I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know You
I'd probably fall of the edge
I don't know where I'd go if You ever let go
So keep me held in Your hands
You're my safe place
My hideaway
You're my anchor
My saving grace
You're my constant
My steadiness
You're my shelter
My oxygen
I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know You
Thank God, I do
I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know You
I'd probably fall off the edge
I don't know where I'd go if You ever let go
So keep me held in Your hands

I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know You
Thank God, I do

Should a worship song really call people "vile" or "ruined"? Tyler and Colin parse through an old song that continues to be sung in many churches: "Man of Sorrows" (aka: "Hallelujah! What A Savior!").

Worship leader and songwriter Nathan Partain set Psalm 27 to music. We discuss both the style and substance of this thoughtful rendition.

Here's a modern hymn, written by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell, dealing with God's abundant mercy for sinners. Even though our sins are indeed "many," God's grace is greater. In this episode, we talk about the riches of God's love, the fact that God chooses not to remember the sins of His people, and the refreshing, constant mercy that awaits Christians every day. We also learn that Colin has a strong internal clock.

Song background:

https://www.mattpapa.com/songs/his-mercy-is-more

Versions sampled:

Matt Papa & Matt Boswell: His Mercy is More https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBZk0bVjCAA

Shane & Shane: His Mercy is More https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBZk0bVjCAA

Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa: His Mercy is More https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-31oJTdh1w

Lyrics:

What love could remember no wrongs we have done

Omniscient, all knowing, He counts not their sum

Thrown into a sea without bottom or shore

Our sins they are many, His mercy is more

What patience would wait as we constantly roam

What Father, so tender, is calling us home

He welcomes the weakest, the vilest, the poor

Our sins they are many, His mercy is more

Praise the Lord, His mercy is more

Stronger than darkness, new every morn

Our sins they are many, His mercy is more

What riches of kindness He lavished on us

His blood was the payment, His life was the cost

We stood 'neath a debt we could never afford

Our sins they are many, His mercy is more

Praise the Lord, His mercy is more

Stronger than darkness, new every morn

Our sins they are many, His mercy is more

Praise the Lord, His mercy is more

Stronger than darkness, new every morn

Our sins they are many, His mercy is more

Our sins they are many, His mercy is more

This setting of Psalm 18 deals with deliverance from trouble, and more importantly, deliverance from death and sin in Jesus Christ's triumphant resurrection. Colin and Tyler discuss love for The Lord and seeking refuge in Him, what Psalm 18 says about His wrath, the fear of God (Proverbs 1:7), what it is like reading the Bible as one ages, the benefits of singing old hymns, and a children's movie.

Unfortunately, no recorded choral setting with the hymn lyrics is widely accessible. Colin reads the text over a piano setting and the original Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3.

Text:

O Lord, I Love You, My shield, My tow'r,

my stronghold, my rock, my saving pow'r,

I worship you! Bless your holy name!

What unceasing praise your mercies claim!

Cords of death had bound my heart with fear;

tidal waves of Satan crested near,

"God, my God," I cried, "hear from your throne;

save me from these depths, make mercy known!"

Saving might brought answer, Lord Most High.

Dark your path; your storm clouds swept the sky;

lightning flashed, deep thunder spoke your word.

Waters parted; death your summons heard.

You came down, almighty Lord, my stay,

drew me up and drove my foes away.

Your right hand put Satan's host to flight,

then clasped me, embraced in your delight.

Now among all nations I would sing,

praising our anointed Lord, our King.

Hear His cry of triumph from the grave,

see him leap the wall of death to save.

His the righteousness that claims reward,

his the saving coming of the Lord.

Hail him, Victor in that deadly strife:

Jesus is our rock, our Prince of life.

Audio sampled in this episode:

"620. O Lord, I Love You, My Shield, My Tower (Saint-Saens Tune), Trinity Hymnal" by Piano Series https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aNAGwIhkdI

"Saint-Saëns - Symphony No 3 in C minor, Op 78 - Järvi" by Classical Vault 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWCZq33BrOo

"BABE - If I had words" by Hilde Orens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H11mlCL-dkE
Full text of Psalm 18: Link

This episode not only discusses the classic hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy", but investigates what makes a song trinitarian. And what does it mean when this song says "though the darkness hide thee"?

Tyler and Colin continue to evaluate "excellent" songs with Shane & Shane's "All Sufficient Merit".

Martin Luther set Psalm 130 to verse; Chris Miner put music to it, and Andrew Osenga and Emily Deloach of Indelible Grace Music blend their voices to produce this version. Colin and Tyler discuss these five verses and the theology undergirding them. We address the gravity of man's sin, the exceeding magnitude of God's mercy, and the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who saves his people from their sins.

Lyrics:

Music by Christopher Miner 
Words by Martin Luther 
©1997 Christopher Miner Music

1. From the depths of woe I raise to Thee, a voice of lamentation. 
Lord, turn a gracious ear to me, And hear my supplication. 
If Thou iniquities dost mark, Our secret sins and misdeeds dark, 
O who shall stand before Thee? 
2. To wash away the crimson stain, Grace, grace alone availeth. 
Our works, alas! are all in vain; In much the best life faileth. 
No man can glory in Thy sight, All must alike confess Thy might, 
And live alone by mercy. 
3. Therefore my trust is in the Lord, And not in mine own merit. 
On Him my soul shall rest, His word upholds my fainting spirit. 
His promised mercy is my fort, My comfort, and my sweet support. 
I wait for it with patience. 
4. What though I wait the live-long night, And ’til the dawn appeareth. 
My heart still trusteth in His might, It doubteth not nor feareth. 
Do thus, O ye of Israel’s seed, Ye of the Spirit born indeed, 
And wait ’til God appeareth. 
5. Though great our sins and sore our woes, 
His grace much more aboundeth. 
His helping love no limit knows, Our upmost need it soundeth. 
Our Shepherd good and true is He, Who will at last His Israel free, 
From all their sin and sorrow.credits

Indelible Grace version: https://youtu.be/1aVWBSmghAs

Chris Miner version: https://christopherminer901.bandcamp.com/track/psalm-130

Many listeners will never have heard of this week's song "Son of God" by Nathan Partain. In discussing this song, Colin and Tyler touch on Gungor's "Friend of God", whether artificial intelligence can become Christian, gendered language in the bible and whether it is applicable to all believers

We've said that our best episodes are ones in which we disagree. This is one of those. Today we're looking at the ancient hymn "Be Thou My Vision," which asks God to be many things to the Christian. We make sure to include the oft-dropped "battle shield" verse. Colin emphasizes the necessity to include explicit reference to soteriological themes in music while Tyler investigates the variety offered by grammatical mood.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.

Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one/

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;

Thou my soul's Shelter, Thou my high Tow’r:

Raise Thou me heav’nward, O Pow’r of my pow’r.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heav’n's Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Songs sampled in this episode:

Verse 1: Be Thou My Vision by Audrey Assad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Optrm7lF16s

Verse 2: Be Thou My Vision by Nathan Pacheco Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihJAJA4ibEs

Verse 3: Be Thou My Vision (feat. Stuart Townend & Robin Mark) (Live) by The Mandate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lgeOLmoNIY

Verse 4 [and a bit at the end]: Be Thou My Vision by Keith & Kristyn Getty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZBOSfiH8Rk

Verse 5: Be Thou My Vision (Live) by The Petersens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwwWMWTpp-U

In addition to reviewing the song 'To the Cross I Cling' by Matt Boswell, Colin and Tyler discuss how Christian music should handle the idea of guilt and the gospels forensic aspects.

In 1876, Horatio Spafford published the first version of this hymn. In this episode, we dig deep into the story behind the lyrics. We then contemplate the rich theology of the song.

Songs sampled in this episode:

It is Well with my Soul by Grace Community Church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h32qcka7DW0

It is Well by Redeemer Presbyterian Church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tQiLIFPFI0

Colin and Tyler discuss the ideas of adoption and belonging in 'You Made Us Your Own'--a song released by Sovereign Grace Music and authored by Bob Kauflin, Steve Cook and Vikki Cook. There is also some discussion of recent tweets by Kevin DeYoung.

This week, a hymn of unity and communion is our topic of conversation. Samuel J. Stone published this hymn in response to some doctrinal controversy as part of a compendium of songs on the Apostles' Creed called Lyra Fidelium (the lyre of the faithful), linked below. The Church's One Foundation is a meditation on the ninth article of the Apostles' Creed: "...[I believe] in the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints..." The lyrics describe a Church battered by schisms, heresies, and spiritual warfare, yet held securely by Jesus Christ. In fact, Jesus Christ is worshiped abundantly in this song: He is referred to as the Foundation, the Husband, the Creator, the Redeemer, the Defender, the Guide, the Sustainer, and The Lord of the Church. 

Manley's version (with his permission) is appended to the end of this episode as it is not available online.

Stone's original lyrics in Lyra Fidelium (with cross-references): http://lyra-fidelium.faithweb.com/9lyra-thechurch.html

Songs sampled in this episode: 

(1) The Church's One Foundation by Christ Church Bellingham https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKRmncbUMps

(2) The Church's One Foundation by Indelible Grace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j44-l71jTFI

(3) The Church's One Foundation by Chris Manley and Nathan Partain

(4) The Church's One Foundation by Reawaken Hymns https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2ScAzkpqbs

Lyrics:

The Church’s one foundation

Is Jesus Christ her Lord,

She is His new creation

By water and the Word:

From heaven He came and sought her

To be His holy bride,

With His own blood He bought her

And for her life He died.

She is from every nation

Yet one o'er all the earth,

Her charter of salvation

One Lord, one faith, one birth,

One Holy Name she blesses,

Partakes one Holy Food,

And to one Hope she presses

With every grace endued.

The Church shall never perish!

Her dear Lord to defend,

To guide, sustain, and cherish,

Is with her to the end:

Though there be those who hate her,

And false sons in her pale,

Against a foe or traitor

She ever shall prevail.

Though with a scornful wonder

Men see her sore oppressed,

By schisms rent asunder

By heresies distressed:

Yet saints their watch are keeping,

Their cry goes up “How long?”

And soon the night of weeping

shall be the morn of song!

'Mid toil and tribulation

And tumult of her war,

She waits the consummation

Of peace forevermore;

Till, with the vision glorious,

Her longing eyes are blest,

And the great Church victorious

Shall be the Church at rest!

Yet she on earth hath union

With God the Three in One,

And mystic sweet communion

With those whose rest is won,

With all her sons and daughters

Who, by the Master's Hand

Led through the deathly waters,

Repose in Eden-land.

O happy ones and holy!

Lord, give us grace that we

Like them, the meek and lowly,

On high may dwell with Thee:

There, past the border mountains,

Where in sweet vales the Bride

With Thee by living fountains

For ever shall abide!

We often say that it would be best if churches found ways to sing scripture. This week's song--'Preserve Me O God'--is exactly that. Here Matthew David Montgomery digs directly into the well-used 'blue' psalter (The Book of Psalms for Worship) for an adaptation of Psalm 16.

This week, you're guaranteed to recognize the tune! TwoForChrist, a ministry of married couple Nick and Haley Gaglione, recently uploaded a live rendition of their cover of Survivor's Eye of the Tiger. The lyrics have been mostly swapped out for novel, motivational Christian lyrics. While the performance has found a lot of attention online, we have yet to see anyone address the song's message. We set out to investigate the lyrics.

"Eye of the Tiger" by Two for Christ presents us with the opportunity to discuss how sincerity is demonstrated among Christians, and how this demonstration has changed over time. We also look at the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:11), how Christians can cause the devil to flee (James 4:7), and what benefits await those who overcome (Revelation 3).

Eye of the Tiger (Christian Cover): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfO9UoHi-vI

Full performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GadkeBxcyd4&t=0s

Lift with Christ: https://liftwithchrist.org/

Lyrics: 

LYRICS  

Rising up, back on my feet 

Got knocked down, rose above it 

Went the distance, I don’t take no defeat 

I will thrive, I will not just survive  

Listen—Before I was a Christian something was missing 

Felt a little distant, dark, resistant 

Made a decision—got a new vision 

Wrote my goals, yeah wrote my mission  

B.C. I was aimlessly walking 

Then one day I heard the voice of God talking: 

“Rise up, child, to the enemy mocking 

Prayer is your weapon, pray without stopping!”  

It's the eye of the tiger—It's the thrill of the fight 

Rising up to the challenge of our rival 

With the heart of a lion & the armor of God 

You will conquer it all with the eye of the tiger 

 Face to face with Satan himself 

Don’t budge an inch, he’ll take miles 

He’ll find your weakness, he will hit where it hurts 

Stand your ground—make him run for the hills 

 It's the eye of the tiger—It's the thrill of the fight 

Rising up to the challenge of our rival 

If you cast all your cares on Him & pray through the night

You will conquer it all with the eye of the tiger  

Rising up straight to the top 

Fight for Christ, give Him glory 

Go the distance, don’t retreat, never stop 

For the Lord always wins in the end  

It's the eye of the tiger—It's the thrill of the fight 

Rising up to the challenge of our rival 

With the heart of a lion & the armor of God 

You will conquer it all with the eye… of the tiger  

Keep your eyes on God 

And your heart in the word 

Be a leader in Christ 

Don’t follow with the herd  

The eye of the tiger  

Always walk by faith 

Never walk by sight 

With the armor of God 

You’ll never lose the fight  

The eye of the tiger

Was Mary 'blameless'? How does the High Street Hymns' version of 'Creator of the Stars of Night' compare to the 19th century translation, or that Latin original for that matter?

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

This week, Colin and Tyler engage the most pressing question in all of Christian history: did the angels that announced Jesus birth sing? Yes, we went there. Listen to the review of Zach William's version of the classic "Go Tell It On the Mountain".

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

How important are verbs in a song? What does it mean to celebrate Christmas in worship? Colin and Tyler think through these issues as they consider 'Born Is The King (It's Christmas)' by Hillsong.

This week we're going through the lyrics of We Have Been Healed by Sovereign Grace Music. This song describes a "glorious exchange": all our sin for God's grace. What a concept to rejoice over and meditate on! Also, we read and discuss some of the Scriptural references in this song.

Song URL: https://sovereigngracemusic.org/music/songs/we-have-been-healed/

VERSE 1
You bore our sins in Your body
As You were hung on a tree
So we might die to rebellion
And live for Him who set us free

VERSE 2
You were mocked and reviled
Suffering in our place
Trusting all to Your Father
So enemies could know Your grace

CHORUS
We have been healed, justified
Made alive in the life of Christ
Righteous blood covers every sin
Risen Lamb, heaven’s light
Crucified and now alive
In Your love, You have drawn us in

VERSE 3
Like straying sheep we were wandering
Destitute and alone
You sought us out like a Shepherd
You carried us and brought us home

BRIDGE
All our sin for Your grace
What a glorious exchange
All our sin for Your grace
What a glorious exchange
All our sin for Your grace

 One of the earliest protestant songs in history, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" was recently updated by the Gettys and Tommy Bailey. Tyler and Colin review this song lyric by lyric.

This week, as a part of our new Excellent Songs series, we're looking at Caroline Cobb's "The Passover Song." This song draws on two Biblical narratives at the same time: the liberation of Israel from slavery in Egypt through the Passover, and the salvation of sinful humans by Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VjILH2YNUc

Caroline Cobb: https://www.carolinecobb.com/

Song Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiAUuroWHEo

Lyrics (and other details from Caroline Cobb's bandcamp; edits marked in square brackets):

Words and music by Caroline Cobb and Sean Carter
Written January 11-14, 2013
Exodus 12 (See also John 1:29, Hebrews 10:20)

There’s a promise in our veins
But it’s faded by all these years in chains
Send a prophet, send the plagues
That by sunrise we will no more be slaves

Take the lamb, take the blood
And paint it on our doorways
At night death will come but pass us by

This is all our hope and peace

In the morning we will rise
Taste the freedom we thought we’d never find
We will dance now in the streets
Once held captive now we shall live as kings

Lift your head, your voice
And sing of your salvation
Of the blood of the lamb that gave us life

Now by this we’ll overcome
Now by this we’ll reach our home

There’s a poison in our veins
And it leads to death we cannot escape
Send a ransom a perfect Son
Remedy the curse with [sung:  by] His precious blood

And the Lamb that will come
His cross will be our doorway
And the red of His blood [sung: it w]ill make us white
And [sung: the] daughters and sons
Rejoice in resurrection
And death swallowed up in endless life

Glory, glory this I sing
All my praise for this I bring
Naught of good that I have done
Nothing but the blood of Jesus

This week, we look back on series five and examine the Dove Award winners of the last ten years. It turns out almost all of them have very similar tempos! Colin & Tyler then turn to discuss the new direction the podcast is taking.

The second of a two-part discussion on what distinguishes 'great' worship songs. We talk about what makes a song singable and congregational, as well as share concerns about distracting music.

The first of a two-part discussion on what distinguishes 'great' worship songs. This part consider objective versus subjective truth, the presence of scripture as well as the gospel. 

When during the year should we sing about the incarnation? Should we refer to Christ as the Church's "lover"? Colin and Tyler, along with guest host Daniel J. Mount of the Expository Songs Project, discuss these questions and many more as we evaluate the song "From the Squalor of a Borrowed Stable" by Stuart Townend.

This week we're joined by Daniel Mount, a songwriter, worship leader and veteran of the Christian music industry. Daniel has compiled a database of tens of thousands of hymns and worship songs, The Expository Songs Project. Rather than being arranged, thematically, songs are listed under chapters of the Bible, and are included in the project if they exposit or reference that passage. We also discuss the songwriting industry and the way lyrics have changed since the Second Great Awakening.

Daniel's Website: https://danielmount.com/

The Expository Songs Project: https://danielmount.com/expository-songs/

Why do bad things happen to good people? The song 'Unfinished' by Mandisha explores weighty themes like this. In addition to reviewing the song, Tyler and Colin also engage in a side discussion on the work of Sufjan Stevens.

This week Artur and Caitlin (S05.E21) join us to talk about "Gewagte Liebe", a German version of Reckless Love. How will this translation hold up compared to the original? What is cat theology? In what way is this song like a Coke Zero? Tune in to find out.

Verse 1: Bevor ich ein Wort sprach, sangst du Lieder über mich. Du warst schon immer gut zu mir. Du hast mich geformt, mir Leben eingehaucht. Du warst schon immer gut zu mir.  

Refrain: Oh wie endlos überwältigend gewagt ist wie du liebst. Oh du kämpfst für mich und spürst mich auf Lässt 99 stehn, Ich weiß genau das ich‘s nicht verdient hab, doch du gibst dich für mich hin. Oh wie endlos überwältigend gewagt ist wie du liebst. (Yeaahh, Ohohoho)  

Verse 2: Ich war noch dein Feind, doch du hast gekämpft für mich. Du warst schon immer gut zu mir. Ich war mir nichts wert, doch du hast bezahlt für mich. Du warst schon immer gut zu mir.  

Refrain: Oh wie endlos überwältigend gewagt ist wie du liebst. Oh du kämpfst für mich und spürst mich auf Lässt 99 stehn, Ich weiß genau das ich‘s nicht verdient hab doch du gibst dich für mich hin. Oh wie endlos überwältigend gewagt ist wie du liebst. (Yeaaaaah!, Jesus!)  

Bridge: Du erleuchtest alle Schatten, erklimmst alle Berge, um mir nach zu gehn. Du Zerstörst alle Mauern, vertreibst alle Lügen, um mir nach zu gehn. Du erleuchtest alle Schatten, erklimmst alle Berge, um mir nach zu gehn. Du Zerstörst alle Mauern, vertreibst alle Lügen, um mir nach zu gehn. (Yeaahh)  Du erleuchtest alle Schatten, erklimmst alle Berge, um mir nach zu gehn. (Jesus!) Du Zerstörst alle Mauern, vertreibst alle Lügen, um mir nach zu gehn. (Jesus)  Du erleuchtest alle Schatten, erklimmst alle Berge, um mir nach zu gehn.  Du Zerstörst alle Mauern, vertreibst alle Lügen, um mir nach zu gehn.  

Refrain: Oh wie endlos überwältigend gewagt ist wie du liebst. Oh du kämpfst für mich und spürst mich auf Lässt 99 stehn, Und ich weiß genau das ich‘s nicht verdient hab doch du gibst dich für mich hin. Oh wie endlos überwältigend gewagt ist wie du liebst. Yeaahhh

Artur and Caitlin are a church-planting couple from Germany. In this interview, we discuss the unique challenges and opportunities they face--and also their perspective on worship music.

Have we got a show for you! This week we're looking at Only Jesus by Casting Crowns: nominated for a GMA Dove award in 2019 and a Grammy in 2020, this song emphasizes that Jesus is the only name to be remembered. Frontman and songwriter says: "The more I think about it the more I'm reminded that anything in me that's worth remembering are the things that Jesus has worked on, and is still working on in me. On my own I have nothing to offer the world, but Jesus does - so don't mind me. Jesus is the only name to remember."

[Verse 1]

Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself

Dream your dreams, chase your heart, above all else

Make a name the world remembers

But all an empty world can sell is empty dreams

I got lost in the lie that it was up to me

To make a name the world remembers

But Jesus is the only name to remember

[Chorus]

And I-I-I, I don't want to leave a legacy

I don't care if they remember me

Only Jesus

And I-I-I, I've only got one life to live

I'll let every second point to Him

Only Jesus

[Verse 2]

All the kingdoms built, all the trophies won

Will crumble into dust when it's said and done

'Cause all that really matters

Did I live the truth to the ones I love?

Was my life the proof that there is only One

Whose name will last forever?

[Chorus]

And I-I-I, I don't want to leave a legacy

I don't care if they remember me

Only Jesus

And I-I-I, I've only got one life to live

I'll let every second point to Him

Only Jesus

[Interlude]

[Bridge]

Jesus is the only name, Jesus is the only name

Jesus is the only name to remember, ooh

Jesus is the only name, Jesus is the only name

Jesus is the only name to remember

[Chorus]

And I-I-I, I don't want to leave a legacy

I don't care if they remember me

Only Jesus

And I-I-I, I've only got one life to live

I'll let every second point to Him

Only Jesus

In this episode, Colin and Tyler examine the lyrics of "There Was Jesus" by Zach Williams and Dolly Parton. 

"Holy Water" peaked at #2 on the Billboard Christian charts. Its eponymous album rose to #4 on Billboard's top Christian albums charts. In addition to winning the GMA Dove award for Pop/Contemporary album of the year, this album also received a Grammy for top Christian album of the year. This week we're taking a deep dive into the lyrics and talking about the concept of holy water in the Bible and in various Christian traditions. We also discuss the idea of "improving upon" one's "baptism" and how the lyrics of this song may be influenced by the psalms. 

Lyric video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0xhhG1Hyos

Dr. Todd Grande's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMkrosLHIEs

Lyrics:

God, I'm on my knees again

God, I'm begging please again

I need You

Oh, I need You

Walking down these desert roads

Water for my thirsty soul

I need You

Oh, I need You

Your forgiveness

Is like sweet, sweet honey on my lips

Like the sound of a symphony to my ears

Like holy water on my skin, hey!

Dead man walking, slave to sin

I wanna know about being born again

I need You

Oh, God, I need You

So, take me to the riverside

Take me under, baptize

I need You

Oh, God, I need You, oh-oh

I don't wanna abuse Your grace

God, I need it every day

It's the only thing that ever really

Makes me wanna change

Dave Seip of King's Way Talk joins Tyler and Colin to discuss the popular song "Chain Breaker" by Zach Williams.

This week Dave from Kings Way Talk joins us for an encouraging conversation about worship music, lyrical content of church music, and the tuba. Dave is a podcaster and blogger and a member of his church's preaching team. We discuss the concept of churches "banning" certain publishers outright, the importance of the individual conscience in leading music, and caution against throwing babies out with bathwater.

This week Colin and Tyler, along with guest host Nathan Partain--worship leader, pastor and musician at Redeemer Indianapolis--talk through the lyrics of award winning song 'All My Hope'.

Nathan Partain of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis, is a worship leader and ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church of America. Aside from leading his congregation's music ministry, Nathan is engaged in songwriting and has a long history recording and producing msuci, particularly, though not exclusively, Christian worship music for the local church. Nathan shares about his journey to leading the music ministry at Redeemer and we discuss his role as a guardian of God's worship there. We find out what is being guarded and from what it is being guarded. We learn about "Becky", whose sensibilities may still guide the Christian music industry's choices, to some degree. Nathan offers some guidance on keeping one's ego in check through vulnerability and honesty, and humbly shares how some aspects of worship leading might be difficult for certain people to handle. The 'singability' and lyrical clarity of songs is also discussed, and we conclude by giving thanks for the ability to have thoughtful conversations about worship music.