"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

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

This is the wrap up for series 2. We summarize our ratings for the series and also respond to listener feedback.

Colin and Tyler examine Casey J's remake of "Nothing but the Blood of Jesus". Theologically this song is concerned with human suffering and the need for cleansing and healing. We learn that there are many questions, but just one answer, which is somehow also a question. We postulate that the song responds to the suffering in the world by looking to Christ's sacrifice. Colin informs us what a "gospel bomb" is, and Tyler turns out to be a curmudgeon from the Silent Generation.

Should we speak of a Christian as "condemned"? Did Jesus sweat actual blood in the Garden of Gethsemane? We examine these and other questions in this week's episode.

This week we're taking a look at an early twentieth-century hymn recently performed by the Gettys. We discuss what it might mean for faith to "fail", what the cost of salvation is, and the Christianese phrase "faith turned to sight".

What would it sound like if John Piper wrote half a song based on his best-selling book Desiring God and then mashed it with an old hymn? Find out in this week's episode.

This week, we talk about a song with rich imagery from scripture. But isn't Jehovah spelled with an 'I'?

Originally inspired by a 13th century poem, the hymn 'All Creatures of Our God and King" says quite a bit about the creatures, but not much about the creator. Is this hymn, now redone by Crowder, still worth singing? We get into it this week.

Can a fountain teach someone how to sing? What if the fountain is really Jesus? Colin and Tyler sort it all out in this week's episode.

Are you weary and troubled? Turn your eyes upon Jesus! But what troubles us and what exactly does it mean to turn our eyes upon Jesus? We dig into this traditional song in this week's episode.

What do the resurrection of Christ, weddings, horror music and the Jesus Story Book Bible have in common? Trust us, you want to listen to this entire episode for the answer, as we review "In the Garden" by Alan Jackson. Horror music ©JGE Music 2020. Check out https://www.jgemusic.com/

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

What is victory in Jesus and how is it achieved? This "barn burner" of a song is on the docket this week!

What should a worshipper do when shaking, quaking and other troubling yet indefinable maladies afflict them? This song suggests the worshipper "fix my eyes on you" and then "it is well". This week, we sift through this language and others in this popular hard reboot of "It is Well".

The lyrics that became "Jesus Paid It All" were originally written by a middle-aged woman who was struggling to pay attention in church. Now, 150 years later, a new version of the hymn enjoys widespread popularity in the church. Colin and Tyler take a close look at this hymn in this week's episode.

It is no easy thing to convert one of the most ancient Christians creeds to music. How did Hillsong do with This I Believe (The Creed)? 

Would you like to hear what strange monsters, Arrested Development, and racism have in common with a Charles Wesley hymn? ...No? Oh. ...Sorry.

What is the hope of despairing Christians? What does it mean that our names are written on Christ's hands and heart? This week, we dig through the many scriptural references in "Before the Throne of God Above" by Sovereign Grace.

This week, we investigate the song 'Cornerstone' by Hillsong.

So much metaphor! We "spin" our review of Joyful, Joyful" on this week's episode of The Worship Review.

"Abide with Me" approaches the difficult topic of death and suffering. Colin and Tyler examine this well-known Christian hymn on this weeks episode of The Worship Review.

How does grace lead us home? Where is home? Why is mercy like a flood? On this week's episode of The Worship Review, we take on the good, the bad and the *amazing* in the Chris Tomlin song: "Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)".

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!").

Did "How Great Thou Art" make our souls sing? Who will shout in acclamation when Christ comes? Colin and Tyler take a long look at this popular hymn in the first episode of series two of The Worship Review.

What did Mary know about Jesus? Should we ask such questions in Christmas songs? Colin and Tyler discuss each line of the popular Christmas tune "Mary, Did You Know?"

Colin and Tyler (well, mostly Tyler) break down one of the world's oldest Christmas Carols: "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen".

Who is this herald named Hark and what does he have to do with Christmas? This week, we work through one of the the most challenging Christmas songs to understand.

What does "Let every heart prepare him room" mean? Should Joy to the World even be sung during the Advent and Christmas season? On this week's episode of The Worship Review, we take a deep dive into this popular Christmas song.

We're taking a break from your regularly scheduled program to review Advent and Christmas songs. Check out this week's episode for Silent Night.

With  the first series in the books, we want to work through listener  questions and comments in a 2-part episode. In part 2, we answer questions and criticisms about several of our takes in the first series. We'll also talk about the lessons we've learned and what we are planning for the second series, which begins next Monday.

With the first series in the books, we want to work through listener questions and comments in a 2-part episode. In part 1, we answer these questions: 

- How do we pick songs for review?

- Is there an important distinction between "worship" and "worship music", i.e. why are we called the "worship review" if we only look at worship music? 

- What disqualifies a song? What needs to be included in every song? Can deficiencies be made up in the surrounding liturgy? 

- Is it wrong to critique worship songs assuming that most of them were written with benign, even God-glorifying motives? 

- Is it right to criticize too much individualism? Is too great an emphasis on community not also a problem?

How can we experience God's presence? What exactly is God's presence anyway? We discuss the song "Holy Spirit" by Francesca Battistelli on this week's episode of The Worship Review.

Does "Yes I Will" have enough substance to earn our recommendation? Check out this discussion on this week's episode of The Worship Review.

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

What does it mean to say that Jesus "fights our battles"? Will "every chain be broken" when Christ returns? We tackle the lyrics of "Lion and the Lamb" by Bethel Music on this week's episode of The Worship Review.

Listen to more episodes on our website: www.theworshipreview.com

Support us (and vote for future topics): https://www.patreon.com/theworshipreview

In this episode, we consider the worthiness of God, whether Christians should ask God to "show me who you are" and decide that "holy guacamole" may be cultural appropriation.

Listen to more episodes on our website: www.theworshipreview.com

Support us (and vote for future topics): https://www.patreon.com/theworshipreview

Did the father "turn his face away" from Christ? This week's episode of the The Worship Review gets into the thick of theology. We also spilled the beans about English dentistry.

Listen to more episodes on our website: www.theworshipreview.com

Support us (and vote for future topics): https://www.patreon.com/theworshipreview

Colin and Tyler evaluate "Goodness of God" by Bethel Music on this week's episode of The Worship Review. 

Listen to more episodes on our website: www.theworshipreview.com

Support us (and vote for future topics): https://www.patreon.com/theworshipreview

Did "Revelation Song" by Kari Jobe leave us in wonder--awestruck wonder? Find out on this week's episode of The Worship Review.

Listen to more episodes on our website: www.theworshipreview.com

Support us (and vote for future topics): https://www.patreon.com/theworshipreview

On this episode of The Worship Review, Colin and Tyler give slightly fewer than 10,000 arguments about the merits and problems with 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman.

Listen to more episodes on our website: www.theworshipreview.com

Support us (and vote for future topics): https://www.patreon.com/theworshipreview

You've heard a thousand stories, but tune in now to hear one more take on "Good Good Father" by Chris Tomlin on this week's episode of The Worship Review.

Listen to more episodes on our website: www.theworshipreview.com

Support us (and vote for future topics): https://www.patreon.com/theworshipreview

The wildly popular song "Way Maker" by Sinach moves into Colin and Tyler's midst--so we decided to review it! Check out this week's episode of The Worship Review.

Listen to more episodes on our website: www.theworshipreview.com

Support us (and vote for future topics): https://www.patreon.com/theworshipreview

Does the song "King of My Heart" by Sarah McMillan put the wind in our sails, the fire in our veins? Is it our song? Find out on this week's episode of The Worship Review. Listen to the song here.

Listen to more episodes on our website: www.theworshipreview.com

Support us (and vote for future topics): https://www.patreon.com/theworshipreview

The song "Who You Say I Am" by Hillsong is chosen, not forsaken, by the hosts of the Worship Review for this week's episode. Listen to the song here.

Listen to more episodes on our website: www.theworshipreview.com

Support us (and vote for future topics): https://www.patreon.com/theworshipreview

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

In this week's episode of The Worship Review, Colin and Tyler chase down the controversies raised by the song "Reckless Love" by Cory Asbury. Listen to the song here.

Listen to more episodes on our website: www.theworshipreview.com

Support us (and vote for future topics): https://www.patreon.com/theworshipreview

Are you hurting and broken within? Listen to this week's episode of The Worship Review. Colin and Tyler evaluate the song "O Come to the Altar" by Elevation Worship. Listen to the song here.

Listen to more episodes on our website: www.theworshipreview.com

Support us (and vote for future topics): https://www.patreon.com/theworshipreview

In this episode, Colin and Tyler raise some concerns about the song "Raise a Hallelujah" by Bethel Music. Listen to the song here.

Listen to more episodes on our website: www.theworshipreview.com

Support us (and vote for future topics): https://www.patreon.com/theworshipreview