It’s difficult to imagine a better person for Christians to acquaint themselves with than John Newton (1725-1807). Though Newton is often remembered for his dramatic conversion, memorable hymns, and courageous activism, his pastoral ministry is often overlooked. Yet few figures from church history more faithfully convey the sweetness of Christ. In …

In this episode, Zack and Alex discuss the importance of the regulative principle in Christian worship. They also profile the Baptist hymn “How Firm a Foundation.” Zack referenced the book "Perspectives on Christian Worship: Five Views": Link "How Firm a Foundation": Link

Perhaps to our surprise, the New Testament offers no instruction about the use of instruments in corporate worship. However, the inspired authors are concerned that God's people sing when they gather. This means that though the use of instruments may be warranted according to Scripture, it is of most importance that the church's music adorn the voi…

In this episode, Zack and Alex reflect on their experience of the Psalms in gathered worship. They emphasize the profound value of singing and preaching the Psalms. They also present five Psalms you can sing in your church any Lord's Day. · Psalm 103 (Praise My Soul the King of Heaven) o Lyrics o Tune · Psalm 100 (All People that On Earth Do Dwell)…

In this episode, Zack and Alex discuss the importance of Christ's identity as King. They also profile the classic hymn "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name."

When Christians sing spiritual songs, they do so with the Spirit of God within them. The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to fight their sin, renew their minds, and grow in godliness. Part of this means that a living faith in Christ will always manifest itself in spiritual fruit: a transformed life, righteousness, clean hands, a pure heart. Simply p…

In this Good Friday episode of Hymn Talk, Zack and Alex discuss the importance of Christ’s Passion ministry. They also consider the place of reflection and lament in gathered worship. Recording of “O Dearest Jesus”: https://youtu.be/9IWD4ShZrNc

By general consensus, Jonathan Edwards is the greatest theologian in American history. Edwards’ reflections and insights on the Christian life remain just as keen today as they were in the 18th century. Time would fail to tell of all the ways he has impacted the church for good. In this episode, Zack welcomes Justin Deeter to discuss Jonathan Edwar…

To be a Christian in the present time is, by definition, a status of waiting. God’s people are blessed with a sure hope of heaven, Christ’s return, and vindication on the last day. Such a glorious hope is to be accompanied by profound anticipation. Yet veiled by present challenges, countless Christians tend to think little about the future. In this…

For scores of people, a new year brings fresh hope – hope for new beginnings, new insights, new ideas, new opportunities, and new challenges. Many Christians face a new year with renewed vigor for spiritual growth. Even local churches (gatherings of Christians) long for refreshment and reform in the new year. Sadly, countless churches find themselv…

One of the distinct pleasures of the Christmas season is singing glorious advent songs. Christendom has reserved perhaps her best music for the veneration of the Lord’s incarnation. In this bonus episode, Zack and Alex profile some of their favorite Christmas Hymns. Recordings: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BQntjl…

Charles Spurgeon is not only one of the most influential Baptists in church history, but he remains one of the most prominent evangelicals that has ever lived. Known primarily for his writing and preaching in London, he’s less remembered for his activism and mercy ministry. Thankfully, Alex has just finished a dissertation on this aspect of Spurgeo…

The Lord’s Supper holds different levels of prominence in different church traditions. For Roman Catholics and many Reformers, Communion is the central feature of gathered worship. Yet many modern evangelicals in the free church tradition, particularly baptists, tend to have a lower view of the Lord’s Supper. In this episode, Zack and Alex discuss …

Evangelicalism has historically been called the “religion of the heart.” Evangelicals have always proclaimed the indispensability of a personal attachment to Jesus. Such “heart religion” has always led to the writing of biblically rich hymns that foster a vital relationship with the Lord. In this episode, Zack and Alex discuss the intersection betw…

Psalm 67 celebrates the saving power of God to the nations and the praise rendered to Him for his salvation. The glory of God has always been the ultimate goal of missions. As John Piper has helpfully argued: “missions exist because worship doesn’t.” In this episode of Hymn Talk, Zack and Jimmy (a missionary to South Asia) discuss the intersection …

A robustly biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit is vital to Christ-centered worship. In this episode, Zack and Alex discuss the indispensable ministry of the third person of the trinity. They also profile the hymn “Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God” by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend.

Catechisms, creeds, and confessions are wonderful tools given to the church to defend the faith. These liturgical elements aid Christians in maintaining unity, adorning our worship, and connecting us to saints of the past. Sadly, creeds and confessions are thoroughly neglected in the free church tradition. In this episode, Zack and Alex discuss the…

Scripture teaches that God governs and ordains all things that come to pass. This truth is typically presented in the Bible to instruct and encourage God’s people. Yet Christians tend to think little about God’s providence. Zack and Alex discuss this topic along with the hymn “Whate’er My God Ordains is Right.”…

Every song in gathered worship should render praise to God. Doxology should be the governing principle through each element of worship. Yet we believe it’s appropriate for certain songs to strike a pronounced note of praise in a worship service. In this episode, Zack and Alex discuss how to best understand songs of praise. They also review the hymn…

In an age when “nothing is sacred,” how should Christians try to convey the majesty of God in worship and congregational singing? Zack and Alex discuss this topic along with Reginald Heber’s hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy.”

In an age where “privilege” is a buzzword, Christians should be the first to celebrate their privilege. Christians are not only redeemed from sin, saved to righteousness, and assured of everlasting life. They are also pleased to be made worshipers of the risen Christ. This privilege is most fully realized in this life when the church gathers to wor…

One of the chief blessings of the Christian faith is the Spirit-wrought assurance of salvation. Hymns and congregational singing play a tremendous role in bolstering our faith. In this episode, Zack and Alex navigate the Bible’s teaching on Christian assurance as well as challenges to the doctrine in human experience. They also review Matt Merker’s…

Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ is gloriously ascended to the right hand of God where he serves as a great high priest. This ministry has enormous implications for believers. Yet Christ’s priesthood can often be one of the most neglected doctrines in Christian experience. In this episode, Zack and Alex discuss the impact of Christ’s priesthood …

One of the chief advantages of congregational singing as an element of worship is its intrinsic involvement of the congregation. Yet Christians can still fail to see the precise ways they engage with God in corporate singing. Many of the best hymns are themselves prayers and petitions. In this episode, Zack and Alex discuss the intersection between…

With such a fine heritage of songs and hymns from previous generations, why is it important for Christians today to write new songs? Why should churches introduce new songs? Who are some trusted sources for new songs? Zack and Alex discuss this topic and review one of their favorite hymns by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell, “Christ the Sure and Steady A…

The Book of Psalms serves as a Holy Spirit-inspired hymnbook. The 150 chapters of the Psalter convey the full spectrum of Christian experience. Despite the richness of the Psalms, most churches find little use for them in congregational singing. In this episode, Zack and Alex discuss the relevance of singing Psalms as well as practical ways of inco…

Why do Christians sing? Is the purpose of Christian singing to glorify God or to benefit people? In this episode, Zack and Alex discuss the vertical and horizontal elements of singing. They also discuss “For All the Saints” by William Walsham How.

In this special Good Friday episode, Zack and Alex discuss the nature, extent, and importance of the atonement and its impact on congregational singing. They also review the hymn “Man of Sorrows” by Philip Bliss.

What does it mean for worship to be gospel-centered? What does it mean for worship to be Christ-centered? Does every song in a worship service need to explicitly reference the person and work of Jesus Christ? In this episode, Zack and Alex discuss the meaning and importance of gospel-centered singing. They also review the classic hymn “Christ the S…

How does a local church decide what songs to sing? How do leaders in the church introduce new songs to the congregation? In this episode, Zack and Alex discuss the importance of introducing songs that are biblically rich, congregational, and musically edifying.

In this inaugural episode of Hymn Talk, Alex and Zack discuss the importance of congregational singing in the life of the church. They also analyze Charles Wesley’s classic hymn “Arise, My Soul, Arise.”