Hymn Story: All People That on Earth Do Dwell
All People That on Earth Do Dwell was written by William Kethe. Kethe was born in Scotland and fled to the continent during Queen Mary’s persecution in the late 1550s. While living in Geneva he…
Hymn Story: Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!
“Lying bedridden with a near fatal illness in 1866, William C. Dix found the hope to pen the words to the joyful hymn of victory, “Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!” Inspired by the words of Revelation…
12 Days of Easter
On the first day of Easter Jesus is betrayed with a kiss from a friend {Matthew 26:47-50} On the second day of Easter Jesus is arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane {Mark…
Hymn Story: The Day of Resurrection
The Day of Resurrection was written by St. John of Damascus, an eighth-century Greek poet. He is known for his writing of six canons for the major festivals of the church year. He lived a…
Eyewitness to Easter: Pilate Guards the Tomb
Pilate has granted permission for Joseph of Arimathea to bury Jesus body but he’s not finished with situation, yet. “The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered…
Eyewitness to Easter: Pilate Releases Jesus Body
Our last mention of Jesus in the Bible is releasing the body to Joseph of Arimathea. “Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage…
Eyewitness to Easter: Pilate, Crucified Jesus
“So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted.” {Luke 23:4} Pilate decided to give in to their demand, as a riot was beginning. “So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather…
Eyewitness to Easter: Pilate, Longed to Free Jesus
“And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?”” {Mark 15:12} Pilate wanted to release Jesus but the people refused wanting Barabbas released instead.…
Hymn Story: All Glory, Laud and Honour
All Glory, Laud and Honour is based on Matthew 21:1-11 and often used for Palm Sunday. The hymn tells of the Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The song is from the Latin hymn “Gloria, laus…
Eyewitness to Easter: Pilate, His Wife Warns Him
Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” {Matthew 27:19} “The…
Eyewitness to Easter: Pilate, Searched for An Alternative
“Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas.” {Mark 15:6-7} “Pilate…
Hymn Story: Go to dark Gethsemane
Go to dark Gethsemane was written by James Montgomery. He was born in 1771 Ayrshire, Scotland. His parents died on the mission field while he was at boarding school. He is said to have a…
Eyewitness to Easter: Pilate, Found No Guilt
So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about…
Hymn Story: And can it be that I should gain
And can it be that I should gain was written by Charles Wesley in 1738. He was the eighteenth child born to Samuel and Susanna Wesley on Dec. 18, 1707. It is believed he wrote…
Eyewitness to Easter: Pilate, Turned Jesus Over to Herod
“When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean.” {Luke 23:6} Pilate asked if Jesus were a Galilean or from Galilee. This gave him the ability to wash his hands of the…
Hymn Story: Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed
Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed was written by Isaac Watts. Watts was born on July 17, 1674 in Southampton, England. In 1702, he became a pastor and accepted a call to Abney Park, where…
Eyewitness to Easter: Pilate, Questioned Jesus
We’ve been looking at Easter through the viewpoint of others. This time we are going to take a look from Pilate’s viewpoint. All four of the gospels give an account of Jesus trial before Pilate.…
Hymn Story: An Evening Hymn
Thomas Ken was born in 1637 Hertfordshire, England. He studied a Winchester College and became ordained in the Church of England in 1662. He is said to be “a man of conscience and independent mind…
Names of God: El-Olam
El-Olam means Everlasting God. With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever. Psalm 86:12 Praise be to the LORD forever! Amen and Amen. …
Book Review: The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark
In 1946, Millie Middleton heads to Charleston to keep part of her heritage hidden. She carried two heirloom buttons and a dream of one day owning a dress store. She never expected to meet a…