Names of God: Jehovah
Jehovah is one way of saying YHWY—the true and personal name of God. It is used with many other names to describe the Lord.
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Couples in the Bible: Isaac and Rebekah
Abraham decided his son needed to marry but did not want him to choose among the women where they were living. So he sent a servant back to his {Abraham’s} kindred to find a wife. The servant went to the city of Nahor and prayed the woman who was meant to be would also offer to water the camels. Rebekah […]
Read moreSong Story: Swing Down Sweet Chariot
Swing Down Sweet Chariot was recorded by Elvis Presley. It is a variation on the well-known “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.” The songwriter is listed as traditional and it is unknown who altered the lyrics. The Golden Gate Quartet popularized the song in the 1940s. Elvis first recorded the song for his album His Hand in Mine and was backed up […]
Read moreCouples in the Bible: Abraham and Sarah
Abram is ten generations from Noah. He is one of three sons to Terah and lived in Ur of the Chaldees. Abram married Sarai, his half-sister through his father. {Genesis 20:12} The Lord told Abram to go to the land he would show him and that he would make him a great nation. At this time Abram and Sarai had […]
Read moreSong Story: His Hand in Mine
Elvis Presley is known for his love of gospel music and to often have hymn sings after his concerts. It is said he used it to “to rehearse and loosen up before concerts and at the beginning of recording sessions”. After the success of his single Peace in the Valley, Elvis was eager to record a full gospel album. His […]
Read moreCouples in the Bible: Adam and Eve
Adam and Eve are the first couple in the Bible. They are included in the creation story. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” {Genesis 1:27} They walked with God in paradise in the Garden of Eden until the serpent tempted Eve to eat the […]
Read moreMother’s Day Song: That’s Someone You Never Forget
Our mothers help mold us into the people we become and is someone we never forget. As we celebrate our mother’s today, it seems a wonderful time for this song story. “That’s Someone You Never Forget” was written by Elvis Presley and his bodyguard, Red West. Presley came up with the idea and title himself. It is believed that the […]
Read moreHymn Story: Father Along
The chorus to Farther Along is one that is easy to get stuck in your heart and soul. Much of life we will only understand “farther along”. However, there are a lot of questions and uncertainty about the origins of this song. In 1911, Rev. W. A. Fletcher, an itinerant preacher, was struggling with his calling and family obligations. He […]
Read moreHymn 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 traveled to visit other English refugees. It is believed he was one of the translators of the Geneva Bible–which was favored by the Pilgrim fathers. […]
Read moreHymn 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 to sing a new song, this hymn calls us to lift our voices and praise the ascended Christ, who yet remains with us and intercedes […]
Read more12 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 14:32-52} On the third day of Easter Jesus is mocked by the chief priest before being sent to Pilate {Mark 14:53-65} On the fourth […]
Read moreHymn 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 life of wealth and honor until he became dissatisfied with his life at age forty. He gave away his possessions, freed his slaves and entered […]
Read moreEyewitness 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 before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’” {Matthew 27:62-63} Imagine the chief priest […]
Read moreEyewitness 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 and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.” {Mark 15:43} Going before Pilate wasn’t an easy thing, but Joseph faced his fears […]
Read moreEyewitness 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 that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” {Matthew […]
Read moreEyewitness 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. Now he doesn’t know what to do with Jesus—who the chief priest call the King of the Jews. “but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” […]
Read moreHymn 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 et honor” which was written by Theodulf of Orléans in 820. Theodulf became the Bishop of Orléans under Charlemagne. After Charlemagne died, Theodulf was removed […]
Read moreEyewitness 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 tenderness and care of Pilate’s wife, in sending this caution, thereupon, to her husband; Have nothing to do with that just man.” {Matthew Henry Commentary} Pilate’s […]
Read moreEyewitness 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 sees a way out of this predicament by offering to set Jesus free as the one prisoner released each year at the feast.” {The Bible […]
Read moreHymn 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 passion for missions, be independent minded and express radical ideas and causes. Montgomery was imprisoned briefly when he printed a song that celebrated the fall […]
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