Hymn vs Song – Is There a Difference?

SI Filings

“When you read a well-crafted hymn such as When I Survey the Wond’rous Cross, you will feel the cadence, even if unaware of the melody composed for it. This is why composers can keep writing new tunes … also why many people (particularly in ages past) would read hymnals as they would any devotional book, and even delight in the hymns they’d never heard.” - C.Leaders

Discussion

Do We Really Need to Keep Singing Hymns?

SI Filings

“Young people today (I include myself in this group) aren’t looking for something new. They aren’t looking for something relevant. We’re looking for something true. Something ancient.” - C. Leaders

Discussion

Rejoicing in the New Year

SI Filings

“Třanovský knew something about suffering. He lived during the devastating Thirty-Year War, was imprisoned once, exiled twice, and forced to move several times. Three of his children died, and both he and the people under his care suffered the consequences of wars, pillaging, and pestilence. He was bedridden and in pain for eight months before going to meet his Savior.” - Ref21

Discussion

Light in the Darkness: A Series for Advent Part Two – Shadows

Paul J. Scharf

Read Part 1.

As the darkness gives way to the daylight, we notice long shadows—perhaps moving directly upon us.

Shadows have the capacity to unnerve—even frighten us. Sometimes the shadows may be mistaken for something real. At other times, something real may be hiding in the shadows.

Shadows make us uncomfortable. They represent incompleteness and uncertainty—”variation or shadow of turning” (Js. 1:17).

Discussion

Which advent is in view in ‘Joy to the World’?

SI Filings

“Comparing Watts’ hymn with the Psalm on which it is based raises several important clues as to which advent Watts had in view. The Psalm itself does not necessarily give indication as to which advent it presents.

Discussion