Hymn Talk

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 this episode, Zack welcomes Ben Robin to the podcast to discuss the legacy of John Newton. They also profile Newton’s hymn “I Asked the Lord that I Might Grow.” Ben Robin is a Pastoral Assistant at Del Ray Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. He is working on a PhD in historical theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He hopes to write on theological anthropology. Link to "I Asked the Lord that I Might Grow."

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 voices of God's people. In this episode, Zack and Alex discuss the value of a cappella singing. They also profile the hymn "Not What My Hands Have Done" by Horatius Bonar. "Not What My Hands Have Done" link   

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) o Lyrics  o Tune  · Psalm 19 (Jehovah’s Perfect Law) o Lyrics  o Tune  · Psalm 23 (The King of Love My Shepherd Is) o Lyrics  o Tune  · Psalm 42 (Lord, from Sorrows Deep I Call) o Lyrics  o Tune 

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 put, character matters. In this episode, Aaron Menikoff returns to discuss sanctification in the Christian life. They also profile the Sovereign Grace Hymn, “All Praise to Him.” Aaron Menikoff is senior pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and author of “Character Matters: Shepherding in the Fruit of the Spirit.” He is also founder of “Feed My Sheep,” an annual conference for pastors and church leaders in the Georgia. Recording of “All Praise to Him”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJnuApqDenc

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 Edwards’ life and legacy. They consider Edwards’ thoughts and impact on the First Great Awakening, Christian joy, and corporate worship. They also discuss the Getty hymn “My Worth is Not in What I Own.” Justin Deeter is the Lead Pastor of Redemption Church in Wilson, NC. Justin is married to his wife Kaitlyn and has four children: Jude, Ellie Grace, and Lucy. Justin holds his PhD from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary where he wrote his dissertation on Jonathan Edwards and the Means of Grace. “My Worth is Not in What I Own Recording”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05jKxv8ApuI

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 episode, Zack and Alex seek to reclaim the discipline and grace of Christian anticipation – that is, how Christians live faithfully in the present in light of their certain future. They also discuss Samuel Rutherford’s “The Sands of Time are Sinking.” Zack and Alex reference an Article by Aaron Menikoff recently published by Nine Marks: https://www.9marks.org/article/thank-god-for-the-pie-in-the-sky-why-the-heavenly-minded-do-the-most-earthly-good/ And another by Matthew Westerholm: https://www.9marks.org/article/the-church-should-sing-for-heavens-sake-when-and-why-we-stopped-singing-about-heaven-and-how-to-start-again/ “The Sands of Time are Sinking” tune: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oMDrNmXvrg “The Sands of Time are Sinking” from the Metropolitan Tabernacle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Acjj0m8Hh6g

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 themselves in decline and in desperate need of new life. In this first Hymn Talk of 2021, Zack welcomes Aaron Menikoff to discuss the topic of Church Revitalization. They consider the need and nature of Church Revitalization along with the hymn “Reformation Song” by Bob Kauflin and Tim Chester. Aaron Menikoff is senior pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and author of “Character Matters: Shepherding in the Fruit of the Spirit.” He is also founder of “Feed My Sheep,” an annual conference for pastors and church leaders in the Georgia. “Reformation Song”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jjCdKey4zg