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We place a great deal of
emphasis, and rightly so, on studying Scripture in its original context and
moving from there to our present context. That becomes an integral part to
preaching and teaching from the Scriptures. It helps shed light on what God is
saying, to that first audience and to us today. Hymn singing can also be viewed
in that same light.
Many of the great hymns have a
rich background. I have always tried, where possible, to let people know
something of the background of either the hymn or the writer, or both. We are
admonished to sing with understanding. With today’s emphasis on singing choruses
and other contemporary music, we may be keeping God’s covenant people, including
the children, from a rich heritage and experience in singing the great hymns.
I recall when I first heard
about the circumstance that led George Matheson to write the hymn “O Love That
Will Not Let Me Go,” the hymn was even further endeared to my mind and heart,
knowing how though all others forsake me, God will never let me go. That story
is in this book. And there are 149 other familiar hymns and stories that can be
used in worship, sermon illustrations, Bible teaching in general, and with
family devotions. “There is a Fountain Filled with Blood,” “Amazing Grace,” “O
God Our Help In Ages Past,” “Like a River Glorious,” and many others are rich in
biblical truth and made real and edifying to us as we learn something about the
writers and their situations. For example: your heart will fill with both joy
and tears as you read about Frances Havergal, who wrote “Like a River Glorious,”
and see what that meant to her has she died trying to sing about God.
- Charles Dunahoo, CEP
Coordinator
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