(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) 1 O where are kings and empires now Of old that went and came? But, Lord, Thy Church is praying yet, A thousand years the same. 2 We mark her goodly battlements And her foundations strong; We hear … Continue reading #182: O Where Are Kings and Empires Now →

(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) This hymn has fallen out of favor in an age where religion is seen as peaceful, even passive. But like G.K Chesterton, I agree the faith is fully peaceful and fully militant. For that reason, among others I … Continue reading #181: Onward, Christian Soldiers →

(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) 1 Lord God, our thanks to Thee we raise For those who built this house of praise, Who long ago together stood To form a Christian brotherhood. 2 Here have our children known Thy care And raised their … Continue reading #180: Lord God, Our Thanks to THee We Raise →

(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) The interesting thing to note is that this hymn is one sentence: you cannot cut out a verse without having a sentence fragment, an incomplete thought. 1 Holy Bible, Book divine, Precious treasure, thou art mine; Mine to … Continue reading #179: Holy Bible, Book Divine →

(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) 1 The Bible stands like a rock undaunted 'Mid the raging storms of time; Its pages burn with the truth eternal, And they glow with a light sublime. CHORUS The Bible stands tho the hills may tumble, It … Continue reading #178: The Bible Stands →

(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) 1 Thy Word is a lamp to my fee, A light to my path alway, To guide and to save me from sin And show me the heav'nly way. CHORUS Thy word have I hid in my heart, … Continue reading #177: Thy Word Have I Hid in My Heart →

(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) I remember this song as a frequent musical underlay to the communion service in the churches where I grew up. 1 Break Thou the bread of life, Dear Lord, to me, As Thou didst break the loaves Beside … Continue reading #176: Break Thou the Bread of Life →

(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) 1 Standing on the promises of Christ my King, Thru eternal ages let His praises ring; Glory in the highest I  will shout and sing, Standing on the promises of God. CHORUS Standing, standing, Standing on the promises … Continue reading #175: Standing on the Promises →

(Part of a series singing through the hymnbook I grew up with: Great Hymns of the Faith) 1 'Mid the storms of doubt and unbelief we fear, Stands a Book eternal that the world holds dear; Thru the restless ages it remains the same-- 'Tis the Book of God, and the Bible is its name! … Continue reading #174: The Old Book and the Old Faith →