Podcasts by Hymn Talk

31. Newton on the Christian Life – "I Asked the Lord that I Might Grow" from 2021-11-17T16:36:15

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,...

30. The Regulative Principle – "How Firm a Foundation" from 2021-08-05T19:30:47

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 boo...

29. Singing Without Instruments – "Not What My Hands Have Done" from 2021-07-30T00:11:55

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 g...

28. Psalm Talk – Five Psalms You Can Sing This Sunday from 2021-07-22T16:51:35

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...

27. Jesus is King – "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name" from 2021-07-16T02:20:38

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."

26. Character Matters with Aaron Menikoff - "All Praise to Him" from 2021-04-07T21:52:55

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 thi...

25. Passion Hymns from 2021-04-01T23:20:36

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. 

24. Justin Deeter on Edwards and the Means of Grace – “My Worth is Not in What I Own” from 2021-01-20T20:04:49

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 ...

23. Heaven, the Last Day, and Christian Anticipation – “The Sands of Time are Sinking” from 2021-01-13T20:56:54

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 glorio...

22. Aaron Menikoff on Church Revitalization – “Reformation song” from 2021-01-06T17:06:23

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 f...

21. Christmas Hymns from 2020-11-27T16:51:06

One of the distinct pleasures of the Christmas season is singing glorious advent songs. Christendom has reserved perhaps her best music for the veneration of the Lord’s incarnation. In this bonu...

20. Spurgeon and Activism - “Come Ye Sinners” from 2020-10-28T20:33:52

Charles Spurgeon is not only one of the most influential Baptists in church history, but he remains one of the most prominent evangelicals that has ever lived. Known primarily for his writing an...

19. The Lord’s Supper - “O Sacred Head Now Wounded” from 2020-10-21T23:04:07

The Lord’s Supper holds different levels of prominence in different church traditions. For Roman Catholics and many Reformers, Communion is the central feature of gathered worship. Yet many mode...

18. Hymns and the Heart - “Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners” from 2020-09-23T19:35:41

Evangelicalism has historically been called the “religion of the heart.” Evangelicals have always proclaimed the indispensability of a personal attachment to Jesus. Such “heart religion” has alw...

17. On Missions and Worship - “All Creatures of Our God and King” from 2020-08-14T19:34:24

Psalm 67 celebrates the saving power of God to the nations and the praise rendered to Him for his salvation. The glory of God has always been the ultimate goal of missions. As John Piper has hel...

16. On the Spirit – “Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God” from 2020-08-04T00:48:53

A robustly biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit is vital to Christ-centered worship. In this episode, Zack and Alex discuss the indispensable ministry of the third person of the trinity. Th...

15. Catechisms, Creeds, and Confessions - “Christ our Hope in Life and Death” from 2020-07-22T00:57:42

Catechisms, creeds, and confessions are wonderful tools given to the church to defend the faith. These liturgical elements aid Christians in maintaining unity, adorning our worship, and connecti...

14. On God’s Providence – “Whate’er My God Ordains is Right” from 2020-06-30T19:51:18

Scripture teaches that God governs and ordains all things that come to pass. This truth is typically presented in the Bible to instruct and encourage God’s people. Yet Christians tend to think l...

13. On Songs of Praise - “Praise to the Lord the Almighty” from 2020-06-19T20:08:34

Every song in gathered worship should render praise to God. Doxology should be the governing principle through each element of worship. Yet we believe it’s appropriate for certain songs to strik...

12. On Majesty - “Holy, Holy, Holy” from 2020-06-04T20:04:40

In an age when “nothing is sacred,” how should Christians try to convey the majesty of God in worship and congregational singing? Zack and Alex discuss this topic along with Reginald Heber’s hym...

11. On Privilege in Worship – “How Sweet and Awful is the Place” from 2020-05-26T20:08:35

In an age where “privilege” is a buzzword, Christians should be the first to celebrate their privilege. Christians are not only redeemed from sin, saved to righteousness, and assured of everlast...

10. On Christian Assurance - “He Will Hold Me Fast” from 2020-05-19T23:36:57

One of the chief blessings of the Christian faith is the Spirit-wrought assurance of salvation. Hymns and congregational singing play a tremendous role in bolstering our faith. In this episode, ...

9. On Christ’s Priesthood - “Before the Throne” from 2020-05-14T21:39:12

Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ is gloriously ascended to the right hand of God where he serves as a great high priest. This ministry has enormous implications for believers. Yet Christ’s pr...

8. When Hymns are Prayers - “Come Thou Fount” from 2020-05-05T18:57:43

One of the chief advantages of congregational singing as an element of worship is its intrinsic involvement of the congregation. Yet Christians can still fail to see the precise ways they engage...

7. Why Sing New Songs? – “Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor” from 2020-04-28T17:29:16

With such a fine heritage of songs and hymns from previous generations, why is it important for Christians today to write new songs? Why should churches introduce new songs? Who are some trusted...

6. Why Sing Psalms? – “Psalm 51” from 2020-04-21T13:21:47

The Book of Psalms serves as a Holy Spirit-inspired hymnbook. The 150 chapters of the Psalter convey the full spectrum of Christian experience. Despite the richness of the Psalms, most churches ...

5. Is Singing for God or Us? - “For All the Saints” from 2020-04-14T16:34:12

Why do Christians sing? Is the purpose of Christian singing to glorify God or to benefit people? In this episode, Zack and Alex discuss the vertical and horizontal elements of singing. They also...

4. Atonement Matters - “Man of Sorrows” from 2020-04-10T13:38:58

In this special Good Friday episode, Zack and Alex discuss the nature, extent, and importance of the atonement and its impact on congregational singing. They also review the hymn “Man of Sorrows...

3. What is Gospel-Centered Singing? – “Christ the Solid Rock” from 2020-04-07T16:53:14

What does it mean for worship to be gospel-centered? What does it mean for worship to be Christ-centered? Does every song in a worship service need to explicitly reference the person and work of...

2. What Songs Do We Sing? from 2020-03-31T00:15:04

How does a local church decide what songs to sing? How do leaders in the church introduce new songs to the congregation? In this episode, Zack and Alex discuss the importance of introducing song...

1. Why Congregational Singing? - “Arise, My Soul, Arise” from 2020-03-24T19:15:46

In this inaugural episode of Hymn Talk, Alex and Zack discuss the importance of congregational singing in the life of the church. They also analyze Charles Wesley’s classic hymn “Arise, My Soul,...