In our last episode of the season, we are celebrating what this podcast is all about...THE CROSS! Fresh off the heels of the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. We are looking at one of the most popular hymns of all time (and one of the most widely sung Easter hymns). This week we are exploring “The Old Rugged Cross” by George Bennard.

What makes this week extra special is that in this episode I get to talk to my mother, Janet Peavyhouse, about this well-worn hymn and the impact it and hymns in general have had on her life.

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All songs used by permission.

Right in the middle of Holy Week, we dive into a beautiful hymn about looking to the example of Jesus every day of our lives. The disciples weren’t perfect men, but they were teachable. Thickheaded many times, but with a humility to be taught through the example of the Savior. And that teachable spirit is what our hymn for this week is all about. Join us as we explore “Go to Dark Gethsemane” by James Montgomery. 

"Go to Dark Gethsemane" from TheHymnalProject.com with other resources
Arrangement by Peter Prochnow
Setting by Benje Daneman

"Go to Dark Gethsemane" performed by Sandra McCracken from Wake Thy Slumbering Children: Indelible Grace V

Chord charts and other Indelible Grace hymn resources

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All songs used by permission.

This week we explore a little less known hymn than usual. First published in 1847, "Through the Love of God Our Savior" by Mary Peters is one of security found in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

"The only way to combat the lies of the serpent is with our strongest weapon…God’s Word. When Jesus was tempted, he went to scripture. And I don’t know about you, but if Jesus’s weapon against the lies of Satan is scripture; then it should be ours too!"

I love how hymns, especially the one's that have stood the test of time, remind us of God's Word. Buried within the poetry and beauty of our greatest hymns we find deep theological truth and doctrine that remind us of who God is and what He has done for us through the finished work of Jesus, This song is another one of those great reminders. Listen and enjoy!

"All Must Be Well" by Matthew Smith from Wake Thy Slumbering Children: Indelible Grace V

Other "All Must Be Well" Indelible Grace hymn resources

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All songs used by permission.

One of the classic commitment hymns of the church, this consecration hymn calls us to a life fully and completely surrendered to Christ. Join us as we dive into the person and the purpose found behind this beautiful hymn of the faith.

"Take My Life and Let It Be" performed by Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns and other hymn resources.

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All songs used by permission.

Born out of a fight between two opposing theologians. This poem, turned hymn, is one of the most beautiful songs of grace ever written for the people of God. As well as being one of the most famous English hymns of all time. Written in 1763, we dive into the story behind "Rock of Ages" and its author A. M. Toplady.

"Rock of Ages" performance by Nathan Drake from Reawaken Hymns

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All songs used by permission.

A little more obscure hymn than we usually do here at The Bright Forever... This is a hymn I had never heard of until a "retuning" of this song was first recorded by Caedmon's Call in 2001. It is actually just a little older than our country here in the United States. First published in March 1776 in The Gospel Magazine in England and attributed to John Stocker.

Today, my dad, Steve Peavyhouse joins me to discuss the amazing lyrical wordplay of this song as we dive into the depths of God's mercy for us. Below you find a link to both the song from Indelible Grace Music and the article by the artist herself, Sandra McCracken, that I talk about during this episode. Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy this as much as we enjoyed recording it.

"Thy Mercy, My God" performed by Sandra McCracken from Indelible Grace Music

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All songs used by permission.

This week we look at the conversion anniversary hymn of Charles Wesley. "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing" is a beautifully poetic look into the heart of a man deeply changed by God's saving grace. My hope is that when we look closely at the words of this song, we will see our own salvation in as beautiful a light as Mr. Wesley remembered his.

Link to the song from Indelible Grace Music and other resources

Link to the song by Nathan Drake and Reawaken Hymns and other resources

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All songs used by permission.

In this episode, we talk about friendship. Can God be our friend? For some, friendship with Jesus seems to diminish his glory. Does what Christ did for us lose significance when we focus on his friendship? We will look at these questions and seek to answer them while we dig into the hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by Joseph Scriven. I hope you enjoy this powerful episode!

Hymn performed by Nathan Drake (Reawaken Hymns)

"What a Friend We Have in Jesus" (article by Drew Hunter)

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All songs used by permission.

Based on the passage from Luke 24:29, Henry Lyte wrote one of the most beloved hymns of all time. A hymn of prayer for the nearness of his Savior in his final days, Lyte penned a beautiful picture of our need for Christ in everyday of our lives. Join us as we explore the story of "Abide with Me" by Henry Francis Lyte.

Featuring three different versions of this timeless hymn:

"Abide with Me" performed by Matthew Perryman Jones (Indelible Grace Music)

"Abide with Me" performed by Emeli Sande (2012 London Opening Ceremony)

"Abide with Me" performed by Nathan Drake (Reawaken Hymns)

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All songs used by permission.

This is our new ad running throughout the U.S. right now. Please share it with your friends and family and spread the word about The Bright Forever.

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All songs used by permission.

There has been a ton of exciting things that have happened during the break and I can't wait for you to hear about it all. As we come back to finish this first season strong, we are beginning this new year with looking at vision. Dig in with us as we explore "Be Thou My Vision" and the beautifully woven theology and devotion found within its lyrics.

"Be Thou My Vision" performed by Nathan Drake (Reawaken Hymns)

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All songs used by permission.

One of my most favorite poems, turned Christmas carol, is "Christmas Bells" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. If you have only heard the song you may know it as "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day". I hope you enjoy this reading of such a timeless poem. Merry Christmas everyone and have a Happy New Year!!! 

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All songs used by permission.

I couldn't let this festive season pass by without talking a little bit about my favorite time of year! We explore three carols in this Christmas special: Angels We Have Heard on High, What Child Is This? and Go! Tell It on the Mountain. I hope you enjoy this Christmas season as much as I do. Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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All songs used by permission.

What was meant to be a children's song has become one of the most recognized hymns across denominational lines! Listen as we explore the depths of the this amazing hymn and an usual story that comes alongside it.

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All songs used by permission.

25 words, just 25 words. Known to many around the world today as “The Doxology,” comprise what is likely the single best-known verse of all Christian hymnody. This “Doxology” is cherished by so many different countries and languages. Yet few know the story behind these words and even fewer know of the life of their composer.

Come listen and learn about the story behind one of the most powerful hymn verses of all time. Almost 350 years old and still moving peoples' hearts. Thank you as always for listening! 

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All songs used by permission.

What do you do when you have more to say, but don't want to add more time to your regular podcast? MAKE A BONUS EPISODE!!!  Enjoy this short mini episode as we talk to those Watts-like, non-conformist, worship leaders out there.

This one's for you worship leaders...well, it's for everyone else too, but definitely for you. Thanks for listening!

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All songs used by permission.

I cannot think of a hymn that so perfectly captures the aguish and the beauty of the cross quite like "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" by Isaac Watts. Watts is one of my most favorite hymn writers. Not just because he writes great hymns, but for the fact that he helped revolutionize church music for his day and beyond. 

I sit down with one of my most favorite people as well, my pastor, Tim Armstrong, and talk about this amazing hymn and hymn writer and what draws us both so much to love his words and music. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it! 

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All songs used by permission.

As one of the greatest lyrical songs in all of hymnody, "The Love of God" stands apart from many. Frederick M. Lehman's hymn is astoundingly beautiful in its use of language and yet even with its amazing imagery it calls itself out for not being able to truly expound upon the vastness of God's love for us.

In this episode I explore the story and then get to talk about this hymn's powerful words and rich poetry with my brother, Matt Peavyhouse. He gives great insight into this hymn and its picturesque presentation of the gospel to each of us. I had a great time getting to sit and talk with him and I hope you'll enjoy it too! As always, thanks for listening.

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All songs used by permission.

This week we dive into a hymn that is perfect for what many around our area here are dealing with. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, it can be hard to trust God or even know that he is there. Let the words of this song, the story of the author behind it, and my family's story help you see just how God is always working. Even in the midst of tragedy God provides and is there for you. I hope this episode brings you comfort and helps fix your eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith, Jesus!

We are sorry it is a week late, but there was a lot to go through. We decided not to split this episode so enjoy an extended version of The Bright Forever!

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All songs used by permission.

This week we conclude our look at "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" written by Henry van Dyke. In this second of our two-part series, we explore the call of this song on us as Christ followers. Who are made to be? Who is this God we are worshiping? Why are we called to worship? And what do we do about it? We bookend this episode with a beautiful quote from Van Dyke himself. “For the long breath, the deep breath, the breath of a heart without care—I will give thanks and adore thee, God of the open air!”

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All songs used by permission.

This week we begin diving into "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" exploring its origins while talking about its meter and tune. This will be a two-part series. Next week we will dig into what the song is calling us be and to do as Christ followers.  I'm excited to begin this look into what many hymnologists call one of the most joyous songs in the English language. Thanks for listening! Don't forget to follow and share!

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All songs used by permission.

This week we are looking at “I Stand Amazed in the Presence” also known as "How Marvelous" written by Charles Gabriel.  I believe my girls may love this hymn almost as much as I do, probably more. 

We talk about how I truly discovered what this hymn meant on my knees in a Colorado ski lodge when I was in college. And what it means to understand the weight of our sin and the price that was paid by our Savior. 

Thank you for listening and I hope this podcast speaks to you and your family.

www.thebrightforever.com

All songs used by permission.

This week we begin our journey as we explore the hymn that gave this podcast its name. We introduce the podcast. We dive into why we're doing this podcast, what started this idea, and the direction we will be going as we explore the richness of the hymns of our faith.

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All songs used by permission.

Listen to this sneak peek at the new podcast, The Bright Forever!

www.thebrightforever.com

All songs used by permission.