The Worship Review

150 - Keep Us All Close - Eastlake Music 21.05.2025 56分

"Keep Us All Close" by Eastlake Music assumes a universal search for God amidst diverse beliefs and struggles. The song petitions God to "let in" friends, enemies, the marginalized and people of all faiths. Tyler and Colin discuss whether this contemporary Christian song is, in fact, Christian.God bless our friends, God bless our enemiesAll of our children, all of our familiesWe've got no idea what we're doingWe've tried to find You throughout the centuriesDifferent religions in different countriesWe've got no idea what we're doingWe'll never make it on our ownWe've got too much dark inside of usWe'll never make it on our ownGod bless the poor, God bless the broken-heartedGod bless the widow, God bless the long departedWe've got no idea what we're doingGod bless the christian, God bless the atheistGod bless the muslim, God bless the rest of usWe've got no idea what we're doingKeep us all close, every one of us closeDon't let anyone goLet all our friends in, and all our enemiesAll of our children, all of our familiesWe've got no idea what we're doingWe've tried to find You throughout the centuriesDifferent religions in different countriesWe've got no idea what we're doing

149 - May My Days Be a Temple of Praise - KDMusic & Eliza King 30.09.2024 44分

This song encourages us to see all our feasting, mourning, love, work, and play as opportunities to worship God. Join Colin & Tyler as we examine the poetic language and Biblical references in this modern hymn. Verse 1 If creation is longing for freedom and glory Every winter that passes each forest that burns There’s a cry from its heart come Lord Jesus return Every season a temple of praise Verse 2 If all history is marked by the sign of the cross Then each year that I give You is gain and not loss For in time all our empires just melt like the frost May our days be a temple of praise Chorus 1 Oh Ancient of Days You have chosen Your moments All our feasting and mourning our love work and play So when time is rolled up on that great Judgment Day May my days be a temple of praise Verse 3 I can rise to Your song on the wings of the morning Walk with your Spirit in the cool of the day I can pray with a child as the sun bows his head May my days be a temple of praise Chorus 2 O Lord now I see that my days are all numbered All the feasting and mourning the love work & play So when I lay down my life at Your feet for a crown May eternity ring with Your praise May eternity ring with Your praise May my days be a temple of praise

148 - His Glory & My Good - CityAlight (Part II) 05.08.2024 31分

Part two. Can the doctrine of God's sovereignty serve as the basis for an emotional and powerful contemporary Christian worship song? CityAlight's "Your Glory & My Good" grapples with some of the most weighty and challenging issues in the Christian faith. As a result, Colin and Tyler end up in a wide ranging discussion about trusting God in the midst of suffering, the beauty and power of the Psalms, Christian deconstruction and even some social psychology. Enjoy!

147 - Your Glory & My Good - CityAlight (Part I) 15.07.2024 44分

Can the doctrine of God's sovereignty serve as the basis for an emotional and powerful contemporary Christian worship song? CityAlight's "Your Glory & My Good" grapples with some of the most weighty and challenging issues in the Christian faith. As a result, Colin and Tyler end up in a wide ranging discussion about trusting God in the midst of suffering, the beauty and power of the Psalms, Christian deconstruction and even some social psychology. Enjoy!

146 - Grace Alone - Dustin Kensrue 01.04.2024 33分

This week's episode analyzes a song by Dustin Kensrue called "Grace Alone." The song addresses several core elements of the gospel: that we have no right to approach God, that we have redemption and salvation through Jesus, that the Holy Spirit makes the light of Christ shine on our darkened hearts, and more. Lyrics: I was an orphan lost at the Fall, Running away when I'd hear Your call, But Father, You worked Your will I had no righteousness of my own, I had no right to draw near Your throne, But Father, You loved me still And in love before You laid the world's foundation You predestined to adopt me as Your own You have raised me so high up above my station I'm a child of God by grace and grace alone You left Your home to seek out the lost; You knew the great and terrible cost, But Jesus, Your face was set I worked my fingers down to the bone; Nothing I did could ever atone, But Jesus, You paid my debt By Your blood, I have redemption and salvation; Lord, You died that I might reap what You have sown And You rose that I might be a new creation; I am born again by grace and grace alone I was in darkness all of my life; I never knew the day from the night, But Spirit, You made me see I swore I knew the way on my own; Head full of rocks, a heart made of stone, But Spirit, You moved in me At your touch my sleeping spirit was awakened; On my darkened heart the light of Christ has shone Called into a kingdom that cannot be shaken; Heaven's citizen by grace and grace alone So I'll stand in faith by grace and grace alone; I will run the race by grace and grace alone I will slay my sin by grace and grace alone; I will reach the end by grace and grace alone

145 - It was Finished upon that Cross - CityAlight 11.03.2024 28分

If you saw the phrase "Free to Love" on a bumper sticker in California, what would you think it meant? What about in a worship song? Colin and Tyler talk about "It was Finished upon that Cross" by CityAlight.

144 - Gratitude - Brandon Lake 26.02.2024 43分

Colin and Tyler yuk it up on this episode of The Worship Review. Brandon Lake's very popular song 'Gratitude' provides an opportunity to discuss thankfulness and how we express it to God.

143 - 1,000 Hallelujahs - Brooke Ligertwood 30.01.2024 34分

This worship song reminds us that all our praise ultimately belongs to King Jesus. As we dive into the lyrics of this modern praise tune, we take a closer look at the creation declaring God's glory, the implications of God existing outside of time, and the eternity of praise Christians have to look forward to. "1,000 Hallelujahs and 1,000 more" equals 2,000, but how many points out of five will Colin and Tyler give this song? Tune in to find out. [Verse 1] Who else would rocks cry out to worship? Whose glory taught the stars to shine? Perhaps creation longs to have the words to sing But this joy is mine [Chorus] With a thousand hallelujahs We magnify Your name You alone deserve the glory The honor and the praise Lord Jesus This song is forever Yours A thousand hallelujahs And a thousand more [Verse 2] Who else would die for our redemption? Whose resurrection means I’ll rise? There isn’t time enough to sing of all You’ve done But I have eternity to try [Bridge] Praise to the Lord To the lamb To the King of Heaven Praise for He rose Now He reigns We will sing forever Praise to the Lord To the lamb To the King of Heaven Praise for He rose Now He reigns We will sing forever

142 - O Holy Night - Josh Groban 25.12.2023 44分

This classic song has been sung at Advent time for generations. How well does it present the gospel? Is it easy to understand? Should churches sing it? We discuss on this episode of The Worship Review. Lyrics: O Holy night! The stars are brightly shiningIt is the night of our dear Savior's birthLong lay the world in sin and error pining'Til He appears and the soul felt its worthA thrill of hope the weary world rejoicesFor yonder breaks a new and glorious mornFall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!O night divine, O night when Christ was bornO night, O Holy night, O night divine!Led by the light of Faith serenely beamingWith glowing hearts by His cradle we standSo led by light of a star sweetly gleamingHere come the Wise Men from Orient landThe King of kings lay thus in lowly mangerIn all our trials born to be our friendHe knows our need, to our weakness is no strangerBehold your King; before Him lowly bendBehold your King; before Him lowly bendTruly He taught us to love one another;His law is love and His Gospel is PeaceChains shall He break, for the slave is our brotherAnd in His name, all oppression shall ceaseSweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise weLet all within us Praise His Holy nameChrist is the Lord; O praise His name forever!His power and glory evermore proclaimHis power and glory evermore proclaim

141 - Come Light Our Hearts - Sandra McCracken 24.12.2023 35分

This easy-going and elegant song appeared on both the Rain For Roots Waiting Songs album as well as Sandra McCracken's God's Highway. Should an advent song like this one-a song which relies on metaphor and seasonal context--be treated differently than songs which use similar elements, but without the context? Colin and Tyler discuss. Lyrics: For you, O Lord, our souls in stillness waitFor you, O Lord, our souls in stillness waitTruly our hope is in YouTruly our hope is in YouO Lord of life, our only hopeYour radiance shinesOn all who look -- to You in the darkEmmanuel come, come light our heartsFor you, O Lord, our souls in stillness waitFor you, O Lord, our souls in stillness waitTruly our hope is in YouTruly our hope is in YouO Joy above all other lovesIn you we find more than enoughWe come as we are, O heal and restoreCome light our hearts

140 - I Can Only Imagine - MercyMe 13.11.2023 39分

Colin and Tyler look at a CCM classic that wonders at what the experience of Heaven will be like. We talk about individual vs. collective expression of worship, thinking and feeling in worship, and reference some Biblical texts that shape our understanding of Heaven. Lyrics: I can only imagine what it will be like When I walk, by your side I can only imagine what my eyes will see When you face is before me I can only imagine I can only imagine Surrounded by You glory What will my heart feel Will I dance for you Jesus Or in awe of You be still Will I stand in your presence Or to my knees will I fall Will I sing hallelujah Will I be able to speak at all I can only imagine I can only imagine I can only imagine when that day comes When I find myself standing in the Son I can only imagine when all I would do is forever Forever worship You I can only imagine I can only imagine Surrounded by Your glory What will my heart feel Will I dance for You, Jesus Or in awe of you be still Will I stand in your presence Or to my knees will I fall Will I sing hallelujah Will I be able to speak at all I can only imagine I can only imagine hey ya ah Surrounded by Your glory What will my heart feel Will I dance for You, Jesus Or in awe of you be still Will I stand in Your presence Or to my knees will I fall Will I sing hallelujah Will I be able to speak at all I can only imagine I can only imagine hey ya ah I can only imagine yeah yeah I can only imagine I can only imagine ey ey ey I can only imagine I can only imagine when all I will do Is forever, forever worship You I can only imagine Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_lrrq_opng

139 - Thank God I Do - Lauren Daigle 22.10.2023 21分

Colin and Tyler are presented with a challenge this week in comprehending the lyrics to Thank God I Do by Lauren Daigle. Undoubtedly popular, the song peaked at number 1 on the Billboard US Christian Songs chart. Thank God I Do says "you're my safe place, my hideaway, my anchor, my saving grace," but who is the "you" of the song? Tune in to hear the discussion. Lyrics I've seen love come andI've seen love walk awaySo many questionsWill anybody stay?It's been a hard yearSo many nights in tearsAll of the darknessTryin' to fight my fearsAlone, so long, aloneI don't know who I'd be if I didn't know YouI'd probably fall off the edgeI don't know where I'd go if You ever let goSo keep me held in Your handsI've started breathin'The weight is lifted hereWith You, it's easyMy head is finally clearThere's nothin' missingWhen You are by my sideI took the long roadBut now I realizеI'm home, with You, I'm home I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know YouI'd probably fall off thе edgeI don't know where I'd go if You ever let goSo keep me held in Your handsI don't know who I'd be if I didn't know YouI'd probably fall of the edgeI don't know where I'd go if You ever let goSo keep me held in Your handsYou're my safe placeMy hideawayYou're my anchorMy saving graceYou're my constantMy steadinessYou're my shelterMy oxygenI don't know who I'd be if I didn't know YouThank God, I doI don't know who I'd be if I didn't know YouI'd probably fall off the edgeI don't know where I'd go if You ever let goSo keep me held in Your hands I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know YouThank God, I do

138 - Man of Sorrows - Philip Bliss 02.10.2023 31分

Should a worship song really call people "vile" or "ruined"? Tyler and Colin parse through an old song that continues to be sung in many churches: "Man of Sorrows" (aka: "Hallelujah! What A Savior!").

137 - One Thing I Have Asked (Psalm 27) - Nathan Partain 11.09.2023 27分

Worship leader and songwriter Nathan Partain set Psalm 27 to music. We discuss both the style and substance of this thoughtful rendition.

136 - His Mercy is More - Matt Papa and Matt Boswell 16.08.2023 23分

Here's a modern hymn, written by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell, dealing with God's abundant mercy for sinners. Even though our sins are indeed "many," God's grace is greater. In this episode, we talk about the riches of God's love, the fact that God chooses not to remember the sins of His people, and the refreshing, constant mercy that awaits Christians every day. We also learn that Colin has a strong internal clock. Song background: https://www.mattpapa.com/songs/his-mercy-is-more Versions sampled: Matt Papa & Matt Boswell: His Mercy is More https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBZk0bVjCAA Shane & Shane: His Mercy is More https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBZk0bVjCAA Keith & Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa: His Mercy is More https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-31oJTdh1w Lyrics: What love could remember no wrongs we have done Omniscient, all knowing, He counts not their sum Thrown into a sea without bottom or shore Our sins they are many, His mercy is more What patience would wait as we constantly roam What Father, so tender, is calling us home He welcomes the weakest, the vilest, the poor Our sins they are many, His mercy is more Praise the Lord, His mercy is more Stronger than darkness, new every morn Our sins they are many, His mercy is more What riches of kindness He lavished on us His blood was the payment, His life was the cost We stood 'neath a debt we could never afford Our sins they are many, His mercy is more Praise the Lord, His mercy is more Stronger than darkness, new every morn Our sins they are many, His mercy is more Praise the Lord, His mercy is more Stronger than darkness, new every morn Our sins they are many, His mercy is more Our sins they are many, His mercy is more

135 - O Lord, I Love You, My Shield, My Tower - Trinity Hymnal #620 25.07.2023 36分

This setting of Psalm 18 deals with deliverance from trouble, and more importantly, deliverance from death and sin in Jesus Christ's triumphant resurrection. Colin and Tyler discuss love for The Lord and seeking refuge in Him, what Psalm 18 says about His wrath, the fear of God (Proverbs 1:7), what it is like reading the Bible as one ages, the benefits of singing old hymns, and a children's movie. Unfortunately, no recorded choral setting with the hymn lyrics is widely accessible. Colin reads the text over a piano setting and the original Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3. Text: O Lord, I Love You, My shield, My tow'r, my stronghold, my rock, my saving pow'r, I worship you! Bless your holy name! What unceasing praise your mercies claim! Cords of death had bound my heart with fear; tidal waves of Satan crested near, "God, my God," I cried, "hear from your throne; save me from these depths, make mercy known!" Saving might brought answer, Lord Most High. Dark your path; your storm clouds swept the sky; lightning flashed, deep thunder spoke your word. Waters parted; death your summons heard. You came down, almighty Lord, my stay, drew me up and drove my foes away. Your right hand put Satan's host to flight, then clasped me, embraced in your delight. Now among all nations I would sing, praising our anointed Lord, our King. Hear His cry of triumph from the grave, see him leap the wall of death to save. His the righteousness that claims reward, his the saving coming of the Lord. Hail him, Victor in that deadly strife: Jesus is our rock, our Prince of life. Audio sampled in this episode: "620. O Lord, I Love You, My Shield, My Tower (Saint-Saens Tune), Trinity Hymnal" by Piano Series https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aNAGwIhkdI "Saint-Saëns - Symphony No 3 in C minor, Op 78 - Järvi" by Classical Vault 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWCZq33BrOo "BABE - If I had words" by Hilde Orens https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H11mlCL-dkE Full text of Psalm 18: Link

134 - Holy, Holy, Holy - Reginald Heber 17.07.2023 44分

This episode not only discusses the classic hymn, "Holy, Holy, Holy", but investigates what makes a song trinitarian. And what does it mean when this song says "though the darkness hide thee"?

133 - All Sufficient Merit - Shane & Shane 26.06.2023 36分

Tyler and Colin continue to evaluate "excellent" songs with Shane & Shane's "All Sufficient Merit".

132 - From the Depths of Woe (Psalm 130) - Indelible Grace Music 22.05.2023 41分

Martin Luther set Psalm 130 to verse; Chris Miner put music to it, and Andrew Osenga and Emily Deloach of Indelible Grace Music blend their voices to produce this version. Colin and Tyler discuss these five verses and the theology undergirding them. We address the gravity of man's sin, the exceeding magnitude of God's mercy, and the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who saves his people from their sins. Lyrics: Music by Christopher Miner Words by Martin Luther ©1997 Christopher Miner Music 1. From the depths of woe I raise to Thee, a voice of lamentation. Lord, turn a gracious ear to me, And hear my supplication. If Thou iniquities dost mark, Our secret sins and misdeeds dark, O who shall stand before Thee? 2. To wash away the crimson stain, Grace, grace alone availeth. Our works, alas! are all in vain; In much the best life faileth. No man can glory in Thy sight, All must alike confess Thy might, And live alone by mercy. 3. Therefore my trust is in the Lord, And not in mine own merit. On Him my soul shall rest, His word upholds my fainting spirit. His promised mercy is my fort, My comfort, and my sweet support. I wait for it with patience. 4. What though I wait the live-long night, And ’til the dawn appeareth. My heart still trusteth in His might, It doubteth not nor feareth. Do thus, O ye of Israel’s seed, Ye of the Spirit born indeed, And wait ’til God appeareth. 5. Though great our sins and sore our woes, His grace much more aboundeth. His helping love no limit knows, Our upmost need it soundeth. Our Shepherd good and true is He, Who will at last His Israel free, From all their sin and sorrow.credits Indelible Grace version: https://youtu.be/1aVWBSmghAs Chris Miner version: https://christopherminer901.bandcamp.com/track/psalm-130

131 - Son of God - Nathan Partain 24.04.2023 1時間

Many listeners will never have heard of this week's song "Son of God" by Nathan Partain. In discussing this song, Colin and Tyler touch on Gungor's "Friend of God", whether artificial intelligence can become Christian, gendered language in the bible and whether it is applicable to all believers