Episodes

Send us a text Ever wondered what makes Advent so special? What are those deep-rooted traditions that make us anticipate this season? Let's unravel together, as we embark on a journey to explore the true essence of Advent in this special series of The Bright Forever: Hymns of Advent. Get ready to deepen your understanding of the four cornerstones of Advent: expectant waiting, repentance and reflection, scripture reading, and the beautiful symbolism it carries. We'll be lighting up each candle...

Send us a text Join us as we embark on a journey through time as we unveil the vibrant history and profound yet simple message of the hymn "Count Your Blessings," crafted by the esteemed hymn composer, Johnson Oatman Jr. Uncover the life of this prolific writer, who gave us more than 5,000 hymns. Hear how "Count Your Blessings" was a recognized hymn in Great Britain and played a part in every service during the Welsh revival of 1904-1905, emphasizing the power of gratitude and trust in God's ...

Send us a text Are you ready to uncover the deep, transformative power of hymns? Join us on a captivating journey into the heart of Charles Wesley's masterpiece, 'Arise My Soul Arise.' This isn't just a hymn; it's a profound reflection on Christian assurance, a call to cast away guilt and fear, and a moving tribute to Christ's sacrificial work on our behalf. From Wesley's background and beliefs to the potent symbolism nestled in each stanza, we'll help you appreciate this hymn in a whole new ...

Send us a text Ever wondered about the profound impact and transformative power of hymns? Join us on an enlightening journey as we unravel the remarkable influence of Martin Luther's enduring hymn 'A Mighty Fortress is Our God' on congregational worship and faith. As we recount the captivating tale of Luther's life-altering experiences, his transformative journey to Rome, and his translation of the New Testament, we delve into the significance of music and theology in his view. We'll also exp...

Send us a text Have you ever felt the joy and solace that hymns can bring to your life, especially during challenging times? We have a special guest today, my mother, Janet Peavyhouse, who shares her insights on her favorite hymn, 'He Keeps Me Singing,' also known as 'There's Within My Heart A Melody.' We'll also explore the journey of Luther B. Bridgers, who after writing this hymn, was able to find solace within its words. And of course, a big shout-out goes to Kathy Koserski, and my parent...

Send us a text With one of the most well-known hymns of all time, we begin our new season by diving into the history of the creation and various translations of "O Store Gud" (O Great God) that led to what we know of today as "How Great Thou Art" by Swedish poet and preacher, Carl Gustaf Boberg. But how we decided to talk about this hymn became a story of its own. Thank you for listening and we can't wait to bring you some amazing hymns this season! Check out The Offering Project and listen ...

Send us a text 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 h...

Send us a text 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 oth...

Send us a text 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...

Send us a text 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. Support the show www.thebrightforever.com All songs used by permission.

Send us a text 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 Support the show www.thebrightforever.com All songs used by permission.

Send us a text 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 d...

Send us a text 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 resourc...

Send us a text 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 Hun...

Send us a text 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...

Send us a text 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. Support the show www.thebrightforever.com All songs used by permission.

Send us a text 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) Support the show www.thebrightforever.com All songs used by permiss...

Send us a text 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!!! Support the show www.thebrightforever.com All songs used by permission.

Send us a text 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! Support the show www.thebrightforever.com All songs used by permission.

Send us a text 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 this amazing hymn and an unusual story that comes alongside it. Support the show www.thebrightforever.com All songs used by permission.

Send us a text 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 y...

Send us a text 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! Support the show www.thebrightforever.com All songs used by permission.

Send us a text 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 bot...

Send us a text 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 ...