Sing the Gospel Story

What’s the difference between a worship song and a hymn? It’s getting harder to tell these days and, maybe, that’s not such a bad thing. Join David Wollen as the past and the present come together in a series called Sing the Gospel Story.

From the earliest times in the Bible, believers have sung gospel truth set to melody–-songs both old and new, historic and modern. In our world today, this matters more than ever. Keith Getty joins David Wollen for a series celebrating the great hymns of the faith with a milestone moment as Getty Music releases The Sing! Hymnal.

For a great many things, ancient and timeless is better than new and trendy. The great hymns of the faith—old and new—deliver on that because they echo Scripture itself. In this episode, David Wollen traces how a modern hymn from Keith & Kristyn Getty, helps us see the picture Revelation describes as God’s people gather around the throne singing his praise.

For generations, Christian homes treasured two books: the Bible and a hymnal. In today’s digital age, could it be time for the hymnal to make a comeback? Today, David Wollen is joined again by Keith Getty to reflect on the great hymns of the faith and the lasting role they play in shaping our worship.

Adoration and worship are inseparable. When we truly see Christ for who He is, both our minds and our hearts are drawn to respond in praise. On this episode, David Wollen looks at how hymns help us behold Christ and adore Him with our whole selves.

We remember music long after spoken words fade. That’s why hymns matter—they carry the truth of Scripture into our hearts and lives. On this episode, David Wollen is joined by Keith Getty to revisit the story behind the classic hymn Victory in Jesus and reflect on how God uses songs of faith to anchor us in Christ.

Creation itself declares the glory of its Creator. From the Psalms to the hymnbook, God’s people have always lifted their voices in praise for His handiwork. On this episode, David Wollen shares the story behind This Is My Father’s World and reflects on how hymns teach us to see creation not as chance, but as a testimony to God’s glory.

Is anyone beyond the reach of God’s grace? Joseph Hart once lived as if he were. But the Lord took a man marked by sin and despair and turned him into a hymn writer whose words still call sinners to Christ. On this episode, David Wollen shares the story behind Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy and reflects on the power of God’s mercy to transform even the hardest heart.

Charles Wesley’s hymn And Can It Be was born out of his own dramatic conversion, capturing the wonder of God’s amazing love. Generations later, this hymn still unites the church in awe and worship, reminding us of the freedom we have in Christ. On this episode, David Wollen reflects on Wesley’s story and the gospel truths behind one of the church’s greatest hymns.

The greatest hymns of the faith endure because they wed timeless melodies with the rich truths of God’s Word, feeding our souls and pointing us to Christ. Among the modern hymns, In Christ Alone has quickly taken its place as a standard bearer—uniting believers around the world in worship. On this episode, David Wollen tells the story behind this beloved hymn and its impact on the church today.

The beloved hymn Be Still My Soul has carried Christians through trials for centuries, reminding us of the unshakable hope we have in Christ. Rooted in Psalm 46, its words have comforted countless believers, from ordinary saints to Olympic runner Eric Liddell. On this episode, David Wollen shares the story behind this hymn and the timeless peace it proclaims.

Music helps us remember truth, and hymns often carry God’s Word deep into our souls. One such hymn, Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting, has comforted weary believers for generations—including the great missionary Hudson Taylor in his darkest struggles. On this episode, David Wollen reflects on how this hymn points us to the joy of abiding in Christ, our true rest.

The ocean’s deepest waters can crush a man in an instant, yet Christ willingly bore the crushing weight of sin to save us. The hymn O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus captures this unmeasurable truth with power and beauty. On this episode, David Wollen reflects on the story and melody of this classic hymn that anchors us in the vast love of Christ.

Generations ask different questions—What is true? What is real? What is good? And today, many in Gen Z are asking, What is beautiful? The Bible gives a clear answer: the beauty our souls long for is found in Christ alone. On this episode, David Wollen and Joni Eareckson Tada reflect on how hymns like Fairest Lord Jesus direct us to behold the beauty of the Lord and to pass that truth on to the next generation.

Why do Christians sing, and how can worship shape our walk with God? On this episode, David Wollen is joined by Joni Eareckson Tada to reflect on the hymn When I Survey the Wondrous Cross and Philippians 3, pointing us to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ above all else.