Episodes
This episode of Church History delves into the life of Arabella Katherine Hankey, born in 1834 in Clapham, London. Raised in a wealthy evangelical family, Kate's life was shaped by Christian values, education, and social prominence. Her deep commitment to missionary work and evangelism continued despite a serious illness in 1866, during which she wrote the poems that became the beloved hymns "I Love to Tell the Story" and "Tell Me the Old, Old Story." Music: Rosemary...
Published 08/19/24
Today, I am telling the story behind the Hymn Jesus Paid it all. Elvina Mable Hall was the beloved pastor’s wife who wrote this beautiful hymn. Music Source: https://youtu.be/1EX-POaoI3w?si=3GkvcYItDiqmtzdH Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2d2OFRdOh9oTmvxxUhSF2I Apple https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lor/1422451685 Boom play https://www.boomplay.com/artists/7308530 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LorGlobal/?_rdc=1&_rdr IG https://www.instagram.com/LorGlobal/...
Published 08/16/24
Today, I am telling the story behind the Hymn Jesus Loves Me. This is the first hymn most children learn in church. The story behind the hymn is very beautiful. Jesus Loves Me was written by poor sisters who became authors in the 1800s, taught at West Point, and wrote a song that changed the world. Music Source: https://www.creativetrio.family Links: My Links: https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these from the same time period: Lottie...
Published 08/16/24
Today, I am telling the story behind the Hymn What a Friend We Have In Jesus. This is a hymn written by Joseph M. Scriven. After facing horrific loss twice in his life, Joseph found his comfort in God. He wrote a poem that became a mystery hymn listed with no author. Links: My Links: https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these from the same time period: Tragedy to Hope: https://loreleesiemens.com/podcasts/church-history The Herrnhut Revival - A...
Published 08/14/24
Today we are talking about the song I have decided to follow Jesus. This song was written in memory of a man who was devoted to his new savior Jesus Christ. Music Source: My children Episode Sponsor: • Alexander Henry Coffee https://alexanderhenrycoffee.ca Use CODE: churchhistory for 20% off • Etsy Mug Store https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ChurchHistory • My book “The church is born” is available! Order the book today! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BGLZ7C1 Canadian Link:...
Published 08/12/24
Today, I am telling the story behind the Hymn Day by Day. This is the story of Carolina Sandell, known as Lina, who lived in Sweden in the 1800s. After she experienced a traumatic event, she wrote a poem about how God was helping her day by day to heal emotionally. Her hymn was used in a revival that swept through the Scandinavian countries. Music: Recommended Podcast with Curtis Bowers: https://podcast.app/faith-family-and-freedom-with-curtis-bowers-p1004129 Agenda:...
Published 08/08/24
Today, we are talking about the song Just As I Am. This is the story of Charlotte Elliott, who lived with a chronic illness that left her feeling that she had nothing to contribute to the cause of Jesus Christ. But one poem she wrote changed the course of the church. Music Source: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/rosemarysiemens Links: https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well: Muller A Life Changed:...
Published 08/07/24
Today, we are talking about the song Holy, Holy, Holy. Reginald Heber was born into royalty. He was gifted with great intelligence. When the church called him to take a position in India, he went willingly. He stood against injustice and cared for the poor. He was accepted by society's most elite in his day and loved by the poorest. He wrote a sermon to be preached on Trinity Sunday, where we find our song today. Music Source: YouTube...
Published 08/06/24
In today's episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Edward Perronet, the man behind the beloved hymn "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name." Edward Perronet, born in 1726, was a significant figure within the Methodist movement led by John and Charles Wesley. His bold reformist stance, evident in his critiques of the Church of England hierarchy through works like 'The Mitre,' set him apart as a unique voice for change. This episode explores the hymn's origins and offers a glimpse into...
Published 08/05/24
In today's episode, we dive into the timeless hymn "Amazing Grace." Join us as we explore the life of John Newton, whose mother spent seven years fervently praying over her little boy. We'll uncover how God was at work answering those prayers, even when they seemed unheard. Discover the incredible story behind one of the most beloved hymns and witness the transformative power of faith and persistence in prayer. Links: https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens If you enjoyed this episode, listen to...
Published 07/30/24
Today, we are talking about the song There Is a Fountain. William Cowper struggled with depression and anxiety that came from his childhood trauma. He found help from a Pastor who was working in the abolitionist movement. William began to work in the movement and used his power of writing to convince the public to oppose slavery. Music: Fountain View Academy YouTube https://youtu.be/Cx40gmSwlsE Links: https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as...
Published 07/26/24
Today, we are discussing the song Rock of Ages and the feud between the Wesley brothers and Augustus Toplady. They both agreed that God saves us from the punishment and power of sin. Music: LOR YouTube: https://youtu.be/AzHo7Vc5ZxM IG https://www.instagram.com/lorglobal Links: https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well: And Can It Be https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-34887590/and-can-it-be-hymn-from-1736-and-the-weasley-brothers...
Published 07/25/24
Robert Roberson's childhood was poor. His story is one of God’s grace, love, and redemption. It reminds us that God will forgive us. Music: The Living Stones Quartet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpGFMuXshGE LYRICS: Robert Robinson TUNE: Nettleton HARMONY: Olive Abraham Chandy MUSIC: Rohan George Umesh Check out Rohan's Channel: / @rohangeorgeumesh DOP: Sarath Rajendran Apple Music: / living-stones-quartet Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1AbyE... Amazon Music:...
Published 07/24/24
Messiah is often thought of as a Christmas song, but the story behind it is not a Christmas one. I hope you love this song. Music: The Royal Choral Society https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUZEtVbJT5c This clip features the glorious Hallelujah Chorus, with the choir performing under the baton of their Music Director, Richard Cooke. The City of London School for Girls students joined the choir for this performance. Links: https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens If you enjoyed this episode, listen...
Published 07/23/24
Today, we examine the song, And Can It Be, by Charles Wesley. I did an episode on the Wesley brothers in season five, and I will replay that episode. This song came from a period in Church History known as the Great Awakening. Music: https://youtu.be/JNzGNU5_yGU Links: https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well: Johnathan Edwards https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-10246876/jonathan-edwards George Whitefield...
Published 07/22/24
Many churches worldwide sing the Doxology to start or end their services. Have you ever wondered when it became part of the church? Let's explore its journey together. Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rASReyR1rf0 Links: https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens If you enjoyed this episode, here are more episodes from this period John Calvin: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-2659152/calvin 30-Year War: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-2705878/30-year-war ...
Published 07/19/24
Today, we are looking at The Father of English Hymns. As I researched this story, I wondered how much it could occur today. The Bible says there is nothing new under the sun, which comes true in this story. If I said there was someone who was canceled and not allowed to attend college because of their political and religious views, even though they were by far one of the smartest people alive at the time… or if I said the church was divided about music and didn’t want any of this younger...
Published 07/18/24
Today, we are talking about one of the greatest songs in our church history, A Mighty Fortress. Not only is it one of the greatest songs, but it is also one of the oldest, written in 1529. Music: • YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQH0M1QwYuanRoyOEg7M7eQ Links: https://linktr.ee/loreleesiemens If you enjoyed this episode, here are more episodes about Martin Luther: Martin Luther Part 1: https://loreleesiemens.com/media/771671-3210084-2484677/martin-luther-part-one Luther...
Published 07/17/24
Welcome to the second episode of our summer series on the history behind the hymns. Today, we explore a hymn written around 1100. While most hymns have uplifting stories, this one, born from the Crusades, is a heart-wrenching tale that resonates deeply. It's a hymn that emerged from a time of great conflict, making its story one of the most emotionally impactful and difficult to hear. Music: • YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQH0M1QwYuanRoyOEg7M7eQ Links:...
Published 07/16/24
Today, I am excited to share the fascinating journey of what I believe to be the oldest hymn in our history. This hymn, written in the 700s, has a rich history. It started as a poem, then transformed into an Irish song in Galic, and it took centuries of cultural exchange before it was finally translated into English. The poem was written as a thank-you to a missionary to Ireland. He is the only missionary who has an international holiday named after him. Music: • YouTube ...
Published 07/15/24
This weekend I spoke at the Ladies tea at the Lighthouse Gospel Church. This is the speech I gave. If you are interested in having me speak at your church, you can e-mail me [email protected]
Published 06/03/24
In part two of the story of prohibition, we see the positive side of prohibition. Families begin to recover as America dries out. However, as the tide turns, a profound dilemma engulfs the church. It questions the efficacy of the law in promoting sobriety and ponders if it holds the key to the problem. This introspection adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, inviting listeners to ponder over the societal implications of prohibition. Episode Sponsor: • Alexander Henry Coffee...
Published 05/15/24
In this captivating episode of the Church History Podcast, the focus shifts to the intricate narrative surrounding the Prohibition era, intricately connected to Billy Sunday's fiery preaching. This episode underscores the complexity of the Prohibition story, emphasizing its deep roots in societal issues of the time. We delve into the reasons behind the crusade against saloons. We paint a vivid picture of the social, economic, and political landscape of the 1800s and early 1900s. We...
Published 04/30/24
Join us on a captivating journey through the life of Billy Sunday, a man who transitioned from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential evangelists in American history. Born William Ashley Sunday in 1862 to a German immigrant family, he faced hardship and adversity from an early age. Abandoned by his father shortly after birth and left to the care of his widowed mother, Billy's childhood was marked by poverty and instability. Despite the challenges, Billy's tenacity and...
Published 04/12/24
Today, we pick up the narrative as Spurgeon faces a severe trial: being unjustly blamed for a tragic incident during one of his sermons. Despite grappling with deep depression, Spurgeon found solace in Isaiah 40:31 and returned to preaching with renewed vigor, leading to the remarkable growth of his congregation. On March 18th, 1861, the iconic Metropolitan Tabernacle was completed, becoming a beacon of hope for thousands in London. Spurgeon's sermons were printed and distributed widely, and...
Published 03/14/24