Product Description

"Hymn singing reflects a congregation's spiritual vitality and their response to God's grace.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #26776 in Books
• Published on: 1982-06-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

About the Author
Kenneth W. Osbeck (Litt.D., Cornerstone University; M.A., University of Michigan) taught for thirty-five years at Grand Rapids Baptist School of the Bible and Music and at Grand Rapids Baptist College. He also served as music director for Children's Bible Hour, Radio Bible Class, and several churches. He is the author of several books, including the best-selling Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions; 101 Hymn Stories; Hallelujah, What a Savior!; 25 Most Treasured Gospel Hymn Stories; and Joy to the World.

Customer Reviews

Excellent summary of the all-time best 101 hymns
This 288-page book summarizes the most favorite 101 hymns used by main-line Protestant churches. Although it was written in 1982, it is selling well (my copy is the 11th printing in 1990) and its content will continue to be current. At a bargain price of about $10, Osbeck's book represents exceptionally good value.

The author appears quite well-qualified with a Master's degree in music from the University of Michigan and over 40 years of experience in church music.

The full hymn is printed, then Ken Osbeck provides a one-page summary of the author's life with focus on the circumstances of how each hymn came to be written.

I found it very helpful and insightful to learn the story-behind-the-story of each hymn. These poignant insights are very useful in explaining the hymn in Sunday school classes and to the entire congregation.

This book has my full recommendation, and for just ten dollars, it represents good value as well. The book is very readable for laypersons. (This reviewer is a geologist and not a professional musician.)

Go beyond praise and worship
When I first became a Christian about 8 years ago, I somehow got the idea that praise and worship music was the truly "spiritual music" - hymns were old-fashioned, and people who enjoyed them did so because they were hide-bound by tradition. If you're thinking this now, please listen to me.

A year or so ago I heard about well-known and respected Christians like John MacArthur and Joni Eareckson Tada talk about how the old hymns were so meaningful to them and really strengthened their faith. That got me thinking: so it's not just stodgy old 80-year olds who love those old hymns. Maybe there's something to them after all.

So I got this book. And I have been so blessed by it. God has shown me that true worship is so much more than just a feeling. He wants all parts of me - my body, my soul, and my spirit - to be involved in worship. So many in churches today are satisfied with getting only their spirits involved; some want their body involved too (lifting hands, etc.); but the truly mature (I am coming to believe) also get their souls (or minds) involved. Your mind doesn't get involved when you just repeat "Isn't He" fifty times; it does when you sing (and really think about) the wonderful words to songs like "O, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus" or "Blessed Assurance."

Both these songs and many, many more are covered in this book. Get it, sing the songs, think about what Christ has done for you, think about the circumstances of their writing. And take your worship to another level.

An Outstanding Resource on Hymnody
I highly recommend this book for anyone who is captivated by the beauty of English-language hymns and wants to learn more about their origin. Osbeck does an outstanding job of presenting short, interesting, readable biographies of hymn writers such as Charles Wesley, Isaac Watts and many more. The words and music appear, too. And don't forget about the sequel, "101 More Hymn Stories."