The Bright Forever Andy Peavyhouse

I've always marveled at the power of a single hymn to uplift spirits in even the most somber moments. This season on the podcast, we've unearthed the profound stories etched into the lines of classic hymns like "How Great Thou Art," "A Mighty Fortress is Our God," and "Blessed Assurance." Join us for this Season 2 send off as we recap all the amazing episodes that made this season so spectacular.

You will love all the reminders of past episodes while also getting to enjoy bonus songs and material that didn't make it to the main episodes. From the relaxing LOFI version of The Hymnal Project's "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" to the phenomenal bluegrass performance of Southern Raised singing "Blessed Assurance," this will be an episode to remember. And if you loved last week's interview with my aunt, Faye Peavyhouse, you will love hearing some of the extra stories that didn't make it onto the previous episode.

We truly did not pull any punches for this Season Finale! As we draw this season to a close, we want to extend to each of you listening, a heartfelt thanks for joining us in this exploration of hymnody week after week! Thank you again for listening and we'll see you back here for Season 3! God bless!

SHOW LINKS:
“Arise, My Soul, Arise” from Indelible Grace Side B (Unplugged) from 2008. Performed by Matthew Perryman Jones 
For Hymn Charts and other amazing resources from Indelible Grace click here! 
 
“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” from The Hymnal Project Album LOFI Hymns, Volume 1.
 
"Jesus Loves Me” from The Hymnal Project Album EDM-Influenced Hymns, Volume 2.
 
"Blessed Assurance” performed by Southern Raised 
 To find out more about the amazing bluegrass band Southern Raised checkout their website here.
 
“There Is a Fountain Filled With Blood” performed by Red Mountain Church Music from their 2003 release Depth of Mercy.   (Album credits available here)
Download the entire Red Mountain Church Music Songbook in PDF form click here!


Support the show

www.thebrightforever.com

All songs used by permission.

Imagine sitting across from a beloved family member, the one whose influence deeply rooted your faith through the timeless echoes of hymnody. That's precisely the journey we embark upon with my aunt, Faye Peavyhouse, in our latest episode. Together, we unravel the history and theological power of "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise," accompanied by the captivating Welsh melody "St. Denio." As the notes of Nathan Drake's poignant rendition fill the room, we celebrate not just the hymn itself but the powerful way in which such sacred music can shape our lives and beliefs.

And don't forget to join us next week for a special season finale, where we uncover more enriching insights from my Aunt Faye, and we round off our series with grace and a little extra bonus music.

SHOW LINKS:

“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” from 2012 Halifax Minister Service in Halifax, England.

"Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” performed by Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns with chord charts and many other church music resources.
"Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” appears on the album Hymns of the Father available here.
Support the show

www.thebrightforever.com

All songs used by permission.

Our host, Andy Peavyhouse, recalls how, since starting this podcast, it has been a constant reminder of the power hymns have played in his journey of faith. He remembers how each hymn paints another picture of his walk with Christ and how hymns can be the cornerstone of our faith journey. One hymn that paints quite a vivid picture of Christ's triumphant victory through his finished work on the cross is Thomas Kelly's "Look Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious." It unfolds in a symphony of poetic majesty. Each verse is a brushstroke of truth, painting the ultimate victory of Christ. We'll explore the richness of this hymn, as we dive into its authorship, history, and theology.

This episode is a heartfelt tribute to hymnody's ability to capture the soul's deepest cries and loftiest praises, to strike that tender chord within us that resonates with God's truth.  We'll see how this hymn echoes Scripture, inviting us all to acknowledge Jesus as the Lamb who was slain and now reigns victorious. Join us, as we honor the Lenten and Easter seasons by amplifying the joyous acclamation of Christ's triumph, encouraging listeners to reclaim the hymns that have shaped our faith, and to carry their powerful messages of truth to a lost and dying world.

SHOW CREDITS AND LINKS:
Andrew Peterson’s “Is He Worthy?”

Red Mountain Church Music

Red Mountain Hymn Collective
 
"Crown Him"
Taken from This Breaks My Heart of Stone: A Collection of Hymns from Red Mountain Church

 Download the entire Red Mountain Music catalogue of songs in one PDF Songbook (does not include hymns from Silent Night, Demos & B-sides).
The PDF download includes everything Red Mountain Music has available.
THIS BREAKS MY HEART OF STONE ALBUM CREDITS:
 
Jon Black - acoustic guitar, vocals
Chris Campbell - mandolin
Tim Carroll - double bass
Karl Digerness - vocals
Tripp Ethridge - drums
Dan Hames - bgvs
Drew Holcomb - vocals, bgvs
Ellie Holcomb - vocals, bgvs
Jeff Irwin - bass
Jeremy Meyer - bgvs
Evan Munger - bgvs, hand claps
Brian T. Murphy - pads, piano, vocals, bgvs, hand claps, loops
Brooke Murphy - hand claps
Pete Nice - pedal steel
Benj Pocta - acoustic guitar, banjo, vocals, bgvs, hand claps
Stokes Skellie - vocals
Tom Slinger - bgvs
Ashley Spurling - vocals, bgvs
Matt Terrell - vocals
Clint Wells - acoustic and electric guitars, slide guitar, bgvs, hand claps, loops
Produced by Brian T. Murphy and Clint Wells
 Mixed and mastered by Paul Scodova
 Project management by Bradley N. Cordell
 Graphic design and layout by Justin Pocta
 Recording and engineering by Brian T. Murphy at Red Mountain Studios - Birmingham, AL
 Additional recording on Track 7 by Luke Brodine - Pendleton, SC
 Additional recording and engineering on track 9 by Karl Digerness - San Francisco, CA
 Additional recording and engineering during post production by Paul Scodova - Birmingham, AL
 
 
Support the show

www.thebrightforever.com

All songs used by permission.

In today's episode we offer you a profound understanding of why the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event, but the bedrock of our faith, as Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15. We pay tribute to the enduring legacy of William Cowper, delving into his classic hymn "There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood," and uncovering the depths of its theological richness. We take a look at both Cowper's personal struggles, and the pastoral support and comfort he received from the Unwin family and Rev. John Newton. We learn a little about how the Cowper's words have had various music settings and get to hear various takes on the most popular tune used today. Reawaken Hymn's moving rendition of this hymn bring home the episode's message of hope and the enduring promise of the gospel.

As we reflect on themes of atonement and the free gift of salvation, the life-changing impact of this sacred song becomes clear. Cowper's song  journeys from the somber reflection of Good Friday to the triumph of Easter Sunday.  We explore the vivid imagery of the dying thief and the infinite mercy of God, challenging us to live as "resurrection people," filled with the transformative power of Jesus' resurrection in our daily lives. This episode is not merely a listening experience but an invitation to embrace the boundless grace and redemption that define our lives and our worship. Join us and be inspired by the power of this phenomenal hymn to articulate our deepest desires for redemption and ignite a renewed sense of hope in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

A huge thank you again to Doug Johnson for "There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood" arranged and performed for solo violin.

SHOW LINKS:

"There is a Fountain" performed by Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns with chord charts and many other church music resources.
"There is a Fountain" appears on the album Hymns of the Son available here.


Excerpt from Alistair Begg – “The Man on the Middle Cross Said I Could Come”
 
"Let Me Sing" by Andrew Peterson from the Album Clear to Venus


"There is a Fountain" by Tim Harvey and The Bethlehem Baptist Praise Band



Support the show

www.thebrightforever.com

All songs used by permission.

As we gather in solemn reflection this Good Friday, The Bright Forever is here to guide you through the significance of this pivotal moment in the Christian faith. Come along with us, and our host, Andy Peavyhouse, as we uncover the paradoxical understanding of the term 'Good Friday' and the radical teachings of Jesus that exemplify an upside-down kingdom—a Kingdom where the last are made first, and the meek inherit the earth. Embrace the historical and emotional journey encapsulated in the haunting hymn "Were You There," as we invite you to become an active participant in the story of redemption that changes lives and shapes eternities.

Feel the tremors of despair and the echoes of hope that have reverberated through history with each verse of this powerful spiritual song. Walk side by side with the disciples in their darkest hour, grappling with the weight of sin and the longing for salvation, only to discover the dawning of a new life marked by the resurrection of Christ. This episode promises not just an exploration of the past but a transformative experience that deepens your connection to the events that altered the course of humanity, culminating in Christ's victory over death and sin, setting the stage for the celebration of Easter. Join us for an episode that transcends mere storytelling, offering a profound reflection on servant leadership, sacrifice, and the unwavering promise of redemption through Christ's love.

SHOW LINKS:

"Were You There" performed by Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns with chord charts and many other church music resources.

"Were You There" appears on the album Reawaken Hymns: Volume 7  (Live Acoustic EP) available here.

"Were You There " performed by The Fisk Jubilee Singers (Library of Congress- audio)
Male vocal quartet, unaccompaniedName: Fisk University Jubilee Singers -- Vocal GroupGenre: ReligiousMedia Size: 10-in.Recording Label: ColumbiaRecording Catalog Number: A3919Recording Matrix Number: 79606 (Matrix ID)Recording Take Number: 1Recording Date: 1920-12-28Recording Location: New York, New YorkSupport the show

www.thebrightforever.com

All songs used by permission.

As the melodies of Easter ring through the air, we welcome you to a season marked by reflection and song. Join me, Andy Peavyhouse, as we uncover the story and enduring impact of Philip P. Bliss's "Man of Sorrows, What a Name!" A hymn that weaves a timeless narrative of Christ's journey from sorrow to joy. This episode is not just an exploration, but a heartfelt thanksgiving, an offering to the shared spirit that resonates within each verse of this priceless hymn. Together, we'll celebrate the life of Bliss, whose humble beginnings and innate musical talent led to some of the most influential hymns in Christian worship, including his work with Horatio Spafford on "It is Well with My Soul."

Feel the depth of Jesus' sacrifice anew, as we traverse the theological landscape painted by "Man of Sorrows." Inspired by the words drawn from Isaiah 53, this hymn invites believers to contemplate the dual nature of Christ, his role as the sacrificial lamb, and the transformative grace of his atonement. We'll explore the rich symbolism Bliss employed to connect Old and New Testament teachings, revealing the promised salvation that comes only through Jesus Christ. Embrace this opportunity to deepen your understanding of a hymn that has comforted and inspired generations, as we honor the legacy left by a man whose music speaks of a Man of Sorrow but rings of a Savior who brings eternal notes of joy.

SHOW NOTES:

"Man of Sorrows" performed by Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns with chord charts and many other church music resources.

"Man of Sorrows" appears on the album Hymns of the Son available here.


Support the show

www.thebrightforever.com

All songs used by permission.