Cyril of Alexandria

Psalm 1 Law as Gospel
Biblical Interpretation

Psalm 1: The Law as Gospel? Church Fathers, Protestant Reformers, and Jewish Rabbis Comment

09/07/2026 Bruce Strom 0

Rabbi Joseph Telushkin observes that, rather than describing what a “virtuous person does, the First Psalm describes what a virtuous person avoids: association with the wicked.” The assumption is “that bad companions generally assert a stronger influence than do good ones.” This psalm does not describe the righteous who avoid the wicked as good or wise. Rather, they are described as happy.” […]

History of Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
Hymns and Their Inspirations

History of Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty

06/23/2026 Bruce Strom 0

This hymn was written by the Anglican Bishop Reginald Heber. This is one of the most beloved of the roughly hundred hymns that he penned in the early 1800s, when the Anglican authorities frowned on singing hymns in church, except for the metrical chanting of Psalms. By closely reflecting the biblical verses, he sought to avoid the excessive emotionalism that Anglican authorities hoped to discourage. The Brightest and Best is another of his acclaimed hymns.
Heber pursued his literary interests, including composing hymns, while serving as a parish priest for many years. Later in life, he was appointed as bishop of Calcutta, India, seeking to improve the spiritual life and living conditions of his flock. He traveled the countryside, but due to his workload, the hostile climate, and his poor health, he passed away three years after his appointment in India. […]