Amazing Love! How Can It Be

The present collection of essays examines specific texts by Charles Wesley in multiple dimensions (theological, poetical, historical, biographical, etc.), demonstrating both the profound nature of the hymns and their continued relevance for Christians today. The discussions are organized by theological/liturgical topics, and each essay treats us to the hymn in its complete original form (noting significant variants as necessary), explains the historical context of its composition, provides a theological interpretation, and relates it to the life and faith of the believer. In the pages of this book, the reader will find both information and inspiration. Scholars of hymnody and of Charles Wesley will appreciate the depth of inquiry in the chapters. Just as importantly, laypersons and hymn lovers (as well as scholars) will find much spiritual benefit from the study of hymns they know and love, as well as texts with which they may be less familiar. This exploration of these profound hymns will surely lead to a deeper understanding of the "amazing love" responsible for changing the course of Charles Wesley's life, who in turn changed the course of Christian worship. With contributions from: Steve Weaver Jonathan A. Powers Patrick A. Eby Christopher P. McFadden C. Michael Hawn Josh Dear Joe Harrod Paul W. Chilcote Roger D. Duke Michael A.G. Haykin Margaret Garrett Jim Scott Orrick

Autorentext

Chris Fenner is digital archivist at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is associate minister of music at Green Street Baptist Church, Louisville, KY. He has degrees in music education, worship studies, and library science. Chris has contributed articles to The Hymn: A Journal of Congregational Song, has produced new editions of The Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs of Isaac Watts and Our Own Hymn-Book by Charles Spurgeon, and is managing editor of HymnologyArchive.com.

Brian G. Najapfour holds a ThM degree in historical theology from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, MI. He has been a minister of the gospel since 2001 and has served both in the Philippines and the United States. He is the author of numerous books, including Amazing Grace, the first part of the series called "Stories behind Favorite Hymns for Ages 3 to 6." He and his wife Sarah have four children.