August Preview for subscribing readers of KENKALIS.COM

One of the pleasures of publishing this blog is introducing readers to the people, books, hymns, and events that have shaped the Christian faith. As one series concludes, another begins.

Great Hymns of the Christian Faith

For centuries Christians have carried these hymns to church, sung them in their homes, quoted them at bedsides, and remembered them in times of joy and sorrow. Many know the first verse of a favorite hymn but have never read the whole text or learned the story behind it.

Beginning this month, we will do both.

Each article will feature one great hymn, introduce its author, explain the circumstances in which it was written, and present the hymn itself. Whenever possible, the complete text will be included so readers can enjoy these classics as they were originally written.

Among the hymns we will explore are:

• Holy, Holy, Holy — Reginald Heber

• When I Survey the Wondrous Cross — Isaac Watts

• Rock of Ages — Augustus Toplady

• And Can It Be? — Charles Wesley

• A Mighty Fortress Is Our God — Martin Luther

• Be Thou My Vision — Ancient Irish hymn

• It Is Well with My Soul — Horatio Spafford

• Great Is Thy Faithfulness — Thomas O. Chisholm

• The Old Rugged Cross — George Bennard

• To God Be the Glory — Fanny J. Crosby

These hymns have been sung for generations. Now we will read them together.

Women of God

Another new series will introduce remarkable Protestant women whose ministries influenced churches, missions, evangelism, education, and Christian service around the world.

We begin with Sister Aimee Semple McPherson.

Her life deserves more than a single article. During the coming weeks we will follow her story from her childhood in Ontario to her worldwide ministry as an evangelist, missionary, church founder, broadcaster, and servant of Christ.

Our series will include:

• A Farm Girl in Ontario

• A Missionary's Bride

• Widowhood and a New Calling

• Across America with the Gospel

• Angelus Temple

• Healing and Compassion

• A Pioneer of Christian Radio

• The Kidnapping Mystery

• The Foursquare Gospel

• Her Lasting Legacy

After completing Sister Aimee's biography, we will meet other outstanding Protestant women, including Amy Carmichael, Lottie Moon, Gladys Aylward, Corrie ten Boom, and Elisabeth Elliot.

Our Regular Studies Continue

These new series join our continuing studies in Joshua, Revelation, 2 Corinthians, The Pilgrim's Progress, Brothers in the Bible, and Theophanies.

Thank you for reading KENKALIS.COM. I look forward to exploring these hymns and these remarkable lives with you during the months ahead.

God bless you as we travel together. Ken