Hymns have shaped the faith of generations, offering timeless theology in singable form. In this episode, Robert J. Morgan, author of The Origin of Hymns, shares the stories behind 50 of the most cherished hymns and explains why these songs continue to strengthen faith today. Featured in the new movie I Can Only Imagine 2, Morgan’s book dives deep into the history, meaning, and spiritual power of classic worship songs.

Highlights

• How The Origin of Hymns became tied to the making of I Can Only Imagine 2, and why it was written after the film was shot.

• What defines a hymn: “singable theology” rooted in Scripture, as opposed to modern worship songs that often focus on us rather than God.

• The importance of hymns in preserving theology, history, and longevity in worship.

• Stories behind key hymns such as It Is Well With My Soul, Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine, and A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.

• How singing hymns connects us to generations of believers, embedding Scripture and faith into our memories.

• Practical ways to incorporate a “hymn habit” into daily devotionals for spiritual growth.

• Morgan’s personal journey with hymns, from childhood exposure to research, writing, and publishing multiple books on the topic.

• Insights into the history of hymnody—from Exodus 15 to Latin, German, English hymns, gospel songs, and modern praise and worship music.

About Pastor Robert J. Morgan

Pastor Morgan is the author of numerous faith-based books including Then Sings My Soul, Red Sea Rules, and 100 Bible Verses That Changed the World. He serves as Associate Pastor of World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and has spent decades studying and writing about hymns and biblical wisdom.

Resources Mentioned

• The Origin of Hymns

• I Can Only Imagine 2

• World Outreach Church

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The ancient manuscripts known as the Dead Sea Scrolls remain one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the modern era. In this episode of Crosswalk Talk, Bobby Duke, Chief Curatorial Officer at the Museum of the Bible, discusses the museum’s remarkable new exhibit showcasing fragments of these ancient texts.

Dr. Duke explains why the scrolls—some dating back more than 2,000 years—have strengthened confidence in the reliability of the biblical text. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the traveling exhibit organized by the Israel Antiquities Authority and highlights other fascinating artifacts visitors can experience at the museum.

In This Episode

• What the Dead Sea Scrolls are and why they matter
• How the scrolls confirmed the remarkable preservation of the Old Testament text
• Why scholars once expected major differences in the manuscripts—and what they actually found
• The significance of Second Temple Judaism in understanding the world of the Bible
• Why the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit is a rare opportunity to see ancient biblical manuscripts
• The story behind the Magdala Stone discovered near the Sea of Galilee
• The importance of the Megiddo Mosaic and what it reveals about early Christian theology
• How the Museum of the Bible uses modern technology to help families explore Scripture

About the Museum of the Bible

Located in Washington, DC, the Museum of the Bible explores the Bible’s history, narrative, and cultural impact through interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and immersive experiences.

From ancient manuscripts to modern technology—including the first smartphone to download the YouVersion Bible App—the museum traces the story of Scripture and its influence on art, literature, science, and global culture.

Resources Mentioned

• Museum of the Bible
• Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit (traveling exhibition organized by the Israel Antiquities Authority)
• Magdala Stone

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Award-winning and Latin Grammy-nominated worship artist Christine D’Clario joins Crosswalk Talk to discuss her deeply personal new book, Healing in the Desert. Known by millions for her music, Christine opens up about her battle with severe postpartum depression, suicidal thoughts, childhood trauma, and how therapy—paired with a vibrant faith—became a turning point in her healing journey.

In this powerful conversation, she shares how vulnerability became strength, why the Church must address mental health more openly, and how God’s presence sustained her in her darkest moments.

In This Episode

• Christine’s diagnosis with severe postpartum depression

• Surviving suicidal thoughts as a public Christian leader

• Childhood trauma, abuse, and unresolved grief

• Why mental health remains a challenging topic in some church communities

• The importance of Spirit-filled, biblically grounded therapy

• Wrestling honestly with God in seasons of pain

• Her salvation story at age 19 and dramatic encounter with God

• Encouragement for anyone battling anxiety, depression, or trauma

About the Book

In Healing in the Desert, Christine offers both her story and practical guideposts for navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and spiritual doubt. The book combines personal testimony, biblical insight, and mental health resources for readers seeking hope and restoration.

Resources Mentioned

• Healing in the Desert by Christine D’Clario

• Soul Share Health – A faith-based mental health community offering prayer gatherings and licensed Christian therapy resources

• LifeAudio – Discover more faith-centered podcasts

A Word of Encouragement

If you or someone you love is battling depression, anxiety, or trauma, this episode serves as a reminder: you are not alone. Many are the afflictions—but the Lord rescues. And often, He does so through both His Spirit and wise, compassionate community.

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