When verses are missing

In "The Gospel of the Kingdom Is Like an Old Hymn" Jared Wilson makes the case for hymns that have survived the test of time:

.... Most of these old hymns follow the gospel storyline. The first verse usually presents the problem of sin in some way. The second and third verses typically introduce Christ and his cross, the work of the Spirit, or some other proclamation of redemptive narrative of the gospel. And the last verse typically puts the Christian in heaven, focusing on the blessed hope of Christ’s return and our glorification.

The classic hymns, like the gospel they help us exult in, are much bigger than they appear. ....

A lot of the new songs—not all of them, of course, but a lot of them—head straight to how I feel about Jesus but never take me into the depths of why I ought to feel that way. ....

But what I really need is to rehearse what he’s already done for me, what he’s already done in Christ that has satisfied my desires, met my needs, and answered my longings. In the rush to emotional outburst, I miss affectionate remembering. .... [more]

The Gospel of the Kingdom Is Like an Old Hymn | TGC