Podcast Summary: The Bobby Bones Show – Episode 507 featuring Chris Tomlin

Release Date: April 21, 2025

In Episode 507 of The Bobby Bones Show, host Bobby Bones welcomes renowned Christian artist Chris Tomlin back to the studio for an engaging and insightful conversation. The episode delves into Chris's latest groundbreaking projects, his perspectives on biblical figures, personal growth through marriage, and his reactions to modern-day challenges such as cursing. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key discussions, notable quotes, and the essence of their dialogue.

1. Welcome and Episode Introduction

Bobby Bones opens the episode by expressing his genuine enthusiasm for having Chris Tomlin back on the show. He highlights their past interactions and sets the stage for a deep dive into Chris's current endeavors.

[01:52] Bobby Bones: "Chris Tomlin returns. One of my favorite people in Nashville. He's just the best."

2. Releasing an 1,800-Year-Old Song: "The First Hymn"

One of the standout topics is Chris's involvement in releasing "The First Hymn," a song dated back to the third century with unique musical notation. Chris explains how he was approached to bring this ancient hymn back to life, emphasizing its historical and spiritual significance.

[32:02] Chris Tomlin: "We did a documentary because there's so many things about this hymn that are special. So we did, and it releases in a week from now, and it's called 'The First Hymn'."

Chris shares the emotional weight of adapting a hymn that survived persecution and skepticism, highlighting its profound message even 1,800 years later.

[36:57] Chris Tomlin: "It's for those who were going to betray and wrong Jesus, and yet it was for them and for the world, for all of us."

3. Perspectives on Biblical Figures: Judas and David

The conversation moves to a thoughtful analysis of biblical characters, particularly Judas Iscariot and King David. Bobby Bones introduces his theory on Judas, suggesting a reassessment of his role in the crucifixion narrative.

[13:30] Bobby Bones: "I feel like we should give Judas a second look and maybe understand that Christ understood what needed to happen."

Chris Tomlin concurs, elaborating on how Judas was integral to God's plan, and emphasizes the complexity of these characters.

[19:14] Chris Tomlin: "Judas was part of the plan, and if we throw Judas away, we might as well throw everybody else away."

They discuss King David's character, exploring his triumphs and flaws, and how his legacy as "a man after God's own heart" resonates today.

[07:10] Chris Tomlin: "David was such a fighter in both the spiritual and physical worlds."

4. Personal Growth and Marriage

Bobby shifts the discussion to personal matters, sharing his experiences in marriage and how honesty has been pivotal in his relationship with his wife. He highlights the challenges and growth that come from embracing vulnerability and constructive criticism.

[52:53] Bobby Bones: "The key has been not to be so defensive."

Chris echoes the importance of forgiveness and humility in personal relationships, reflecting on his 14-year marriage with gratitude.

[52:16] Chris Tomlin: "The key is, 'I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?'"

5. Upcoming Projects: Worship Under the Stars and Good Friday Shows

Chris Tomlin discusses his upcoming series Worship Under the Stars, set in iconic locations like New York’s Central Park and Red Rocks. He emphasizes the blend of natural beauty and spiritual connection in these concerts.

[58:24] Bobby Bones: "Worship under the Stars, you're doing. A couple of days in July and then in October. Red Rocks, that's cool."

Chris shares his excitement about creating authentic worship experiences that resonate deeply with attendees.

[58:29] Chris Tomlin: "It's all about helping people connect with God in these beautiful settings."

6. Reactions to Cursing and Maintaining Authenticity

A significant portion of the episode covers Chris Tomlin's stance on cursing and maintaining authenticity both personally and professionally. Bobby Bones shares his own challenge of abstaining from curse words and how it parallels Chris's experiences.

[60:35] Bobby Bones: "When people curse around you, they'll go like, 'Oh, I'm sorry,' because they know I don't curse."

Chris expresses his frustration with others apologizing for cursing, advocating for normalizing casual language without judgment.

[60:32] Chris Tomlin: "It bothers the heck out of me when people say that."

7. Engaging Anecdotes: Pickleball vs. Tennis

In a light-hearted segment, Bobby and Chris delve into the debate between pickleball and tennis, sharing humorous anecdotes and personal preferences. Bobby humorously recounts interactions with professional tennis player Andy Roddick, highlighting the fun and competitive nature of pickleball.

[62:43] Bobby Bones: "I own part of a major league pickleball team. It's a great game."

Chris adds his perspective, appreciating the strategy and skill involved despite his lighthearted criticism of televised pickleball.

[64:36] Chris Tomlin: "I like it. It's a great game."

8. Concluding Thoughts and Final Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Bobby and Chris reflect on the importance of authenticity in music and life. They emphasize staying true to oneself and embracing both strengths and vulnerabilities.

[51:06] Chris Tomlin: "When the storms come, they separate the players from the pretenders."

Bobby concludes by encouraging listeners to watch Chris’s documentaries and stream his new projects, expressing his appreciation for the deep and meaningful conversation.

[68:26] Bobby Bones: "You guys go see Chris. It's an excellent show."

Notable Quotes

• Chris Tomlin on Authenticity:
  "[52:07] Chris Tomlin: The key is, 'I'm sorry. Will you forgive me?' That is the key."

• Bobby Bones on Re-evaluating Judas:
  "[13:30] Bobby Bones: I feel like we should give Judas a second look and maybe understand that Christ understood what needed to happen."

• Chris Tomlin on Personal Growth:
  "[57:15] Chris Tomlin: Marriage is a refining thing. And I'm so grateful for her and for my girls and three daughters."

Conclusion

Episode 507 of The Bobby Bones Show offers listeners an in-depth look into Chris Tomlin's latest musical ventures, his thoughtful analysis of biblical narratives, and his personal journey through marriage and authenticity. The conversation is rich with meaningful insights, heartfelt anecdotes, and engaging discussions that resonate with both fans of Christian music and those interested in personal and spiritual growth.

For those interested in exploring Chris Tomlin's ancient hymn project and upcoming worship series, be sure to watch the documentary "The First Hymn" and attend the Worship Under the Stars concerts. This episode is a testament to the enduring power of music and faith in connecting and inspiring individuals across generations.