The Twin Steeples Podcast

Hymn 243 - Oh, That I Had A Thousand Voices

This weekend we are studying a hymn by Lutheran Pastor, Johnann Mentzer. Like Gerhardt whom we studied last week, Mentzer lived about 100 years after Luther and in a very difficult time, politically and religiously. Like Gerhardt, Mentzer was also familiar with suffering and tragedy. Yet, his faith in the Triune God and the joy which God's work for him instilled, shines through in his hymns. This hymn is no exception. Originally it included 15 stanzas, ten of which are included in our hymnal, but in two different hymns (TLH 30 and 243).  

This hymn of praise is addressed to the Triune God (this is why it is found in the Trinity section of our hymnal), which can be seen in the reference to the Father (verse 2), the Savior Jesus (verse 3), and the Holy Spirit (verse 5). The words of this hymn are based in part on Jesus' words to the demonic, Legion after He delivered the man from the oppression of those evil spirits: “Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” Then we hear the man's joyful response: "And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him" (Luke 8:39). 

This hymn highlights the blessings which God has richly bestowed on us. He is our Creator and Preserver who is our "Guardian kind and tender." He is our Redeemer whose compassion led Him to come "down to ransom me" and "brought me from bondage" though the suffering (keenest woe) He endured on our behalf. He is our Sanctifier, Who gives "me among Thy saints a place" through the faith He works in our hearts, and gives us the power to live lives of good works to His glory. 

All of this moves the Christian, the one who has come to know God's love which is shown in all these ways, to "be filled with gladness" even in the face of trouble and trial in this life. 

Join us this weekend as we sing our praises to the Triune God for all the great things He has done for me!

May the LORD bless your joyful worship this weekend!

March 26, 2025

• Devotion
  • Ecclesiastes 1:4-8

 

• Announcements
  • Sunday School and Bible Class
  • Arts Camp
  • Ambassadors
  • Athletics Forum
  • Women's Book Club
  • Board of Elders
  • Midweek Lent Service
  • Ladies Auxiliary
  • Church Choir
  • Ladies Bible Study
  • Alumni Day 
  • Invite a Friend to Church
  • Anchored in Hope
  • Church Cleanup Day
  • Cemetery Cleanup Day
  • Easter Flowers

 

• Prayer List 
  • Pastor John Hein
  • Pastor Tim Wheaton
  • Jim Lien
  • Lilia Howley
  • Ethan Kranz
  • Nila Strege
  • General Sickness
  • Mission in Kenya

 

• Hymn: TLH 402 “O God, Forsake Me Not”

Hymn 528 - If God Himself Be For Me

This weekend we are studying a hymn by Lutheran Pastor, Paul Gerhardt. Gerhardt lived about 100 years after Luther and in a very difficult time, politically and religiously. The Thirty Years War rages. Religious turmoil created havoc. He was familiar with persecution and tragedy. Three children died in infancy as well as a son and his wife in later years. He was forced to conform to false teaching or leave his call as pastor. His church and home were destroyed by war.

But in all of this, Gerhardt remained confident of the Lord's power and Christ's victory over sin, death and every enemy he might face. This hymn was based on the Apostle Paul's words to the Romans: "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:31-39) 

The hymn highlights the truth that God's love for us is sure because it is seen in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. God is also more powerful than anything we will face in this life. And if God loves us so much that He gave His Son into death for us, what won't He do for us, that is for our ultimate good?

When you face challenges and loss in this life, look to Jesus and His cross. See the love of Jesus which is greater than any enemy we might face. Be assured of God's love and His power over death, sin, and Satan as well!

Join us this weekend as gather to express our joy for that Love of God which surpasses all our understanding!

May the LORD bless your joyful proclamation of God's love for you in Jesus this weekend!

March 19, 2025

• Devotion
  • Ecclesiastes 1:1-3

 

• Announcements
  • Sunday School and Bible Class
  • Red Cross Blood Drive
  • Grade School Basketball Tournament
  • Winter Sports Awards
  • Women's Study Guild
  • Midweek Lent Service
  • Church Choir
  • Ladies Bible Study
  • Arts Camp
  • Anchored in Hope
  • Ambassadors
  • College Bible Study
  • Immanuel Membership Information Form
  • Women's Book Club
  • Ladies Auxiliary

 

• Prayer List 
  • Pastor John Hein
  • Pastor Tim Wheaton
  • Jim Lien
  • Lilia Howley
  • Ethan Kranz
  • Samantha and Lenora Clobes
  • Margaret Schreyer
  • Church and School Support Staff
  • Mission in Mexico

 

• Hymn: TLH 588 “I Would Not Live Alway”

Hymn 388 - Just As I Am, Without One Plea

The hymn, Just as I am, is one of the most familiar and recognizable hymn in Christianity. It was written by Charlotte Elliot, and joined to the tune Woodworth by William Bradbury, which is a beautiful match. 

While the hymn never mentions Jesus by name, the entire hymn is a prayer to Him, the one who is the "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). 

The hymn highlights the basic Christian doctrine salvation by Grace in the blood of Jesus. It highlights our (human beings) utter depravity and inability to save ourselves. Instead, salvation for our sin is found outside of ourselves, and only in the person of Jesus, whose "blood was shed for me" and is able to "cleanse each spot."

The hymn is anchored in the promise of Jesus found in John 6:37: “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” Jesus has accomplished salvation for sinners by His life and death. Salvation is sure. He invites us to come and receive His gift of grace. "All things are ready. Come to the wedding" (Matthew 22:4).

Join us this weekend as gather to worship that Lamb of God who has made us His own. Join your voice with that of your fellow believers in Jesus in thankfulness for all He has done for you!

May the LORD bless our worship of Jesus, the world's only Savior, this weekend!