The Twin Steeples Podcast

In our hymn for this weekend we study a hymn by the "Prince of Hymnwriters," Charles Wesley. Wesley wrote over 6,500 hymns and is probably second only to Isaac Watts in both the number of hymns written, as well as the mass use of those hymn in churches since that time. 

We are studying his hymn: "Jesus, My Truth, My Way" (TLH 433) from the Trust section of our hymnal. His hymn is a beautiful depiction of Jesus as seen and declared in Scripture. He is our Truth, Way, Light, Wisdom, Guide, Counselor, Power, Help, Refuge, Fortress, Tower, Sure Abode, Horn, Rock, Buckler (Shield), Savior, and God! 

The hymn also reminds us that we are weak and powerless to save ourselves. This is why we need Jesus and His work of salvation. Wesley writes: "Myself I cannot save, Myself I cannot keep, But strength in Thee I surely have whose eyelids never sleep." (Verse 5)

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." (Psalm 18:2)

We rejoice that we have a Savior in Jesus who is our security in this life and the life to come. Thanks be to God for the peace we have with Him as our Refuge and Strength! 

Devotion

• Romans 8:31-39

 

Announcements

• Review
  • Daryl Holzinger and Darlene Nelson victory services
  • Immanuel Building Committee initial meeting
• Upcoming
  
  • Board of Elders
  • Men’s Breakfast
  • Ladies’ Bible Study
  • Weekend Worship
  • No School Labor Day
  • Outreach Committee
  • Board of Education
  • Board of Property
  • Youth Group

 

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Family of Pastor Del Maas
• Mark Lentz
• Nepal Flooding
• Betty Wolle
• Principal Rick Mariner
• Teacher Erika Hart

 

 

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 528 “If God Himself Be for Me”

The hymn that we are studying this weekend is hymn 363 in The Lutheran Hymnal. This hymn is unique in a couple of ways. First, it was written by a female hymnwriter, and second it was written by a Baptist hymnwriter. When we compare this hymn to a hymn by Paul Gerhardt or Martin Luther, we will find some very striking differences. This hymn will reflect a fervent faith in Jesus, and a devotion to Him. But it will communicate this in a more emotional simple way that is reflective of a more feminine style. This hymn does not carry the rigid or instructional character of a typical Lutheran hymn. 

The hymn beautifully points to the theme of Love. God's Love for us in Jesus and His work of salvation. It also points to the Christian's Spirit-worked response to that Love of God in our lives. We are awaked to sing "the sacred song." Our "hearts and tongues" are tuned to sing His praise. The prayer is that the whole world of sinners would be brought to "join the sacred song."

Yes, "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8), and "we love Him because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19)

Thanks be to God for the love He has shown us in Jesus. May that knowledge of His love tune our heart to sing of our Redeemer's glorious name to the world around us!

Devotion

• Romans 8:26-30

 

Announcements

• Review
  • Long Term School Improvement/Growth Brainstorming Meeting 
• Upcoming
  
  • Ladies' Auxiliary
  • Daryl Holzinger Committal Service
  • Men’s Breakfast
  • Ladies’ Bible Study
  • Darlene Nelson Victory Service
  • Weekend Worship
  • Immanuel Building Committee

 

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Family of Daryl Holzinger
• Family of Darlene Nelson
• Barb Pfeiffer
• Judy Mielke
• Pastor Del Maas
• Passon Family
• Kentucky Preaching Station
• Mission in Togo

 

 

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 529 “I Leave All Things to God’s Direction”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on August 23, 2026. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.

 

Sermon Text: John 8:31-36 (NKJV)

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will be made free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 “And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

 

The Truth Shall Set You Free

1. The Truth That You Were in Bondage to Sin
2. The Truth That You Are Now a Child of God