The Twin Steeples Podcast

Our hymn study this weekend is one that has been considered the greatest in English hymnody. It was written by Augustus Toplady at the end of his life in 1776. 

There are several qualities about this hymn that help us to evaluate what make a truly good hymn. Many songs that are and have been sung in Christian churches are without real substance. They might use words like "grace," and "Savior" but they don't tell us what those terms mean. They avoid the nature of mankind's problem and ignore words like "sin," "guilt," "iniquity." But without that understanding, grace and salvation mean nothing and are not needed. Finally they may speak of Jesus, but without describing who Jesus was or what Jesus did for our salvation.

This hymn does all of those things properly. Toplady clearly describes mankind's utter helplessness. It is "not the labor of our hands" which gains us salvation. We are "naked," "helpless," and "foul."

In addition, the hymn points not only to Jesus, the man, but to His work. While "Jesus" is not mentioned in the text, Jesus is described as the "Rock of Ages" and his death is described in His "riven side" (John 19:34) and His "cross" pointing to the means of His death. 

The hymn also highlights the doctrine of justification by grace. "Thou must save, and thou alone." "Cleanse me from [sin's] guilt and power."

As we sing this hymn this weekend, think about the what makes a hymn a good hymn which actually teaches Christian truth clearly. This is a good example of what such a hymn looks like.

Rejoice in your salvation and all that Jesus has done for you, in life and in death!

The LORD bless your worship!

Devotion

• Romans 10:1-11

 

Announcements

• Review
  • Worship
  • Outreach Committee
• Upcoming
  
  • Immanuel Building Committee
  • Church Choir
  • Church Council
  • Men’s Breakfast
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  • Worship this Weekend
  • Pastoral Conference
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Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Blake Frank
• Family of Laura (Ude) Stutzman
• Tom and Diane Lentz - 40 year anniversary
• Teachers - Mr. Hanel, Mrs. Busch
• Mission in the Philippines

 

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 465 “Christ Is Our Cornerstone”

This weekend we are going to sing two Lent hymns. That might seem strange in the middle of the Trinity season. But we are reflecting on how salvation seems impossible, but it isn't with God. These hymns point to the great price that God willingly paid in order to redeem sinful mankind to Himself: The sacrifice of His Son on the cross.

The hymn is largely based on Isaiah 53, but also weaves in many other passages pointing to Jesus as the Messiah from the Old Testament, and the New Testament. 

The hymnwriter, Thomas Kelly, reminds us that we should not just look at the physical agony that Jesus endured, but understand that His true agony was suffering the punishment of all sin at the hand of God. Jesus was "smitten by God and afflicted!"

When we understand this, it put our own sin in a different light as well. A true understanding of Christ's sacrifice will lead us to understand the horrible nature of our sin. We can't look at sin and say "It's no big deal!" Not when we see what God had to pay because of our sin.

Jesus, who is the "sacrifice appointed" and the "one who bears the awful load" is our hope, our foundation. His is the name that we have to boast about and in. Thanks be to God!

Rejoice in that HOPE, and build on that Foundation!

Devotion

• Romans 9:25-33

 

Announcements

• Review
  • ILS Brainstorming Meeting
  • Time and Talent Offering
  • Freshman Carnival
• Upcoming
  
  • Church Choir
  • Men’s Breakfast
  • Ladies’ Bible Study
  • Teaching Timothy’s and Preparing Phoebe’s (Saturday - 10am)
  • Worship this Weekend
  • Outreach Meeting
  • Building Committee
  • Church Council

 

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Mincey Wedding
• Nicholson Baptism
• Teachers - Mr. Schrader, Mrs. Roettger
• Mission in Nepal

 

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 479 “Zion, Rise, Zion, Rise”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on September 27, 2026. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.

 

Sermon Text: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 (NKJV)

Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. 2 Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few. 3 For a dream comes through much activity, And a fool’s voice is known by his many words.

4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed— 5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay. 6 Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God.

 

Theme: Stand in Awe of God!

1. It guides our prayers
2. It sustains our promises