The Twin Steeples Podcast

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

This weekend our service will close with the singing of a unique hymn. The hymn is "Dear Lord to Your True Servants Give" which was written for a seminary graduation and is usually saved for the ordination or installation of a pastor. While this is certainly appropriate, and highlights the prayers we should offer on behalf of our pastors, there is also a broader use of this hymn. The servant described in the hymn is not limited to pastors or missionaries, but every Christian. Every Christian is called to be a witness to Jesus in our personal walks of life. The Great Commission of Jesus is not intended only for pastors. It is the Savior's call to all those whom He has made His own by faith.

Jesus said: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Similarly, the Apostle Paul encourages all the Christians in Corinth: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Lord, bless our use of Your Word, both in Law and Gospel, that others may be brought to know and believe in You as their Savior from sin! And bless our worship this weekend, as we join our voices to sing Your praise and work to encourage our fellow believers! Amen.

 

Devotion

• Romans 8:18-25

 

Announcements

• Review
  • Back to School Night
  • ILS Opening Service
  • Church Council
• Upcoming
  
  • Men’s Breakfast
  • Ladies’ Bible Study
  • Weekend Worship
  • Board of Education
  • Ladies' Auxiliary

Prayer List 

• Jim Lien
• Lynette Roehl
• Becky
• Family of Daryl Holzinger
• Mary Schweim
• Immanuel Building Committee
• Pastor Raju in India

 

 

Hymn of the Day

• TLH 30 “Oh, that I Had a Thousand Voices”

The opening section of our hymnal contains hymns that are intended to prepare us for worship. Our hymn for this weekend, "God Himself Is Present" by Gerhard Tersteegen, is a hymn that helps us think about what worship is, a why we do it. Tersteegen reminds us that "God Himself is present" as we gather together to hear His word, receive His sacrament, and worship Him in response. What a blessing for the sinner! We join the psalmist in declaring: "Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is the great God, And the great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also. The sea is His, for He made it; And His hands formed the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." (Psalm 95:1-6).

Let's not forget what worship is about. It is about God revealing Himself to sinners, and bestowing forgiveness to sinners through His Means of Grace. It is an opportunity to receive that, and then join in praising Him for the gifts He gives by grace. Apart from Him and His blessings, bestowed on us in worship, we are lost and doomed for destruction!

Thanks be to God for His salvation, and the privilege of praising His name in worship!