The Twin Steeples Podcast

This weekend we consider a hymn from the "Lord's Day" section of the hymnal. The term "Lord's Day" was a term that was used by John in Revelation 1:10, and by the early Christian Church to refer to Sunday. Sunday was called the "Lord's Day" because it was Jesus' day, the Day He won the victory over death through His resurrection from the dead. It was for this reason that the early church began to gather for worship and celebration on Sunday, in addition to Saturday (the OT Sabbath). But as hymn writer William How brings out in this hymn, there were many other events that happened on Sunday ("This day") that point to God's work for mankind.

The first verse points to God's creation of light on the first day of the week (Sunday). The second verse recalls Christ's resurrection from the dead (on Sunday). The third verse reflects on the Spirit's outpouring on Pentecost (also on Sunday). Each event include a prayer that God would shine His light (verse 1), give us new life (verse 2), and pour out His grace (verse 3), on us still today as we gather on "this day" (also Sunday) for worship. 

Finally, How ties in the work of the Triune God who is at work in creation (verse 1), redemption (verse 2), and sanctification (verse 3), with a doxology (word of praise) in stanza 5.

This hymn serves as a beautiful reminder that we don't "have" to worship Him on Sunday. We worship on Sunday as a Spirit worked response to His work for us in creation, redemption and sanctification!

May He continue that good work of creating in each of us thankful hearts that respond in joyful worship!

Devotion

• Romans 9:1-5

 

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Hymn of the Day

• TLH 512 “O Christ, Our True and Only Light”

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
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  • Weekend Worship
  • No School Labor Day
  • Outreach Committee
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  • 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!