The Twin Steeples Podcast

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!

March 12, 2025

• Devotion
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:13-18

 

• Announcements
  • Sunday School and Bible Class
  • Congregational Meeting
  • Midweek Lent Service
  • Church Choir
  • Red Cross Blood Drive
  • Grade School Basketball Tournament
  • Ladies Bible Study
  • Anchored in Hope

 

• Prayer List 
  • Pastor John Hein
  • Pastor Tim Wheaton
  • Jim Lien
  • Lilia Howley
  • Jean Moeri
  • Board of Elders
  • Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo

 

• Hymn: TLH 605 "The World Is Very Evil"  

Hymn 339 - All Hail the Power of Jesus Name

The hymn, All Hail the Power of Jesus Name, has been called "the most inspiring and triumphant hymn in the English language" and "the National Anthem of Christianity." It was written by Edward Perronet in 1779 in England.

The hymn highlights the praise and honor that Jesus deserves from all of His creation for the work of salvation that He accomplished through the cross. The words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:9-11 serve as the basis for the theme of the hymn: "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

While this hymn does not specifically point to the work of Jesus that is our focus during the season of Lent, it does reminds us of the joy that is ours because of "Him who saves you by His grace," and the praise He deserves because of that work of grace. 

Join us for worship this weekend as join our voices to praise the name of Jesus because, as Peter proclaimed: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). 

May the LORD bless tune your lips to praise the name of Jesus in our worship this weekend!