The Twin Steeples Podcast

Hymn 381 - I Know My Faith Is Founded

As we continue on in the season of Epiphany we reflect more on the revelation of Jesus who is the foundation of our faith. This week we study the hymn "I Know My Faith Is Founded" (Hymn 381 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by Erdmann Neumeister in the early 1700's. Neumeister was born and educated in Germany and was a pastor, teacher and writer of over 650 hymns. His hymns are simple, yet rich and Scriptural.   

This hymn highlights the truth that not all faith is equal. While people say "It doesn't matter what you believe in, as long as you believe in something," Scripture says different. Not everything is worth putting your faith or trust in. The world puts forth other foundations on which people are to build their faith, but those foundation do not compare to Jesus. The Christian faith defies worldly wisdom, but is sure and certain. 

This hymn includes a prayer to God to increase our faith, especially as we face trouble in this life. The devil seeks to use trials and adversities to divide us from Christ. But God promises to be with us and give the strength that we need.

The final verse continues the prayer, this time for God to held us serve Him in this life, until He calls us home to Heaven. Heaven is God's ultimate goal for us. Jesus has won our salvation. We have been "begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus" (1 Peter 1:4). In death we receive "the end of our faith -- the salvation of our souls" (1 Peter 1:9).

Join us as we study this hymn which reminds us about the importance of faith's foundation. There is no firmer foundation for sinners than Jesus and His cross for us! On Him my faith is founded! 

January 22, 2025

• Devotion
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

 

•  
• Announcements
  • Sunday School and Bible Class
  • Outdoor Adventure Day Cancelled
  • Annual Meeting
  • Dan Hanel Victory Service
  • Whitewater Retreat
  • Women's Bible Study
  • Reorganization Meeting
  • College Bible Study

 

• Prayer List 
  • Pastor John Hein
  • Pastor Tim Wheaton
  • Jim Lien
  • Lilia Howley
  • Dan Hanel Family
  • Rebecca Schaller
  • Jeff Strand
  • Eli Baumann
  • Judy Mielke
  • John McLaren
  • Bible Study Leaders
  • Missionary Todd Ohlmann

 

Common Christian Q&A 

• How do we know that the Bible really is the Word of God and not some other “sacred book”?

 

• Hymn 421 “Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spake”

Hymn 129 - Hail, Thou Source of Every Blessing

We continue in the season of Epiphany this week, which highlights that the Gentiles are invited into God's kingdom. This week we study the Epiphany hymn "Hail, Thou Source of Every Blessing" (Hymn 129 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by Basil Woodd around 1810. Basil was born and educated in England and was ordained as a pastor. This is the only hymn in our hymnal that was written by him.  

This hymn uses the account of the Wise Men who came to visit the young child Jesus as the basis for teaching us an important truth. The Gospel is intended for all people, and we, like the Wise Men, receive salvation through Jesus and are able to come and worship Him and bring their gifts of thanksgiving to Him. 

This hymn reminds us that God does not discriminate or withhold salvation based on gender, race, age or economic status. Paul writes: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:28-29). Salvation is for you! Thanks be to God!

Join us as we study this hymn about Jesus' work to save all people, and the joy we have in worship and in service to Him!

January 15, 2025

• Devotion
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10

 

• Announcements
  • Sunday School and Bible Class
  • ERC Meeting
  • Church Council
  • Voters Meeting - January 20 - 7pm
  • Outdoor Adventure Day
  • Whitewater Retreat
  • College Bible Study

 

• Prayer List 
  • Pastor John Hein
  • Pastor Tim Wheaton
  • Jim Lien
  • Margaret Fraze
  • Dan Hanel
  • Rebecca Schaller
  • Lilia Howley
  • Jeff Strand
  • Scott Osbourne
  • Eli Baumann
  • Shut-ins
  • Mission in Bangladesh

 

• Hymn 604 “Great God, What do I See and Hear?”

Hymn 126 - Arise and Shine in Splendor

On January 6 the church has celebrated Epiphany, which brings the Christmas season to a close. Epiphany has been called "Christmas for the Gentiles" since the theme of Epiphany is about the Gospel (and salvation) being intended for all people. We see this in the account of the visit of the Wise Men, which is usually the Gospel reading for the festival of Epiphany. This week we study the Epiphany hymn "Arise and Shine in Splendor" (Hymn 126 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by Martin Opitz in the seventeenth century. Martin was born and educated in Germany and was a professor of philosophy and literature. This is the only hymn in our hymnal that was written by him.  

You might notice something strange about this hymn. Although this is an Epiphany hymn which is about the revelation of God's glory in the person of Jesus, the name "Jesus" is not mentioned once in this hymn. Nor will you find the term Christ, Savior or any other familiar description for Jesus. The reason for this is that the hymn is based on Isaiah 60:1-6 which states: "Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising."

This hymn is written from the perspective of an Old Testament believer. The Old Testament believers would not have known the name "Jesus." This hymn is about the general work of the LORD (the Triune God) to shine the LIGHT of salvation in a world that was dying in DARKNESS. The language of this hymn is colorful and brings out the Biblical contrast between light and darkness and God's love of all people and desire that ALL people come to faith and are saved from sin and death. 

This hymn is not as Christological as many of our other hymns, but uses descriptive language to describe how God has given us all a natural knowledge that He exists, so that we might seek and find the true God in His revealed Word. It also reminds us of the joy that is ours when we come to know Jesus as our Savior. People of all "nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues" (Revelation 7:10) will be brought to faith and share in the Savior's joys in heaven. Thanks be to God!

Join us as we study this hymn about God's desire to save all people, Jew and Gentile alike, and the joy that is ours when we are brought into His Light of salvation!