The Twin Steeples Podcast

Hymn 651 - Be Still, My Soul

We continue in the season of Epiphany where the LORD reveals to sinners that Jesus is the Savior that God promised us and that we desperately need. This week we study the hymn "Be Still, My Soul" (Hymn 651 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by Catharina von Schlegel in the eighteenth century. She wrote this as a poem that was later set to music, first to one melody and finally in 1927 was joined to the tune Finlandia, making a beautiful pair. This is the only hymn in our hymnal that was written by her.  

The hymn is based on Psalm 46:10-11: "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge." The hymn contemplates the troubles that we face in this world of sin and that Jesus calls His followers to "deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow" Him (Matthew 16:24). 

Even though we face many temptations, trials of faith, and loss, the hymnwriter directs our hearts and minds to the promises and power of our God and Savior. While this is not directly an Epiphany hymn, this is especially fitting in the Epiphany season. Jesus shows His power over sickness, nature, the demons, and even over death. Through all of this and more, Jesus is revealed to us as the true God and as the world's promised Savior. 

The final two verses comfort us in the loss of Christian loved ones, reminding us that Jesus has conquered death, once and for all. He "Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). With all these promises from our Savior Jesus, we can say: "Be still, my soul" trusting in Jesus who is with us and who is our Refuge and Strength!

Join us as we study this hymn which comforts us in the trouble and sorrow of this earthly life through the assurance of Jesus and His work for us!

January 29, 2025

• Devotion
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2
• Announcements

• • Sunday School and Bible Class 
  • Whitewater Retreat
  • Women’s Bible study tonight 5-6pm in church basement
  • Time and Talents this weekend (also Meet and Greet)
  • Reorganization meeting (Monday, Feb 3rd at 6:30)
  • Voters Meeting (Monday, Feb 3rd)
  • Ambassadors (Wed, Feb 12th 7-9pm)
  • Women who hike (February 23 @ 2:30pm)
• Prayer List 
  • Pastor John Hein
  • Pastor Tim Wheaton
  • Jim Lien
  • Lilia Howley (going in for tests next week)
  • Becca Schaller
  • Margaret Fraze
  • Jeff Strand
  • Scott Osbourne
  • Eli Baumann
  • Margaret Schreyer - Transesophageal Echocardiogram so the Drs. can look at her heart valve.
  • Judy Mielke
  • John McLaren
  • Elected Church leaders 
    • Zach L. (Pres), Karl F. (VP), Alan O. (Sec), Doug S. (FSec), Craig S. (Treas), Kevin, Michael, Anthony, Mark, Daniel (Elders), Paul (Deacon), Elijah (Ed), Scott K. (Property).
  • Missionary Bruce Naumann 
• Hymn of the Day
  • Hymn 616 - "Forever with the Lord"

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!