The Twin Steeples Podcast

Devotion Romans 1:18-23   Announcements Call News Music Call for 2026-2027 Midweek Lenten Service Girl's Basketball Tournament Church Choir Men's Breakfast Ladies Bible Study Weekend Worship - Communion Bible Class - The Holy Spirit Sunday School - Jesus Changes Water into Wine Board of Elders Next Week's Midweek Lenten Service   Prayer List  Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Lynette Roehl Becky Girl's Basketball Team Mission in Myanmar   Common Christian Q&A What's the deal with all those Old Testament Laws?   Hymn of the Day TLH 43 “We Sing the Almighty Power of God”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on February 22, 2026. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: Genesis 22:1-14 (NKJV) Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." 2 Then He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you." 6 So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. 7 But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." Then he said, "Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" 8 And Abraham said, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering." So the two of them went together. 9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" So he said, "Here I am." 12 And He said, "Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." 13 Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, "In the Mount of The LORD it shall be provided."   Theme: A Foreshadowing of God's Sacrifice 1. A Father Willing to Sacrifice His Son 2. A Son Willing to Sacrifice Himself

This weekend enter the Lenten season. The Sundays in Lent are not actually a part of Lent, but are mini celebrations of the resurrection of Jesus DURING Lent. One of the main Biblical themes which we will consider this weekend in our worship is the theme of Grace.   That theme is beautifully described by Philip Doddridge in "Grace Has a Thrilling Sound" (TLH 374; WS 778). This hymn is based on Paul's words to the believers in Ephesus:  "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:4-10). God's grace has accomplished our salvation, from beginning to end. Our election is by His grace. Our faith is by His grace. Our Christian lives are lived by His grace. Our entrance into Heaven is by His grace. Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith!  Grace is indeed a thrilling sound in the ear of a believer! When we know our sin and what we deserve because of it, we can't help but be joyful when we hear God's message of grace in Christ! Rejoice in that grace! Praise Him, this weekend and always!

Devotion Romans 1:16-17   Announcements John Hein's victory service Church Council Music Call for 2026-2027 Ash Wednesday Service Soup Supper Board of Elders Church Choir Men's Breakfast Ladies Bible Study Weekend Worship Bible Class - The Resurrection of Jesus Sunday School - The Temptation of Jesus Sunday School Teacher's Meeting Board of Education   Prayer List  Lynette Roehl Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Becky Family of Pastor John Hein Marvin Schweim Erinn Bergemann Preaching and Hearing of God's Word this Lent Mission in India   Hymn of the Day TLH 141 “Enslaved by Sin and Bound in Chains”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on February 15, 2026. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: John 11:47-57 (NKJV) Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48  “If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.” 49  And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” 51  Now this he did not say on his own [authority]; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52  and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. 53  Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. 54  Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples. 55  And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56  Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?” 57  Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him. Theme: One Man Would Die for the People 

This is the last weekend before we enter the seven weeks of Lent, during which we mediate on the suffering and death of Jesus and its meaning for sinners. Our theme this weekend leads us into that thoughtful meditation. Why was the cross necessary? What was accomplished through it? We will be singing "In the Cross of Christ I glory" by John Bowring this weekend. This hymn is more emotional and personal than we might be used to from Lutheran hymn writers. While it is based on truths from Scripture, it is not a teaching hymn, as much as a reflective, contemplative hymn.  Galatians 6:14 serves as one of the main passages brought out by this hymn. There Paul writes: "But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." In both the good and the trouble of this life, the work of Jesus stands as the most important and impactful event of history. It is our comfort in times of trial, and it remains our confidence in times of success. Just as the LORD worked through the good and evil in the lives of His people (like Joseph, David, and Peter), the LORD also sanctifies the good and the bad of your life. He uses it to His glory just as Paul declares in Romans 8:28: "we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."  Thanks be to God! Thank Him for the confidence that is ours in sins forgiven and eternal life because of the work of Jesus at the cross. Reflect on that truth during this upcoming Lenten season. Rejoice in the peace and the joy that are now yours by God's grace, through the cross! May the LORD bless your proclamation of His praises this weekend!

Devotion Romans 1:8-15   Announcements ERC Meeting Early Out Today Youth Group Board of Education Church Choir Men's Breakfast Ladies Bible Study Weekend Worship Bible Class - Death and Resurrection of Jesus Sunday School - The Baptism of Jesus Board of Deacons Women's Study Guild Church Council Ash Wednesday - February 18 Lenten Soup Supper   Prayer List  Family of Pastor John Hein Lynette Roehl Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Becky Members at a Distance Mission in Bangladesh   Hymn of the Day TLH 470 “Rise Again, Ye Lion-Hearted”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on February 8, 2026. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: John 11:20-27 (NKJV) Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. 21 Then Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 "But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to Him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."   Theme: Our Death Defying Savior 1. Announces His Coming Victory 2. Invites Us to Declare His Victory

The hymn that we are studying in preparation for our worship this weekend is from the "Lord's Day" section. The Lord's Day is a term found in Revelation, which referred to Sunday. The early Christians called the first day of the week the Lord's Day, because it was on that day that the Lord had risen from the dead. He was the victor! It was now HIS day! This hymn by Julia Elliott does several creative things. First it uses the Biblical idea of light vs. darkness in each of the verses, tying this concept to three different historical events: The creation of Light, the resurrection of Jesus, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. With each verse she focuses on a different person of the Triune God. And in each verse she points out that we pray that our Triune God would continue His work of bringing light into our dark lives and world through the Gospel.  Ephesians 5:13-17 serves as part of the basis for this beautiful hymn. There Paul writes: "But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.” See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is."   Join us in our study of this hymn and its writer, and as we learn more about the Scriptural foundation and meaning of our hymns so that our use of them would be more beneficial as we gather in worship and use this hymn of praise. May the LORD bless you as He enlightens you through His word this weekend!

Devotion Romans 1:5-7   Announcements Virtual Women's Retreat Watch Party Installation of Church Officers and Board Members Voters' Meeting Church Choir Men's Breakfast Ladies Bible Study Weekend Worship Bible Class - Death and Resurrection of Jesus Sunday School - The Twelve-Year-Old Jesus Immanuel Women who Hike ERC Meeting Board of Elders Board of Property Youth Group Board of Education Ash Wednesday - February 18   Prayer List  Lynette Roehl Pastor John Hein Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Becky Phyllis Brandt Mary Schweim Pastoral Assistants Seminary in Tanzania   Hymn of the Day WS 778 “Grace Has a Thrilling Sound”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on February 1, 2026. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: Luke 10:38-42 (NKJV) Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. 40  But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42  “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”  Theme: One Thing Is Needed

This weekend we take a break from the season of the church year to reflect on the rich instruction that we find on the doctrine of the Lord's Supper in one of our Communion hymns.  The doctrine of the Lord's Supper is a very important and serious doctrine. The proper understanding and use of it has great implications in a Christian's life. Paul says:  For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. (1 Corinthians 11:23-29)  The hymn we are studying this weekend is 305 in The Lutheran Hymnal: "Soul, Adorn Thyself with Gladness." This hymn was written by a Lutheran laymen in the 1600's, who studied law, but also was concerned about the study of Christian doctrine and used his gifts to write many hymns reflecting on those Christian doctrines.  In this hymn he reflects on the joy that is ours in being able to receive the Lord's Supper. He reminds us what it is that we are receiving here: A precious treasure from God that cannot be purchased with any thing on this earth. Only His blood could win it, and He offers it to us by His grace.  He also correctly teaches the doctrine of Christ's real presence, that Jesus tells us that we receive His very body and blood, with the bread and the wine of the Lord's Supper. The elements of bread and wine do not merely symbolize His body and blood, Jesus says: "This IS my body... this is my blood of the new covenant" (Matthew 26:26-28). While our reason cannot comprehend this truth, it does not change Jesus' clear words and Paul's warning. May the LORD lead us to a deep yearning and hunger for this Sacrament because of the promises of Jesus to sinners such as us. We should take our preparation for the Lord's Supper seriously, we should treat it with the respect that it is due, but we should also receive it with absolute joy and with the confidence that forgiveness, life and salvation are mine in and through it! LORD, bless our mediation on Your promises and gifts in this sacrament and receive them eagerly, often, and with great joy!

Devotion Romans 1:1-4   Announcements Whitewater Youth Camp Church Board Reorganization Meeting Outreach Committee Meeting Ladies' Auxiliary Board of Education Church Choir Men's Breakfast No Ladies Bible Study Virtual Women's Retreat Watch Party Weekend Worship Bible Class - Death and Resurrection of Jesus Sunday School - Joseph Makes Himself Known Installation of Church Officers and Board Members Recessed Voters' Meeting Veteran's Memorial Bridge Closing Ash Wednesday - February 18   Prayer List  Pastor John Hein Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Becky Phyllis Brandt Mary Schweim ERC Work CLC Mission in Philippines   Hymn of the Day TLH 347 “Jesus, Priceless Treasure”

Devotion Ecclesiastes 12:9-14   Announcements Annual Voters' Meeting Recap Women's Book Club Church Choir Men's Breakfast Whitewater Youth Camp No Ladies Bible Study Weekend Worship Bible Class - The Ministry of Jesus Sunday School - Joseph's Brothers come to Egypt and Joseph Tests His Brothers Installation of Church Officers and Board Members Veteran's Memorial Bridge Closing Recessed Voters' Meeting Ash Wednesday - February 18   Prayer List  Pastor John Hein Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Becky Phyllis Brandt Whitewater Camp Alice Naumann Family Christian Persecution Political Unrest CLC Mission in Pakistan New Board Members   Hymn of the Day TLH 283 “God's Word Is Our Great Heritage”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on January 18, 2026. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: John 1:43-51 (NKJV) The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, "Follow Me." 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote-- Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 46 And Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" 48 Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." 49 Nathanael answered and said to Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus answered and said to him, "Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these." 51 And He said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."   Theme: Prove It! 1. The Invitation: “Come and See” 2. The Affirmation: “I Saw You” 3. The Future Vision: “You Shall See”

As we continue in the Epiphany season we move to another theme in this season and that is Jesus' invitation to the world to come to Him. Just as the Wise Men were "invited" to come and see and worship Jesus, so this invitation is for all people. This weekend we will hear and read examples of that invitation which Jesus offers to the world of sinners.  The hymn we are studying this weekend is 277 in The Lutheran Hymnal: "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say." This hymn was written by a Scottish pastor, Horatius Bonar, who was compelled to write hymns that children could understand. You will see in this hymn a very simple style and simple concepts drawn from three different statements and invitations of Jesus:   Matthew 11:28 - “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The first verse is based on Jesus' invitation in Matthew, for rest which only He can give. John 4:14 - “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” The second verse is based on Jesus' words to the Woman of Samaria about the Life that He alone offers through His Word. John 8:12 - Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” The third verse is based on the words of Jesus in John 8 about the Light that He brings to the dark world because of sin and death. Each of these invitations is followed by the Christian's response to that invitation, by God's grace, and describes what we receive from Him as a result of His life and death for us, and the gifts He offers us in His Word and Sacrament.  Lord, lead us to listen to and respond to Your invitation of Grace, that we might receive Your rich blessings! May the LORD bless your reflection on this truth this weekend.

Devotion Ecclesiastes 12:1-8   Announcements Special Voters' Meeting Board of Deacons Meeting Church Choir Church Council Men's Breakfast Ladies Bible Study Weekend Worship Bible Class - The Birth of Jesus Sunday School - Joseph Becomes Ruler of Egypt Annual Voters' Meetings Whitewater Youth Camp   Prayer List  Pastor John Hein Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Becky Eunice Mutzke Naumann Family Christian Persecution Political Unrest Men and Women Leaders at Immanuel CLC Mission in Myanmar   Hymn of the Day TLH 596 “This Body in the Grave We Lay”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on January 11, 2026. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 (NKJV) But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Theme: It's not the Container, it's the Contents!

On January 6th the church celebrates Epiphany. Epiphany means manifestation or revelation, and looks at how Jesus was revealed as the worlds Savior. That begins with the revelation to the Wise Men through a star God sent to announce Him and to guide the Wise Men to Him.  This weekend we will be studying that revelation, both to the Wise Men and to us. We are studying hymn 718 in the Worship Supplement or 130 in The Lutheran Hymnal: O Jesus, King of Glory. This hymn was written by Lutheran Pastor, Martin Behm about two generations after Martin Luther.   The hymn recounts the Biblical account of the Wise Men, and connect them to us today.  There are several themes in this hymn that are worth paying attention to. First, note the emphasis on Jesus as King and the Kingdom that He opens to us. But Jesus is unlike and more than just any earthly King. The Wise Men came looking for "the King of the Jews" but knew that Jesus was also the King of all Kings. The gifts they brought reveal they understood He was a King (gold), that He was true God (frankincense) and that He would die (myrrh). We find this theme in all five verses which we will be studying.  The second theme revolves around the star. God used a star to reveal that the Savior had been born, but also used it to direct the Wise Men to the very place where Jesus was. Behm reveals that, like the Wise Men, God has revealed this truth to us as well. Not by a physical star or light in the sky, but by the light of His revealed Word. God's Word is given to reveal Jesus as King and Savior, and guide us to believe in Him, and worship Him as our Savior. Make use of that Star, just as the faithful Wise Men did! The hymn includes a prayer to Jesus to guard, guide us in our lives, until we are finally called into that eternal Kingdom of glory, to be with our King of Glory for eternity. Wise Men still seek Jesus, though His Word and Sacrament, and worship Him as King and Savior.  May the LORD bless your worship of Jesus the King of Glory, this weekend!

Devotion Ecclesiastes 11:7-10   Announcements Gym Floor Refinished New Year's Eve service New Year's Bell ringing New Year's Day service Resumed Bible Class and Sunday school Undecorating the church Non-ILS Catechism class resumes Church Choir Men's Breakfast Ladies Bible Study Weekend Worship Bible Class - Kingdom of Judah Sunday School - The Wise Men and The Flight to Egypt Upcoming Voters' Meetings Whitewater Youth Camp   Prayer List  Pastor John Hein Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Becky Eunice Mutzke Bob Heller Maher Family January 12 Voters' Meeting CLC Vacancies and Iowa Group   Common Christian Q&A If the head coverings section in 1 Corinthians is meant to only be understood in application to the Corinthian Christians, then why did many Christians around the world and in the US continue to wear head coverings (hats and bonnets) until the 1950's, which happens to correspond with the rise of the feminist movement.   Hymn of the Day TLH 589 “Oh, How Blest Are You Whose Toils are Ended”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on January 4, 2026. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: 1 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory. Theme: Great is the Mystery, Great is the Joy!

John Newton is one of the most familiar hymn writers due to the fame of his hymn "Amazing Grace." Newton was raised by a devoted Christian mother until she died when he was seven. He then went to sea with his father, where he abandoned his Christian faith. When he was 23 he was reconverted, and began to study the Scriptures diligently. He studied theology and devoted the rest of his life to the Lord who had saved him as a pastor in Ulney, England.  The hymn we are studying this week was written by Newton and is a beautiful depiction of the blessings and joys of those who are part of the Holy Christian Church by faith. It is one of Newton's greatest hymns, and shows the depth of his knowledge of the Scriptures, as he weaves many Old Testament accounts into the hymn. Some of these include: Zion -which is the hill upon which Jerusalem was built, which is a picture of the Church of Jesus Rock of Ages - a description of Jesus who Peter calls the "living stone" Living waters - a picture of the water from the rock during Moses' leadership, but also Jesus who offers water which springs up to everlasting life Pillar of fire and cloud - what the LORD used in the days of Moses to protect and lead the children of Israel Manna - the food from heaven which God supplied to Israel, and which points to Jesus The hymn reminds us that we are only a member of the Church by grace (see verse 3), and the many blessings that are ours as a result of being part of that Church by faith.  Take comfort in the truth that you are a member of God's kingdom. Rejoice in the many blessings that are yours through Christ. Thanks be to God for His protection and His guidance through His Word and Sacrament during our journey in this life!

Devotion Ecclesiastes 11:1-6   Announcements Christmas Eve Service Christmas Day Service Egon Mutzke Victory Service Blizzard Effects Gym Floor Refinishing New Year's Eve Service New Year's Day Service No Church Choir this week Men's Breakfast Ladies Bible Study Weekend Worship Bible Class - Divided Kingdom/Prophets Sunday School - The Birth of Jesus Devotion books Undecorating Church School Resumes Board of Elders Outreach Committee Upcoming Voters' Meetings   Prayer List  Pastor John Hein Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Becky Mutzke Family Bob Heller Ted Schreyer Larry Hartman Maher Family January 12 Voters' Meeting Pastor Paul Nolting travel to Tanzania   Hymn of the Day LSB 899 “Across the Sky the Shades of Night”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on December 28, 2025. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel. Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 5:1-9 (NKJV) For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. 6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. Theme: Christmas Confidence 1. The Hope of Heaven 2. The Guarantee of the Spirit 3. The Eyes of Faith

The Christmas Season is twelve days long (the "12 days of Christmas), going from December 25th to January 6th which is Epiphany. The hymn that we are studying today bridges both of those Christian festivals nicely. In the famous hymn by James Montgomery, "Angels from the Realms of Glory" we review the Christmas account of the angels and shepherds from Luke 2, as well are the Epiphany account of the wise men from Matthew chapter 2. This hymn even brings in the account of Jesus' presentation in the temple 40 days after His birth, and the joyful response of the faithful believers Simeon and Anna (the Presentation of Jesus is celebrated on February 5th). This hymn successively incorporates all creatures – the angels (verse 1), the shepherds (verse 2), the wise men (verse 3), believers (verse 4), and all people (verse 5 - not in our hymnal) – in the call to “come and worship, worship Christ, the newborn King!” The text was originally in five stanzas, although many hymnals now delete the fifth stanza which is a wonderful review of why Christmas was so important. The missing fifth stanza is: Sinners, wrung with true repentance, Doomed for guilt to endless pains, Justice now revokes the sentence; Mercy calls you, break your chains; Come and worship, Come and worship; Worship Christ, the new-born King. Come and Worship! Worship the one who has come for you, to fulfill divine justice through His life and death and brought you salvation! Join the angels, the shepherds, the wise men, and the saints of the past and the saints who are your fellow believers, in worshipping Him! Worship Christ, the New-born King!

Devotion 2 Corinthians 8:9   Announcements 5th-8th Christmas Party Ladies Ugly Sweater Party Christmas Break Church Board Updates No Men's Breakfast Ladies Bible Study  Egon Mutzke Victory Service Weekend Worship No Bible Class or Sunday School this weekend Gym Floor Refinishing New Year's Eve Service New Year's Day Service Upcoming Voters' Meetings   Prayer List  Pastor John Hein Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Becky Mutzke Family Bob Heller School Teachers and Helpers Three Full-Time Missionaries   Common Christian Q&A Is there a natural explanation to the Christmas Star?   Hymn of the Day TLH 96 TLH "Oh, Rejoice, Ye Christians, Loudly"

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on December 21, 2025. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel. Sermon Text: Matthew 1:19-25 (NKJV) Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” 24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS. Theme: O Come, O Immanuel

This weekend we come to the last Sunday in Advent, which is a time of reflection on our sin and our need for a Savior. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for the Savior through a preaching of "repentance for the remission of sins" (Luke 3:4), so we also prepare through repentance over our sin. In the hymn "Ye Sons of Men, Oh, Hearken" we are reminded of the need for sinners to receive forgiveness through the work of Jesus. Without Jesus there can be no forgiveness, no hope of eternal life. God desires the salvation of every sinner, which is why He planned salvation through the incarnation and death of His own Son. He also sends His Spirit to work in our hearts to prepare us for receiving that gift, through true understanding of our sin, sorrow over it, and faith in Jesus' work for us. Through His Law and Gospel, this important work of preparation is carried out. "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:6). With Valentinus Thilo, we join in praying: "Prepare my heart, Lord Jesus, Turn not from me aside,  And grant that I receive Thee This blessed Advent-tide. From stall and manger low Come Thou to dwell within me; Loud praises will I sing Thee And forth Thy glory show." May the LORD prepare each of us through true repentance and faith in Jesus during this Advent season and always, and enable us to thank Him through the loud praises we offer Him in our worship and with our lives!

Devotion Ecclesiastes 10:16-20   Announcements Church Council ERC Presentation Kiwanis Lights Advent Service Ladies Auxiliary Board of Deacons Board of Elders Church Choir Men's Breakfast Ladies Bible Study  5th - 8th Christmas Party Weekend Worship Ladies Ugly Sweater Party Christmas Eve Practices Christmas Eve Children's Service Christmas Day Service   Prayer List  Pastor John Hein Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Becky Erin Breegeman Bob Heller Pastor Naumann's Call to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Phoenix, AZ High School Social Studies Teacher Ben Hanel 7th-8th Grade Teacher Julie Busch Mission in DR Congo CCLC and ECLSAFA   Common Christian Q&A If everyone in the world came from Adam and Eve then why are their people of different colors and ethnicities?   Hymn of the Day TLH 580 “To Thee, Our God, We Fly”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on December 14, 2025. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: Luke 1:76-79 (NKJV) “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, 77 To give knowledge of salvation to His people By the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; 79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Theme: O Come, O Dayspring  

Philipp Nicolai is the author and composer of what has been called the “King of Chorales” (“Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying”) and the “Queen of Chorales.” The Queen of Chorales, “How Lovely Shines the Morning Star” (TLH 343) is the hymn we are studying this week. It is an excellent hymn which teaches the love of Christ, and especially of our salvation in Him.  Nilolai's seven original German stanzas of “How Lovely Shines the Morning Star” are an acrostic tribute to his friend and former student in Waldeck. The first letters of those seven verses are W,E,G,V,H,Z,W, which stands for “Willhelm Ernst, Graf vnd Herr zu Waldeck” (William Ernest, count and lord in Waldeck). Nicolai has wonderfully captured the Christian faith in this hymn as he shows Christ's love for His Bride, the Church. He constantly makes both obvious and hidden allusions to the Lord's Supper, which is Christ's way of feeding and preserving all of us. Ultimately our greatest joy is in Christ, the First and Last, who will transport us to His happy home where we will be with Him forever in the greatest joy. Until that day, we look for His returning with deep and eager yearning.  Oh Christian, rejoice in the salvation that is yours through Christ, your Morning Star. Sing praise to your Bridegroom, who feeds and nourishes your faith through Word and Sacrament. Proclaim the His praises, this weekend and throughout your life!

Devotion Ecclesiastes 10:12-15   Announcements Chili Supper Advent Services Youth Group Canceled Church Choir Church Council Men's Breakfast Ladies Bible Study  Coffee and Creativity Caroling Kiwanis Volunteers Weekend Worship Women's Study Guild Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Eve Practices Christmas Eve Time - 5pm   Prayer List  Pastor John Hein Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Becky Gerhard and Carolyn Matzke Tom McLaughlin High School Language Teacher Beth Greve and 5th-6th Grade Teacher Stephanie Roettger Mission in Tanzania and Kenya   Common Christian Q&A Who was Urijah the son of Shemaiah?   Hymn of the Day TLH 294 “O Word of God Incarnate”

This recording is a recording of the meaning of the Advent Wreath used during the season of Advent. To hear the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on December 7, 2025, go to our YouTube Channel. Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12   The Prophecy Candle is the 1st candle lit the first week in Advent.  It is symbolic of the long years of waiting during which the prophets, inspired of God, kept alive the hope that the Son of God was coming to redeem His people from their sins. "Therefore... rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:13) The Bethlehem Candle is the 2nd candle lit.  It symbolizes the peace that comes to sinners and the preparations God made for the coming of the world's Savior. The prophecy in Micah 5:2 that foretold Jesus' birthplace at Bethlehem may seem to be a minor revelation, but it shows how God prepared even the least detail for the coming of Christ. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” (Micah 5:2) The Shepherds' Candle is the 3rd candle lit and reminds us of our responsibility to share the Savior and His promises. The shepherds left their task and went with haste to see the Christ-child; then they returned to joyfully tell others about the good news of the Savior. “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people." ...  Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. (Luke 2:11,17) The Angels' Candle is lit the 4th week of Advent.  It reminds us of the activity of the angels before and after Jesus' birth, bearing messages, ministering, protecting, praising; they will be with Jesus at His final coming on Judgment Day, to gather the nations. "All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God" (Revelation 7:11) The Christ Candle is the white candle in the center, and is lit on Christmas Eve. It signals that He Who is the Light of the world has been born.   The light these candles put forth seems small;  so does the gospel at times.  But to those in lonely darkness, it is the powerful light which shows the way to Heaven.

This Sunday is the Second Sunday in Advent. Advent is a four week preparation for the celebration of the coming of Jesus at Christmas. Advent has two themes related to the coming of Jesus. His first coming at Bethlehem, and His second coming at the end of time. This hymn is found in the Advent section of our hymnal(s), but was actually written by Laurentius for the end of the Trinity Season as a reflection on the Savior's return on the Last Day. The hymn is based primarily on Jesus' parable of the Ten Virgins, which highlight the importance of preparation for Jesus' (the Bridegroom) return. The hymn writer calls believers to live with lives of watchfulness but also with confidence as we wait for the coming of our Savior. The words direct our attention away from the sin and brokenness of this world and to the promise of Life in Heaven. While we suffer now, those sufferings cannot compare to the glory which is yet to come for the Child of God. The Christian's hope does not rest upon the things of this world, but in the work of Jesus and His promise to come again and to set all things right. Jesus is our Hope and Expectation. Thanks be to God for the coming of our Savior, both at Bethlehem, and His promise to come in the future for our deliverance from this sinful world!

Devotion Ecclesiastes 10:5-11   Announcements Thanksgiving Services Pie Palooza Church Decorating Advent Services Chili Supper Church Choir Men's Breakfast Ladies Bible Study  Weekend Worship Janitor Position Kiwanis Volunteers Caroling Youth Group Christmas Party Christmas Eve Practices Christmas Eve Time - 5pm     Prayer List  Pastor John Hein Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Becky Kathy Greve Paul Bade Mike and Misty Schweim Assistant Principal Michael Wheaton and 3rd-4th Grade Teacher Lane Fischer Mission in Togo   Common Christian Q&A What is the meaning of the strange words that are in the headings of Psalm 119?   Hymn of the Day TLH 407 “Farewell I Gladly Bid Thee”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on November 30, 2025. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: Isaiah 11:2 (NKJV) The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. Theme: O Come, O Wisdom

This weekend we are entering a new church year with the season of Advent. Advent means "coming" and is a season of preparation for the celebration of the coming Savior at Christmas. It is also a time of reflection and repentance. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for the Savior through a preaching of "repentance for the remission of sins" (Luke 3:4), so we also prepare through repentance over our sin. In the hymn "Ye Sons of Men, Oh, Hearken" we are reminded of the need for sinners to receive forgiveness through the work of Jesus. Without Jesus there can be no forgiveness, no hope of eternal life. God desires the salvation of every sinner, which is why He planned salvation through the incarnation and death of His own Son. He also sends His Spirit to work in our hearts to prepare us for receiving that gift, through true understanding of our sin, sorrow over it, and faith in Jesus' work for us. Through His Law and Gospel, this important work of preparation is carried out. "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:6). With Valentinus Thilo, we join in praying: "Prepare my heart, Lord Jesus, Turn not from me aside,  And grant that I receive Thee This blessed Advent-tide. From stall and manger low Come Thou to dwell within me; Loud praises will I sing Thee And forth Thy glory show." May the LORD prepare each of us through true repentance and faith in Jesus during this Advent season and always, and enable us to thank Him through the loud praises we offer Him in our worship and with our lives!

Today we have a special Thanksgiving edition of our hymn series. Today we are studying a hymn by Lutheran Pastor, Johnann Mentzer. Mentzer was also familiar with suffering and tragedy. Yet, his faith in the true God led him to have great joy in the face of these tragedies and to reflect on the many ways in which God had blessed him in his life, and the many blessings he had to look forward to being fulfilled in the future. Originally this hymn included 15 stanzas, ten of which are included in our hymnal, but in two different hymns (TLH 30 and 243).   This hymn of praise highlights the blessings which God has richly bestowed on us. Like the man delivered from evil spirits, we sing of the "great things God hath done for me." All of creation declares God's praise. From the forest leaves, to the meadow grasses and flowers, as well as the animal creation of sea creatures, birds and land animals, they have been created "to show His praise alone,  With me now make His glory known." All of this moves the Christian, the one who has come to know God's love which is shown in all these ways, to "tell, while I am living,  Thy goodness forth with every breath And greet each morning with thanksgiving Until my heart is still in death."  Join us for Thanksgiving worship as we sing our praises to the Triune God for all the great things He has done for us! May the LORD bless your joyful worship in thankfulness for all He has done for you!

Devotion Psalm 100 Announcements Immanuel Service Organization (Wednesday 6-7:00pm) Drama Performances - Friday and Saturday Church Choir (Wednesday. 5:15pm) Thanksgiving Eve (Wednesday 6pm) Pie Palooza (Wednesday 7pm) Thanksgiving Day (10am) NO Men's Breakfast on Friday Ladies Bible Study (Friday 7:00 pm) Church Decorating (Saturday 9am) Weekend Service (First Sunday in Advent) Advent - The Great “O” Antiphons Bible Class: Moses review and 40 years in the wilderness Sunday School: Joseph in Egypt Outreach meeting (Tuesday 7pm) Janitor position Kiwanis Volunteers School report Prayer List Pastor John Hein Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Kathy Greve's Sister Becky - Uterine Cancer Sharon Roubal Judy Mielke Elanie Carstensen Kathy Greve - Back Pain Issues Prayer Highlight Church Leaders Kevin Schrader (High School Science and Math) Debra Mayhew (1st and 2nd Grade teacher) CLC Missions Missionary Ohlmann Nigeria (West Africa) Hymn of the Day: TLH 36 “Now Thank we all our God”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on October 19, 2025. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: Luke 13:24-30 (NKJV) 24  Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.  25  When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,' and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,'  26  then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.'  27  But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.'  28  There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out.  29  They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God.  30  And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last. Theme: Come Home Through the Narrow Gate

This Sunday is the Last Sunday of the Church year and focus our attention on Jesus' return and the eternal joy of heaven. Throughout Scripture, the Holy Spirit makes comparisons between the promised land of Israel or the city of Jerusalem with the promised land of Heaven. The Bible refers to the new heaven and earth as "the new Jerusalem" (Revelation 21:2). Many of our hymns pick up this comparison and use it to describe Heaven as well. This week we will be singing a hymn that does that, based primarily on the books of Hebrews and Revelation. This hymn, "Jerusalem, My Happy Home" (TLH 618), describes the longing of the Child of God to be delivered from this world of sin to the promised glories of heaven. The poet writes: "When shall my labors have an end? Thy joys when shall I see?" (verse 1). But the hymn writer goes on to describe what heaven will be like using the pictures given in Scripture: Gates of pearl, streets of gold, and heaven built walls (verse 2). And who will be there? The angels (verse 3), apostles, martyrs, prophets (verse 4), and our fellow saints in Christ will also be present (verses 4,6). John writes: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:1-6). This hymn has a very interesting history, possibly dating back to St. Augustine and the 4th century, and it still serves to encourage God's people still today.  Sing it with joy and expectation this weekend, and with confidence that Jesus has opened the narrow door for us by His life and death!

Devotion Ecclesiastes 10:1-4   Announcements Youth Group Ladies' Auxiliary Immanuel Service Organization Meeting Church Choir Men's Breakfast Ladies Bible Study  Drama Performances Weekend Worship Board of Education Thanksgiving Pie Palooza Kiwanis Janitor Position Advent Theme   Prayer List  Pastor John Hein Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Becky Sharon Roubal Judy Mielke Elaine Carstensen Kathy Greve Principal Rick Mariner and Kindergarten Teacher Erika Hart Mission in Liberia   Hymn of the Day TLH 366 “One Thing's Needful; Lord, This Treasure”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on November 16, 2025. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: Matthew 24:37-44 (NKJV) "But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 "For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 "and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40 "Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41 "Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 "But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Theme: Ready or Not, He Comes 1. Life Will Continue as Normal 2. Until the Son of Man Returns

As we come to the end of the Trinity season, our attention shifts to the Lord's promise to return on the Last Day. That will will be a day of both judgment and mercy. Jesus tells us that He is coming again and that this sinful world will be destroyed, and that He will create a new heavens and earth. On that day, believers and unbelievers will be separated. Believers will receive the kingdom  (Heaven) which Jesus has won for them by His death, but unbelievers will receive what all sinners deserve - eternal judgment in hell.  For this reason our God tells us to be ready for that day. James writes: "You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!" (James 5:8-9) Knowing that we have an eternal kingdom, we are to live our lives in faith and godliness: "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." (Titus 2:11-14) This hymn is a beautiful poetic description of the glory of heaven, and a reminder of the evil world the LORD desires to deliver us from. It also serves as a reminder to be faithful and sober as we await and prepare for His return. Verse 4 is a wonderful summary of the hymn in its entirety: Strive, man, to win that glory; Toil, man, to gain that light; Send hope before to grasp it Till hope be lost in sight. Exult, O dust and ashes, The Lord shall be thy part; His only, His forever, Thou shalt be and thou art.  Join us as we are reminded of the the Lord's promise to return to deliver us from this evil world through His work on the cross and as we encourage one another to strive, in our Christian lives, to enter His glory! May it be so, by God's grace, for each of us! 

Devotion Ecclesiastes 9:13-18   Announcements MN Mission Festival Youth Group Women's Book Study Board of Deacons Church Choir Church Council Men's Breakfast Ladies Bible Study  Weekend Worship Board of Elders Women's Study Guild Ladies' Auxiliary   Prayer List  Pastor John Hein Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Becky Sharon Roubal Judy Mielke Kathy Greve Church Leaders Mission in India   Hymn of the Day TLH 294 “O Word of God Incarnate”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on November 9, 2025. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: Psalm 3:1-13 (NKJV) «A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son.» LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. 2 Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah 3 But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. 4 I cried to the LORD with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill. 5  I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me. 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me all around. 7  Arise, O LORD; Save me, O my God! For You  have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8  Salvation belongs to the LORD. Your blessing is upon Your people.  Theme: He Will Come to Judge 1. A Source of Peace in a World of Trouble 2. A Source of Justice in a World of Unfairness

As we near the end of the Trinity season our thoughts move to the end of the world in our worship services, and the confidence that the Christian has to stand before the Judge of the world on that day. We can only stand with confidence if we stand on Jesus because of His blood and His perfect life. Nothing else in this life can offer the sinner what is needed to be confident of forgiveness, and eternal life.  The English hymnwriter, Edward Mote, puts this to words in this hymn. The chorus is based on Jesus' words in Matthew 7:24-27: “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”  In addition to this verse, Mote also weaves in thoughts from other Bible verses that point to Jesus as our Confidence on the Last Day. These verses include:  Romans 3:23-26 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24  being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25  whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26  to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Hebrews 6:19-20 - This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 - Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Philippians 3:8-9 - Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; What a comfort it is to know that the life and death of Jesus is our reason we can have confidence on the last day! May the LORD bless your worship this weekend!

Devotion Ecclesiastes 9:11-12   Announcements Red Cross Blood Drive Outreach Committee Board of Elders Church Choir Men's Breakfast Ladies Bible Study  Weekend Worship MN Mission Festival   Prayer List  Pastor John Hein Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Sharon Roubal Judy Mielke Time and Talents Mission in Tanzania   Hymn of the Day TLH 602 “It Is Not Death to Die”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on November 1, 2025. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV) Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.  Theme: The Saints Look to Jesus

This weekend we will be celebrating "All Saints" weekend. The Christian Church has, for centuries, focused on the Holy Christian Church on November 1st. This includes both the saints whom the LORD has called out of this world as well as the saints who continue to fight the good fight of faith in this present life. We will be looking at both aspects of the Holy Christian Church in our worship this weekend. Hymn 463 is a beautiful description of the Holy Christian Church through both the Church Triumphant and the Church Militant. The believers (saints) who have gone before us, leave an example for us in who are fighting the battle today. Their faith is an encouragement to us in both their victories and in their suffering. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:12: "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." The hymnwriter described the unity of all believers in Christ by faith when he writes:  O blest communion, fellowship divine, We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia! David states in Psalm 22:4-5: "Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them. They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed." This is our confidence as well. We too can trust in the LORD, and be certain of the victory that Jesus has won for us. That is why Paul could encourage young Timothy: "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Timothy 2:3). We are engaged in a great battle as Christians. At times the fight is fierce and at times it feels like it will never end. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57). Worship with us this weekend as the LORD assures us of the victory HE has won for His saints through Jesus, and as we are encouraged for remaining faithful, true and bold in the faith of faith! 

Devotion Ecclesiastes 9:7-10   Announcements High School Volleyball Women's Retreat Ladies' Auxiliary Church Choir  Men's Breakfast Red Cross Blood Drive Ladies Bible Study  Weekend Worship Sophomore Search MN Mission Festival   Prayer List  Pastor John Hein Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Susan Mutzke Margaret Schreyer Tasca Rykhus Linda Bode Women of our Church Mission in Philippines    Common Christian Q&A What is the difference between a witness and a sponsor in our practice of Baptism?    Hymn of the Day TLH 380 “Thy Works, Not Mine, O Christ”