The Twin Steeples Podcast

This weekend is the Second Sunday after Easter, which is known as "Good Shepherd Sunday." There are some beautiful and rich connections to Jesus the Good Shepherd and the Season of Easter. For example Jesus says: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. 13 The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. 17 Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. 18  No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” (John 10:11-18)  During Lent we focused on the willingness of Jesus to "lay down His life" for His sheep. During Easter we focus on His power to "take it again." He is risen! He has power over sin, death and even Satan himself. With that confidence in Jesus' victory and power we proclaim “none can take us from Your hand” (783:2). This hymn, which was written by Irish Presbyterian, Henry Cooke, also emphasizes that we are saved by God's grace, not our own doing. The phrases "By Your life salvation wrought" (v.3) and "Father, draw us to Your Son" (v.4) especially emphasize God's grace which saves us. We are the sheep of His pasture. It is His love, His power that redeems and calls us, and which protects us. Thanks be to our Good Shepherd! May the LORD bless your worship this weekend, as we rejoice in the life that is ours because of Jesus, our Good Shepherd!

Devotion Romans 3:9-18   Announcements ILS Spring Concert Special Voters Meeting Outreach Meeting Youth Group Event Church Choir Men's Breakfast Ladies' Bible Study Cemetery Clean Up  Weekend Worship Services Bible Class - Baptism Sunday School - The Four Soils and the Workers in the Vineyard Quarterly Voters' Meeting Board of Deacons Women's Study Guild   Prayer List  Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Lynette Roehl Becky Mark Geiger Steve Groth Judy Becker Voters Meeting Senior Class Trip CLC Board and Coordinating Council Meetings Mission in Nigeria   Hymn of the Day TLH 289 “The Law Commands and Makes Us Know” 

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on April 12, 2026. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel. Sermon Text: John 21:15-19 (NKJV) 15 When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter,   “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”   “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I care about you.”    Jesus told him, “Feed my lambs.”  16 A second time Jesus asked him,   “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”   He said, “Yes, Lord, you know that I care about you.”    Jesus told him, “Be a shepherd for my sheep.”  17 He asked him the third time,   “Simon, son of John, do you care about me?”    Peter was grieved because Jesus asked him the third time,   “Do you care about me?”    He answered, “Lord, you know all things. You know that I care about you.”    “Feed my sheep,” Jesus said.  18 “Amen, Amen, I tell you: When you were young, you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will tie you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. After saying this, he told him, “Follow me.”   Theme: The Risen Lord gives His people Purpose  1. With Three Probing Questions 2. With Three Practical Commissions

This weekend we continue to bask in the truth of the resurrection of Jesus. We will be reviewing one of the resurrection accounts of Jesus to His disciples, this one at the Sea of Galilee. Our hymn study will focus on a hymn that was written as a paraphrase of that account. It was written by a modern English hymn writer, who was ordained as a pastor in the Church of England. Timothy Dudley-Smith had a powerful influence on English hymnody in the last 50 years.  The hymn is based on John 21:1-19, as Jesus appears to seven of His disciples while they are fishing on the Sea of Galilee. It reflects the Lord's call of four of those disciples three years earlier. Luke tells us: "But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink." (Luke 5:5-7). This miraculous catch mirrored that earlier catch, when Jesus called them away from their nets, to be "Fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). The hymn text points to the failures of the disciples of Jesus during the past weeks, the doubts, the denial, yet Jesus comes with love and forgiveness for them, calling them back to His service once more.  The hymn concludes by connecting the promise and commissioning of Jesus in this resurrection account to you and me:  Morning breaks, and Jesus meets us, Feeds and comforts, pardons still; As His faithful friends He greets us, Partners of His work and will. All our days, on ev'ry shore, Christ is ours forevermore! Yes, indeed! Thanks be to God! May our risen Lord's resurrection assure you of forgiveness for your sins, and remind you that your life has purpose as He calls you: "Follow Me!"

Devotion Romans 3:1-8   Announcements Holy Week Easter Egg Hunt Church Council Preparing Phoebes Teaching Timothy's Women's Book Club Church Choir Men's Breakfast No Ladies' Bible Study Cemetery Clean Up  Hymnal Committee Weekend Worship Services Bible Class - Fellowship Sunday School - Calling Fishers of Men Sunday School Teachers Meeting ILS Spring Concert Special Voters' Meeting Outreach Meeting Board of Elders Board of Education Board of Property Youth Group Event   Prayer List  Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Lynette Roehl Becky Wilton Landon Sue Heise Mark Geiger Tonii Friedrichs Blessings on the hearing of the Word Thank God for the Land Purchase Finances and General Budget Needs CLC Board Meetings and Coordinating Council   Common Christian Q&A If God knows everything then what's the point in praying or talking to him at all?   Hymn of the Day TLH 608 “Let Thoughtless Thousands Choose the Road”

This weekend is Resurrection Sunday, and is the conclusion of "Holy Week." This is the final assurance that what Jesus did was accepted by God the Father and our salvation is sure. The hymn, "He's Risen, He's Risen, Christ Jesus the Lord" was written by Lutheran pastor and professor, C.F.W. Walther, who was probably the most important figure in American Lutheranism in the 19th century. He was also an accomplished musician, and wrote many hymns. This hymn was originally 11 stanzas, but our English translation was reduced to 5 verses.   In this hymn we confess the work of Jesus for us, who went to war with the forces of death, hell and satan, and through His death, was victorious. It points not only to Christ's resurrection, but also the importance of Christ's atonement for sinners ("His blood does atone, redeemed and forgiven we now are His own.") Walther emphasizes the truth set forth by the Apostle Paul: "So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). May your Savior's resurrection, which assures us of the death of death, give you joy, and motivate you to lift up your voices to sing His praise, this weekend and always!

Devotion Romans 2:17-29   Announcements Arts Camp Immanuel Service Organization Patty Stelter Victory Service Bumper Magnets Church Choir Maundy Thursday Men's Breakfast Good Friday Ladies' Bible Study Resurrection of Jesus Christ Worship Services Sunrise Service No Bible Class or Sunday School Pancake Breakfast  Board of Elders Church Council Preparing Phoebes Teaching Timothy's   Prayer List  Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Lynette Roehl Becky Family of Patty Stelter Wilton Landon Sue Heise Land Purchase Opportunity Mission to Myanmar   Common Christian Q&A What are the actual dates that Jesus died and rose?   Hymn of the Day TLH 177 “Our Blessed Savior Seven Times Spoke”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on March 29, 2026. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: Zechariah 9:9-12 (NKJV) “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey. 10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim And the horse from Jerusalem; The battle bow shall be cut off. He shall speak peace to the nations; His dominion shall be ‘from sea to sea, And from the River to the ends of the earth.' 11 As for you also, Because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. 12 Return to the stronghold, You prisoners of hope.  Even today I declare That I will restore double to you.”   Theme: The Multi-sided Work of the Messiah 1. As Our Prophet 2. As Our Priest 3. As Our King

This weekend is Palm Sunday, and marks the beginning of "Holy Week." These are the final days that lead to Jesus' death and resurrection for our salvation. Palm Sunday marks a significant change in the ministry of Jesus. Before this time He had told people not to tell others that He was the Messiah. But all that changes on Palm Sunday. The floodgates are released. Jesus allows and even encourages the people to announce this truth to the world! All of this was in fulfillment of the Word of God in the Old Testament:  The Prophet Zechariah declared: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9)  The Psalmist proclaimed: "The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. 23  This was the LORD'S doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. 24  This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it. 25  Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity. 26  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD. 27  God is the LORD, And He has given us light; Bind the sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. 28  You are my God, and I will praise You; You are my God, I will exalt You. 29 Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." (Psalm 118:22-29) As we see the children joyfully proclaiming Jesus' praises, we reflect on what we are all called to do as redeemed children of God. We too, are to open our mouths to proclaim His praises! May the LORD enable us, moved by the love of our Savior, to open our mouths to sing forth His praise! May the LORD bless your worship this weekend!

Devotion Romans 2:12-16   Announcements Music Call for 2026-2027 School Cook and Aide Bumper Magnets Time and Talents Basketball Award Night Midweek Lenten Service Ladies' Auxiliary Church Choir Men's Breakfast Arts Camp Ladies' Bible Study Weekend Worship Bible Class - Church and Churches Sunday School - Jesus' Crucifixion, Burial, and Resurrection Patty Stelter Victory Service Holy Week Resurrection Sunday   Prayer List  Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Lynette Roehl Becky Family of Patty Stelter Bev Menton Nelly Edwards Sue Heise Finances Mission to Kenya   Common Christian Q&A Does the Bible tell us how we should treat foreigners?   Hymn of the Day TLH 496 “Hark! The Voice of Jesus Crying”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on March 22, 2026. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: Numbers 21:4-9 (NKJV) Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way. 5 And the people spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread.” 6 So the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died. 7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD that He take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived. Theme: A Deserved Punishment - A Needed Deliverance For Israel For Everyone

Join us for a study of the Scottish hymn "Thy Works, Not Mine, O Christ" (Hymn 380 in The Lutheran Hymnal) by Horatius Bonar. This is a beautiful hymn on the doctrine of Justification the the person and work of Jesus for sinners.  While this hymn is not strictly a "Lent" hymn, it fits nicely during the season of Lent. It points clearly to the suffering (verse 2) and death (verse 4) of Jesus at the cross (verse 3), and the necessity for it. Jesus, through His perfect life (verses 1 and 5), and His suffering and death, has done what no one else could. He accomplished what sinners desperately needed to be delivered from the curse of sin. We are powerless to save ourselves. Jesus alone is "the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6). As you sing this hymn, reflect on your utter helplessness under the Law of God, and your desperate need for salvation. Thank God, that this need has been fulfilled by God in the person and work of Jesus. There is no salvation, anywhere else! There is no one, no thing, else we can to turn to for this salvation. Jesus alone is the Savior we need. Rejoice in that truth, and revel in the joy that truth brings! As you sing this hymn, you are not only reveling in its truth, but you are also declaring this truth to others. It is an encouragement to your fellow Christians to hear you make this declaration!

Devotion Romans 2:1-11   Announcements Grade School Basketball Tournament Music Call for 2026-2027 Need for School Cook and Aide Bumper Magnets Midweek Lenten Service Church Choir Men's Breakfast Ladies' Bible Study Hymnal Committee Weekend Worship Bible Class - The Word of the Lord Grows Sunday School - Rejected in Nazareth Time and Talent Name Tag Usher Meeting Tour Choir Board of Education Next Week's Midweek Lenten Service Ladies' Auxiliary Arts Camp   Prayer List  Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Lynette Roehl Becky Bev Menton Jean Moeri Finances Laborers Hymn of the Day TLH 496 “Hark! The Voice of Jesus Crying”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on March 15, 2026. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 7:4-10 (NKJV) Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. 5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more. 8 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.   Theme: Godly Sorrow Produces Repentance Outside Are Conflicts, Inside Are Fears Nevertheless, God Comforts the Downcast

Join us for a study of "Jesus Refuge of the Weary" (Hymn 145 in The Lutheran Hymnal) by the Italian Reformer Girolamo Savonarola. You can also listen to a former hymn study on Hymn 149 (which we will also be singing this weekend) here: https://twinsteeples.podbean.com/?s=Hymn%20149 In this hymn, Savonarola points to who Jesus is (Refuge, Redeemer, Fountain, Savior) and what He has done (bore the pain of all) and what He offers us through His work (life eternal, peace and rest). With this reminder, the reformer calls the Christian to a deep appreciation of Christ's work, through Spirit worked repentance. May the LORD work such repentance in each of us!  The final verse is a prayer that the Lord would give us such a deep appreciation for Christ's work, that we might confess with the Apostle Paul: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20). Study this hymn with us, as we are reminded of dire nature of our problem of sin, and our Savior's wonderful and necessary work of Redemption for us.  Rejoice in that salvation!

Devotion Romans 1:24-32   Announcements Hymnal Committee ERC Boy's Basketball Tournament Music Call for 2026-2027 Need for School Cook and Aide Midweek Lenten Service Church Choir Men's Breakfast Red Cross Blood Drive Weekend Worship Bible Class - The Word of the Lord Grows Sunday School - Rejected in Nazareth Board of Deacons Board of Elders Women's Study Guild Church Council Next Week's Midweek Lenten Service   Prayer List  Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Lynette Roehl Becky Family of Patty Stelter Betty Wolle Jean Moeri Events in the Middle East Outreach Efforts ILC Tour Choir Hymn of the Day TLH 295 “The Law of God Is Good and Wise”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on March 8, 2026. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: Luke 9:51-56 (NKJV) Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, 52 and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. 53 But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. 54 And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?" 55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. 56 "For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them." And they went to another village.   Theme: The Face Set Like Flint 1. Steadfast in His Purpose 2. Merciful in His Spirit

As we continue on in the Lenten season we are reminded that Jesus is the Lamb of God and that He resolutely and willingly went to suffer the pain and punishment of mankind's sin. The prophet Isaiah described what the Messiah came to accomplish in Isaiah 53:4-9 - "Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken. And they made His grave with the wicked—But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth." With Gerhardt we joyfully procliam: "O wondrous Love! what hast Thou done! The Father offers up His Son– The Son content descendeth! O Love, how strong Thou art to save!" (TLH 142:3). What amazing love indeed! The knowledge of God's love in Christ, and Christ's love at the cross move us as well. Paul writes: "Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:11). We are moved to service to our God and Savior, in this life, with our hands, our hearts and our voices! May the LORD bring you to a true appreciation for love He has shown you, and move you to live your life in service to Him, giving you joyful and thankful hearts for His salvation. May the LORD bless your worship this weekend!

Devotion Psalm 146   Announcements Outreach Committee Meeting Music Call for 2026-2027 Need for School Cook and Aide Midweek Lenten Service Boy's Basketball Tournament Church Choir Men's Breakfast Ladies Bible Study Weekend Worship - Communion Bible Class - The Holy Christian Church Sunday School - Jesus and Nicodemus Next Week's Midweek Lenten Service   Prayer List  Pastor Tim Wheaton Jim Lien Lynette Roehl Becky Boys' Basketball Team Missions in DR Congo Hymn of the Day TLH 234 “Holy Ghost with Light Divine”

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on March 1, 2026. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.   Sermon Text: 1 John 2:12-17 (NKJV) I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. 13 I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. 14 I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one. 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. Theme: Remember that You are God's Children!

The focus of our worship on the Second Sunday in Lent is on the Victory that Jesus has earned for sinners and how He shares the spoils of that victory with those who believe. We live in a fallen world that reveals the impact the curse has had on our lives and on the world that we live in. The enemies of the believer are great: the devil, the world, and even our sinful flesh. As we live as God's children and are attacked by these enemies, we need the LORD's presence and strength. Paul Eber, knew the power of those enemies and that the LORD was his only hope. In our hymn for this weekend, he confesses his sin and his confidence in the LORD's grace and power. We are studying "When in the Hour of Utmost Need" (TLH 522). This hymn is based on the words of King Jehoshophat in his time of trouble recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:12: “O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” Another passage is Hebrews 4:16: "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." This hymn acknowledges our need for help from God because of the enemies that we face, confesses our sin and unworthiness before a holy God, and a desire to praise the LORD for His mercy and grace and to live our lives to and for Him, in deep thanksgiving for His mercy.  This is a prayer that can and should be prayed by every believer in Jesus. It includes Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication. Join with Paul Eber, Christians of the past and those of the future in praying to our Faithful God to help us in our deepest time of need, and rejoicing in our confidence that He will hear and answer. The LORD bless your worship this weekend!

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