This weekend we consider a hymn from the "Lord's Day" section of the hymnal. The term "Lord's Day" was a term that was used by John in Revelation 1:10, and by the early Christian Church to refer to Sunday. Sunday was called the "Lord's Day" because it was Jesus' day, the Day He won the victory over death through His resurrection from the dead. It was for this reason that the early church began to gather for worship and celebration on Sunday, in addition to Saturday (the OT Sabbath). But as hymn writer William How brings out in this hymn, there were many other events that happened on Sunday ("This day") that point to God's work for mankind.

The first verse points to God's creation of light on the first day of the week (Sunday). The second verse recalls Christ's resurrection from the dead (on Sunday). The third verse reflects on the Spirit's outpouring on Pentecost (also on Sunday). Each event include a prayer that God would shine His light (verse 1), give us new life (verse 2), and pour out His grace (verse 3), on us still today as we gather on "this day" (also Sunday) for worship. 

Finally, How ties in the work of the Triune God who is at work in creation (verse 1), redemption (verse 2), and sanctification (verse 3), with a doxology (word of praise) in stanza 5.

This hymn serves as a beautiful reminder that we don't "have" to worship Him on Sunday. We worship on Sunday as a Spirit worked response to His work for us in creation, redemption and sanctification!

May He continue that good work of creating in each of us thankful hearts that respond in joyful worship!

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Hymn of the Day

In our hymn for this weekend we study a hymn by the "Prince of Hymnwriters," Charles Wesley. Wesley wrote over 6,500 hymns and is probably second only to Isaac Watts in both the number of hymns written, as well as the mass use of those hymn in churches since that time. 

We are studying his hymn: "Jesus, My Truth, My Way" (TLH 433) from the Trust section of our hymnal. His hymn is a beautiful depiction of Jesus as seen and declared in Scripture. He is our Truth, Way, Light, Wisdom, Guide, Counselor, Power, Help, Refuge, Fortress, Tower, Sure Abode, Horn, Rock, Buckler (Shield), Savior, and God! 

The hymn also reminds us that we are weak and powerless to save ourselves. This is why we need Jesus and His work of salvation. Wesley writes: "Myself I cannot save, Myself I cannot keep, But strength in Thee I surely have whose eyelids never sleep." (Verse 5)

"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." (Psalm 18:2)

We rejoice that we have a Savior in Jesus who is our security in this life and the life to come. Thanks be to God for the peace we have with Him as our Refuge and Strength! 

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Hymn of the Day

The hymn that we are studying this weekend is hymn 363 in The Lutheran Hymnal. This hymn is unique in a couple of ways. First, it was written by a female hymnwriter, and second it was written by a Baptist hymnwriter. When we compare this hymn to a hymn by Paul Gerhardt or Martin Luther, we will find some very striking differences. This hymn will reflect a fervent faith in Jesus, and a devotion to Him. But it will communicate this in a more emotional simple way that is reflective of a more feminine style. This hymn does not carry the rigid or instructional character of a typical Lutheran hymn. 

The hymn beautifully points to the theme of Love. God's Love for us in Jesus and His work of salvation. It also points to the Christian's Spirit-worked response to that Love of God in our lives. We are awaked to sing "the sacred song." Our "hearts and tongues" are tuned to sing His praise. The prayer is that the whole world of sinners would be brought to "join the sacred song."

Yes, "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8), and "we love Him because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19)

Thanks be to God for the love He has shown us in Jesus. May that knowledge of His love tune our heart to sing of our Redeemer's glorious name to the world around us!

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Hymn of the Day

This recording is a condensed version of the sermon preached at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mankato, Minnesota on August 23, 2026. You can watch the full recording on our YouTube Channel.

Sermon Text: John 8:31-36 (NKJV)

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will be made free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 “And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

The Truth Shall Set You Free

1. The Truth That You Were in Bondage to Sin

This weekend our service will close with the singing of a unique hymn. The hymn is "Dear Lord to Your True Servants Give" which was written for a seminary graduation and is usually saved for the ordination or installation of a pastor. While this is certainly appropriate, and highlights the prayers we should offer on behalf of our pastors, there is also a broader use of this hymn. The servant described in the hymn is not limited to pastors or missionaries, but every Christian. Every Christian is called to be a witness to Jesus in our personal walks of life. The Great Commission of Jesus is not intended only for pastors. It is the Savior's call to all those whom He has made His own by faith.

Jesus said: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Similarly, the Apostle Paul encourages all the Christians in Corinth: "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Lord, bless our use of Your Word, both in Law and Gospel, that others may be brought to know and believe in You as their Savior from sin! And bless our worship this weekend, as we join our voices to sing Your praise and work to encourage our fellow believers! Amen.

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Hymn of the Day

The opening section of our hymnal contains hymns that are intended to prepare us for worship. Our hymn for this weekend, "God Himself Is Present" by Gerhard Tersteegen, is a hymn that helps us think about what worship is, a why we do it. Tersteegen reminds us that "God Himself is present" as we gather together to hear His word, receive His sacrament, and worship Him in response. What a blessing for the sinner! We join the psalmist in declaring: "Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is the great God, And the great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also. The sea is His, for He made it; And His hands formed the dry land. Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." (Psalm 95:1-6).

Let's not forget what worship is about. It is about God revealing Himself to sinners, and bestowing forgiveness to sinners through His Means of Grace. It is an opportunity to receive that, and then join in praising Him for the gifts He gives by grace. Apart from Him and His blessings, bestowed on us in worship, we are lost and doomed for destruction!

Thanks be to God for His salvation, and the privilege of praising His name in worship!