This week we study the hymn "Before the Throne of God Above" (Hymn 561 in The new Christian Worship 2021 Hymnal), written by Irish hymn writer Charitie Lees Smith who wrote this hymn in 1863.

This hymn is not found in either of our hymnals, but it is found in several other newer Lutheran Hymnals including LSB and CW21.

The hymn points us to the work of Jesus for us which is complete and covers all our sin. This confidence in Jesus, the God-Man assures us that we can and should bring our prayers to our Father in heaven through Jesus who is our Advocate and serves as our ever living intercessor. We also need not fear or give into the temptation of the Devil to wave our sins in our face and wonder if they are really forgiven. Jesus paid for every sin through His death. All is forgiven. God looks at Jesus who was holy and bore our sin, and thus pardons us from our sin.

Study this hymn with us, as we are encouraged to "come before the throne of God" (Hebrews 4:16) and with the confidence that our "names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:20). May the LORD give joy and confidence in Jesus' work for us!

The LORD bless your worship and reminder of this important truth this weekend, and always!

• Devotion
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

• Announcements
  • Weekend Sunday School and Bible Class
  • Time and Talent Offering
  • Recessed Voters Meeting
  • Invite a Friend to Church
  • Thanksgiving
  • Advent

• Prayer List
  • Pat Hemmingsen
  • Pastor John Hein
  • Pastor Tim Wheaton
  • Marlene Hanel
  • Rosie Timm
  • Lilia Howley
  • Bob Timm
  • Laura Stutzman
  • Volunteer Staff
  • Mission in Nepal

• Common Christian Q&A:
  • How can a loving God sentence people to hell?

• Hymn: 587 “Asleep in Jesus! Blessed Sleep”

This week we study the hymn "Rise, Ye Children of Salvation" (Hymn 472 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by German hymn writer Justus Falckner who wrote this hymn in the late 1600's.

This hymn is found in the Communion of Saints section of our hymnal, which is especially fitting for the celebration of All Saints Day, which we will be celebrating this weekend. This hymn is addressed to believers, Christ's Church, as an encouragement to wake up and boldly fight for the faith that has been entrusted to us as Christians.

The hymnwriter begins by reminding us that, as Christians, we are at war. The devil rages against Christ and His church, using everything at his disposal to destroy God's Church by separating believers from God and His Word. While this might be intimidating and discouraging, we are not alone. Many Christians before us have fought this battle as well. And through the blood of Jesus, they have won the victory, even in death! Falckner reminds us that Jesus has already won. The victory is ours. Thus we are motivated to look to Jesus, and to boldly march forward into this battle, with the confidence that our Savior goes before us. The church today needs this reminder. We need to wake up and fight in this fight, and not stand on the sidelines.

Study this hymn with us, as we are encouraged to "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:12) and to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3). May the LORD give us the zeal to fight this faith, going forward with the strength that He gives!

The LORD bless your worship and proclamation of this truth, both this weekend, and always!