Holy Scripture Lutheran Church

09/04/2026

Be Still My Soul—even when things are tough, remember, the Lord is on your side. In Psalm 46:10 "He says, 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'"

08/28/2026

"With the Lord Begin Your Task" was first published in 1734 under the title, "Jesus the Most Faithful Companion and Helper in the Land." The lyrics guide the singer through a full day of faith, moving from rising in the morning to closing one's eyes at night. Though its authorship is unknown, passages from Scripture are clearly referenced, such as, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17)

08/21/2026

American Ray Palmer wrote these lyrics in 1830. Ray wrote poetry as an authentic expression of his own faith. There was not the slightest thought of writing for another eye, least of all of writing a hymn for Christian worship, yet his words serve as the cry of every Christian's heart: "My faith looks up to thee." When writing the last line, ‘A ransomed soul,’ the thought that the whole work of redemption and salvation was involved in those words, and suggested the theme of eternal praises.

08/20/2026

08/14/2026

"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst." (1 Tim. 1:15). These words penned by the apostle Paul show that he considered himself the “worst” of sinners, the “chief” of sinners in the King James Version. A sinner is someone whose life and actions are contrary or in rebellion to God's will. We've all been there. But no matter what God loves you as you are, and calls you out of rebellion into his forgiveness and strength.

08/07/2026

Martin Franzmann wrote the hymn "Thy Strong Word" in 1954 for use at Concordia Seminary in St Louis. Based on the seminary’s motto, “The Light Comes from Above,” each stanza is centered around the concept of light: Creation (Genesis 1:3), Prophecy of Christ (Isaiah 9), Call to Holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16), Christ’s Crucifixion (John 19), Pentecost (Acts 2), and the Trinity “Light-Creator,” “Light of Light Begotten,” and “Light-Revealer.”

07/31/2026

Jesus, Lover of my Soul was written in 1737 by Englishman Charles Wesley. Charles began his ministry in 1735 when he traveled with his missionary brother John to Georgia in the New World. On the boat were 26 German Moravians whose staunch hymn singing left a lasting impression on the Wesley brothers. At that time, Charles hymns were not sung in Anglican services, but rather written for meetings and devotions. Charles is estimated to have written as many as 9000 hymns and poems, 10 of which are in our hymnal today.

07/25/2026

"Lord, Open Now My Heart to Hear," originally titled "Holy Scripture. After the Sermon." was written by Johannes Olearius in the 1600s. Both of Johannes Olearius' parents died within the same year, so that by age 11 he was orphaned. Because of this he was taken in by the lawyer Andreas Sartorius allowing him to attend the local gymnasium and receive both his master's degree and doctor of divinity from the University of Wittenberg. Johannes and his wife Catherine had 5 sons, all of whom eventually earned a doctorate or licentiate in theology. Over his lifetime, Johannes wrote various devotionals and religious works, including hundreds of hymns and a commentary on the entire Bible.

07/21/2026

One of the greatest joys at Holy Scripture is watching our Lord continue to build his Church through holy baptism. This past Sunday we celebrated the baptism of Logan Quintel, the baptism and confirmation of Olivia Cherry, and gave thanks that Christ continues to gather people into his kingdom.

In Exodus 14, Israel stood trapped between Pharaoh's army and the Red Sea. There was no escape. Yet the Lord made a way where there was none. He brought his people safely through the waters while Pharaoh's army was drowned. Israel emerged no longer slaves, but God's redeemed people, journeying toward the Promised Land.
St. Paul compares Israel's passage through the Red Sea with holy baptism.

In 1 Corinthians 10:1–2, he writes that Israel "passed through the sea" and was "baptized into Moses." Like Israel in Egypt, we were by nature enslaved—not to Pharaoh, but to sin, death, and the devil. We could not free ourselves. Yet Jesus, our greater Deliverer, came to our defense. By his death and resurrection he defeated our enemies and won our freedom. As Israel passed safely through the sea and became God's covenant people, so through baptism God places his name on us and brings us into his family. This saving promise is for young and old alike.

Jesus continues to keep that promise today. After his resurrection he commanded his Church: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19–20) All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. His timing is perfect. Through the waters of holy baptism, joined with God's word and promise, Christ gives new birth by water and the Spirit, forgives sins, unites us with himself and his people as members of his Church, and leads his redeemed people toward the eternal Promised Land.

We thank God for bringing Logan and Olivia into his family through holy baptism, and we pray that he will continue to strengthen them in the true faith until they receive the inheritance he has prepared for all his redeemed people.

07/17/2026

“Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire” was written by Hal Harold Hobson, one of 13 children born of a blacksmith-farmer in Mound, Texas. Hal has multiple music degrees including sacred music, conducting, and organ studies. Hal both wrote the lyrics to this hymn and composed the melody to which it is sung. He worked as a full-time composer and church music clinician in Dallas, Texas. He has a special interest in congregational song and has contributed numerous hymn texts, tunes and psalm settings to many newly published hymnals and church music collections.