For Christians, the question of how we can be saved has too often been framed as a future question: how can I know I’m going to heaven when I die? But the Bible just doesn’t talk enough about going to heaven when we die for us to justify making that the baseline of our assurance of salvation.

Instead, the Bible talks about our assurance in terms of what God has done in the past and is now doing in the future; namely, he has become a human being in space and time so that he can - in the middle of human history and on the planet earth - die the death we should have died and rise from the dead to take away the barrier between us and God, and that he gives us this salvation in concrete, objective ways.

These concrete applications of his salvation are his word, which regardless of how we feel announces to us that he loves us for the sake of his son, Jesus Christ, and his sacraments, which are physical, objective promises of salvation to us. I might sometimes doubt, I might sometimes not understand the Bible like I should, I might sometimes do things that are sinful, but what never changes is that God’s word announces my salvation and my baptism into Jesus really happened.        

Hosts: Aaron Mueller and Chuck Rathert

Subscribe to the show at https://cacg.saintjamesglencarbon.org.
To comment on this episode, visit https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/cacg-ep91.

Craving Answers, Craving God

How Do I Know I’m Saved?

How Do I Know I’m Saved? (Ep91)

When Jesus ascended to the right hand of his Father, he was given complete power and lordship over everything in heaven and earth. Also, through his ascension he now "fills all things", so that he is ubiquitously present with his whole church on earth. And now, through his ascension, he gives good gifts to his people so that we can be empowered to love and serve each other and our community in Jesus' presence and power.

What Happened at the Ascension of Jesus? — Ascension Sunday, May 12, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-ascension-sunday

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20240512-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Isaiah 44:21-23
Psalm 47
Daniel 7:1–14
Ephesians 1:15–23; 4:1–13
Luke 24:44–53


Songs and Hymns:
    - Come, Thou Almighty King: Text is English; tune by Felice de Giardini; text and tune are in the public domain.
    - All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: Text: Edward Perronet; Tune: Oliver Holden; Text and tune are public domain.
    - Song Of Moses: Aaron Keyes, Ben Smith, Chris Moerman, Graham Kendrick, Joseph Barrett; © Barrett Daddy Music; Flock Street Music; Itisreal Music.Com; © Thankyou Music; worshiptogether.com songs; Make Way Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740A.
    - Alleluia! Jesus Is Risen: Text: Herbert F. Brokering, 1926–2009; © 1995 Augsburg Fortress; Tune: David N. Johnson, 1922–87, © 1968 Augsburg Publishing House; Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220.
    - All You Works of God, Bless the Lord: Text: Stephen P. Starke, 1955, © 1995 Stephen P. Starke. Tune: Jamaican; adapt. Doreen Potter, 1925–80, © 1975 Hope Publishing Co. Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220.
    - Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing: Text: Charles Wesley, tune: Carl G. Glaser; text and tune: public domain.

Liturgies:
    - Gloria in Excelsis: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Sanctus: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Agnus Dei: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Nunc Dimittis

#Sermon #Gospel #Easter #ascension #Jesus #lord #community #spiritualgifts #Ephesians1 #Ephesians4

Easter Season (2024)

What Happened at the Ascension of Jesus? - Ascension Sunday

What Happened at the Ascension of Jesus? - May 12 - Ascension Sunday

The third of St. James' three pillars is restoration - God's mission to restore Glen Carbon for himself. The power behind this massive task is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, who brings Jesus into the midst of his people and sends us out under this same power to live and preach the gospel in our town.

The fruit of the Spirit is not primarily about the Christian's personal and private experience, but about the results the Holy Spirit produces in the life of the Christian which - when lived out in public - transform the world. The love, joy, and peace the world craves but cannot experience in its fallen and rebellious state can be had through the gracious power of the loving and restoring Holy Spirit.

The Restoration of the Holy Spirit — The Day of Pentecost, May 19, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-the-day-of-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20240519-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Isaiah 44:21-23
Psalm 104:24–30
Acts 2:1–21
Galatians 5:16–25
John 15:26–27; 16:4b–15


Songs and Hymns:
    - Joy to the World: Text: Isaac Watts; Tune: George Frideric Handel; Text and tune: Public domain
    - For Your Gift of God the Spirit: Text by Edith Margaret Clarkson; tune by Mindy Deckard and Bruce Benedict; © 1987 Hope Publishing Co.; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - Light of God: Text and tune by Keith Getty and Kristyn Getty, © 2005 Thankyou Music, used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling: Text: Timothy Rees, 1874–1939, alt.; Tune: Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse . . . Contradanseu, c. 1710, Amsterdam; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - O Church, Arise: Text and tune by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, © 2005 Thankyou Music; used with permission, CCLI License # 20286740.
    - Water, Blood, and Spirit Crying: Text by Stephen P. Starke, © 1999 Stephen P. Starke; tune by Jeffrey N. Blersch, © 2003 Jeffrey N. Blersch; used with permission, LSB Hymn License #110001220.

Liturgies:
    - Gloria in Excelsis: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Sanctus: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Agnus Dei: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Nunc Dimittis

#Sermon #Gospel #Easter #pentecost #holyspirit #fruitofthespirit #restoration #Galatians5

The Restoration of the Holy Spirit - The Day of Pentecost

The Restoration of the Holy Spirit - May 19 - The Day of Pentecost

After a discussion about how it’s impossible to prove things like whether spirits exist or not, Chuck and Aaron talk about how the Bible describes the spiritual world.

The existence of angels - powerful, supernatural beings whose job it is to serve God - is assumed by the Bible, and there are times when angels interact with humans. Most of us have never had an experience of an angel, but the Bible says that sometimes humans can interact with them without being aware they are talking with an angel. The Bible also describes fallen angels, or demons. These beings have rebelled against God and are determined to do harm to humanity.

Chuck and Aaron discuss the possibility that “hauntings” are actually the work of demonic forces. Ghosts, on the other hand, if they are to be understood as the souls of deceased people, don’t typically inhabit this universe, since the Bible says that it is appointed to each human being to die and then face the judgment. In other words, the souls of the deceased either go to hell or into the presence of Christ. Interacting with spiritual forces under the misconception that they are harmless wandering souls can therefore be a very dangerous thing.

Hosts: Aaron Mueller and Chuck Rathert

Subscribe to the show at https://cacg.saintjamesglencarbon.org.
To comment on this episode, visit https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/cacg-ep92.

Angels, Demons, and Ghosts

Angels, Demons, and Ghosts (Ep92)

In Isaiah 6, the prophet Isaiah sees the Lord, and it is a terrifying sight. But in John 3, Jesus invites us to see the Kingdom of God — an invitation made possible by God's perfect love, which casts out all fear of judgment. 

From Fear to Faith — The Holy Trinity, May 26, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-the-holy-trinity

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20240526-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Isaiah 53:4-6
Psalm 29
Isaiah 6:1–8
Acts 2:14a, 22–36
John 3:1–17


Songs and Hymns:
    - God, Whose Almighty Word: Text: John Marriott, 1780–1825. Tune: Felice de Giardini, 1716–96. Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Holy, Holy, Holy: Text by Reginald Heber; tune by John B. Dykes; text and tune are public domain.
    - We Believe: Matthew Hooper, Richie Fike, Travis Ryan; © Integrity Worship Music; © Integrity's Praise! Music; © Life Worship; © Travis Ryan Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Come, Thou Almighty King: Text is English; tune by Felice de Giardini; text and tune are in the public domain.
    - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: Text by Isaac Watts; tune by Lowell Mason; text and tune are public domain.
    - My Savior's Love: Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa; © 2019 Getty Music Hymns and Songs, Getty Music Publishing, Love Your Enemies Publishing, Messenger Hymns; Used with permission, One License #728607-A.

Liturgies:
    - Gloria in Excelsis: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Sanctus: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Agnus Dei: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Nunc Dimittis

#Sermon #Gospel #TrinitySunday #confessionandabsolution #Baptism #Isaiah6 #John3

The Season after Pentecost (2024)

St James Lutheran Church - Glen Carbon Illinois

From Fear to Faith - May 26 - The Holy Trinity

In the reading from Deuteronomy, we focus on the 3rd Commandment: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it Holy."

This commandment emphasizes taking a day to rest and dedicate to God, avoiding work and secular activities. It serves as a reminder of God's deliverance from slavery, paralleling our deliverance from sin through Christ.

Jesus reiterates this in John 14, where He links loving Him to keeping His commandments, not as a burden but as a response to the salvation we have already received.

To Love God’s Word — Second Sunday after Pentecost, June 2, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-second-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20240602-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Zephaniah 3:14-17
Psalm 81:1-10
Deuteronomy 5:12–15
2 Corinthians 4:5–12
Mark 2:23—3:6


Songs and Hymns:
    - O Day of Rest and Gladness: Text (sts. 1–2): Christopher Wordsworth, 1807–85, alt., public domain; (st. 3): Charles P. Price, 1920–99, © 1982 Charles P. Price; (st. 4): The Hymnal 1982, © 1985 The Church Pension Fund. Tune: Hymnal of the Dukes. Court Chapel, 1784, Württemberg, public domain. Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220.
    - By Grace Alone: Text by Martin Luther; tune by David Ward, © 2002 ThousandTongues.org; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - All Is Well: Claire Hamilton, Johnny Parks; © 2009 Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by Integrity Music), Parks Publishing (Admin. by Integrity Music); Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Thy Body, Given for Me, O Savior: Text: Friedrich Christian Heyder; Tune: Emskirchner Choral-Buch, 1756; Text and tune © 1941 Concordia Publishing House; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence: Text: Liturgy of St. James, 5th century; tune: French, 17th century; text and tune are in the public domain.
    - Amazing Grace: Text by John Newton; tune by Columbian Harmony, 1829; text and tune are public domain.

Liturgies:
    - Gloria in Excelsis: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Sanctus: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Agnus Dei: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Nunc Dimittis

#Sermon #Gospel #LoveGodsWord #Sabbath #KeepItHoly #ThirdCommandment #Deuteronomy5 #Mark2 #RighteousLiving #GodsCommandments #BlessingsInObedience

To Love God’s Word - Second Sunday after Pentecost

To Love God’s Word - Jun 2 - Second Sunday after Pentecost

What makes the books of the Bible sacred scripture is that they were written by prophets (Old Testament) or apostles (New Testament). The books of the New Testament bear witness to the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, either as a first-hand account of his life, death, and resurrection (we call these the four Gospels) or by reflecting on and applying this Gospel to the life of the Christian communities of the first century (these are the epistles written by Paul, Peter, and others).

These books were not “decided upon” by anyone; instead, the earliest Jesus followers recognized that they were about the historical Jesus and carried his continuing power in the reading of them. Only later, in the fourth century, did the church feel the need to put down on paper an official list of the books they had already recognized as scripture.

Hosts: Aaron Mueller and Chuck Rathert

Subscribe to the show at https://cacg.saintjamesglencarbon.org.
To comment on this episode, visit https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/cacg-ep93.

How Did We Get the Books of the Bible?

How Did We Get the Books of the Bible? (Ep93)

Jesus' family thought he was crazy and his opponents accused him of being demon-possessed, but Jesus' true followers recognized the inherent logic in his claims, bowed to the divine nature of his power, and found in him their true family and community.

The Real Followers of the Real Jesus — Third Sunday after Pentecost, June 9, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-third-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20240609-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Matthew 11:28-30
Psalm 130
Genesis 3:8–15
2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1
Mark 3:20–35


Songs and Hymns:
    - Glory Be to God the Father: Text: Horatius Bonar, 1808–89; Tune: Walter G. Whinfield, 1865–1919; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - For Your Gift of God the Spirit: Text by Edith Margaret Clarkson; tune by Mindy Deckard and Bruce Benedict; © 1987 Hope Publishing Co.; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - I Will Wait for You: Jordan Kauflin, Keith Getty, Matthew Merker, Stuart Townend; © 2018 Getty Music Publishing; Jordan Kauflin Music; Matthew Merker Music; Townend Songs; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Lamb of God: Text and tune by Twila Paris; © 1985 Jubilee Communications Inc.; © 1985 Mountain Spring Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Built on the Rock: Text: Nikolai Fredrik Severin Grundtvig, 1783–1872, abr.; tr. Carl Döving, 1867–1937, alt.; Tune: Ludvig M. Lindeman, 1812–87; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Just as I Am, without One Plea: Text by Charlotte Elliott; tune by William B. Bradbury; text and tune are public domain.

Liturgies:
    - Gloria in Excelsis: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Sanctus: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Agnus Dei: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Nunc Dimittis

#Sermon #Gospel #Jesus #unforgivablesin #logic #power #family

The Real Followers of the Real Jesus - Third Sunday after Pentecost

The Real Followers of the Real Jesus - Jun 9 - Third Sunday after Pentecost

Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church had been tense - his apostolic authority had been challenged and denied - but Paul did not give up hope in either his ministry or in their faith: since Jesus died and rose from the dead all those who believe in him, even when struggling and doubting, are part of the new creation of God's kingdom.

New Creation Now — Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, June 16, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-fourth-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20240616-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Romans 5:8-11
Psalm 1
Ezekiel 17:22–24
2 Corinthians 5:1–17
Mark 4:26–34


Songs and Hymns:
    - Come, Ye Thankful People, Come: Text by Henry Alford; tune by George J. Elvey; text and tune are public domain.
    - Faith and Truth and Life Bestowing: Text: Timothy Dudley-Smith; Tune: Columbian Harmony, 1825; © 1997 Hope Publishing Co.; used with permission, LSB Hymn License #110001220.
    - I Will Delight: John Andrew Schreiner, Walt Harrah; © 1991 Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Take My Life and Let It Be: Text: Frances R. Havergal, tune: Henri A. C. Malan; Text and tune are in the public domain.
    - Jesus Paid It All: Text by Elvina M. Hall; tune by John T. Grape; text and tune are in the public domain.
    - Knowing You: Graham Kendrick, © 1993 Make Way Music. Used with permission: CCLI no. 20286740.

Liturgies:
    - Gloria in Excelsis: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Sanctus: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Agnus Dei: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Nunc Dimittis

#Sermon #Gospel #newcreation #lifeafterdeath #heaven #Jesus

New Creation Now - Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

New Creation Now - Jun 16 - Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Music has a power which logic and rationality do not - the power to tap into the human emotional experience. This experience is no less spiritual than understanding and reflecting on the truth of the gospel intellectually, merely different. Music evokes memories that mere words cannot, connecting us to our experience of God in worship from the past. Music taps into our creativity, allowing us not merely to participate in worship but become authors and creators of Christian worship ourselves. And music fires our imagination, allowing us by faith to experience the universal church on heaven and earth as we sing and aids us in longing for the eternal worship of new creation. Chuck and Aaron call the Christian church back to its heritage of strong and heartfelt congregational singing.

Hosts: Aaron Mueller and Chuck Rathert

Subscribe to the show at https://cacg.saintjamesglencarbon.org.
To comment on this episode, visit https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/cacg-ep94.

To Sing or Not to Sing

To Sing or Not to Sing (Ep94)

St. James Lutheran Church was established in 1982. We are a church rooted on Grace Alone, Faith Alone, and Scripture Alone. And we are a body of sinners and saints focused on spreading the Good News in the Greater Glen Carbon community.

St. James is located in Glen Carbon, IL at 146 North Main Street. We are located across from Glen Carbon Village Hall and right next to Schon Park.

What Happened at the Ascension of Jesus? - May 12 - Ascension Sunday

St James Lutheran Church

Related tracks