The cultural trope of the twenty-something guy living in his parents basement, not working, not exercising, and playing hours of video games, is perhaps a caricature, but it touches on a reality that is all too common today: the disillusioned and lonely young man.

Individualism has taught all of us that community responsibility and living life in relationship is unimportant, and guys who have bought into this lie pay the price of loneliness. But in addition, cultural currents which disdain the way God has created men to function (with energy, aggression, logical rigor, and decisiveness) make being a real man in public an almost impossible task. Part of this cultural pushback is, of course, a necessary reaction against the sexual aggression of some men who have felt loosed by the sexual revolution to treat women as objects. But Christianity insists that the solution to the problems of the sexual revolution is not to stifle biological manhood, but to channel the way God has made them in service of their families and community, by providing and protecting.

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-ep98.

Craving Answers, Craving God

What’s Wrong with Today’s Young Men?

What’s Wrong with Today’s Young Men? (Ep98)

In this third sermon on the Bible's teaching about human sexuality, Aaron Mueller looks at what Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians about how to relate to the sexual sin that's prevalent in the world. Paul insists that judging the world for its sexual sin is his job, not the job of the Christian church. Instead, the church is to constantly be deeply repentant of its own sin, strive for repentant chastity in its own personal conduct, and constantly live within the joy of the identity God has given it in her Passover Lamb, Jesus.

Human Sexuality and the World — Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 18, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-thirteenth-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20240818-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Romans 5:8-11
Psalm 34:12–22
Proverbs 9:1–10
1 Corinthians 5:6–13
John 6:51–69


Songs and Hymns:
    - Lord, This Day We’ve Come to Worship (Hymn 911): Text: Richard C. Dickinson, 1925–2010, © 1995 Richard C. Dickinson. Tune: B. B. McKinney, 1886–1952, alt., © 1942, 1970 Broadman Press, admin. Genevox Publishing. Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220.
    - Lamb of God: Text and tune by Twila Paris; © 1985 Jubilee Communications Inc.; © 1985 Mountain Spring Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Christ Is Mine Forevermore: Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson, © 2016 CityAlight Music. Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Before the Throne of God Above: Text by Charitie Lees Bancroft; tune by Vikki Cook; © 1997 Sovereign Grace Worship; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - Jesus, Priceless Treasure: Text: Johann Franck, 1618–77; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt. Tune: Johann Crüger, 1598–1662. Text and tune: Public domain.
    - I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: Text and tune: Kathleen Thomerson, 1934; © 1970, 1975 Celebration. 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 #sex #chastity #Jesus #passover #judging #repentance #1Corinthians5

The Season after Pentecost (2024)

Human Sexuality and the World - Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Human Sexuality and the World - Aug 18 - Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Paul's classic statement on the heart of marriage in Ephesians 5 can speak more broadly to how we are called to love not just our spouses but everyone else as well. The key to understanding how true love works is to recognize that true love does not respond to someone who is lovable but makes the other lovable, true love does not demand but earns submission, and true love is self-love to the extent that it is self-giving love.

The Quality of Self-Sacrificing Love — Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 25, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-fourteenth-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20240825-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Romans 8:35-39
Psalm 14
Isaiah 29:11–19
Ephesians 5:22–33
Mark 7:1–13


Songs and Hymns:
    - Come, We That Love the Lord: Text by Robert Lowry and Isaac Watts; tune by Robert Lowry; text and tune are public domain.
    - The Church's One Foundation: Text by Samuel J Stone; tune by Samuel Wesley; public domain.
    - There Was Jesus: Casey Beathard, Jonathan Smith, Zach Williams; © Anthems of Hope; Be Essential Songs; Cashagamble Jet Music; © Wisteria Drive; Little Louder Songs; Seven Ring Circus Songs; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light: Text and tune: Kathleen Thomerson, 1934; © 1970, 1975 Celebration. Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220.
    - Ancient of Days: Jesse Reeves, Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, Rich Thompson; © 2018 CityAlight Music. Used with permission, CCLI license #20286740.
    - What Wondrous Love Is This: Text is from A General Selection of Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1811; tune is from Southern Harmony, 1835; text and tune are public domain.
    - Go, My Children, with My Blessing: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, 1919–2008, © 1983 Concordia Publishing House; Tune: Welsh, 18th cent.; Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220.

Liturgies:
    - Kyrie: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda; Music: Columbian Harmony; Text and music: © 1990 Concordia Publishing House; Used with permission: One License #728607-A.
    - Gloria: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License #728607-A; Tune: Felix Mendelssohn, public domain.
    - Credo: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: Welsh, pubic domain.
    - Sanctus: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: John B. Dykes, public domain.
    - Agnus Dei: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, CCLI license #20286740; tune: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872, public domain.

#sermon #gospel #Ephesians5 #jesus #sacrifice #submission #salvation #truelove

The Quality of Self-Sacrificing Love - Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Quality of Self-Sacrificing Love - Aug 25 - Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

When Jesus was falsely accused of sedition and blasphemy, Pontius Pilate asked him a question which has persistently confounded every thinker before and since: “What is truth?”

Pinning down truth so that everyone can have access to reality has been notoriously difficult. One option is to hold that humans can figure out the truth based upon their own observations and experiences - but the human propensity to be mistaken often demonstrates this theory’s weakness. Another option is to hold that there is no such thing as truth (or, at least, no one can know whether there is or not) - and yet we humans continue to live as though some things are true and worth giving assent to and others are not.

The Christian solution is that no mere mortal can completely know and understand the truth, but that God has made the truth known in the person of his Son Jesus. In other words, any and all truth claims must be tested not against the standard of human experience or common sense, but against the person of the One who claimed to be the way, the truth, and the life.

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-ep99.

How to Tell the Truth from a Lie

How to Tell the Truth from a Lie (Ep99)

When Christians engage in the battle the kingdom of Jesus is waging against the kingdom of the Enemy, they do so through the strength of Jesus, in the armor of God, and with the Word and prayer in the Holy Spirit.

The Nature of Christian Warfare — Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 1, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-fifteenth-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20240901-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


1 Corinthians 15:20, 54-57
Psalm 119:129–136
Deuteronomy 4:1–2, 6–9
Ephesians 6:10–20
Mark 7:14–23


Songs and Hymns:
    - How Great Thou Art: Text by Carl Gustaf Boberg; tr. Stuart W. K. Hine; tune by Swedish; arr. Stuart W. K. Hine, © 1949, 1953 The Stuart Hine Trust, admin. EMI CMG and Hope Publishing Co; Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220.
    - I Love Your Kingdom, Lord: Text: Timothy Dwight; Tune: Aaron Williams; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - You Are Good: Israel Houghton; © 2001 Integrity's Praise! Music; Sound Of The New Breed; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - My Worth Is Not in What I Own: Text and tune by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, and Graham Kendrick, © 2014 Getty Music; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - Go to Dark Gethsemane: Text: James Montgomery, 1771–1854; Tune: Richard Redhead, 1820–1901; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Jesus Paid It All: Text by Elvina M. Hall; tune by John T. Grape; text and tune are in the public domain.
    - Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer: Text: William Williams; tune: John Hughes; text and tune are in the public domain.

Liturgies:
    - Kyrie: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda; Music: Columbian Harmony; Text and music: © 1990 Concordia Publishing House; Used with permission: One License #728607-A.
    - Gloria: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License #728607-A; Tune: Felix Mendelssohn, public domain.
    - Credo: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: Welsh, pubic domain.
    - Sanctus: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: John B. Dykes, public domain.
    - Agnus Dei: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, CCLI license #20286740; tune: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872, public domain.

#sermon #gospel #Ephesians6 #armorofgod #swordofthespirit #spiritualfight #jesus #holyspirit

The Nature of Christian Warfare - Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Nature of Christian Warfare - Sep 1 - Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Isaiah pictures a world where all mental and psychological diseases have been done away with and every physical illness and deformity has been cured; a world where Jesus has turned the desert into a garden and death into life. The arrival of this world is the hope that brings the future, complete cure for all our problems rushing now into the present.

Healed by the Power of New Creation — Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 8, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-sixteenth-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20240908-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Psalm 40:1-3
Psalm 146
Isaiah 35:4–7a
James 2:1–10, 14–18
John 7:37–39


Songs and Hymns:
    - Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: Text: Robert Robinson, 1735–90, alt. Tune: Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second, 1813, Harrisburg. Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Joy to the World: Text: Isaac Watts; Tune: George Frideric Handel; Text and tune: Public domain
    - He Will Come And Save You: Bob Fitts, Gary Sadler; © 1995 Integrity's Hosanna! Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - My Song Is Love Unknown: Text: Samuel Crossman, c. 1624–1683; Public domain. Tune: John N. Ireland, 1879–1962, © John Ireland Trust; Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220.
    - Before the Throne of God Above: Text by Charitie Lees Bancroft; tune by Vikki Cook; © 1997 Sovereign Grace Worship; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: Text by Isaac Watts; tune by Lowell Mason; text and tune are public domain.
    - Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow: Text by Thomas Ken; tune by Trente Quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551; text and tune are in public domain.

Liturgies:
    - Kyrie: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda; Music: Columbian Harmony; Text and music: © 1990 Concordia Publishing House; Used with permission: One License #728607-A.
    - Gloria: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License #728607-A; Tune: Felix Mendelssohn, public domain.
    - Credo: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: Welsh, pubic domain.
    - Sanctus: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: John B. Dykes, public domain.
    - Agnus Dei: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, CCLI license #20286740; tune: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872, public domain.

#sermon #gospel #Isaiah35 #Jesus #healing #newcreation

Healed by the Power of New Creation - Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Healed by the Power of New Creation - Sep 8 - Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Virtue, in the ancient world, was the word for moral and physical excellence. Those who were brave, those who were honest, those who accomplished great things, were excellent, therefore virtuous.

The Bible, too, picks up on this ancient idea and calls humans to pursue virtue. But the Bible, unlike the Stoics and other ancient philosophies, holds that virtue is something that is only located in God’s character. In 2 Peter 1, Peter first claims that glory and virtue are something that are God’s alone, and then calls God’s people to live in His virtue, making ever effort to supplement our faith with this excellence. And if Christians are living in Christ’s virtue, then there is no need for “virtue signaling” - having to tell people we have virtue, to cover up our lack - because the genuine virtue and excellence of Jesus will be manifest in our day to day living.

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-ep100.

Virtue

Virtue (Ep100)

This sermon reflects on James 3:5-10, exploring how the tongue, though small, has a mighty impact. James underscores the human inability to fully control the tongue, which He describes as a "restless evil" that can stain the entire body and set lives ablaze. However, the message of hope emerges and predominates as we see in Christ's power to redeem us and transform even our speech. It is through the work of the Holy Spirit that our tongues can be turned from instruments of harm into tools that proclaim God’s abundant love, truth, and forgiveness.


    The Untamable Tongue: Blessing or Curse — Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 15, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-seventeenth-sunday-after-pentecost


    Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20240915-order-of-service.pdf
    Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give




    Psalm 86:3-5
    Psalm 116:1–9
    Isaiah 50:4–10
    James 3:1–12
    Mark 9:14–29




    Songs and Hymns:
        - Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness: Text by Rusty Edwards, © 1987 Hope Publishing Co.; used with permission, LSB Hymn License #110001220; tune by The Sacred Harp, 1844, public domain.
        - Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing: Text: Charles Wesley, tune: Carl G. Glaser; text and tune: public domain.
        - Breathe On Me: Lucy Fisher; © 1998 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia; 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.
        - What Wondrous Love Is This: Text is from A General Selection of Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1811; tune is from Southern Harmony, 1835; text and tune are public domain.
        - In Christ Alone: Text and tune by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, © 2001 Thankyou Music; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
        - Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing: Text: John Fawcett; Tune: Henry T. Smart; Text and tune: Public domain.


    Liturgies:
        - Kyrie: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda; Music: Columbian Harmony; Text and music: © 1990 Concordia Publishing House; Used with permission: One License #728607-A.
        - Gloria: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License #728607-A; Tune: Felix Mendelssohn, public domain.
        - Credo: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: Welsh, pubic domain.
        - Sanctus: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: John B. Dykes, public domain.
        - Agnus Dei: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, CCLI license #20286740; tune: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872, public domain.


    #sermon #gospel #James3 #tongue #small #mighty #HolySpirit #powerofspeech #controlofthetongue #christianliving #moralintegrity #faithandactions #ethicalspeech #spiritualdiscipline #impactofwords #biblicalwisdom #righteousnessincommunication

The Untamable Tongue: Blessing or Curse - Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Untamable Tongue: Blessing or Curse - Sep 15 - Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

We all want to be loved because we deserve it, but none of us can be deserving enough to earn the kind of love we really crave. So, in spite of our fear that we can never be truly loved because of our unlovability, Jesus holds on to us, he identifies with us, and he sacrifices himself in order to rescue us with his infinitely deep love.

Loving the Unlovable — Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 22, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-eighteenth-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20240922-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Isaiah 44:21-23
Psalm 54
Jeremiah 11:18–20
James 3:13—4:10
Mark 9:30–37


Songs and Hymns:
    - Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven: Text by Henry F. Lyte; tune by John Goss; text and tune are public domain.
    - There Is a Redeemer: Melody Green; © 1982 Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing; © 1982 Birdwing Music, © 1982 Ears To Hear; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - The Perfect Wisdom Of Our God: Keith Getty, Stuart Townend; © 2011 Thankyou Music; Getty Music Publishing; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740
    - Rise, My Soul, to Watch and Pray: Text: Johann Burkhard Freystein, 1671–1718; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.; Tune: Hundert . . . geistlicher Arien, 1694, Dresden, alt.; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - They'll Know We are Christians by Our Love: Text and tune by Peter Scholtes, © 1966 F.E.L. Publications, © 1991 The Lorenz Corporation; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - Lamb of God, Pure and Holy: Text: tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941. Text and tune: Nicolaus Decius, c. 1485–after 1546. Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow: Text by Thomas Ken; tune by Trente Quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551; text and tune are in public domain.

Liturgies:
    - Kyrie: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda; Music: Columbian Harmony; Text and music: © 1990 Concordia Publishing House; Used with permission: One License #728607-A.
    - Gloria: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License #728607-A; Tune: Felix Mendelssohn, public domain.
    - Credo: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: Welsh, pubic domain.
    - Sanctus: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: John B. Dykes, public domain.
    - Agnus Dei: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, CCLI license #20286740; tune: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872, public domain.

#sermon #gospel #Jesus #love #sacrifice #identity #Mark9

Loving the Unlovable - Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Loving the Unlovable - Sep 22 - Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Some Christians have held that cremation is not permitted by the Bible, on the grounds that bodies buried intact, or “sleeping”, are a concrete anticipation of the resurrection of the dead on the last day. But the Bible never expressly forbids cremation, and in at least one place cremation is approvingly performed (1 Samuel 31:11-13).

The key issue is the question of what the resurrection from the dead means: if the body has been created by God and is fundamentally good, then our funeral and burial practices must center around and focus on the belief and confession that God will raise all the bodies of his children someday to new life in his new creation, whether they have been buried or cremated.

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-ep101.

Cremation or Burial?

Cremation or Burial? (Ep101)

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.

The Untamable Tongue: Blessing or Curse - Sep 15 - Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

St James Lutheran Church

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