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

When Jesus comes into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday the crowds gather around him and chant his praises, excited that the one true king has finally arrived. And although some of his opponents try to make them stop, thinking that he has overstepped his bounds, the victory of God in Jesus can no longer be contained.

The Victory of God — Midweek Advent, December 4, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-midweek-advent-1

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20241204-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Psalm 25:1–10
Luke 19:28–40

Songs and Hymns:
    - Comfort, Comfort Ye My People: Text: Johann Olearius, tr. Catherine Winkworth; Tune: Trente Quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551, Geneva; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Magnificat: Text: Luke 1:46 (ESV); public domain. Tune: David Schack (b. 1947), © 2006 Lutheran Service Book, used with permission, LSB Hymn License no. 110001220.
    - Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers: Text: Laurentius Laurenti, 1660–1722; tr. Sarah B. Findlater, 1823–1907, alt.; Tune: Swedish; Text and tune: Public domain

#sermon #gospel #advent #midweek #Luke19 #palmsunday #triumphalentry #jesus #king #peace

Advent Season (2024)

The Victory of God - Midweek Advent

The Victory of God - Dec 4 - Midweek Advent

Amid the challenges of Israelite disobedience and the looming threat of Babylonian invasion, Habakkuk questions God’s actions and struggles with the problem of evil. Yet, God responds by reminding him that His promises will be fulfilled in His time, and the righteous will live by faith in His faithfulness. Habakkuk’s bold questions and his eventual joyful trust in God despite the circumstances challenge us to look beyond our trials and rest in God's sure promises. Through Habakkuk’s story, we learn that the righteous live by trusting God, even when answers are delayed or seem difficult to ponder. Like Habakkuk, we are called to rejoice in the God of our salvation, knowing that He is always faithful to His promises.

His Faithfulness — Second Sunday in Advent, December 8, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-second-sunday-in-advent

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20241208-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Romans 8:35-39
Psalm 66:1–12
Habakkuk 2:1–4
Philippians 1:2–11
Luke 3:1–20


Songs and Hymns:
    - Prepare the Royal Highway: Text: Franz Mikael Franzen, tr. from Lutheran Book of Worship, © 1978 Lutheran Book of Worship, used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220. Tune: Swedish, public domain.
    - Great Is Thy Faithfulness: Text: Thomas O. Chisholm; tune: William M. Runyan; Text and tune are public domain.
    - Prepare The Way: Words and Music by Darrell Evans and Eric Nuzum; © 1999 Integrity's Hosanna! Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Blessed Assurance: Text: Fanny J. Crosby, alt. Aaron Mueller; Tune: Phoebe P. Knapp; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Joy to the World: Text: Isaac Watts; Tune: George Frideric Handel; 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 #advent #faithfulness #righteous #promises #endure #rejoice #Habakkuk2

St James Lutheran Church - Glen Carbon Illinois

His Faithfulness - Dec 8 - Second Sunday in Advent

Paul encourages the Philippians church to live counter-cultural lives in the middle of Caesar's realm, knowing that Jesus is the true Lord and trusting that he is about to make all things new. The way to do this is to live in the joy of the Lord, live with reasonableness amongst an irrational world, and live without anxiety in the peace of God.

How to Wait for Jesus — Third Sunday in Advent, December 15, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-third-sunday-in-advent

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20241215-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


1 Corinthians 15:20, 54-57
Psalm 85
Zephaniah 3:14–20
Philippians 4:4–7
Luke 7:18–28


Songs and Hymns:
    - The Advent of Our King: Text: Charles Coffin, 1676–1749; tr. John Chandler, 1806–76, alt.; Tune: Aaron Williams, 1731–76; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Arise and Shine! Your Light Has Come!: Based on the English Carol, Sussex Carol; Words and Arrangement: Joseph M Martin; © 1996 Shawnee Press; Used with permission: One License #728607-A.
    - Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Text: Charles Wesley; tune: Rowland H. Pritchard; text and tune are public domain.
    - In The Bleak Midwinter: Christina Georgina Rossetti, Gustav Theodore Holst; Words and music: Public Domain.
    - O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: Text: Latin c. 12th cent; tr.John Mason Neale; Tune: French, 15th cent; Tune and text: Public domain.
    - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing: Text: Charles Wesley; Tune: Felix Mendelssohn; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - God Loves Me Dearly: Text: August Rische; tune: German; 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 #advent #joy #reason #peace #jesus #Philippians4

How to Wait for Jesus - Third Sunday in Advent

How to Wait for Jesus - Dec 15 - Third Sunday in Advent

It’s not at all controversial to note that Christmas, as a cultural phenomenon in the United States, does not always resemble the Christian festival celebrating Jesus’ birth. Commercial interests have exploited the season for profit, and it seems like all of us have agreed to make the month of December the most hectic and least peaceful season of all.

On the one hand, this misplaced emphasis on capitalist greed and frantic busy-ness at least holds Christmas up as important, and as long as Christmas is at the forefront of the cultural consciousness there is a chance its main message - that God has become human to recur his human creatures and creation - might break through the barriers.

But its worthwhile for Christians to push back against the noise and pace of “American” Christmas and spend more time quietly meditating on what it means to wait on the Lord, to find our happiness in the arrival of Jesus to save us.

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-ep107.

Craving Answers, Craving God

The True Meaning of Christmas

The True Meaning of Christmas (Ep107)

Jesus compared his and John’s ministry to kids who play a game where they play happy and sad music, but no one dances to their happy music and no one mourns at their sad music. His point: outside of the work of the Spirit, Law and Gospel do not satisfy the average human, but wisdom is justified by her children.

The Different Ministries of Jesus and John — Midweek Advent, December 18, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-midweek-advent-3

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20241218-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Psalm 85
Luke 7:18–35

Songs and Hymns:
    - On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry: Text: Charles Coffin; tr. composite. Tune: Michael Praetorius. Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Magnificat: Text: Luke 1:46 (ESV); public domain. Tune: David Schack (b. 1947), © 2006 Lutheran Service Book, used with permission, LSB Hymn License no. 110001220.
    - 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.

#sermon #gospel #advent #midweek #johnthebaptist #Jesus #ministry #Luke7

The Different Ministries of Jesus and John - Midweek Advent

The Different Ministries of Jesus and John - Dec 18 - Midweek Advent

When Elizabeth and Mary first meet after they both became pregnant, Elizabeth and her baby - the future John the Baptist - respond to Mary's unborn child, Jesus, with joy, recognizing that he is God, recognizing that he is the one to put into action God's plan of salvation, and recognizing in him God's supreme act of grace toward humanity.

How to Meet Jesus — Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 22, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-fourth-sunday-in-advent

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20241222-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Isaiah 44:21-23
Psalm 80:1–7
Micah 5:2–5a
Hebrews 10:5–10
Luke 1:39–45


Songs and Hymns:
    - Silent Night, Holy Night: Text: Franz Gruber; Tune: Franz Joseph Mohr; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - In Christ Alone: Text and tune by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, © 2001 Thankyou Music; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came: Text and tune: Basque, 18th century, public domain.
    - Brightest and Best: Words and Music: Reginald Heber, public domain; Arrangement: Keith Getty, Ben Shive, Fionan de Barra; Choir Arrangement: Samuel Wilson; © 2021 Getty Music Publishing; © 2021 Fionán de Barra; © 2021 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; © 2021 Junkbox Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - What Hope! An Eden Prophesied: Text: Stephen P. Starke, © 1998 Stephen P. Starke, used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740. Tune: Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second, 1813, public domain.
    - See amid the Winter’s Snow: Text: Edward Caswall; Tune: John Goss; Tune and text: Public domain.
    - Of the Father’s Love Begotten: Text: Aurelius Prudentius Clemens, 348-c. 413, tr. John Mason Neale, 1818-66, sts. 1-4; tr. Henry W. Baker, 1821-77, st. 5. Tune: Plainsong, 13th cent., mode V. Text and tune: Public domain.
    - 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.

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

#sermon #gospel #advent #elizabeth #mary #johnthebaptist #jesus #motherofgod #Luke1

How to Meet Jesus - Fourth Sunday in Advent

How to Meet Jesus - Dec 22 - Fourth Sunday in Advent

The Bible insists that the motive for God the Father sending his Son to be the Savior of the world is his life-giving (he gave up his life to be a propitiation for our sins) and life-saving (he came so we might live through him) love! And now, although we cannot see God physically with our eyes, we can experience this perfect life-giving and life-saving love of Jesus in the way those of us who have been saved by this love give ourselves up for each other.

Christmas Every Day — Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-christmas-eve

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20241224-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Isaiah 7:10–14
1 John 4:7–16
Luke 2:1–14


Songs and Hymns:
    - O Come, All Ye Faithful: Text and tune: John F. Wade; Public domain.
    - O Little Town of Bethlehem: Text: Phillips Brooks, 1835–93; Tune: Lewis H. Redner, 1831–1908; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - What Child Is This: Text: by William C. Dix. Tune: English, 16th century. Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Angels We Have Heard on High: Text: The Crown of Jesus, 1862; Tune: French; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - It Came upon the Midnight Clear: Text: Edmund H. Sears; Tune: Richard S. Willis; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing: Text: Charles Wesley; Tune: Felix Mendelssohn; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Silent Night, Holy Night: Text: Franz Gruber; Tune: Franz Joseph Mohr; Text and tune: Public domain.

#sermon #gospel #advent #christmas #jesus #love #sacrifice #1John4

Christmas Season (2024)

Christmas Every Day - Christmas Eve

Christmas Every Day - Dec 24 - Christmas Eve

In Psalm 2 Yahweh calls the Messiah his firstborn son, laughs at all their enemies who long to rebel against his rightful authority, and warns all the nations of the earth to submit to the Son lest they be destroyed.

The Christmas Revolution — Christmas Day, December 25, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-christmas-day

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20241225-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Zephaniah 3:14-17
Psalm 2
Isaiah 52:7–10
Hebrews 1:1–12
John 1:1–18


Songs and Hymns:
    - See amid the Winter’s Snow: Text: Edward Caswall; Tune: John Goss; Tune and text: Public domain.
    - Once in Royal David’s City: Text: Cecil F. Alexander; Tune: Henry J. Gauntlett; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - 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.
    - Angels from the Realms of Glory: Text: James Montgomery. Tune: Henry T. Smart. Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Infant Holy, Infant Lowly: Text: Polish, tr. Edith M.G. Reed; Tune: Polish; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Gentle Mary Laid Her Child: Text: Joseph Simpson Cook. Tune: Piae Cantiones Ecclesiasticae, 1582. 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 #advent #christmas #messiah #power #revolution #Psalm2

The Christmas Revolution - Christmas Day

The Christmas Revolution - Dec 25 - Christmas Day

The entire goal of Simeon's life had been to see God bring about the salvation of Israel, and the old saint's patience, his hope, his immersion in sacred scripture, and his refusal to filter out the sorrow that colored that hope allowed him to recognize, rejoice, and be thankful for that salvation when it arrived in a way he couldn't have anticipated.

Nunc Dimittis — First Sunday after Christmas, December 29, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-first-sunday-after-christmas

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20241229-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Zephaniah 3:14-17
Psalm 111
Exodus 13:1–3a, 11–15
Colossians 3:12–17
Luke 2:22–40


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.
    - Jesus Loves Me: Text by Anna B. Warner; tune by William B. Bradbury; text and tune are in the public domain.
    - O Church, Arise: Text and tune by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, © 2005 Thankyou Music; used with permission, CCLI License # 20286740.
    - Great Is Thy Faithfulness: Text: Thomas O. Chisholm; tune: William M. Runyan; Text and tune are public domain.
    - Gentle Mary Laid Her Child: Text: Joseph Simpson Cook. Tune: Piae Cantiones Ecclesiasticae, 1582. Text and tune: Public domain.
    - When I Behold Jesus Christ: Text by Almaz Belhu (sts.1-3, ref.), Joseph Herl (st.4), trans. Jim and Aurelia Keefer; tune by Almaz Belhu; text and tune, © 1970 Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus; text (st. 4), © 1998 Concordia Publishing House; used with permission, LSB Hymn License #110001220.
    - Come Ye Souls By Sin Afflicted: Joseph Swain, Kevin Twit; © 2013 Twit, Kevin; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Hark! The Herald Angels Sing: Text: Charles Wesley; Tune: Felix Mendelssohn; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - An Irish Christmas Blessing: Keith Getty, Kristyn Lennox Getty, © 2004 Thankyou Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

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

#sermon #gospel #advent #christmas #nuncdimittis #simeon #jesus #salvation #Luke2

Nunc Dimittis - First Sunday after Christmas

Nunc Dimittis - Dec 29 - First Sunday after Christmas

How do pastors become pastors? How does God make pastors, and how do they know that’s what God wants them to be? And how do they know what church they should be at. In this episode Chuck and Aaron answer these questions and also talk about Aaron’s call to be a pastor.

Pastors are called by God to preach and teach the Gospel to the Christian church. In this sense the call is unique to this particular ministry. But in another sense the call to be a pastor is no different than the call to be a mother, or lawyer, or church musician. God gives each of his people gifts to use in loving him and loving each other, and these specific gifts will make clear what call each person has received from God. And for pastors, the question of which church they should serve at is also connected with the gifts God has given them. Which church can best use his gifts and cover his weaknesses?

Aaron is making the transition to pastoring a new church, so Chuck and Aaron discuss how Aaron and his family made the decision to leave St James and move to his new church.

And in related news, Chuck and Aaron also discuss the ongoing mission of Craving Answers Craving God, and how the podcast will continue producing episodes in spite of Aaron’s move.

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-ep108.

Craving Answers Craving God

The Divine Call to Pastors

The Divine Call to Pastors (Ep108)

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.

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

St James Lutheran Church

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