The great redemptive event of the Bible is the exodus from Israel out of Egypt. God’s plan and actions to rescue his people from slavery form the foundational backdrop for how we understand his heart. But then why do so many texts in scripture seem to accept slavery as a permissible fact? We can find the main answer to this question in the difference between how contemporary people try to solve problems and how God actually solves problems.

Unlike modern politicians or social media users, the Bible hardly ever tries to solve problems through statements or public posturing. Instead, the biblical writers believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ–the good news that in the Messiah God has acted to rescue his creatures and creation from slavery to sin, death, and the Enemy–actually changes broken hearts to redeemed hearts, from the inside out. So the Bible radically opposes slavery, but in a way that actually historically ended slavery: by calling people to the love of Jesus, a love which worked in their hearts to begin treating others–even slaves–as valuable people made in God’s image.

Hosts: Aaron Mueller and Chuck Rathert

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To comment on this episode, visit https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/cacg-ep121.

Christianity and Slavery (Ep121)

In this Sunday’s message, we reflect on Jesus’ words to the seventy-two He sent ahead of Him: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” In these simple but profound words, Jesus reminds us that the work of building His kingdom is like gathering a great harvest—a work that requires willing hands, faithful hearts, and trust in the One who sends us.

Jesus sends His followers out with little but His Word—no money, no bag, no sandals—yet He promises that their mission is filled with divine purpose. Though they go “as lambs among wolves,” they are not alone. He is with them, and He speaks through them. “He who listens to you listens to me,” Jesus says, affirming the sacred trust of sharing the Gospel.

The seventy-two returned with joy—not because of what they had, but because of what God had done through them. There is no greater joy than to know that God has used you in His harvest. We are reminded that the call to discipleship is not just about going, but about trusting that Jesus is already at work in the hearts of those we meet.

Sent to Harvest — Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, July 6, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-fourth-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250706-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Psalm 66:1–7
Isaiah 66:10–14
Galatians 6:1–10, 14–18
Luke 10:1–20

Songs and Hymns:
    - Oh, How Good It Is: Text and tune by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Ross Holmes, Stuart Townend; © 2012 Getty Music; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - Lift High the Cross: Tune: Sydney H. Nicholson, 1875–1947; Sydney H. Nicholson, 1875–1947; Text: George W. Kitchin, 1827–1912; rev. Michael R. Newbolt, 1874–1956, alt.; (sts. ref–5): tr. Leopoldo Gros, 1925–2013; © 1974 Hope Publishing Co.; Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220.
    - Let The Nations Be Glad: Aaron Boswell, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa; © 2010 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Love Your Enemies Publishing; Curb Dayspring Music Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Grace: Text and tune: Niki Shepherd; Jonny Robinson; Rich Thompson; © 2016 Getty Music Publishing; © Rich Thompson Music; © 2016 Jonny Robinson Music; © Little Life Lines Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - When Peace, like a River: Text: Horatio G. Spafford, 1828–88, alt.; Tune: Philip P. Bliss, 1838–76; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - I Lay My Sins on Jesus: Text: Horatius Bonar, 1808–89; Tune: Neu-vermehrtes . . . Gesangbuch, 1693, 3rd ed., Meiningen; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - God Bless Our Native Land: Text (st. 1): Charles T. Brooks, 1813–83, alt.; (st. 2): John S. Dwight, 1813–93, alt.; Tune: Thesaurus Musicus, c. 1740, London; Text and tune: Public domain.

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

#sermon #gospel #timeofthechurch #sent #harvest #discipleship #gospelmission #joyinchrist #Luke10

Sent to Harvest - Jul 6 - Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

In response to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan—a story that has challenged hearts for centuries. But His response is not merely a lesson in compassion. It’s a call to action: “Go and do likewise.”

Through this parable, Jesus redefines what it means to be a neighbor. It’s not about proximity or familiarity, but about mercy. The Samaritan—an outsider in the eyes of many—becomes the true neighbor because he acted in love, even when it cost him something. Jesus invites us into the same kind of faith-based initiative: caring for others with compassion, even when it’s inconvenient.

At St. James, we see the Good Samaritan story lived out in many small but powerful ways. Wherever mercy is extended and burdens are shared, the love of Christ is made visible. Jesus still speaks those words to us today: “You go, and do likewise.”

Go and Do Likewise — Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, July 13, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-fifth-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250713-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Psalm 41
Leviticus 18:1–5; 19:9–18
Colossians 1:1–14
Luke 10:25–37

Songs and Hymns:
    - Let The Nations Be Glad: Aaron Boswell, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa; © 2010 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Love Your Enemies Publishing; Curb Dayspring Music Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - The Compassion Hymn: Text and tune by Stuart Townend, Kristyn Getty, Keith Getty; © 2008 Thankyou Music; used with permission, CCLI License # 20286740.
    - The Servant Song: Richard Gillard; © 1977 Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord: Text: Latin, 7th cent.; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818–66, alt.; Tune: Trente quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551, Geneva, ed. Louis Bourgeois; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - We Give Thee But Thine Own: Text: William W. How, 1823–97; Tune: William H. Monk, 1823–89; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Here I Am, Lord: Text: Based on Isaiah 6; Dan Schutte, b.1947. Text and music: © 1981, Daniel L. Schutte and New Dawn Music. Published by OCP Publications. Used with permission: One License #728607-A.
    - On What Has Now Been Sown: Text: John Newton, 1725–1807, alt.; Tune: John Darwall, 1731–89; Text and tune: Public domain.

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

#sermon #gospel #timeofthechurch #neighbor #mercy #goodsamaritan #faithinaction #goanddolikewise #Luke10

Go and Do Likewise - Jul 13 - Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Different branches of the American church have different ideas about miracles - the more rationalistic branches of Christianity don’t place a high value on miracles, while more charismatic churches consider miracles to be a vital part of their Christian life. But all Christians believe that miracles are a part of scripture, and scripturally speaking, miracles happen all the time, as long as we understand that the line between “natural” and “supernatural” is a modern invention. Every part of creation is God’s, and he is intimately and sovereignly involved in every one of those parts. In other words, what we often think of as “natural” events are really miraculous, just so ordinary that we don’t notice their supernatural character.

In the Bible, miracles are a demonstration of God’s power. Jesus’ miracles are a demonstration that God’s power is upon him, and they lend credence to his prophetic claims. They do not prove he is God, anymore than Elijah’s miracles prove that he is God, but they are signs that God is at work in Jesus’ ministry, and his personal claims to be the one through whom the creator God is rescuing his world.

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-ep122.

Miracles (Ep122)

What kind of laugh did Sarah give when the Lord promised her a child in her old age? Was it disbelief? Contempt? Joy? The Bible doesn’t tell us explicitly, but that laugh—whatever its tone—echoes through the centuries into our own lives of waiting, hoping, and sometimes doubting.

In this message based on Genesis 18, we consider the mystery and depth of Sarah’s laugh in the face of God's incredible promise. With warmth and humor, Pastor invites us to explore not only the different kinds of laughter but also the deep spiritual truth that God knows the heart behind every laugh. He knows our needs, our longings, and our struggles to believe what seems impossible.

Like Sarah, we all wait for things we hope will come true. And like Sarah, we are invited to trust that nothing is too hard for the Lord. Through Jesus Christ, God fulfills His greatest promises—bringing joy from sorrow, faith from doubt, and eternal life from death. In the end, because of God's mercy, we too will laugh—with Sarah, and with all who trust in Him.

So, Sarah Laughed... — Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 20, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-sixth-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250720-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Psalm 27
Genesis 18:1–14
Colossians 1:21–29
Luke 10:38–42

Songs and Hymns:
    - My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less: Text: Edward Mote. Tune: William B. Bradbury. Tune and text: Public domain.
    - 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.
    - Pass Me Not: Fanny Jane Crosby, William Howard Doane; Public domain.
    - I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus: Text: Frances R. Havergal, 1836–79; Tune: Henry W. Baker, 1821–77; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Ancient of Days: Jesse Reeves, Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, Rich Thompson; © 2018 CityAlight Music. Used with permission, CCLI license #20286740.
    - By Faith: Text and tune by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, and Stuart Townend, © 2009 Thankyou Music, © Getty Music; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - 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.

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

#sermon #gospel #timeofthechurch #laughter #hope #joy #waiting #faith #promise #doubt #God’sfaithfulness #miracle #waitingonGod #covenant #OldTestament #Christfulfilledpromise #Genesis18

So, Sarah Laughed... - Jul 20 - Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

We reflect on the words of St. Paul in Colossians 2:6–7, where he urges believers to "walk in Christ Jesus"—to live in a way that is rooted, built up, and strengthened in Him. While many today profess faith in God, Paul addresses the Colossian church with a sober reminder: true faith is not just spoken, it is lived. His letter serves both as a pastoral encouragement and a pointed warning—calling the Church to remain steadfast in Christ amid the temptations and pressures of the surrounding culture.

As we explore Paul’s message, we consider four essential aspects of what it means to walk in Christ daily. This walk is not aimless or occasional, but continuous and intentional—nourished by a faith that is grounded in the Word of God. In the midst of life’s challenges, it is this kind of deep, Bible-based faith that anchors us, sustains us, and produces lasting joy. Our worship this Sunday will call us to examine whether our actions align with the faith we confess, and to grow in the life-giving strength of Christ, who walks with us each step of the way.

Walk in Christ — Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 27, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-seventh-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250727-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Psalm 138
Genesis 18:20–33
Colossians 2:6–19
Luke 11:1–13

Songs and Hymns:
    - Merciful God: Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend; © 2006 Thankyou Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Hear Us, Father, When We Pray: Text: Chad L. Bird, 1970, © Chad L. Bird; used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220; Tune: Geist-reiches Gesang-Buch, 1704, Halle, ed. Johann A. Freylinghausen; public domain.
    - Before You I Kneel: Jeffrey J. Taylor, Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend; © 2012 Getty Music Publishing, Seek 1st, Townend Songs; used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Keep the Feast: Ben Shive, Skye Peterson; © 2024 Getty Music Publishing (BMI), Beehive Hymns (BMI); Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Be Still, My Soul, before the Lord: Text: Herman G. Stuempfle, Jr., 1923–2007, © 2000 GIA Publications, Inc.; Tune: Marty Haugen, 1950, © 1984, 2006 GIA Publications, Inc.; Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220.
    - O Jesus, Blessed Lord, to Thee: Text: Thomas Hansen Kingo, 1634–1703; tr. Arthur J. Mason, 1851–1928; Tune: Trente quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551, Geneva, ed. Louis Bourgeois; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Lift High The Name Of Jesus: Tune: Ed Cash; Fionán de Barra; Kristyn Getty; Keith Getty; Text: Kristyn Getty; Keith Getty; Fionán De Barra; Ed Cash; Tune and Text: © Getty Music; © Fionan De Barra Pub Designee; © Capital CMG Publishing; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

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

#sermon #gospel #timeofthechurch #faith #Jesus #Christianliving #Colossians2

Walk in Christ - Jul 27 - Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

We humans feel like we have the ability to make any choice, but the reality is that we can only make any choice we want to. In other words, humans are bound to their own wills - it’s not possible to choose to do something you ultimately do not want to do. Every choice to do something you don’t want to do is made because there is something you ultimately want more. We choose to go to the dentist–something we don’t want to do–because our desire to avoid the long-term pain of dental decay is greater than our desire to avoid the short-term pain of dental pain. A better way to talk about the way we make choices is to say we have freedom of agency: we can choose to do anything within the realm of our desires. For example, I am free to choose between wearing the green socks or the yellow socks, but I am not free to cut my feet off–it simply isn’t within the realm of my desires to do so. 

The Bible insists that this is also true when it comes to one’s relationship with God. Our fallen human hearts do not desire God, or at least we do not desire God as he really is. And so we choose to reject him because it is our will to reject him, and we do not choose to accept him because our wills are opposed to him–and it is impossible to do something ultimately against your will. And so, if we are going to accept God, he must change our will so that we desire him. This work of the Holy Spirit, called prevenient grace, happens when God mercifully and lovingly draws us to himself, and changes our heart from the inside out so that we believe in him and long for a relationship with him. 

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-ep123.

Do We Have Free Will? (Ep123)

We turn to Paul’s words in Colossians 3:1–4, where we are reminded to “set [our] minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” As followers of Christ, it’s easy to become distracted or even burdened by the things of this world—our routines, our worries, our pursuits. But Scripture calls us to something higher: a reorientation of our hearts and minds toward Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God and who is our true life.

This message challenges us to think differently, live differently, and remember that we are already raised with Christ. While the world urges us to chase after what is temporary, God invites us into what is eternal. And even when our thoughts stray or our focus dims, the promise remains—God isn’t done with us yet. Each day is a new opportunity to renew our minds in Christ and set our sights on the things above.

Things Above — Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, August 3, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-eighth-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250803-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Psalm 100
Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12–14; 2:18–26
Colossians 3:1–11
Luke 12:13–21

Songs and Hymns:
    - What Is the World to Me: Text: George Michael Pfefferkorn, trns. August Crull; tune: Ahasverus Fritsch; Text and tune are in the public domain.
    - 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.
    - For The Lord Is Good: Gary Sadler, Lynn DeShazo; © 1997 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Integrity Music); Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Grace: Text and tune: Niki Shepherd; Jonny Robinson; Rich Thompson; © 2016 Getty Music Publishing; © Rich Thompson Music; © 2016 Jonny Robinson Music; © Little Life Lines Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - All Depends on Our Possessing: Text: Andächtige Haus-Kirche, 1676, Nürnberg; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.; Tune: Johann Löhner, 1645–1705; adapt. Johann Balthasar König, 1691–1758; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - We Give Thee But Thine Own: Text: William W. How, 1823–97; Tune: William H. Monk, 1823–89; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - I Know That My Redeemer Lives: Jordan Kauflin, Kristyn Getty, Laura Story, Matt Papa, Matthew Merker; © 2022 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Getty Music Publishing; Jordan Kauflin Music; © 2022 Laura's Stories and Songs; Love Your Enemies Publishing; Matthew Merker Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

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

#sermon #gospel #timeofthechurch #Christcenteredliving #christianmindset #thingsabove #sanctification #dailyrenewal #christiandiscipleship #spiritualfocus #resurrectionlife #identityinchrist #wordofGod #transformation #christianhope #eternalperspective #livingbyfaith #higherthings #heaven #servingGod #Colossians3

Things Above - Aug 3 - Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

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.

So, Sarah Laughed... - Jul 20 - Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

St James Lutheran Church