No one was saying "He is risen indeed" the first Easter. Rather there was fear and confusion summarized in the Gospel of Luke by the word "marveling." There are many today who also marvel-if God loves us and is all powerful why are there accidents, illnesses and death. While we can't answer that question, as the answer is different for each person and situation, on the basis of the Easter story there are definitely two comforting things that can be said. We will look at the unique words of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke and how they give faith to the marveling.

The Rest of the Story — Second Sunday of Easter, April 27, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-second-sunday-of-easter

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250427-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Romans 5:8-11
Psalm 148
Acts 5:12–32
Revelation 1:4–18
John 20:19–31


Songs and Hymns:
    - 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.
    - Jesus Loves Me: Text by Anna B. Warner; tune by William B. Bradbury; text and tune are in the public domain.
    - By Faith: Text and tune by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, and Stuart Townend, © 2009 Thankyou Music, © Getty Music; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - 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.
    - My Faith Looks Up to Thee: Text: Ray Palmer, 1808–87; Tune: Lowell Mason, 1792–1872; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Merciful God: Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend; © 2006 Thankyou Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - 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.
    - 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:
    - Gloria in Excelsis: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Sanctus: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Agnus Dei: Text: Stephen P. Starke

#sermon #gospel #easter #resurrection #doubt #questioning #marveling #scripture #Luke24

The Rest of the Story - Apr 27 - Second Sunday of Easter

In this week’s message, we turn our attention to a deeply personal and spiritual question: How’s your love life with Jesus? We often associate love with romance or family, but Jesus’ question to Peter in John 21—“Do you love Me?”—challenges us to reflect on the nature and temperature of our relationship with our risen Savior. Whether we feel red-hot in faith or find ourselves distant and distracted, Jesus meets us with grace, restoration, and purpose.

Through the lens of Peter’s denial and restoration, and the real-life testimony of Beldisa—a woman who found new life in Christ after tragedy and war—we’ll explore how God’s love breaks through even the coldest of moments. Jesus not only forgives, He restores and calls us to feed His sheep. Join us as we rediscover what it means to live in the warmth of God’s redeeming love and answer His call with renewed devotion.

How's Your Love Life? — Third Sunday of Easter, May 4, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-third-sunday-of-easter

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250504-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Romans 5:8-11
Psalm 30
Acts 9:1–22
Revelation 5:1–14
John 21:1–19

Songs and Hymns:
    - Rise My Soul, the Lord is Risen: Jonny Robinson, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Rich Thompson; © 2024 City Alight Resources; Getty Music Hymns and Songs; © 2024 Getty Music Publishing; Love Your Enemies Publishing; © 2024 Messenger Hymns; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - 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.
    - Thank You Jesus For The Blood: Bryan McCleery, Charity Gayle, David Gentiles, Elisha Albright Hoffman, John Hart Stockton, Ryan Kennedy, Steven Musso; © 2021 Centricity Music Publishing; ComissionMusic; McCleery MSC; © 2021 Steven Musso Music; Watershed Worship Publishing; Remaining portion is unaffiliated; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - 10,000 Reasons: Text and tune by Jonas Myrin & Matt Redman, © sixsteps Music; © Said & Done; © 2011 Thankyou Music; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - The Lamb: Text and tune by Gerald P. Coleman; © 1987 and 1997 MorningStar Music Publishers, used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing: Text: Latin, c. 5th–10th cent.; tr. Robert Campbell, 1814–68, alt. Tune: Kirchengeseng, 1566, Ivancice. 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:
    - Gloria in Excelsis: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Sanctus: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Agnus Dei: Text: Stephen P. Starke

#sermon #gospel #easter #love #cross #peter #denial #sin #sheep #John21

How's Your Love Life? - May 4 - Third Sunday of Easter

For Christianity, marriage is much more than a convenient way to order society and build and protect families. Marriage is at its heart a reflection of two deeper theological realities: first, it reflects the eternal relationship that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have. In other words, God has given his human creatures the gift of marriage so they can look like the Trinity, bearing God’s image in the husband-wife relationship. And second, marriage reflects the love Jesus has for his church.

Because of this, marriage takes on a significance that far exceeds its romantic possibilities, or its economic or social utility. God wants us to remain faithful to our spouses because he is a faithful God.

There are times when the Bible permits divorce–in cases of adultery, abandonment, and (many in the church agree) physical abuse. But outside of these cases, God expects husbands and wives to practice love and faithfulness for each other.

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-ep117.

Christianity and Divorce (Ep117)

In a world filled with suffering, sorrow, and sin, God offers a glimpse of a future without tears. In this week’s message, No More Tears, we reflect on John's vision in Revelation—an encouraging promise that, though we may weep now, a day is coming when God Himself will wipe away every tear. Join us as we remember that we have been washed in the blood of the Lamb and draw strength from the hope of heaven.

No More Tears — Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 11, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-fourth-sunday-of-easter

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250511-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Matthew 11:28-30
Psalm 23
Acts 20:17–35
Revelation 7:9–17
John 10:22–30

Songs and Hymns:
    - Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us: Text: Hymns for the Young, 1836, 4th ed., London, alt. Tune: William B. Bradbury, 1816–68. Text and tune: Public domain.
    - I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb: Text by Henrietta L. von Hayn; tune by Choral-Buch Brüder-Gemeinen, 1784; text and tune are in the public domain.
    - The Lord's My Shepherd: Stuart Townend | © 1996 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing); Getty Music Hymns and Songs (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.); used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want (Hymn 710): Text: The Psalms of David in Meeter, 1650, Edinburgh; Tune: William Gardiner, 1770–1853; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - 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.
    - Come to the Table: Text and tune: Martin J. Nyström; Claire Cloninger; © 1991 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music; © 1991 Curb Word Music. Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name: Text: Edward Perronet; Tune: Oliver Holden; 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

#sermon #gospel #easter #lamb #jesus #forgiveness #strength #Revelation7

No More Tears - May 11 - Fourth Sunday of Easter

We’re surrounded by claims of things being “all new”—but often, it's just a fresh label on the same old thing. In this week’s message, _All New_ , we hear a promise from God that truly is new: the creation of a new heaven and a new earth.

Join us as we explore:

  * The deep longing for something truly new
  * What God’s promise of a new heaven and earth means for us
  * How we already experience the beginnings of this renewal today



This is more than a hopeful idea—it's a promise anchored in the resurrection of Jesus, transforming how we live now and what we wait for with eager anticipation.

All New — Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 18, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-fifth-sunday-of-easter

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250518-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Romans 8:35-39
Psalm 148
Acts 11:1–18
Revelation 21:1–7
John 16:12–22

Songs and Hymns:
    - Psalm 150 (Praise the Lord): Text and tune: Matt Boswell; Matt Papa; © 2020 Love Your Enemies Publishing; © 2020 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; © 2020 Getty Music Publishing; © 2020 Messenger Hymns; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Jerusalem the Golden: Text: Bernard of Cluny, 12th cent.; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818–66, alt.; Tune: Alexander C. Ewing, 1830–95, alt.; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Untitled Hymn (Come To Jesus): Chris Rice, © 2003 Clumsy Fly Music. Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee: Text by Henry Van Dyke; tune by Ludwig van Beethoven; text and tune are in the public domain.
    - Keep the Feast: Ben Shive, Skye Peterson; © 2024 Getty Music Publishing (BMI), Beehive Hymns (BMI); Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - In Thee Is Gladness: Text: Johann Lindemann, 1549–1631; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.; Tune: Giovanni Giacomo Gastoldi, c. 1556–c. 1622; 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 #easter #newheaven #hope #thanksgiving #forgiveness #Revelation21

All New - May 18 - Fifth Sunday of Easter

Scripture–in some ways–is a reflection of God’s mind, which means that understanding Scripture can never be completely mastered. Like a big city, there is something new and unexplored around every corner for the reader. In other words, reading the Bible is a great adventure of exploration and discovery.

The main foundation of solid biblical interpretation is to read it as the Word of God. Humanity sits under God, so his Word must sit in authority over us. This means that the meaning of the text must come from the text, not imposed upon it from outside. The temptation of all Christian denominations is to map their theology on to the text of Scripture, using the Bible as a series of proofs for their own correctness. But this is turning our theology or thoughts in “sacred scripture”, not allowing the real sacred Scripture to speak for God.

One key to checking our own theological and cultural biases in the attempt to allow God’s Word to speak for itself is to read it in community. Hearing what people from different backgrounds hear when they read Scripture helps us read and hear Scripture from outside our own echo chamber.

Practically speaking, correct biblical interpretation depends on reading the Bible not as isolated sayings, verses, or stories, but as one complete story, and we cannot understand any story–especially the story of Scripture!–outside of the whole story. And the importance of understanding the historical background of the text is also vital to correctly interpreting it. This takes work–digging into the cultural and historical backgrounds of the text means learning from scholars who study the backgrounds of the Bible. But this will keep us from making the Bible mean something it doesn’t, turning it into a decontextualized inspirational message to me.

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-ep118.

How to Interpret the Bible (Ep118)

We live in very unsettling times. When the whole order of the world seems to be shifting, it is good for us to return to the unshifting words of Jesus Christ.

Among Jesus’ last words before He was arrested and crucified,  we see His tender concern for his disciples. He assures them of the love His heavenly Father has for them. He explains that they can pray directly to God the Father in Jesus’ name—and He will answer.  Jesus comforts them with His assurance that He will rise from the dead, and earlier in the chapter, Jesus promises them the Holy Spirit.

Jesus also warns his disciples that a time is coming when they will be scattered and even abandon the Christ. But He promises never to abandon them. Likewise Jesus will never abandon us, who put our faith in Him.

In the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the followers of Jesus find peace, even in the most unsettling times, a peace the world cannot take away.

Peace That the World Cannot Take Away — Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 25, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-sixth-sunday-of-easter

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250525-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Romans 5:8-11
Psalm 67
Acts 5:12–32
Revelation 21:9–14, 21–27
John 16:23–33

Songs and Hymns:
    - May the Peoples Praise You: Text and Tune: David Zimmer, Ed Cash, Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend; © 2016 Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing), Getty Music Publishing (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.), Townend Songs (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.); used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - Ancient of Days: Jesse Reeves, Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, Rich Thompson; © 2018 CityAlight Music. Used with permission, CCLI license #20286740.
    - You Shine: Brian Doerksen, © 2001 Integrity's Hosanna! Music, used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Amazing Grace: Text by John Newton; tune by Columbian Harmony, 1829; text and tune are public domain.
    - By Grace Alone: Text by Martin Luther; tune by David Ward, © 2002 ThousandTongues.org; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won: Text: Christian Fürchtegott Gellert, 1715–69; tr. Frances E. Cox, 1812–97, alt.; Tune: Johann Crüger, 1598–1662; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise: Text: John Ellerton, 1826–93; Tune: Edward J. Hopkins, 1818–1901; 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 #easter #love #trinity #heavenlyfather #jesus #salvation #holyspirit #peace #comfort #warning #encouragement #John16

Peace That the World Cannot Take Away - May 25 - Sixth Sunday of Easter

The Bible makes it clear that the Holy Spirit is still active in the life of Christ’s church. But what does this mean, and how does this look?

For some, the Holy Spirit speaks directly in a miraculous way; for others the Holy Spirit guides by opening doors. How do we know that what we’re hearing or being led to do is coming from the Holy Spirit? By judging the message or compulsion on the basis of God’s Word. So it’s not just the big events that are the Holy Spirit speaking; even the small messages–like being moved to read God’s Word, to pray, to love someone else at personal expense–are clearly coming from outside fallen human nature.

It’s important to remember that the Bible–God’s Word–is primary. What God says in holy scripture is binding on all people everywhere for all time. This is different from a personal prompting of the Holy Spirit, which is not universally applicable to all people at all times. So, as Paul says, the spirits must be tested to see if they are in line with God’s Word.

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-ep119.

Does the Holy Spirit Speak Today? (Ep119)

Jesus, the Son of God, has power to change lives and yet, rather than exercise His power, He prays. Jesus could do all of the things for which He asks here in prayer. But, instead of doing them on his own, He offers them to His Father.

Why? Because there is something more important than the things for which He prays. Above all petitions, even above life itself, Jesus values His relationship with His Father.

Prayer Means Relationship — Seventh Sunday of Easter, June 1, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-seventh-sunday-of-easter

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250601-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Romans 5:8-11
Psalm 133
Acts 5:12–32
Revelation 22:1–20
John 17:20–26

Songs and Hymns:
    - Blest Be the Tie That Binds: Text: John Fawcett, 1740–1817, alt.; Tune: Johann G. Nägeli, 1773–1836; arr. Lowell Mason, 1792–1872; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Christ Sits at God’s Right Hand: Text: Stephen P. Starke, 1955; Tune: Hebrew; Text: © 2002 Stephen P. Starke, admin. Concordia Publishing House. Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220; Tune: Public domain.
    - Chaconne on Lord, Enthroned in Heavenly Splendor
    - 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.
    - The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns: Text: John Brownlie, 1859–1925, alt.; Tune: Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second, 1813, Harrisburg, ed. John Wyeth; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Draw Us to Thee: Text: Friedrich Funcke, 1642–99; tr. August Crull, 1845–1923, alt.; Tune: As hymnodus sacer, 1625, Leipzig; Text and tune: 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:
    - Gloria in Excelsis: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Sanctus: Text: Stephen P. Starke
    - Agnus Dei: Text: Stephen P. Starke

#sermon #gospel #easter #power #prayer #relationship #unity #oneness #love #John17

Prayer Means Relationship - Jun 1 - Seventh Sunday of Easter

On the day of Pentecost, something remarkable happened—something that made people stop and ask, “What’s going on here?” In this week’s service, we reflect on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and what it means for the Church today. The coming of the Spirit marks the beginning of a new era—God’s mission through Jesus has been completed, and now, empowered by the Spirit, God’s people are sent to proclaim that mission to the world.

As we remember that Pentecost was originally a Jewish pilgrim festival, we see how, on that particular day, the Spirit came with power and purpose. The disciples were given words to speak, and every listener heard in their own language. This miraculous moment signaled that we are now living in the "last days," the time in which God's full plan of salvation in Jesus has been revealed.

But what does this mean for us? As those who have received the Holy Spirit, we are called to be proclaimers too. Do our lives reflect this calling? If not, how can we be renewed in our purpose?

Join us as we explore these questions and rejoice in the Spirit who equips us to live out our faith with boldness and clarity.

What's Going on Here? — The Day of Pentecost, June 8, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-the-day-of-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250608-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Isaiah 44:21-23
Psalm 143
Genesis 11:1–9
Acts 2:1–21
John 14:23–31

Songs and Hymns:
    - O Holy Spirit, Enter In: Text: Michael Schirmer, 1606–73, adapt.; (sts. 1, 3): tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.; (st. 2): tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.; Tune: Philipp Nicolai, 1556–1608; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling: Text: Timothy Rees, 1874–1939, alt.; Tune: Oude en Nieuwe Hollantse . . . Contradanseu, c. 1710, Amsterdam; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Your Table I Approach: Text: Gerhard Wolter Molanus, 1633–1722; tr. Matthias Loy, 1828–1915, alt.; Tune: Trente quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551, Geneva, ed. Louis Bourgeois; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - What Is This Bread: Text: Frederic W. Baue. Tune: Jean Neuhauser Baue. Text and tune: © 1991 Fred and Jean Baue, used with permission, LSB Hymn License no. 110001220.
    - Sent Forth by God’s Blessing: Text: Omer E. Westendorf, © 1964 World Library Publications, used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740; tune: Welsh, public domain.
    - Holy Spirit, Light Divine: Text: Andrew Reed, 1787–1862, alt.; Tune: Orlando Gibbons, 1583–1625; 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 #easter #pentecost #holyspirit #lastdays #newcovenant #fulfillmentofscripture #god'smission #salvationhistory #biblicalprophecy #greatcommission #Acts2

What's Going on Here? - Jun 8 - The Day of 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.

Peace That the World Cannot Take Away - May 25 - Sixth Sunday of Easter

St James Lutheran Church

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