Join us as we explore the origins of the world's many languages and diverse people groups. We'll begin by considering how many ways we can say "Good Morning" before diving into the Question of the Day: Why are there so many languages and cultures? Our journey takes us back to the Tower of Babel, where God responded to human disobedience by scattering people and confusing their language. But as Paul explains in Acts 17:27, God's purpose was always to draw people to Himself—so that all might seek Him, come to know His truth, and find salvation.

Seeking God — Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 9, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-fifth-sunday-after-the-epiphany

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250209-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Matthew 11:28-30
Psalm 138
Genesis 11:1–9
Acts 17:22–27
Luke 5:1–11


Songs and Hymns:
    - 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.
    - Catch the Vision: Tune: Unknown, Public domain; Text: Sandra Knoernschild, ©️ 1987 Fellowship Publications, used with permission: Sandra Knoernschild and Fellowship Publications.
    - Listen, God Is Calling: Text and tune: Kenyan; Text: tr. Howard S. Olson, 1922–2010, © Lutheran Theological College, Makumira, Tanzania, used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220; Tune: Public domain.
    - “Come, Follow Me,” the Savior Spake: Text: tr. Charles W. Schaeffer, 1813–96; (sts. 1–3, 5): Johann Schefer, 1624–77; (st. 4): Geistliche Lieder und Lobgesänge, 1695; Tune: Bartholomäus Gesius, c. 1555–1613, adapt.; Text and tune: Public domain
    - The Power of the Cross: Text and tune by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, © 2005 Thankyou 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.
    - 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.

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

#sermon #gospel #epiphany #languages #command #scattered #seek #find #repentance #truth #Genesis11 #Acts17

Epiphany Season (2025)

Seeking God - Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Seeking God - Feb 9 - Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

For Christians, any discussion about any topic must begin and end with the Bible, because if God is God we cannot afford to deny him the final word. When it comes to topics upon which the prevailing culture diverges from what God says in the Bible, the temptation for Christians is to accommodate its teaching to meet the current mood of the cultural moment, but this is at its heart an attempt to be God instead of him, believing in him when he agrees with us but dismissing him when he doesn’t.

The Bible’s teaching on sexuality is clear - God has designed humans for one of two actions: either a lifelong, covenant-committed relationship between one man and one woman, or faithful celibacy. God calls us, when we commit any sexual desires or behaviors that do not fit into this pattern, to repentance, forgiveness, and the promise of being fulfilled in Jesus’ love for us.

Because all humans are sinful all humans struggle against this command, but whether the sinfulness we struggle against is opposite-attracted desires and actions or same-sex desires and actions, the promise of the Gospel that there is no sin the blood of Jesus cannot cover holds true!

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-ep111.

Craving Answers, Craving God

The Bible and Homosexuality

The Bible and Homosexuality (Ep111)

Psalm 103 says God forgives iniquities and heals diseases. Jesus did both of these. But the Psalm also goes on to say that God does this for those who keep His covenant and commandments. In our lesson for today from Luke chapter six, Jesus shows how forgiveness and healing lead to three great commandments: Loving our enemies, The Golden Rule, And Judging for Forgiving.

Loving Our Enemies: No other religion teaches this commandment. Christians do not believe in pacifism or payback. They believe in justice. But we apply justice with mercy.

Golden Rule: How much justice? How much mercy? The golden rule for applying justice with mercy is to ask, "Would this be the way I would want to be treated?"

Judgment for Forgiveness: People love to stop short of Jesus when He says, "Judge not!" But as the verse goes on Jesus says He wants us to forgive. If we are to forgive we have to call out sin. But we call out sin in others by first calling it out in ourselves.

Conclusion: This way of living by love calls for some sacrifices. We won't be doormats, but the process of love does mean getting stepped on. Jesus has one more remedy for this: "Give and it will be given to you." Every ounce of sacrificial love which you show, will be rewarded. You won't lose anything in the long run.

Three Lessons for Life — Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 16, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-sixth-sunday-after-the-epiphany

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250216-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Isaiah 53:4-6
Psalm 103:1–13
Genesis 45:1-15
1 Corinthians 15:21-26, 32-42
Luke 6:27-38


Songs and Hymns:
    - His Mercy Is More: Tune and text by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa; © 2016 Getty Music Hymns and Songs, Getty Music Publishing, Love Your Enemies Publishing, and Messenger Hymns; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - I Know My Faith Is Founded: Text: Erdmann Neumeister, 1671–1756; tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.; Tune: Concentus novi, 1540, Augsburg; Text and tune: Public domain.
    - Press On: Ben Shive, Kristyn Getty; © 2022 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Getty Music Publishing; Junkbox Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - I Need Thee Every Hour: Text: Annie S. Hawks and Robert Lowry; tune: Robert Lowry; text and tune are in the public domain.
    - Just as I Am, without One Plea: Text by Charlotte Elliott; tune by William B. Bradbury; text and tune are public domain.
    - Jesus Paid It All: Text by Elvina M. Hall; tune by John T. Grape; text and tune are in the public domain.
    - Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing: Text: John Fawcett; Tune: Henry T. Smart; 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 #epiphany #sacrificiallove #judgment #mercy #goldenrule #Luke6

Three Lessons for Life - Feb 16 - Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

There are three pairs in Luke 6:17-26. There on the "level place" there are two groups - a crowd of disciples and a multitude of people. They are there on the "level place" for two reason - to hear Jesus and be healed. But whatever their motive for being there Luke reminds us he "healed them all."

God is a god of mercy who cannot but help those who come to him in need whether they deserve it or not. However, there is a word of warning and promise that he speaks to both disciples and people, both those who come to hear and those who come to be healed. Woe to those who have nothing but worldly riches, for that's all the condolence they'll ever have. For the one who is full there is ultimately hunger, for the one who laughs there is ultimately weeping. Again this is true of all. However, for those who know this truth, that we are "beggarly poor" (the actual meaning of poor in the text) there are blessings. Our hunger will be replaced with satisfaction. Our weeping will be replaced with laughter. All of this comes to us as a gift from Jesus.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich—2 Corinthians 8:9.

Woes & Blessings — Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany, February 23, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-seventh-sunday-after-the-epiphany

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250223-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Romans 8:35-39
Psalm 1
Jeremiah 17:5–8
1 Corinthians 15:1–20
Luke 6:17–26


Songs and Hymns:
    - Christ Our Hope In Life And Death: Jordan Kauflin, Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Matthew Merker; © 2020 Getty Music Hymns and Songs, Getty Music Publishing, Jordan Kauflin Music, Love Your Enemies Publishing, Matthew Merker Music, Messenger Hymns; Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
    - Amazing Grace: Text and Tune: John Newton; Louie Giglio; Chris Tomlin; © 2006 Worship Together Music, Vamos Publishing, Rising Springs Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Blessed Are the Humble: Graham Kendrick; © 2001 Make Way Music; 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.
    - 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.
    - I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table: Text by Friedrich Christian Heyder, tran. The Lutheran Hymnal, © 1941 Concordia Publishing House; used with permission, LSB Hymn License #110001220; tune by Emskirchner Choral-Buch, 1756, public domain.
    - Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer: Text: William Williams; tune: John Hughes; text and tune are in the public domain.

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

#sermon #gospel #epiphany #woe #blessings #comfort #riches #healing #Luke6

Woes & Blessings - Feb 23 - Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany

All the statistics point to an increase in acts of aggression and violent crime in our society. But why is this happening? Secular thinkers used to opine that religion exacerbated violence; the theory being that commitment to absolute truth would cause people to insist that their viewpoint must be adhered to and that violence would be the tool most readily used by close-minded bigots to force others to change. But the twentieth-century gave the lie to this notion - instead of the religious zealots being the violent ones, it turns out that the atheists and pagans (from Lenin to Stalin to Hitler to Pol Pot to Mao) have been most guilty of acts of violence and that frequently against people of religion.

In other words, secularism seems to be less of a bulwark against violence than it is a foundation for it. But why would this be? Chuck and Aaron discuss how belief in absolute truth creates the possibility of rational discourse as a tool to persuade others, but a lack of belief in God lends itself to an abandonment of the hope of using logic as a means of personal contact. This makes education hopeless, and the only tool left for personal persuasion is power. The end result, unfortunately, has all too frequently been violence.

For Christians, the hope of peace can only be found in the God who personally took on the violence of this world but didn’t respond in kind, who absorbed the physical terrorism of the Roman Empire, absorbed it, and loved in return. If Christians can model for our culture what it means to live in the God who eschewed violence for self-sacrificial love, and if Christians can recommit to the truth which comes from the God who is the Truth Incarnate and persuades others with relational love instead of force, then the Christian church can become a paradigm for how the world can run on peace and not violence.

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-ep112.

Why All the Violence? (Ep112)

Everyone loves the taste of glory. Whether it’s making good grades as a student, earning the promotion at work, or seeing your favorite team win the championship, everyone loves that feeling of glory. We’d like to experience that kind of glory all day, every day. 

When Peter experienced the full glory of Jesus, the true son of God, he wanted to put up tents and camp on the mountain. He wanted to stay and revel in the glory.

But Jesus led his disciples back down the mountain. Both immediately before and after this moment of glory, he explained that he must go to the cross and be betrayed into the hands of sinful men. In addition, Jesus stated that if anyone would come after him, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow him. The follower of Jesus must lose his life in order to save it.

This is the path to glory. Pain. Suffering. Death. Although this may not sound appealing to us, we see that Jesus’ path results in true, eternal glory. Because Jesus took up his cross, suffered, and died for us, we who follow him and take up our cross, will also be united with him in glory. 

A Taste of Glory on the Way to the Cross — The Transfiguration of Our Lord, March 2, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-the-transfiguration-of-our-lord

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250302-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Psalm 99
Deuteronomy 34
Hebrews 3:1–6
Luke 9:28–36


Songs and Hymns:
    - Press On: Ben Shive, Kristyn Getty; © 2022 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Getty Music Publishing; Junkbox Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Jesus on the Mountain Peak: Text: Brian Wren, 1936; © 1977 Hope Publishing Co.; Tune: Theodore A. Beck, 1929–2003, alt.; © 1998 Theodore A. Beck.; Used with permission, LSB Hymn License no. 110001220.
    - Your Love O Lord: Brad Avery | David Carr | Mac Powell | Mark D. Lee | Tai Anderson; © 1999 New Spring; Hipgnosis SFH I Limited; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Salvation unto Us Has Come: Text: Paul Speratus, 1484–1551; tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.; Tune: Etlich Cristlich lider, 1524, Wittenberg; Text and tune: 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.
    - This Is My Father's World: Text: Maltbie D. Babcock; Tune: Franklin L. Sheppard; 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 #epiphany #theologyofthecross #transfiguration #suffering #glory #Luke9

A Taste of Glory on the Way to the Cross - Mar 2 - The Transfiguration of Our Lord

Lent is a journey, and it begins tonight on Ash Wednesday. This journey is not just about moving forward but about being shaped by God’s work in us. Psalm 6 guides us in this, echoing Luther’s words from the Small Catechism: What does such baptizing with water indicate? Through the penitential psalms, God teaches us repentance, renewal, and His enduring mercy. And at the heart of Psalm 6 is a message of hope—He gives us the gift of forgiveness.

God's Gift of Forgiveness: Save Me Because of Your Unfailing Love — Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-ash-wednesday

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250305-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Psalm 6
Joel 2:12–19
2 Corinthians 5:20b—6:10
Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21


Songs and Hymns:
    - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross: Text by Isaac Watts; tune by Lowell Mason; text and tune are public domain.
    - From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee: Text: tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.; Text and tune: Martin Luther, 1483–1546; Text and tune: Public domain.
    -  

Liturgies:
    - Offertory

#sermon #gospel #lenten #confession #repent #baptism #forgiveness #Psalm6

God's Gift of Forgiveness: Save Me Because of Your Unfailing Love - Mar 5 - Ash Wednesday

Have you ever felt unseen—like no one truly notices or understands what you’re going through? We are reminded that our God is the God who sees. From the very beginning, He has always been watching over His people with love and compassion.

In the garden of Eden, God sought out Adam and Eve even after their disobedience. Later, in Genesis 16, He saw Hagar, an Egyptian slave woman who had been cast out and forgotten by others. And in Matthew 9, Jesus looked upon the crowds and had compassion on them. He saw their struggles, their pain, and their need for a Savior.

Just as they were harassed by three great enemies—the devil, the world, and their own flesh—we, too, face these same challenges. Yet God does not turn a blind eye to our suffering. He notices, He cares, and He acts.

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His heart by noticing those around us. Spiritual conversations often begin with simply paying attention. How can we do this?

- **Pay attention** to the people around you.
- **Pray silently** for those you encounter.
- **Listen genuinely** to their struggles and joys.

When we truly see others, we reflect the heart of our God—the God who sees, notices, and loves.

Listen to this week’s sermon to hear more about God’s compassion and how we can live out His love in our daily lives.

The God Who Sees — First Sunday in Lent, March 9, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-first-sunday-in-lent

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250309-order-of-service.pdf
Online giving: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/give


Matthew 11:28-30
Psalm 91:1–13
Genesis 16
Romans 10:8b–13
Matthew 9:35–38


Songs and Hymns:
    - 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.
    - Great Is Thy Faithfulness: Text: Thomas O. Chisholm; tune: William M. Runyan; Text and tune are public domain.
    - Partita on Hyfrydol: Roland H. Prichard, 1811-1887; Setting by Charles Callahan; Copyright 1986 by Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO; Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220.
    - 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.
    - How Deep The Father's Love For Us: Stuart Townend, © 1995 Thankyou Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
    - Glory Be to Jesus: Text: Italian, c. 18th cent.; tr. Edward Caswall, 1814–78, alt.; Tune: Friedrich Filitz, 1804–76; 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.

#sermon #gospel #lenten #sees #notices #compassion #love #Genesis16 #Matthew9

The God Who Sees - Mar 9 - First Sunday in Lent

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 Bible and Homosexuality (Ep111)

St James Lutheran Church

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