Following Jesus into a new life is awesome. We know that Jesus died and rose again. So we, too, need to die with Jesus and rise to newness of life. We need to cut ties with our own life. This is what baptism is about.

We go under the water, burying the "old man" that we used to be. The old us has died with Jesus Christ, and now he gets to have his burial ceremony. Then we rise up from the water, just like Jesus rose to new life. This is part of what Jesus referred to when he said we must be "born again" "of water and spirit."

We'll learn about the Holy Spirit more shortly, but for right now, what a blessing it is to leave behind our old life, our old addictions, our old sins, to walk in a brand new life! Praise God!

A Bath & A Burial

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

Child of the living God, telling the world about His coming Kingdom and His appointed King, Jesus.

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.

New tracks tagged #Colossians 2