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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

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

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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

Against the backdrop of unrighteous King Zedekiah's reign, God reiterates his promise that he would one day execute justice and righteousness in the whole world, and that he would bring about this world of righteousness through the Branch of David - the one who would personify and embody God's true righteousness.

Jesus is Our Righteousness — First Sunday in Advent, December 1, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-first-sunday-in-advent

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20241201-order-of-service.pdf

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Romans 5:8-11

Psalm 25:1–10

Jeremiah 33:14–16

1 Thessalonians 3:9–13

Luke 19:28–40

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.

- Savior of the Nations, Come: Text: attr. Ambrose of Milan, 340–397; German version, Martin Luther, 1483–1546; (sts. 1–2): tr. William M. Reynolds, 1812–76; (sts. 3, 6): tr. Lutheran Service Book, 2006; (sts. 4–5, 8): tr. F. Samuel Janzow, 1913–2001; (st. 7): tr. Gifford A. Grobien, 1973; Tune: Geystliche gesangk Buchleyn, 1524, Wittenberg, ed. Johann Walter; Text (sts. 3, 6–7): © 2006 Concordia Publishing House; (sts. 4–5, 8): © 1978 Concordia Publishing House; Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220; Text (sts. 1–2) 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.

- Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed: Text by Isaac Watts; tune by Hugh Wilson; text and turn are in the public domain.

- 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.

Liturgies:

- Sanctus: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: John B. Dykes, public domain.

- Agnus Dei: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, CCLI license #20286740; tune: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872, public domain.

- Nunc Dimittis

#sermon #gospel #Advent #Zedekiah #righteousness #justice #Jesus #jeremiah #Jeremiah33

In Psalm 50 God criticizes his people for believing that by offering him sacrifices they could manipulate him into favoring them. Instead, they should acknowledge that God doesn't need their offerings since he owns everything in the whole world, stop believing that he could be placed into their debt by them giving him gifts he doesn't need, and demonstrate their true worship by offering him thanks for what he has done for them.

Thanksgiving as Faith — Thanksgiving Eve, November 27, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-thanksgiving-eve

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20241127-order-of-service.pdf

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Psalm 50

Deuteronomy 8:1–10

Philippians 4:6–20

Luke 17:11–19

Songs and Hymns:

- Come, Ye Thankful People, Come: Text by Henry Alford; tune by George J. Elvey; text and tune are public domain.

- We Praise You, O God: Text: Julia B. Cory; Tune: Nederlandtsch Gedenckclanck, 1626; Text and tune: Ppublic domain.

- Offering

- Sing to the Lord of Harvest: Text: John S. B. Monsell. Tune: Johann Steurlien. Text and tune: Public domain.

#sermon #gospel #thanksgiving #sacrifice #faith #Jesus #Psalm50

Jude addresses a church in which false teaching has begun eating away the church's testimony from within, and cultural pressures to accommodate paganism squeezes the church from without. In this situation Jude encourages the church to remain faithful to Jesus while gently extending Christ's mercy to those who are struggling with sin, keeping before her at all times the sovereign lordship of Jesus over all things and his ultimate return to give eternal life to all who believe in him and to rule forever over his new creation.

How to Be the Church in Challenging Times — Last Sunday of the Church Year, November 24, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-last-sunday-of-the-church-year

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20241124-order-of-service.pdf

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Matthew 11:28-30

Psalm 93

Isaiah 51:4–6

Jude 20–25

Mark 13:24–37

Songs and Hymns:

- 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.

- Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending: Text: Charles Wesley; tune: Thomas Olivers; text and tune are in the public domain.

- The King Shall Come: Ananias Davisson, John Brownlie, Lloyd Larson; © 1999 The Lorenz Corporation; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- 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.

- Lord from Sorrows Deep I Call: Text and tune: Matt Papa and Matt Boswell; © 2018 Getty Music; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.

- Be Unto Your Name: Text and tune by Gary Sadler and Lynn DeShazo; © 1998 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music, used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.

- Glory Be to God the Father: Text: Horatius Bonar, 1808–89; Tune: Walter G. Whinfield, 1865–1919; Text and tune: Public domain.

Liturgies:

- Kyrie: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda; Music: Columbian Harmony; Text and music: © 1990 Concordia Publishing House; Used with permission: One License #728607-A.

- Gloria: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License #728607-A; Tune: Felix Mendelssohn, public domain.

- Credo: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: Welsh, pubic domain.

- Sanctus: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: John B. Dykes, public domain.

- Agnus Dei: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, CCLI license #20286740; tune: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872, public domain.

#sermon #gospel #faith #prayer #love #mercy #Jesus #Jude

The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross changes our position before God: now he sees us as completely perfect and innocent. But it also changes our condition: it begins to purify us and make us more like Jesus as we grow in his grace. And finally, the sacrifice of Jesus takes away all our sins for all time, winning forgiveness, life, and salvation for us forever and ever.

Jesus Christ: Yesterday, Today, and Forever — Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost, November 17, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-twenty-sixth-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20241117-order-of-service.pdf

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Zephaniah 3:14-17

Psalm 16

Daniel 12:1–3

Hebrews 10:11–25

Mark 13:1–13

Songs and Hymns:

- Christ the Eternal Lord: Text: Timothy Dudley-Smith, 1926, © 1999 Hope Publishing Co., used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220. Tune: George J. Elvey, 1816–93, public domain.

- 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.

- In The First Light: Bob Kauflin, © 1988 Bridge Building Music, Inc.; Organon Key Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- Water, Blood, and Spirit Crying: Text by Stephen P. Starke, © 1999 Stephen P. Starke; tune by Jeffrey N. Blersch, © 2003 Jeffrey N. Blersch; used with permission, LSB Hymn License #110001220.

- Ancient of Days: Jesse Reeves, Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, Rich Thompson; © 2018 CityAlight Music. Used with permission, CCLI license #20286740.

- Come to Calvary’s Holy Mountain: Text by James Montgomery; Tune by Ludvig M. Lindeman; Public domain.

- Alleluia! Sing to Jesus: Text by William C. Dix; tune by Rowland H. Prichard; text and tune are in the public domain.

Liturgies:

- Kyrie: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda; Music: Columbian Harmony; Text and music: © 1990 Concordia Publishing House; Used with permission: One License #728607-A.

- Gloria: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License #728607-A; Tune: Felix Mendelssohn, public domain.

- Credo: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: Welsh, pubic domain.

- Sanctus: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: John B. Dykes, public domain.

- Agnus Dei: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, CCLI license #20286740; tune: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872, public domain.

#sermon #gospel #Jesus #sacrifice #sanctification #Hebrews10

The preacher of Hebrews, arguing to his listeners that salvation can only be found in Jesus, outlines for them how Jesus is the only one who can get us in to the Father, he's the only one who can stop our suffering, and he's the only one who makes us alright in the end.

The Benefits of Salvation — Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost, November 10, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-twenty-fifth-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20241110-order-of-service.pdf

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Isaiah 44:21-23

Psalm 146

1 Kings 17:8–16

Hebrews 9:24–28

Mark 12:38–44

Songs and Hymns:

- Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven: Text by Christopher Wordsworth; tune by Ludwig Von Beethoven; text (sts. 1, 3) and tune are in the public domain; text (st. 2), © 1982 The Jubilate Group, admin. Hope Publishing Co.; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.

- Speak O Lord: Text and tune by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend; © 2005 Thankyou Music; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.

- The Lord Almighty Reigns: Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa; © 2022 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; © 2022 Getty Music Publishing; © 2022 Love Your Enemies Publishing; © 2022 Messenger Hymns; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing: Text: Robert Robinson, 1735–90, alt. Tune: Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second, 1813, Harrisburg. Text and tune: Public domain.

- Children of the Heavenly Father: Text by Carolina Sandell Berg, trns. Ernst W. Olson; tune by Lofsanger och andeliga wisor, 1873; © Augsburg Publishing House; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.

- 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.

- Now Thank We All Our God: Text: Martin Rinckart, 1586–1649; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.; Tune: Johann Crüger, 1598–1662; Text and tune: Public domain.

Liturgies:

- Kyrie: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda; Music: Columbian Harmony; Text and music: © 1990 Concordia Publishing House; Used with permission: One License #728607-A.

- Gloria: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License #728607-A; Tune: Felix Mendelssohn, public domain.

- Credo: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: Welsh, pubic domain.

- Sanctus: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: John B. Dykes, public domain.

- Agnus Dei: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, CCLI license #20286740; tune: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872, public domain.

#sermon #gospel #Hebrews9 #mediator #redemption #justification #Jesus #suffering

The question of whether Christians must vote is a hotly contested one in the Christian church; and while there are no explicit commands in Scripture to vote we are commanded to seek the good of the city in which we dwell. Christians, like all citizens, are faced with an array of issues to vote for, and the one issue which must drive the way Christians serve their communities is the preciousness of the image of God. And Christians must be controlled not by fear, or anger, or worry, but by the deep conviction that the true Ruler of the world is not any country, or any leader or political party, but King Jesus himself, who is orchestrating his sovereign rule over the world until the day when he returns and takes the kingdom completely as his own.

How to Vote as a Christian — Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost, November 3, 2024: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2024-twenty-fourth-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20241103-order-of-service.pdf

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Psalm 86:3-5

Psalm 2

Isaiah 49:1–7

Revelation 19:11–20

John 18:33–38; 19:1–15

Songs and Hymns:

- Praise to the Lord, the Almighty: Text by Joachim Neander, trns. Catherine Winkworth; tune by Ander Theil Des Erneuerten Gesang-Buchs, 1665; text and tune are public domain.

- Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending: Text: Charles Wesley; tune: Thomas Olivers; text and tune are in the public domain.

- Jesus Shall Reign: Ed Cash, Isaac Watts, John C. Hatton, Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty; Copyright © 2018 Capitol CMG Paragon; Getty Music Publishing; 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.

- 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.

- Joy to the World: Text: Isaac Watts; Tune: George Frideric Handel; 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:

- Kyrie: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda; Music: Columbian Harmony; Text and music: © 1990 Concordia Publishing House; Used with permission: One License #728607-A.

- Gloria: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License #728607-A; Tune: Felix Mendelssohn, public domain.

- Credo: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: Welsh, pubic domain.

- Sanctus: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, One License 728607-A; tune: John B. Dykes, public domain.

- Agnus Dei: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, © 1990 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, CCLI license #20286740; tune: Lowell Mason, 1792-1872, public domain.

#sermon #gospel #election #kingdomofGod #Jesus #imageofGod #Revelation19