St James Lutheran Church: Sermons and Worship

On this Holy Thursday, we will go on a treasure hunt—not the kind that

leads to gold or jewels, but one that leads us to the greatest treasure of all time:

Jesus.

Drawing from **Luke 22** and other rich passages of Scripture, we explore how the

events of Holy Week fulfill the ancient promises of God. Just like in a classic

treasure hunt, filled with clues, codes, and dramatic discoveries, God’s Word has

been leading us toward something precious—His Son, our Savior.

From the first Passover lamb in _Exodus_ , to _Isaiah’s prophetic words_ , to Jesus

sharing His final meal with His disciples, the signs have been there all along. The

“X” that marks the spot? **It’s the cross.** And the treasure? **It’s Jesus** —God’s

perfect fulfillment of the law, our sacrificial Lamb, and our risen Lord.

We reflected on how often we chase after lesser treasures in life: success, health,

security, approval. While these are not bad things in themselves, they can never

take the place of the true treasure that gives eternal life. Jesus is not only the

end of the map, _He is the map_. The one who gave His life for ours, who poured out

His blood for a new covenant, who invites us to His table, offering His body and

blood for the forgiveness of sins.

As we share in Holy Communion, we are reminded that the treasure of Jesus is not

hidden or far away. He meets us right here—in bread and wine, Word and promise,

cross and empty tomb.

Tonight’s message is a call to return to the map God has drawn in His Word, to look

again at the clues, and to find our hearts where our true treasure is: in Christ.

> **Luke 12:34** : “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

May our hearts be set on Jesus this Holy Week and always.

**Don’t miss the “X”—it marks the spot of your salvation.**

"X" Marks The Spot — Holy Thursday, April 17, 2025:

https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-holy-thursday

Order of service:

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Isaiah 53:4-6

Psalm 116:12-19

Jeremiah 31:31–34

Hebrews 10:15–25

Luke 22:7–37

Songs and Hymns:

- When You Woke That Thursday Morning: Text: Jaroslav J. Vajda, 1919–2008; © 1991

Concordia Publishing House. Tune: Marty Haugen, 1950; © 1987 GIA Publications, Inc.

Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220.

- 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.

- Behold The Lamb: Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend; © 2007 Thankyou Music

(Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing); Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- Eat This Bread: Text: Stephen P. Starke (sts. 1-2), © 1998 Concordia Publishing

House; Robert J. Batastini (sts. 3-5, ref.); tune: Jacques Berthier, © 1984 Ateliers

et Presses de Taizé, Taizé Community, France, admin. GIA Publications, Inc. Text and

tune used with permission, LSB Hymn License #110001220.

- Keep the Feast: Ben Shive, Skye Peterson; © 2024 Getty Music Publishing (BMI),

Beehive Hymns (BMI); 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.

- Fullness Of Grace: Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend; © 2004 Thankyou

Music, used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

#sermon #gospel #holyweek #treasure #map #fulfillment #seek #prophecies #Luke22

Jesus was a wanted man. Some wanted Him dead. Others wanted to make Him

King. And when He entered Jerusalem, it looked like a victory parade—crowds

shouting, palms waving—but He didn’t ride in on a war horse. He came on a donkey.

Why? Because this wasn’t a show of military might—it was the arrival of a different

kind of King. One who came to bring peace, not violence. One who came to win a far

greater battle: not just against Rome or corrupt leaders, but against the forces

that still trouble our hearts today—fear, hatred, sin, Satan, and death itself.

As the crowds welcomed Him with shouts of “Hosanna!” they fulfilled the prophecy of

Zechariah 9:9. And today, every prayer, every act of love, every step of faith is

like waving palms in His honor. So go ahead—wave the palms. The King has come. And

He has already won.

A Wanted Man Riding a Donkey — Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025:

https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-palm-sunday

Order of service:

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Isaiah 44:21–23

Psalm 31:9–16

Deuteronomy 32:36–39

Philippians 2:5–11

John 12:12–19

Songs and Hymns:

- Ride On, King Jesus: Steve Bell; Verses 1-3 and 6 by Hilda Carper; © 1974 Reba

Place Church Inc.; Used with permission: stevebell.com - March 2023

- Hosanna, Loud Hosanna: Text: Jeannette Threlfall, 1821–80, alt. Tune: Gesangbuch

der Herzogl. Hofkapelle, 1784, Württemberg. Text and tune: Public domain.

- How Beautiful: Twila Paris; © 1990 Ariose Music; Mountain Spring Music Used with

permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- 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.

- No Tramp of Soldiers’ Marching Feet: Tune: English; adapt. and harm. Ralph Vaughan

Williams, 1872–1958, alt., public domain. Text: Timothy Dudley-Smith, 1926, © 1984

Hope Publishing Co. Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220.

- 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.

- 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.

#sermon #gospel #holyweek #donkey #enemies #victoryparades #John12

We often find ourselves reminiscing about "the Good Old Days," longing for

a time when life seemed simpler or better. But in Philippians 3:11–14, St. Paul

offers a different way to view the past—and the future. In this week’s message,

we’ll explore how Paul’s life and purpose were transformed by Christ, leading him to

press on toward a far greater goal. Life, for Paul, was now a race—not to reclaim

the past, but to pursue the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

As we reflect on Paul’s words, we’ll discover timely wisdom for our lives today. God

is not done with us. He continues to use us to tell the story of His love and

forgiveness in Jesus, no matter where we've been or what lies behind us.

The Good Old Days? — Fifth Sunday in Lent, April 6, 2025:

https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-fifth-sunday-in-lent

Order of service:

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Psalm 86:3–5

Psalm 126

Isaiah 43:16–21

Philippians 3:8–14

Luke 20:9–20

Songs and Hymns:

- Come, We That Love the Lord: Text by Robert Lowry and Isaac Watts; tune by Robert

Lowry; text and tune are 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.

- Trisagion: Fernando Ortega; © 2004 Cerdo Verde Music; © 2004 Curb Songs; Used with

permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted: Text: Thomas Kelly, 1769–1855, alt. Tune:

Geistliche Volkslieder, 1850, Paderborn. Text and tune: Public domain.

- My Song Is Love Unknown: Text: Samuel Crossman, c. 1624–1683; Public domain. Tune:

John N. Ireland, 1879–1962, © John Ireland Trust; Used with permission: LSB Hymn

License #110001220.

- Knowing You: Graham Kendrick, © 1993 Make Way Music. Used with permission: CCLI

no. 20286740.

- Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me: Text by Augustus M. Toplady; tune by Thomas Hastings;

text and tune are in the public domain.

#sermon #gospel #lenten #race #finishline #pressontothegoal #Philippians3

Sin isolates us—not only from our friends and loved ones but, more

importantly, from God. Like the psalmist who cries, *“I am like a lonely sparrow on

the housetop”* (Psalm 102:7b), we, too, experience the weight of separation caused

by our sin. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

God’s gift of forgiveness restores what sin has broken. Through Confession and

Absolution, He draws us back into fellowship with Himself and with one another. In

this message, we are reminded of the urgent need to turn to God’s mercy, to seek His

forgiveness, and to live in the peace of His grace. You don’t have to remain

alone—God’s gift of forgiveness welcomes you home.

God's Gift of Forgiveness: But You, O Lord, Are Enthroned Forever — Midweek Lent

Service, April 2, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-midweek-lent-service-4

Order of service:

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Psalm 102

Luke 23:1–12

Songs and Hymns:

- When in the Hour of Deepest Need: Text: Paul Eber, 1511–69; tr. Catherine

Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.; Tune: Louis Bourgeois, c. 1510–61; 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.

- Now the Light Has Gone Away: Text: Frances R. Havergal, 1836–79, alt.; Tune:

Liederbuch für Kleinkinder-Schulen, 1842, Kaiserswerth; Text and tune: Public

domain.

#sermon #gospel #lenten #loneliness #sin #confession #forgiveness #Psalm102

Sin isolates us—not only from our friends and loved ones but, more importantly, from God. Like the psalmist who cries, *“I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop”* (Psalm 102:7b), we, too, experience the weight of separation caused by our sin. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

God’s gift of forgiveness restores what sin has broken. Through Confession and Absolution, He draws us back into fellowship with Himself and with one another. In this message, we are reminded of the urgent need to turn to God’s mercy, to seek His forgiveness, and to live in the peace of His grace. You don’t have to remain alone—God’s gift of forgiveness welcomes you home.

God's Gift of Forgiveness: But You, O Lord, Are Enthroned Forever — Midweek Lent Service, April 2, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-midweek-lent-service-4

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250402-order-of-service.pdf

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Psalm 102

Luke 23:1–12

Songs and Hymns:

- When in the Hour of Deepest Need: Text: Paul Eber, 1511–69; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.; Tune: Louis Bourgeois, c. 1510–61; 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.

- Now the Light Has Gone Away: Text: Frances R. Havergal, 1836–79, alt.; Tune: Liederbuch für Kleinkinder-Schulen, 1842, Kaiserswerth; Text and tune: Public domain.

#sermon #gospel #lenten #loneliness #sin #confession #forgiveness #Psalm102

I. Jesus Tells the Story of a Man and His Two Sons

- The younger son desired his share of the estate.

- With his inheritance in hand, he left his father in search of happiness.

- However, his joy was fleeting, and his resources quickly dwindled.

- In desperation, he realized that the only way to save his life was to return to

his father.

II. We Are Like That Young Son

- Our Father in heaven has generously given us an inheritance.

- Yet, there are times when we act like the younger son, living as though we have

left home with our blessings.

- In those moments, we must remember that true fulfillment is found in returning to

our Father.

III. The Same is Sometimes True of Us as a Congregation

- As a church, we must reflect on why we are here.

- Our purpose is not just to gather but to share the good news and serve as a

community of faith.

- Remembering our mission keeps us grounded in our spiritual inheritance.

May we always seek to return to our Father, embracing the grace that brings heaven

to earth.

Heaven on Earth — Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 30, 2025:

https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-fourth-sunday-in-lent

Order of service:

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Psalm 40

Psalm 32

Isaiah 12:1–6

2 Corinthians 5:16–21

Luke 15:1–3, 11b–32

Songs and Hymns:

- Today Your Mercy Calls Us: Text: Oswald Allen, 1816–78, alt.; Tune: Friedrich K.

Anthes, 1812–after 1857; Text and tune: Public domain.

- Chief of Sinners Though I Be: Text: William McComb, 1793–1873, alt.; Tune: Richard

Redhead, 1820–1901; Text and tune: Public domain.

- He Will Hold Me Fast: Ada Ruth Habershon, Matthew Merker; Copyright © 2013 Getty

Music Publishing, Matthew Merker 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.

- Lamb of God: Text and tune by Twila Paris; © 1985 Jubilee Communications Inc.; ©

1985 Mountain Spring Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- On My Heart Imprint Your Image: Text: Thomas Hansen Kingo, 1634–1703; tr. Peer O.

Strömme, 1856–1921, alt.; Tune: Johann Balthasar König, 1691–1758; Text and tune:

Public domain.

- Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer: Text: William Williams; tune: John Hughes; text

and tune are in the public domain.

#sermon #gospel #prodigalson #inheritance #sharegoodnews #Luke15

Join us for our midweek Lenten service as we continue to explore the

profound depth of God’s gift of forgiveness. In tonight’s message, we turn to the

heartfelt words of Psalm 51 and the story of King David. Though David had it all,

God saw beyond the surface and confronted the reality of David's sin. Through this

narrative, we are reminded that all sin is ultimately against God. Yet, the beauty

of the Gospel shines through as we see God’s deep desire for us to confess our sins

and receive His boundless mercy. If God can forgive David, He can forgive you.

God's Gift of Forgiveness: Against You and For Me — Midweek Lent Service, March 26,

2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-midweek-lent-service-3

Order of service:

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Psalm 51

Luke 22:54–71

Songs and Hymns:

- To Thee, Omniscient Lord of All: Text: Magnus Brostrup Landstad, 1802–80; tr. Carl

Döving, 1867–1937, alt.; Tune: attr. Martin Luther, 1483–1546; 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.

- Come Ye Souls By Sin Afflicted: Joseph Swain, Kevin Twit; © 2013 Twit, Kevin; Used

with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

#sermon #gospel #lenten #sin #forgiveness #KingDavid #Psalm51

The Gospel for the day talks about a farmer who spares a barren tree for

one year. Caiaphas, the high priest at Jesus time, was barren for almost 20 years

and yet God spared him. We'll look at Caiaphas's place in history, his role in the

death of Jesus, and his famous prophecy "that it is better for one man to die for

the people." Finally, we will consider whether he is in heaven or in hell and why

the answer to that question has important implications for us.

Caiaphas - For the Good or For the Bad — Third Sunday in Lent, March 23, 2025:

https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-third-sunday-in-lent

Order of service:

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1 Corinthians 15:20, 54–57

Psalm 85

Ezekiel 33:7–20

1 Corinthians 10:1–13

Luke 13:1–9

Songs and Hymns:

- Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me: Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, and Rich

Thompson; © 2018 CityAlight Music; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.

- Christ, the Life of All the Living: Text: Ernst Christoph Homburg, 1605–81; sts.

1–2, 5, 7: tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.; sts. 3–4, 6: tr. Evangelical

Lutheran Hymn-Book, 1912, St. Louis; Tune: Das grosse Cantional, 1687, Darmstadt;

Text and tune: Public domain.

- I Am Not My Own: Ben Shive, Bryan Fowler, Skye Peterson, Tom Anderson; © 2023

Beehive Songs; Getty Music Publishing; Be Essential Songs; bryanfowlersongs; 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.

- Lord from Sorrows Deep I Call: Text and tune: Matt Papa and Matt Boswell; © 2018

Getty Music; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.

- Jesus Sinners Doth Receive: Text: tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.; Erdmann

Neumeister, 1671–1756; Tune: Neu-verfertigtes Darmstädtisches Gesang-Buch, 1699,

Darmstadt; Text and tune: Public domain.

- Crown Him with Many Crowns: Text by Matthew Bridges (sts. 1-3, 5) and Godfrey

Thring (sts. 4); tune by George J. Elvey; public domain.

#sermon #gospel #lenten #caiaphas #forgiveness #hell #history #archeology #John11

Sin weighs heavily on us, bringing consequences and hurt. But in Psalm 38,

we see both the depth of our need and the richness of God's mercy. As we reflect on

this passage, we’ll explore how the Law reveals our sin, the suffering Jesus endured

on our behalf, and the incredible gift of forgiveness He offers. Join us as we turn

to Christ in repentant joy, knowing that He has made haste to help us.

God's Gift of Forgiveness: Make Haste to Help Me — Midweek Lent Service, March 19,

2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-midweek-lent-service-2

Order of service:

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Psalm 38

Luke 22:39–53

Songs and Hymns:

- "As Surely as I Live," God Said: Text: Nicolaus Herman, c. 1480–1561; tr. Matthias

Loy, 1828–1915, alt.; Tune: Jeremiah Clarke, c. 1674–1707; 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.

- Now Rest beneath Night’s Shadow: Tune: Heinrich Isaac, c. 1450–1517; Text: tr. The

Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.; Paul Gerhardt, 1607–76; Text and tune: Public domain.

#sermon #gospel #lenten #sin #forgiveness #God'sgift #Jesus #Psalm38

The Lenten season gives us an important opportunity each year to focus our

attention on the cross of Christ. Among us, the cross is a beautiful symbol—we wear

crosses, display them in our churches, and place them in cemeteries. But why is the

cross so central to our faith?

In this sermon, we look again at the cross of Jesus and see its deeper meaning. The

cross is not just a symbol of suffering; it is also a sign of life. Through Christ’s

death and resurrection, we receive new life and are called to live as citizens of

heaven. Lent is a time to be strengthened in our faith and renewed in our identity

as God’s people.

Join us as we reflect on Philippians 3:18-20 and what it means to live as citizens

of heaven.

Citizens of Heaven — Second Sunday in Lent, March 16, 2025:

https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-second-sunday-in-lent

Order of service:

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Matthew 11:28-30

Psalm 4

Jeremiah 26:8–15

Philippians 3:17—4:1

Luke 13:31–35

Songs and Hymns:

- Fullness Of Grace: Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend; © 2004 Thankyou

Music, used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- Go to Dark Gethsemane: Text: James Montgomery, 1771–1854; Tune: Richard Redhead,

1820–1901; Text and tune: Public domain.

- Gethsemane Hymn: Keith Getty, Stuart Townend; © 2008 Thankyou 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.

- Christ, the Life of All the Living: Text: Ernst Christoph Homburg, 1605–81; sts.

1–2, 5, 7: tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.; sts. 3–4, 6: tr. Evangelical

Lutheran Hymn-Book, 1912, St. Louis; Tune: Das grosse Cantional, 1687, Darmstadt;

Text and tune: Public domain.

- Lamb of God: Text and tune by Twila Paris; © 1985 Jubilee Communications Inc.; ©

1985 Mountain Spring Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.

- Jesus Loves Me: Text by Anna B. Warner; tune by William B. Bradbury; text and tune

are in the public domain.

#sermon #gospel #lenten #lent #cross #citizens #heaven #Philippians3