Much of Revelation is composed in the ancient genre, apocalyptic. Often mistaken as a dystopian description of the future collapse of the universe, apocalyptic is instead a literary tool ancient Jewish writers used to pull back the curtain on every day political, social, and cultural events to reveal the hand of the sovereign creator God at work. And the Book of Revelation is no different: John pulls back the curtain on events both past, present (to him and his readers), and future to show that in spite of the apparent weakness and vulnerability of God's people, Jesus will win and be universally acknowledged as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
In this opening sermon, Aaron explains the nature of apocalyptic literature, gives a brief description of John's broad goals in his prophecy, and briefly introduces some of the main themes of the book by looking at chapter 1.
Readings and sermon were delivered by Pastor Aaron Mueller.
Order of service:
Readings:
- Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Psalm 40:1-3
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 111
- Old Testament reading is from Isaiah 63:7–14
- Epistle reading is from Revelation 1
- Holy Gospel is from Matthew 2:13–23
Hymns:
- Joy to the World
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Text: Isaac Watts
Tune: George Frideric Handel
Public domain - Christ Our Hope In Life And Death
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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 - Lion Of Judah
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Robin Mark
© 1997 Song Solutions Daybreak
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - Ancient of Days
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Jesse Reeves, Jonny Robinson, Michael Farren, Rich Thompson;
© 2018 CityAlight Music.
Used with permission, CCLI license #20286740. - Before the Throne of God Above
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Text by Charitie Lees Bancroft
Tune by Vikki Cook
© 1997 Sovereign Grace Worship
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740 - I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light
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Kathleen Thomerson, © 1970, 1975 Celebration.
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
- Nunc Dimittis
Recording:
- Audio:
- Video:
- Watch on YouTube
Announcements:
- Sunday, Jan 1:
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- Worship Service: 9 AM
- Adult Bible Study and Sunday School: 10:30 AM
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Downstairs.
- Tuesday, Jan 3:
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- Youth Group: 6:30 PM to 8 PM
- Wednesday, Jan 4:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
- Sunday, Jan 15:
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- Youth Confirmation Class: 11:45 AM to 1 PM
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Youth confirmation classes begin January 15th. They will be held on Sundays following Sunday school/Bible study. Please contact Pastor Mueller if your child will be attending.
- New Member Class: 6 PM to 8 PM
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If you are interested in learning more about Christianity or are interested in joining St. James Lutheran Church, or maybe you just want to hang out and talk about the Story of the Bible, please see Pastor Aaron or contact the church office about joining the new member class beginning January 15th. Babysitting is available upon request.
- New Year – New Opportunities
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We still have a great need for adult volunteers to help with Youth Group. Please contact Stacey Staake or Cheryl in the church office for more information.
- 2023 Member Giving Envelopes
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2023 Member Giving Envelopes are available on the credenza in the narthex. If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl in the church office 618-288-6120 or cheryl@stjamesglencarbon.org.
- "Art of Marriage" Retreat – Registration Is Open
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Registration is open for the “Art of Marriage” retreat March 10-11 to be held at the Four Points by Sheridan in Fairview Heights. Register online or with a form available on the church bulletin board. Registration is limited. Please register ASAP.
- Chili Cook-off and Family Game Night – Save the Date – Feb 19
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Sunday, February 19th at 5:00 PM – Bring the family, your favorite pot of chili and game for a night of fun and fellowship! If chili isn’t your forte, bring a dessert to share! Drinks and sides will be provided. Prizes will be awarded!! For more information or questions call Tina Enke 618-795-0102, Jen Weber 618-407-5322, or the church office.
- The Church Newsletter
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The January 2023 Newsletter will be distributed via email the first week in January. Please contact Cheryl in the church office if you would like to be added to the digital news group to receive the newsletters and bulletins.
- 2022 Member Giving Statements
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2022 Member Giving Statements will be distributed via email by January 15th. If you do not receive your statement, or if you have questions/concerns, please contact Cheryl in the church office.
- What is Christmas All About?
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December 25th has come and gone, but the Christmas season continues. In our most recent episode of Craving Answers, Craving God Aaron and Chuck discuss the meaning of Christmas and how to keep that meaning from being obscured by the world. We’re still celebrating Christmas!
- Chosen To Shine (501c3) Honduras Mission
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OUR CHOSEN TO SHINE (501c3) HONDURAS MISSION… is set for 2023! Dates are: May 27 – June 3rd.
Missions are a life changing opportunity for those we serve and our team. We are a medical mission serving in the areas of dental, optical, medical, children and evangelism! (You do not need to have a medical background to join us.)
In January of 2020, our Chosen to Shine team of 10 adults and 12 college students served 211 people in dental care, 969 in medical, 345 received new and sometimes their first pair of glasses! In Evangelism we shared the gospel with 753 people in a week’s time! We placed water filters in the homes of two families, offering them water for 10 years and the ability to sell clean water for income. We offer partial scholarships to students in high school or college. Students 16-17 must be accompanied by a parent. Our team will be set by January 15, 2023. If you would like more information or to donate, please contact Lauri Cunningham (Trinity Edwardsville) 618-978-9700.
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