Revelation is often a book of the Bible we hesitate to open. Because it is filled with vivid imagery and symbolic language, it can make us feel uncomfortable or focused entirely on the end of the world. In the three-year lectionary cycle, we rarely hear sermons from it. But did you know that Revelation is actually a book entirely saturated with hope?

In this sermon, we kick off a 3-week series looking at Revelation through the eyes of its original first-century audience. When we exchange our worldly "wishful thinking" for true Biblical hope, we find an anchor for the soul that is firm and secure.

Liturgist and Preacher: Rev. Tony Boos; Reader: William Ellington and Rev. Tony Boos

Order of service:

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, Jul 19, 2026

Readings:

Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Romans 5:8-11
Psalm reading is from Psalm 119:57–64
Old Testament reading is from Daniel 7:1, 9–14
New Testament reading is from Romans 8:18–27
Holy Gospel is from John 8:48–59

Songs and Hymns:

10,000 Reasons
Text and tune by Jonas Myrin & Matt Redman
© sixsteps Music
© Said & Done
© 2011 Thankyou Music
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740
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
Firm Foundation
Jamie Harvill, Nancy Gordon Music
© 1994 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music; Integrity’s Praise! Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740
When Peace, like a River
Text: Horatio G. Spafford, 1828–88, alt.
Tune: Philip P. Bliss, 1838–76
Text and tune: Public domain
Blessed Assurance
Text: Fanny J. Crosby, alt. Aaron Mueller;
Tune: Phoebe P. Knapp;
Text and tune: Public domain.
What Hope! An Eden Prophesied
Text: Stephen P. Starke
© 1998 Stephen P. Starke, used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740
Tune: Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second, 1813
Public domain
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Text: Joseph M. Scriven, 1819–86
Tune: Charles C. Converse, 1832–1918
Text and tune: Public domain

Liturgies:

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

Recording:

Audio:
Video:
Watch on YouTube

Announcements:

Sunday, Jul 19:
Worship Service (Rev. Tony Boos): 9 AM to 10:15 AM
Sunday School: 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM

Downstaris.

Adult Bible Study: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM

Downstairs.

Wednesday, Jul 22:
Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM

Downstairs.

Village Workers Lunch

Save the Date:  Please mark your calendars for July 22nd for the Glen Carbon Village Worker’s luncheon.  We will host the luncheon in Fellowship Hall. Contact Jen Weber for more information!

Jr & Sr High Youth Group @ Staake Home: 6:30 PM to 8 PM
Thursday, Jul 23:
AA Meeting: 6:30 PM

Downstairs.

Saturday, Jul 25:
Women’s Bible Study: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
Saturday, Aug 8:
Sisterhood: Anchored in Hope: 9 AM to 1 PM

Saturday, August 8 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Find your footing, trade the chaos for peace, and secure your spot today for a day of biblical teaching and genuine fellowship at our Anchored in Hope sisterhood event! Registration closes on July 31st. Bring a friend—just make sure to register her separately!  Questions? Contact Cheryl […]

Tuesday, Aug 11:
Saint James Night at Busch Stadium: 6:45 PM

Act Now to Get Your Tickets!

Saint James Education Support

2026-2027 School Year

Jesus Made Perfect Through Suffering (Ep148)

Hebrews 2 says it pleased the Father to make Jesus perfect through suffering. Does this imply that Jesus was less than divine until he died on the cross? If not, how can God be completed by suffering? And what does this tell us about our suffering? Chuck and Aaron talk about these questions on this episode of Craving Answers, Craving God.


Discover more from St. James Lutheran Church

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.