Have you ever felt like two different natures are fighting for control of your life? The apostle Paul describes this daily reality for believers: we are simultaneously righteous saints in God's eyes and sinners struggling against our human nature—a concept Martin Luther called Simul Justus Et Peccator. We see this clearly in Matthew 16, where Peter moves in a single moment from declaring Jesus as the Son of God to rebuking Him for talking about His upcoming suffering and death. Like Peter, our default setting often wants "our way" instead of God's way, preferring comfort and success over the messiness of taking up our cross.
The good news is that God doesn't abandon us in the battle. Through our baptism and faith in Jesus, we are fully forgiven, declared righteous, and given brand-new life in Him. While bearing our daily crosses and surrendering our self-centered desires isn't easy, staying connected to Christ and our church family gives us the strength, encouragement, and accountability we need. Come as you are this week as we learn how to lay down our own plans, rest in Jesus' finished work on the cross, and walk together in His grace.
Service times:
- Live on YouTube
- In person worship
Order of service:
Readings:
- Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Romans 5:8-11
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 26
- Old Testament reading is from Jeremiah 15:15–21
- New Testament reading is from Romans 12:9–21
- Holy Gospel is from Matthew 16:21–28
Songs and Hymns:
- There Is One Gospel
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Jonny Robinson, Rich Thompson
© 2022 CityAlight Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - Jesus Lead Thou On
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Text: Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, 1700–60; tr. Jane L. Borthwick, 1813–97, alt.
Tune: Adam Drese, 1620–1701
Public domain - Who Am I
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Mark Hall
© 2003 Be Essential Songs; My Refuge Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - What Grace Is Mine
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Kristyn Getty
© 2008 Thankyou Music Ltd
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - Chief of Sinners Though I Be
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Text: William McComb, 1793–1873, alt.;
Tune: Richard Redhead, 1820–1901;
Text and tune: Public domain. - “Come, Follow Me,” the Savior Spake
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Text: tr. Charles W. Schaeffer, 1813–96; (sts. 1–3, 5): Johann Schefer, 1624–77; (st. 4): Geistliche Lieder und Lobgesänge, 1695
Tune: Bartholomäus Gesius, c. 1555–1613, adapt.
Text and tune: Public domain - His Mercy Is More
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Matt Boswell, Matt Papa
© 2016 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Getty Music Publishing; Love Your Enemies Publishing; Messenger Hymns
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
Announcements:
- Sunday, Aug 30:
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- Worship Service (Rev. Tony Boos): 9 AM to 10:15 AM
- Adult Bible Study: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
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Downstairs.
- Sunday School: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
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Downstaris.
- Wednesday, Sep 2:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
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Downstairs.
- No Jr & Sr High Youth Group
- Thursday, Sep 3:
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- AA Meeting: 6:30 PM
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Downstairs.
- Saturday, Sep 5:
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- LWML Circle of Friends: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
- AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
- Sunday, Sep 27:
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- St. James Church Picnic
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Join us September 27th for Fun, Food and Fellowship!
- Saint James Education Support
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2026-2027 School Year
- Love Your Enemies (Ep151)
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No teaching of Jesus is more difficult or counterintuitive than his command to love one’s enemies. Loving one’s friends makes sense, but loving one’s enemies seems pointless at best and dangerous at worst. In this episode of Craving Answers, Craving God, Chuck and Aaron talk about why Jesus calls us to love those who are unlovable.
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