In 1 Corinthians 1:18–31, the Apostle Paul presents a striking paradox: the "foolishness" of the Cross is actually the ultimate power and wisdom of God. As it is noted in this message, we are incapable of reaching God through our own intellectual striving or moral effort; He must reveal Himself to us. To the natural mind, a crucified Savior is an absurdity—a stumbling block to some and folly to others. Yet, it is through this very "foolishness" that God dismantles human pride, choosing the lowly and despised things of the world to demonstrate that our salvation rests entirely on His grace, not our own merit.
By centering our faith on Christ crucified, we move from a "theology of glory" that seeks God in worldly power and success to a "theology of the cross" that finds Him in suffering and humility. God deliberately bypasses the world’s standards of wisdom and strength to ensure that no human being can boast in His presence. Instead, our identity, righteousness, and sanctification are found solely in Christ Jesus. In this divine exchange, what the world mocks as weakness is revealed to be the very power that saves us.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor George Gude; Reader: William Ellington
Order of service:
Readings:
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 15
- Old Testament reading is from Micah 6:1–8
- New Testament reading is from 1 Corinthians 1:18–31
- Holy Gospel is from Matthew 5:1–12
Songs and Hymns:
- One Thing’s Needful
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Text: Johann Heinrich Schröder, 1667–99; tr. Frances E. Cox, 1812–97, alt.
Tune: Adam Krieger, 1634–66
Public domain - I Know My Faith Is Founded
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Text: Erdmann Neumeister, 1671–1756; tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.
Tune: Concentus novi, 1540, Augsburg
Text and tune: Public domain - The Perfect Wisdom Of Our God
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Keith Getty, Stuart Townend
© 2011 Thankyou Music; Getty Music Publishing
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - The Ground
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Music: Ola Gjeilo
Lyrics: Derived from the Latin Mass
Copyright © 2010 and 2011 Walton Music Corp
Used with permission: One License #728607-A - Blest Are They
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Text and tune: David Haas, 1957
© 1985 GIA Publications, Inc; used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220 - Merciful God
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Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend
© 2006 Thankyou Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - Thy Strong Word
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Text by Martin H. Franzmann
© 1969 Concordia Publishing House, used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740
Tune by Thomas J. Williams, public domain - Rise My Soul, the Lord is Risen
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Jonny Robinson, Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Rich Thompson
© 2024 City Alight Resources; Getty Music Hymns and Songs
© 2024 Getty Music Publishing; Love Your Enemies Publishing
© 2024 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
Recording:
- Audio:
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- Video:
- Watch on YouTube
Announcements:
- Sunday, Feb 1:
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- Worship Service (Pastor George Gude): 9 AM to 10:15 AM
- Sunday School: 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM
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Downstaris..
- Adult Bible Study: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
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Downstairs.
- Discovering Christianity Class: 10:45 AM
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Downstairs.
- Wednesday, Feb 4:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
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Downstairs.
- Thursday, Feb 5:
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- AA Meeting: 6:30 PM
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Downstairs.
- Saturday, Feb 7:
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- Circle of Friends (LWML): 10 AM to 11:30 AM
- AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
- Saturday, Feb 28:
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- SID Junior High Youth District Conference: 9:45 AM to 3:30 PM
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Designed for Junior High students, this day of learning and fun takes place at Metro East Lutheran High School. The cost is $25 per person. Lunch is provided (please note if you have dietary needs in online registration.) Doors open at 8am for registration and everything kicks off at 9:45am. The day wraps up at […]
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- St. James Life Ministry
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Advocating, Educating, and Caring for All Human Life
- Mosaic Baby Bottle Campaign
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This campaign will last from January 11 until February 15.
Discover more from St. James Lutheran Church
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