What are you seeking today? Whether you are a lifelong believer or someone just beginning to ask questions, Jesus meets you exactly where you are with a divine appointment. In this sermon on John 1:35-45, we look at the first disciples—men like Andrew, Peter, and Philip—who were searching for a Savior but found much more than they expected. We tackle the common misconception that we are the ones who "find" Jesus. In reality, the Gospel shows us that Jesus is the one who seeks and finds the lost, enabling us to follow Him through His Word and the promises made to us in our Baptism.
The comfort of the Christian faith is that our salvation does not depend on our "I" statements—what I did or how hard I tried—but on God’s "You" statement: "You are Mine." When the weight of trying to earn God's favor is replaced by the peace of His finished work, it changes how we see the world. We move from being seekers to being witnesses, realizing that our identity is rooted in a Savior who has already claimed us as His own.
When we are found by Christ, the natural result is "divine multiplication." Just as Andrew immediately ran to find his brother and Philip sought out Nathanael, we are called to invite others to "come and see." Through personal stories of faith shared in carpools and family gatherings, this message encourages us to look for the opportunities God provides to share the Good News. Join us as we celebrate the God who was never lost, but who searched the world to find us.
Liturgist and Preacher: Rev. Tony Boos; Reader: William Ellington
Order of service:
Readings:
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 40:1–11
- Old Testament reading is from Isaiah 49:1–7
- New Testament reading is from 1 Corinthians 1:1–9
- Holy Gospel is from John 1:29–42a
Songs and Hymns:
- O Holy Spirit, Enter In
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Text: Michael Schirmer, 1606–73, adapt.
(sts. 1, 3): tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.
(st. 2): tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.
Tune: Philipp Nicolai, 1556–1608
Text and tune: Public domain - Here I Am, Lord
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Text: Based on Isaiah 6; Dan Schutte, b.1947
Text and music: © 1981, Daniel L. Schutte and New Dawn Music
Published by OCP Publications
Used with permission: One License #728607-A - Facing a Task Unfinished
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Ed Cash, Fionán De Barra, Frank Houghton, Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Samuel Wesley
© 2015 Capitol CMG Paragon; Fionan De Barra Pub Designee
© 2015 Getty Music Publishing; OMF International (UK)
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - By Grace Alone
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Text by Martin Luther
Tune by David Ward, © 2002 ThousandTongues.org
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740 - “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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Tune and text by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa
© 2016 Getty Music Hymns and Songs, Getty Music Publishing,
Love Your Enemies Publishing, and Messenger Hymns
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740 - Amazing Grace
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Text by John Newton
Tune by Columbian Harmony, 1829
Public domain
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, Jan 18:
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- Worship Service (Rev. Tony Boos): 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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Interested in joining St. James Lutheran Church or learning more about Christianity?
When: Every Sunday, beginning January 18, 2026 at 10:45 AM
Where: St James Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 146 N Main St, Glen Carbon IL. - Game Night & Snacks: 6 PM
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Join us for a Game Night on January 18th at 6:00 PM. For more information, please contact Jen Weber at jen@saintjamesglencarbon.org
- Wednesday, Jan 21:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
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Downstairs.
- Thursday, Jan 22:
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- AA Meeting: 6:30 PM
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Downstairs.
- Saturday, Jan 24:
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- Women’s Bible Study: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
- AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
- “Was That the Holy Spirit?” (Ep135)
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God promises his Holy Spirit to his people, but what exactly does it look like for a Christian to experience the Holy Spirit? And how can he or she know that what they’re experiencing is in fact the Holy Spirit? Chuck and Aaron talk about these and other related questions on this episode.
- SID Junior High Youth District Conference
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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 […]
- 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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