In the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13), Jesus uses a simple, relatable agricultural analogy to deliver a profound truth about the human heart and the power of the Gospel. As the divine Sower abundantly scatters His Word, it encounters four distinct types of soil—representing everything from the hardened path of misunderstanding to the rocky ground of shallow roots and the thorn-choked anxieties of worldly life. For Lutherans, this parable serves as a powerful reminder that we do not cultivate our own hearts; rather, it is the Holy Spirit who breaks up the hard ground of our lives, rooting us firmly in Christ so that we may receive the Word with true faith.
From this message, you will gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual obstacles that can hinder your faith and how the distractions of the world threaten to choke out God's truth. Discover what it truly means to be "good soil"—a heart opened and nurtured by God's grace—and how He promises to abundantly multiply the fruit of a life lived in faith. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed by the cares of this world or are seeking a deeper root system for your spiritual walk, this sermon offers Gospel comfort and practical encouragement for your daily Christian life.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr; Reader: Nic Schatte and Pastor Bill Engfehr
Order of service:
Readings:
- Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Romans 5:8-11
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 65:9–13
- Old Testament reading is from Isaiah 55:10–13
- New Testament reading is from Romans 8:12–17
- Holy Gospel is from Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23
Songs and Hymns:
- Faith and Truth and Life Bestowing
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Text: Timothy Dudley-Smith
Tune: Columbian Harmony, 1825
© 1997 Hope Publishing Co.
Used with permission, LSB Hymn License #110001220 - Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast
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Text: John Cawood, 1775–1852, alt.
Tune: The Whole Booke of Psalmes, 1562, London
Text and tune: Public domain - This Is the Day the Lord Has Made
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Text: Isaac Watts, 1674–1748, alt.
Tune: Johann Crüger, 1598–1662
Text and tune: Public domain - Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty
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Text: Benjamin Schmolck, 1672–1737; tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.;
Tune: Joachim Neander, 1650–80;
Text and tune: Public domain. - My Faith Looks Up to Thee
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Text: Ray Palmer, 1808–87
Tune: Lowell Mason, 1792–1872
Text and tune: Public domain - Thy Body, Given for Me, O Savior
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Text: Friedrich Christian Heyder
Tune: Emskirchner Choral-Buch, 1756
© 1941 Concordia Publishing House
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - Almighty Father, Bless the Word
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Text (sts. 1–2): Church Poetry, 1823, Philadelphia, alt.; (st. 3): Thomas Ken, 1637–1711
Tune: Trente quatre Pseaumes de David, 1551, Geneva, ed. Louis Bourgeois
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:
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- Video:
- Watch on YouTube
Announcements:
- Sunday, Jul 12:
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- Worship Service (Pastor Bill Engfehr): 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.
- Wednesday, Jul 15:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
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Downstairs.
- Thursday, Jul 16:
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- AA Meeting: 6:30 PM
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Downstairs.
- Saturday, Jul 18:
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- Women’s Bible Study: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
- AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
- Wednesday, Jul 22:
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- Village Workers Lunch
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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!
- Saturday, Aug 8:
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- Sisterhood: Anchored In Hope: 9 AM to 1 PM
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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:
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- Saint James Night at Busch Stadium: 6:45 PM
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Act Now to Get Your Tickets!
- Saint James Education Support
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2026-2027 School Year
- Once Lost, Always Lost? (Ep147)
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Hebrews 6:1-6 seems to imply that if someone who was once genuinely converted loses that salvation they are not able to repent and return once again to the Christian faith, but how does that fit with stories of apostasy and restoration from Scripture and from the real lives of many Christians? Chuck and Aaron talk about what this text means on this edition of Craving Answers, Craving God.
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