As Americans prepare to celebrate the 249th birthday of their nation, Jesus’ words in Luke 9 challenge us to consider a deeper allegiance: what does it mean to follow Jesus within the context of this nation?

Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, choosing the path of rejection, suffering, and ultimate sacrifice. In doing so, He established a kingdom not of this world—a kingdom of righteousness and peace that transcends every earthly nation, including the United States. Following Him today still means being misunderstood, marginalized, or even rejected. It means holding fast to God's Word in a culture that often resists truth. It means letting go of earthly comforts, reordering priorities, and sometimes even distancing from familial expectations for the sake of Christ and His kingdom.

In this sermon, we reflect on what true discipleship looks like in America today: a life of gospel proclamation, faithful witness, and heavenly citizenship—all rooted in the cross and resurrection of our Savior. As citizens of God’s eternal kingdom who temporarily reside in this earthly one, we join our voices in prayer: “God bless America… Stand beside her and guide her through the night with the light from above.”

Following Jesus in This Nation — Third Sunday after Pentecost, June 29, 2025: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/2025-third-sunday-after-pentecost

Order of service: https://saintjamesglencarbon.org/wp-content/uploads/st-james-20250629-order-of-service.pdf
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Matthew 11:28-30
Psalm 16
1 Kings 19:9b–21
Galatians 5:1, 13–25
Luke 9:51 –62

Songs and Hymns:
- “Come, Follow Me,” the Savior Spake: 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
- My Worth Is Not in What I Own: Text and tune by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, and Graham Kendrick, © 2014 Getty Music; used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740.
- I Will Follow: Chris Tomlin, Jason Ingram, Reuben Morgan; © 2010 Rising Springs Music; Vamos Publishing; worshiptogether.com songs; © 2010 Spirit Nashville Three; So Essential Tunes; Spirit Nashville Three; © 2010 SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
- Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus: Text: George Duffield, Jr., 1818–88, alt. Tune: George J. Webb, 1803–87 Text and tune: Public domain
- Grace: Text and tune: Niki Shepherd; Jonny Robinson; Rich Thompson; © 2016 Getty Music Publishing; © Rich Thompson Music; © 2016 Jonny Robinson Music; © Little Life Lines Music; Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740.
- A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth: Text: Paul Gerhardt, 1607–76; tr. The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.; © 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220; Tune: Wolfgang Dachstein, c. 1487–1553, public domain.
- God Bless America: Text and Tune: Irving Berlin; © 1938 Irving Berlin. Used with permission: One License #728607-A.

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

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