St. John Lutheran Church in Chester, IL bringing the good news of Jesus Christ one podcast at a time. St. John is a congregation of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
In a time of ugly protests, the Church acts in loving contrast to the fallen world.
It seems everybody likes to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. But who was the real St. Patrick? Why is he worth celebrating?
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul encourages the Church to pray for government leaders. Easy? A challenge? An opportunity? Let's explore.
The message of the Epiphany is especially fitting in the midst of this week's madness and chaos.
In this final episode on the Epiphany, Pastor Sims considers the gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Diving into the remarkable story of the Epiphany continues as we consider the Epiphany: Who?
The visit of the Magi to worship Jesus is a remarkable story with lots of unanswered questions. The Epiphany: Where? Who? What?
How are we Chrstians to conduct ourselves in the midst of such a contentious election?
Pastor Sims gives thanks in the midst of his own quarantine.
Pastor Sims explores how the Church is best prepared to respond to hatred and persecution.
Why American Lutherans and other Christians should celebrate the birthday of the USA
Part 2 of applying Romans 5:6-11 to America 2020
Applying Romans 5:6-11 to 2020 America
How do we find peace with God and each other amidst the sad chaos in our country?
How a son taught his father a valuable vocabulary lesson
Exploring how Church Holy-days transform the Christian's observance of the civic holiday of Memorial Day
Pastor Sims follows-up with the reasons why Ascension is such an important event and Holiday
Pastor Sims explores the "Rodney Dangerfield" of Christian Holidays
Contemplating some timely questions in light of 1 Peter 3:13-22.
Pastor Sims walks through an example of praying and meditating on God's word using the beloved story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-9)
Exploring the ancient Christian concept of "Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio" with the help of Psalm 1:1-2.
Looking at Paul's 2nd letter to Timothy, Pastor Sims wrestles with what Mother's Day should and should not be for the Church and pays tribute to moms in his life.
A look at the National Day of Prayer through the lens of Psalm 34
The Good Shepherd still tends to us in this current struggle.
How do we live Acts 2:42 in our current struggle?
What do a classic Dr. Seuss story and our current situation have in common? St. Paul has the answer for us!
Christ is risen, not dead! So, why wear a crucifix? Let's explore...
Explore how Christian Hope helps us endure during these difficult times.
Praising God for the blessing that teachers are to us and our children.
This is why John 20:19-31 is of great comfort to us.
Consider why John 20:19-31 might be of greater comfort to you this year than ever before.
A look at Easter feasting and the contrast between mere gluttony and true joy
The New Testament, as well as our Christian Hymnody, trash talk against death.
The angel said of Jesus, "...he has risen." (Matthew 28:6) What does this mean for us?
A brief exploration of the beauty and significance of Good Friday
A brief exploration into the beautiful significance of Thursday in Holy Week (John 13:34)
Challenge to Christians to benefit from the entire Holy Week story
How does Jesus fulfill the people's cry (and our cry) of "Save us now"?
Consider the peoples' cry of "Hosanna!" as you prepare for Palm Sunday
Is the coronavirus related to the end of the world? Consider Matthew 24:3ff
In 1 Timothy, Paul reminds us of our calling as Christians.
A look into Luther's morning and evening prayers as a valuable resource for individuals and families.
Looking at Colossians 3:23, consider God's care for you through the hard working hands of others.
The birds' chirping reminds us of God's love and care for us.
In this time of the Coronavirus, we may be struggling with what we perceive to be conflict between several of God's commandments.
In Genesis 12:8-9 Abraham is pitching his tent and building an altar, how about you?
2 Chronicles 7:13-14 - one of the most misused Bible passages of our time, but one of our young people nailed it. Thanks Addie!
In Matthew 1 and 2 we look at Joseph, the guardian and protector of Jesus.