St. John Chester
By St. John Lutheran Church
St. John ChesterMar 25, 2021
A Response to Abortion: Prayers, not Protests
In a time of ugly protests, the Church acts in loving contrast to the fallen world.
A Lutheran Celebrates St. Patrick's Day?
It seems everybody likes to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. But who was the real St. Patrick? Why is he worth celebrating?
The Inauguration Challenge
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul encourages the Church to pray for government leaders. Easy? A challenge? An opportunity? Let's explore.
Epiphany Postlude: Real Hope!
The message of the Epiphany is especially fitting in the midst of this week's madness and chaos.
Epiphany Part 3
In this final episode on the Epiphany, Pastor Sims considers the gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Epiphany Part 2
Diving into the remarkable story of the Epiphany continues as we consider the Epiphany: Who?
Epiphany Part 1
The visit of the Magi to worship Jesus is a remarkable story with lots of unanswered questions. The Epiphany: Where? Who? What?
Vote for your Neighbor, and Respect your Neighbor's Vote
How are we Chrstians to conduct ourselves in the midst of such a contentious election?
Quarantine Thanks & Support
Pastor Sims gives thanks in the midst of his own quarantine.
Here it comes. Are you ready?
Pastor Sims explores how the Church is best prepared to respond to hatred and persecution.
Yes, Celebrate the 4th of July
Why American Lutherans and other Christians should celebrate the birthday of the USA
The Real Question & God's Saving Answer
Part 2 of applying Romans 5:6-11 to America 2020
Who would you be willing to die for?
Applying Romans 5:6-11 to 2020 America
One Creator, One Human Race, One Savior
How do we find peace with God and each other amidst the sad chaos in our country?
An Incorrect, but Good Answer
How a son taught his father a valuable vocabulary lesson
What are we remembering on Memorial Day?
Exploring how Church Holy-days transform the Christian's observance of the civic holiday of Memorial Day
Christian Holiday Quiz Part 2
Pastor Sims follows-up with the reasons why Ascension is such an important event and Holiday
Christian Holiday Quiz
Pastor Sims explores the "Rodney Dangerfield" of Christian Holidays
Getting ready for Sunday: 1 Peter 3
Contemplating some timely questions in light of 1 Peter 3:13-22.
Part 2-The Psalm 1 Life
Pastor Sims walks through an example of praying and meditating on God's word using the beloved story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-9)
The Psalm 1 Life
Exploring the ancient Christian concept of "Oratio, Meditatio, Tentatio" with the help of Psalm 1:1-2.
Thank you Mom(s)!
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.
National Day of Prayer!?
A look at the National Day of Prayer through the lens of Psalm 34
Living the Christian (COVID-19) life: Part 2
The Good Shepherd still tends to us in this current struggle.
Living the Christian (COVID-19) Life: Part 1
How do we live Acts 2:42 in our current struggle?
We are the Whos in Whoville
What do a classic Dr. Seuss story and our current situation have in common? St. Paul has the answer for us!
Why a crucifix?
Christ is risen, not dead! So, why wear a crucifix? Let's explore...
Hope in the Midst of Bad News
Explore how Christian Hope helps us endure during these difficult times.
Thank You Teachers!
Praising God for the blessing that teachers are to us and our children.
2nd Sunday of Easter Follow-up
This is why John 20:19-31 is of great comfort to us.
2nd Sunday of Easter Tease
Consider why John 20:19-31 might be of greater comfort to you this year than ever before.
Easter Feasting
A look at Easter feasting and the contrast between mere gluttony and true joy
Spiking the football in death's end zone
The New Testament, as well as our Christian Hymnody, trash talk against death.
Three Beautiful Words
The angel said of Jesus, "...he has risen." (Matthew 28:6) What does this mean for us?
What's so Good about this Friday?
A brief exploration of the beauty and significance of Good Friday
What's Maundy Thursday?
A brief exploration into the beautiful significance of Thursday in Holy Week (John 13:34)
Don't skip to the ending!
Challenge to Christians to benefit from the entire Holy Week story
Palm Sunday Follow-up!
How does Jesus fulfill the people's cry (and our cry) of "Save us now"?
Psalm Sunday Tease
Consider the peoples' cry of "Hosanna!" as you prepare for Palm Sunday
The end of the world?
Is the coronavirus related to the end of the world? Consider Matthew 24:3ff
Don't forget to pray for . . .
In 1 Timothy, Paul reminds us of our calling as Christians.
The best way to begin (and end) each day!
A look into Luther's morning and evening prayers as a valuable resource for individuals and families.
Consider . . . the trashmen?
Looking at Colossians 3:23, consider God's care for you through the hard working hands of others.
Consider the birds . . .
The birds' chirping reminds us of God's love and care for us.
As simple as 1, 3, 4, 5
In this time of the Coronavirus, we may be struggling with what we perceive to be conflict between several of God's commandments.
The Home Altar
In Genesis 12:8-9 Abraham is pitching his tent and building an altar, how about you?
There's Hope!
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!
Guardian and Protector
In Matthew 1 and 2 we look at Joseph, the guardian and protector of Jesus.
Where does my help come from?
Pastor Sims' initial podcast on Psalm 121