The word Paradise is used infrequently in the Bible. Jesus tells the thief on the cross that they will be together that day in Paradise, and Paul says in 2 Corinthians that he had a powerful out-of-body (maybe!) experience in Paradise. Paradise is a Persian word...
The Christmas season often glows with warmth and peace, yet the Gospel of Matthew reminds us of a chilling shadow cast over the manger: the murderous rage of King Herod. We will review "The Holy Innocents," the young boys of Bethlehem who became the first...
True or False: God tells us we should be afraid? What are the first words usually from an angel or messenger of God? Don't be afraid! We will see why some of the characters of the true story of Christmas had every right to be afraid. At the same time, we have...
You know the story of Christmas well—the manger, the shepherds, and the lack of room in the inn. In fact, you likely didn't come tonight simply to be taught the facts of Christ's birth. So, why are we here? The answer is found in the message of the angels on...
"All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet…" (Matthew 1:22) In this message, we reflect on the profound mystery of the Incarnation through the eyes of Joseph. When God’s plan veered sharply from the life Joseph and Mary had...
When: Every Sunday at 10:45 AM Where: St James Lutheran Church, Fellowship Hall, 146 N Main St, Glen Carbon IL. You’re Invited – Discovering Christianity at St. James! Curious about what we believe? Want to grow in your faith or just connect with others in a welcoming...
This midweek Advent service centers on the powerful message of comfort found in Isaiah 40:1-3. Like the Israelites, we often find ourselves needing true, lasting comfort amidst a world that clearly demonstrates the consequences of sin. The first half of Isaiah...
Those who have not grieved deeply are often disturbed during the holidays by those who have, since the latter sometimes seem to refuse to participate in the jollity of the season. This notion—that the joy, lights, and merriment of Christmas ought to raise the spirits...
Do you remember when God created a garden, a paradise for Adam and Eve to live in peace, comfort, joy, with nothing to worry about or fear? Then sin enters the world through our first parents and what happens? They are banished from that place and put out into the...
In Malachi 4:1–2, God speaks to people whose hearts have grown heavy under the weight of sin, fear, and waiting. This week’s sermon reminds us that Malachi’s message is ultimately a cry we still echo today: “Stir up our hearts, O Lord.” The prophet points forward to a...
