St. Paul Lutheran Church, Matteson, Illinois & Pastor Troester

God can be reached even from the belly of a fish, and God hears the prayers of repentant sinners, even those who run from Him at times.  God is true to His Word, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble and I will deliver you, and you will glorify Me."

Read about Jonah, this prophet of God who is reluctant and runs, but just as the "wicked" people are not too far from the grace of God, so Jonah is not too far, but a servant whom God puts through a storm and yet rescues with a great fish, to carry out God's will that "none should perish."

Read this last chapter of the book of Acts in the Bible, which closes open ended as the 'actions' of God's Church continues through our days, and we proclaim the same Jesus Christ to our world.

Paul trusts God's word of promise, that all on board their ship to Rome, would make it safely, though their boat would not.  Even when all gave up hope, Paul and his companions, including Luke, faithfully believed, and God came through (as always!).

Read how God is working through the Apostle Paul to bring the message of salvation through Jesus Christ to many people.

The opposition is heating up to the message of Jesus Christ through the Apostle Paul, yet God continues to assure Paul (and us) that He is with us always, and keep preaching the message!

Read about Paul's life journey, and how God brought him to where He would use him for the good of all people.

Read about the love between Paul and those he ministers to, like Pastor and People in a church who love God and love each other.  Motivated by that love, we serve and are willing to even die for Christ.

Read how the Apostle Paul continues to press on, despite the resistance, and how Pastors are commissioned to care for their flocks, and all are encouraged.

Read about the church on the move, empowered by the Holy Spirit, meeting opposition but moving forward in the power of that Spirit.