Today we explore what it means for Christians to live as citizens of both an earthly nation and the kingdom of God. Scripture calls us to pray for our leaders, seek the good of our communities, and honor those in authority. Yet it also reminds us that our ultimate allegiance belongs to God alone. This morning we reflect on how the Bible—and Luther’s teaching on the Two Realms—helps us navigate this balance with clarity, humility, and hope. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid on July 12, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA.
God and Country (Jeremiah 29:4-7)
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God and Country (Jeremiah 29:4-7)

July 17, 2026 5:07 pm

What is freedom? Our culture often defines it as independence, self-expression, or the right to choose our own path. Scripture offers a deeper and more life-giving vision. Today we explore the freedom God gives—freedom from sin’s bondage, freedom for life with Him, and freedom to love our neighbor. Through the rescue of Israel, the spaciousness of God’s Word, the promise of Jesus, and Paul’s call to Spirit-led living, we discover that true freedom is not autonomy but belonging: belonging to the God who sets His people free in Christ. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA. The sermon was originally given on July 5, but was re-recorded on July 8.
For Freedom Set Free (Galatians 5:1, 13-18)
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For Freedom Set Free (Galatians 5:1, 13-18)

July 8, 2026 4:17 pm

What does a holy God do with unclean people? In Zechariah’s vision, the high priest stands before God covered in filthy garments—yet God removes his uncleanness and clothes him in purity. This sermon points us to Jesus, our true holiness, who takes our sin upon Himself so that we may be welcomed into God’s presence clean, forgiven, and clothed in His righteousness. Sermon preached by Rev. Aaron Putnam of LINC Bay Area at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on June 28, 2026
I Am Your Holiness (Zechariah 3:1-5)
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I Am Your Holiness (Zechariah 3:1-5)

July 8, 2026 4:14 pm

With unveiled faces we turn toward Christ, who removes the barriers that keep us from seeing God’s mercy clearly. In today’s reading from 2 Corinthians, Paul uses the image of the veil to show how the Spirit brings clarity, courage, and hope—not so we can boast, but so we can bear gentle, honest witness to the One who shines His light into every shadowed heart. As people transformed by that light, we are sent to reflect Christ with humility and confidence, trusting Him to do the unveiling in others. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA, on June 21, 2026
Unveiled A Witness Shaped by Christ (2 Corinthians 3:12-4:6)
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Unveiled A Witness Shaped by Christ (2 Corinthians 3:12-4:6)

July 8, 2026 4:07 pm

God is Good! In the scripture we are reminded that it’s not of our doing, but of God’s. Through it all, God remains the same. Creator, Provider, Forgiver & Savior. Through VBS we are sent as teachers and leaders of the kids towards Jesus and prepare them to be sent in their communities beyond. Sermon preached by DCE Kevin Mathison at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on June 14, 2026
Exploring the Nature of God
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Exploring the Nature of God

July 8, 2026 4:02 pm

The Bible teaches that God has planned our salvation from before time began. But then what does that mean for the fall into sin? Was that planned as well? How are we to think about our relationship with a God who is outside of time, who created time, but who acts in time and in our lives? We focus on the mystery of the sovereignty of God and the good news of what it means for us today. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on June 7, 2026
The Timeless God in Time (Romans 11:33-36)
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The Timeless God in Time (Romans 11:33-36)

June 8, 2026 10:43 am

Jesus instructs His church to baptize in the name of the Triune God. Why is this important? What does it mean in our lives that God is triune? What does it mean that the name of this Triune God has been placed upon us? Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid on Trinity Sunday, May 31, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA.
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:16-20)
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In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:16-20)

June 4, 2026 5:39 pm

Ascension Sunday. Can you imagine what the disciples felt like as Jesus withdrew from them? He had given them the task of making disciples of all the nations. And then left. But that’s not the whole story. He had given them power. He had promised them His Holy Spirit. And with that power and by that Spirit, they changed the world. That same power and Spirit are given to us as well. What is Christ calling us to do as He calls us to make disciples? Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on May17, 2026.
You Will Receive Power (Acts 1:1-8)
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You Will Receive Power (Acts 1:1-8)

May 21, 2026 11:41 am

Peter calls on his readers to be prepared for opportunities to share with others the reasons for the hope that they have. Are we prepared? Are we ready to share with others our hope? May God bless each of us by His grace that we may indeed be prepared to share with others the hope that we have in Christ! Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on May 10, 2026
Always Be Prepared (1 Peter 3:13-22)
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Always Be Prepared (1 Peter 3:13-22)

May 12, 2026 5:35 pm

At his arrest, trial, and cruel execution, Jesus was strangely silent. He didn’t protest his innocence, or beg for mercy, or hurl harsh words like daggers to wound those who were mocking him, or curse the day he was born. Yet his silence speaks volumes of his love. He was focused on his mission, why he had been born, and why God had chosen for his One and Only Son to be sacrificed. He was focused not on himself, but on us. He had come not to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. Sermon preached by Pastor Ted Zimmerman at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on April 26, 2026
Suffering Silently Serving Boldly (1 Peter 2:19-25)
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Suffering Silently Serving Boldly (1 Peter 2:19-25)

May 1, 2026 12:45 pm

It’s possible to walk with Jesus and not recognize Him. To hear His Word, know the answers, and yet miss His presence. Like the disciples on the road, we can move through faith on autopilot—seeing, but not truly seeing. Yet the risen Lord comes to us still. Through His Word and Sacrament, and by His Spirit, He opens our eyes to behold Him, awakening our hearts to a life of faith and worship. Sermon preached by Kevin Mathison at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on April 19, 2026
Present With Us (Luke 24:13-35)
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Present With Us (Luke 24:13-35)

May 1, 2026 12:36 pm

The disciples are anxious, uncertain, and hiding—yet Christ comes directly into their fear with a peace the world cannot give. Even Thomas, wrestling with doubt, is met with compassion and invited to trust. As we gather in worship, we receive this same resurrection blessing. The One who conquered death still enters our anxious places and speaks His peace over us. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on April 12, 2026
Peace for Fearful Hearts (John 20:19-31)
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Peace for Fearful Hearts (John 20:19-31)

April 14, 2026 4:27 pm

This Easter morning we hear astonishingly good news: not only that worship shapes and strengthens our lives in ways even Harvard researchers can measure, but that God has given us something far greater than improved well‑being. Even the best “pill” for human flourishing cannot stop death—but the risen Christ has. Today we celebrate the only cure death cannot touch: the bodily resurrection of Jesus and the certain hope of our own. In His victory we find life, purpose, and a future that no grave can hold. Alleluia! Christ is risen! Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid on April 5, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA.
The Only Cure Death Can't Touch (Easter)
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The Only Cure Death Can't Touch (Easter)

April 6, 2026 12:21 pm

Laodicea’s lukewarmness meets Christ’s persistent love. On this night of the Supper, we hear His promise: “I will come in and eat with you.” As we gather at His table, we open our hearts again to the One who knocks and comes with grace. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church on April 2, 2026 (Maundy Thursday).
I WIll Come In And Eat With You (Revelation 3:14-22)
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I WIll Come In And Eat With You (Revelation 3:14-22)

April 4, 2026 4:38 pm

It is very easy to read the account of the Passion of our Lord as a story about Romans and Jews and what happened to Jesus as they sparred and then cooperated. But that would be to misread the entirety of what happened in Jerusalem that week. This is the story of us. Our destiny. Our being. That is what is at issue. And that is what Jesus has come to secure. And redeem. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA, on March 29, 2026
The Story of Us (Palm Sunday)
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The Story of Us (Palm Sunday)

March 29, 2026 3:30 pm

To the small and weary church of Philadelphia, Christ opens a door no one can shut. He honors their quiet faithfulness and calls them to persevere. Tonight we reflect on the strength God gives to those who feel they have little left. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid on March 25, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA.
Hold On To What You Have (Revelation 3:7-13)
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Hold On To What You Have (Revelation 3:7-13)

March 27, 2026 10:00 pm

Jesus arrives at the tomb of His friend and speaks life into death itself. In raising Lazarus, He reveals Himself as the Resurrection and the Life and sets in motion the events that lead to His own cross. This Sunday holds grief and hope together, inviting us to trust the One whose love is stronger than the grave. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA on March 22, 2026
The Resurrection and the Life (John 11:1-45)
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The Resurrection and the Life (John 11:1-45)

March 23, 2026 10:01 pm

Sardis had a reputation for life but was spiritually asleep. Jesus’ words are a gracious alarm, calling us to renewal. This week we explore how the Spirit revives what is fading, fragile, or forgotten. Sermon preached by Pastor Mike Schmid on March 18, 2026 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, CA
Wake Up (Revelation 3:1-6)
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Wake Up (Revelation 3:1-6)

March 19, 2026 5:11 pm

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