St Johns Free Lutheran Church

05/30/2026

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We are deeply grateful for the freedoms we enjoy, and we hold the families of the fallen close in our prayers. May we always live in a way that honors their legacy. Join us in a moment of silent reflection today.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." — John 15:13

05/24/2026

The greatest event of all human history is Pentecost. What is the mystery to it's importance and how can we rightly understand it so that we can experience it as well.

05/21/2026

No one is meant to walk the road of faith alone. 🏃‍♂️ God intentionally designs our spiritual journeys to be shared, and one of the greatest accelerators for spiritual growth is having a spiritual role model!Whether you are navigating a new season of life, stepping into leadership, or simply trying to grow closer to Jesus, walking alongside someone who models the faith changes everything.

Scripture shows us that wisdom isn't just taught; it is caught by watching how mature believers live out their faith:

📖 "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." – 1 Corinthians 11:1

📖 "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." – Proverbs 13:20

Think of Elijah and Elisha, Paul and Timothy, or Ruth and Naomi. God uses seasoned believers to set a pattern of holy living, helping to encourage and protect those coming behind them.

Having a spiritual role model matters because it:
🛡️ Provides accountability: Their life shows us what staying on the right path looks like.

💡 Offers perspective: They share real-life wisdom learned from their own victories and mistakes.

🔥 Passes the torch: It ensures a living template of faith is handed down to the next generation.

You are never too young or old to need a godly example. You are never too mature to be a role model for someone

05/18/2026

We all want to shine bright for Jesus in a dark world, but we cannot reflect His light if we aren't spending time in His presence! 💡Think of it like a lamp. If it isn't plugged into the power source, it can't produce light. For believers, God's Word is our power source.Jesus calls us to be the light of the world, but the Psalmist reminds us how that light is fueled:📖 "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." – Psalm 119:105When we neglect reading our Bibles, our flame starts to flicker. We need Scripture because it:
🔥 Ignites our faith: You cannot share a fire you don't possess.
🧭 Directs our steps: It shows us how to live righteously in a confusing world.
❤️ Reveals His character: We can only reflect Christ when we truly know Him.
If you want to impact the world around you, start by opening your Bible today. Let His truth fill you up so His love can shine through you! ✨

05/16/2026

Need a moment to breathe, reflect, and find peace after a busy week?

Join us tomorrow at 10:00 AM as we gather to seek God's presence through worship and dive into His Word together. If you’ve been looking for hope, guidance, or simply a place to rest, you belong here.
✨ Time: Sunday at 10:00 AM✨
Location: 6004 Linnville Rd, Newark, OH, 43056
We are praying for you this weekend and can't wait to see you tomorrow!

05/15/2026

🤔 Do you know about Jesus, or do you truly know Him?There is a massive difference between information and intimacy.

The Pharisees knew everything about the scriptures, but they missed the Savior standing right in front of them. Jesus does not want your factual trivia; He wants your heart. He desires a deep, living relationship with you.✨
Take a Step Closer. Move past head knowledge. Spend quiet time in prayer, not just listing requests, but simply resting in His presence.

05/15/2026

📖 Righteous Judgment vs. Hypocrisy 📖

Have you ever stopped to think about how we measure others?The Bible gives us a clear template for how we are to hold one another accountable without falling into the trap of self-righteousness.

⚖️ The Rule of Measurement

Matthew 7:1-2 warns us: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged."

Before we point a finger at someone else's shortcomings, we must ask ourselves: Am I ready for God to judge me by that exact same standard?
🔍 Examine Your Own Eye FirstWe cannot effectively lead someone out of darkness if we are secretly practicing the exact same things. Jesus calls this hypocrisy (Matthew 7:5). True ministry requires us to repent and clear the "plank" out of our own eye first, so we can see clearly to help our neighbor.

🛡️ Discerning Right from WrongThis does not mean we tolerate sin or stay silent. John 7:24 tells us to "stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly." We are called to discern right from wrong based on God’s Word.

🗣️ The Duty to WarnTrue love does not watch a neighbor walk into danger or spiritual ruin without speaking up. As Ezekiel 33:9 reminds us, we have a holy responsibility to warn others when they are straying into dangerous paths. But we must do it with a broken heart, a clean conscience, and a desire to restore—not to condemn.

Let’s commit to being a church family that chooses right discernment over pointing fingers, and humble restoration over harsh judgment.