Sunday, March 31, 2019

Sermon -- 4th Sunday in Lent (March 31, 2019)

LUKE 15:1-3,11-32

THE FATHER GOES OUT FOR HIS WAYWARD SON.

In the name + of Jesus.

     The parable Jesus told, commonly referred to as “The Prodigal Son,” is a parable of both grace and warning.  Grace is shown to the younger son.  He surely did not deserve it; and, in fact, he himself admits to that.  He is dead on right when he makes his confession: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” (Luke 15:18,19)
     He had insisted upon receiving his share of the inheritance, taking a portion of his father’s estate before his father had even passed away.  He blew through all his money and goods in hedonistic, drunken, sleazy living.  He sullied the family name, disgracing his father as well as himself.  When the money ran out, his scarcity was made even worse because of a famine.  He was reduced to feeding slop to unclean animals.  He was not a good son, and for that matter not even much of a human being—so low his honor, so great his shame.  Still, he thought there might be hope with his father.  He reasoned, “How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!” (Luke 15:17)  He had squandered his place as a son, but even as a slave he would have at least some benefit of his father’s kindness.
     When the father saw the prodigal return, he went out for his wayward son.  He ran to him and showered him with grace.  He did not reluctantly take him back with conditions, reduce him to a slave, or put him under probation.  He put a robe on him.  He put the family signet ring on him.  He restored to him all the rights and privileges of a son, even making him an heir again!  This is grace—giving him gifts that he did not deserve.  The father went out of his way to bring back his wayward son.
     As endearing a parable as this is, and as much as this exemplifies God’s grace, the parable does not end with this joyful father-and-son reunion.  It is a parable of both grace and warning.  The warning is for Jesus’ target audience.  We should not fail to see who this parable is for.  St. Luke notes: Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear (Jesus).  And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:1-2)  This parable was not aimed at the reprobates, but at the religious.  We usually think of the wayward son is the younger son who squandered his father’s goods.  He was, but he was not the only wayward son.  The older son also showed disdain for his father because his father was so gracious.
     Pay attention to Jesus’ parable, because the older son is a warning for us.  The older son is the one who had never left his father’s house.  He was the dutiful son.  His behavior was not shameful or scandalous.  The older son was doing what you might expect a dutiful son to be doing—he was out working for his father.  Everything about the older son seemed commendable, until his little brother showed up.  When the older son came back home to find the celebration and learned what it was for, he refused to set foot in the house.  He was hurt and bitter.  He knew his brother did not deserve the joyful reception he got.  When he actually witnessed the extent of his father’s grace, he was outraged.
     The reason we take this to heart is because we are like the older son in the parable.  The older son is the long-time church-goer, just like most of us are.  You have benefited greatly by coming to God’s house for so long.  You have always been an heir of his kingdom.  But have you ever concluded that your place in our Father’s house has been earned because you have put in the time and the work?  Or that God's grace is for the worthy?  Beware.  That is not grace at all!
     Listen to the older son’s protest: “Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.  But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!” (Luke 15:29-30)  You do not have to stretch your imagination much to consider your own protest to God’s grace.  Look, Lord, I have been coming to church since I can remember.  I memorized Bible verses and the Small Catechism.  I was confirmed.  When co-workers went out Friday night to get drunk, I went home to my family.  When salesmen were getting awards for cheating their customers, I maintained my integrity and worked honestly.  There were no awards for that.  When friends were spewing out lies, gossip, and profanities like a lawn sprinkler, I kept my conversations clean and kind.  And now you’re telling me that there is salvation for those who are perverted, profane, and pagan?!
     The heavenly Father says, “Yes.”  The Lord Jesus Christ says, “Yes.”  For, the Father sent his Son to save sinners.  And Jesus came to interact with sinners so that he could save them.  The charge that was issued against Jesus was no lie: “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:2)  
     The Father goes out for the wayward sons.  He sent Jesus to bring them in.  Look what Jesus Christ squandered on the prostitutes, thieves, liars, and cheaters of the world.  He left his heavenly home and entered our world.  He exchanged his glory for humble weakness.  He exchanged his immortality for mortal flesh.  But much more than that—he exchanged his righteousness for sinful filth.  He exchanged his innocence for the slimy ways people act, for the criminal deeds people do, and for the hateful things people say.  His chaste life was sacrificed for fornicators.  His riches were expended on thieves.  His blessing was uttered to gossips and liars.  And he emptied himself completely for religious people who are full of themselves—who think they are better and they they deserve better.  Jesus gave himself completely for sinners.  The only ones who do not benefit from the Father’s grace are those who insist they have done their duty and demand their reward.  This is the warning.
     But the warning is issued so that you will not miss out on the Father's grace.  That is why the Father went out to his wayward son.  The father was grieved that the older son would forfeit all his blessings because of his own pride.  Rather than bawl out the older son for his arrogance—which he deserved, the father extended more grace by imploring him to come in and to celebrate what was good.  The father had to remind the older son that by bringing his brother in, the older son lost nothing.  “He said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.  It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’” (Luke 15:31-32)
     The father went out to his wayward son because he despised grace.  If you have been a life-long believer, remember: No son ever has earned his place in the father’s house.  You did not choose to be here.  God brought you in.  You were born again of water and the word by which the Father has made you his child—a beneficiary of his grace and an heir of his kingdom.  And no son is deprived of his father’s good things, no matter how many more are added to the family.  If you do not feel like God gushes over you, then you have forgotten what benefits God pours out on you every day.  There is no shortage of forgiveness, no limits on comfort, and no end of peace.  The Father never withdraws love from you so that he can show it to someone else.  All that is his is yours.  God does, indeed, gush over you, and he continually gushes his gifts upon you.
     Therefore, if Good Shepherd all of a sudden saw an influx of wayward people—addicts and pole dancers, Muslims and Hindus, sex offenders and felons, people who are obnoxious, arrogant, and braggarts, we have reasons to rejoice.  It means that God loves sinners.  It means that God is still gracious.  It means that the Father still seeks wayward people and wants to celebrate their place in his family.  And he wants you to rejoice with him.  For, no one deserves to be a son.  No one deserves to benefit from the Father’s riches.  And no one ever earns an inheritance.  Nevertheless, the Father gives it all.  He is pleased to bring people into his family and grant all good things to them.  Do not despise his grace, but rejoice in it.  For, his grace is for you, too.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Update from Good Shepherd (March 28, 2019)

Greetings!


REGULAR SCHEDULE
        Our Divine Services are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
       Thursday services at 3:30 PM are also offered, but call or text to confirm you are coming (248-719-5218).  If no one calls to confirm their attendance, he may not be at the church.

SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS
        Our Sunday School & Adult Bible Class meet at 8:45 AM.

OFFICE HOURS Regular office hours at Good Shepherd will be Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. While there may be some flexibility to this schedule, we will
try to keep it as regular as possible.

EVANGELISM SEMINAR / EASTER OUTREACH PREP
On Monday, April 1, we will have our bi-annual Evangelism Seminar.  This will be
for the whole congregation, especially to gear up for Easter outreach and Easter Sunday. 
We will show a DVD entitled, "To the Ends of the Earth." It highlights St. Paul's preaching
in the city of Philippi where he encountered various kinds of people who needed the good
news of Jesus to give them comfort, hope, and deliverance from sin, death, and the devil.
After viewing this DVD, we will consider the kinds of people we know who also need this.
Then we will hand out postcards for you to invite friends and acquaintances to our Easter
service. We are hoping to have at least 20 guests join us on Easter Sunday. But that only
happens if we are all engaged in this outreach.
Our plans begin on Monday, April 1 from 7:00-8:00 PM.

Mid-Week Lenten Vespers
During the Lenten season
, we offer additional services to ponder the sufferings and death of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The Lenten series, based on the theme, “Three Words of Truth,” is below.  Lenten Vespers (an evening prayer service) begins at 7:00 PM; a supper is served at 6:00 PM.  If you are interested in helping provide food for the supper, please speak to Pastor Schroeder, Dan Rauchholz, or Brian Wilder.
April 3   “I Am He.”  -- John 18:3-9 
April 10   “What Is Truth?” -- John 18:33-40

Mid-Week Lenten Suppers
The schedule for our Lenten suppers is as follows:

April 3   -- Church Council
April 10   -- Ladies of Good Shepherd

ADULT BIBLE CLASS  —  Galatians
       Our Adult Bible Class will read through St. Paul's letter to the Galatians.  The main purpose of this letter was to offer correction and encouragement to a congregation which was convinced that human effort must be added to the Gospel promises to be assured of one's place in the kingdom of God.  This is a constant struggle that we face, convinced that our salvation is somehow based on our performance or worthiness.  This epistle, perhaps more than any other, teaches us what it means that we are saved “by faith alone.”
      March 31        We are saved by faith alone.  -  Galatians 3:1-18
      April 7             Is the Law opposed to the Gospel? -  Galatians 3:19-29
      April 14           Are we slaves or are we free?  -  Galatians 4:1-31
      April 21           EASTER BREAKFAST
      April 28          How do we exercise our Christian freedom? -  Galatians 5:1-15
      May 5              Examination of Catechumen / Catechism review
      May 12            We are at the same time sinner and saint. -  Galatians 5:16-26
      May 19            Let us care for and encourage one another. -  Galatians 6:1-18

EASTER FOR KIDS
On Saturday, April 13, we will have an Easter for Kids celebration for kids from age 3 through 6th grade.  We will meet 9:00-11:00 AM.  Come and listen to the Easter Story, sing songs, enjoy an Easter egg hunt, make a craft, make Easter cards for the elderly, make friends, and have fun!
        Join us and bring your friends!  We have lots of room for you.  To register, call or email the church (248-349-0565 or welsnovi@aol.com). 
        Parents are welcome to stay and watch or pick up their children when our time is done.  

EASTER BREAKFAST
Easter is coming up on Sunday, April 21.  In order to make sure that we provide a hearty breakfast for all who join us and to keep our Easter breakfast free of charge, we encourage our members to contribute food for the morning.  To RSVP for the Easter breakfast and to indicate what food you would bring, go to this Sign Up Genius link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050d48a4a82eabfd0-easter

Thanks in advance for your willing participation.  Also, bring family and friends.  We want them to join us too!

SUNDAY NIGHT BIBLE SERIES
  Our next session for our Sunday Night Bible Series will be Sunday, April 14
at 6:00 PM. This series, entitled “Eating God's Sacrifice,” explores the Lord's
Supper portrayal in the Old Testament sacrifices. While the Sacrament of the
Lord's Supper flows from the Passover, its roots and forgiveness come from all
the Old Testament sacrifices. After viewing each DVD segment, Pastor Purdue
and Pastor Schroeder will lead a discussion about the material which is in the
DVD. All sessions will begin at 6:00 PM. These are intended to be interactive
discussions as well as informational. Desserts and snacks will be served. All
are welcome. 


WELS YOUTH RALLY
        Join Us for the 2019 WELS Regional Youth Rally in West Virginia!
        This year's regional Youth Rally will take place at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, from July 15-18th. The Michigan District and North Atlantic District will again be partnering on this project.
The event will be similar to the rallies held at Villanova in 2015 and at Xavier in 2017. Students and chaperones will have the chance to join fellow WELS members from around the country for worship, Bible study, games, exploring the West Virginia countryside, a trip to an amusement park, and much more!
        You can find Rally information at welsyouth.net or simply click the link below.

DO YOU LIKE US?
Look for Good Shepherd on Facebook.  Then “LIKE” us for updates and other postings.

God bless you.

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder
==============================
DIVINE SERVICES
     Sundays at 10:00 AM
     Thursdays at 3:30 PM (call or text 248-719-5218 to confirm)

SUNDAY SCHOOL
     Sundays at 8:45 AM

ADULT BIBLE CLASS
     Sundays at 8:45 AM

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG

Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church
41415 W. Nine Mile Road
Novi, Michigan  48375-4306
+   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +
Divine Services -- Sundays at 10:00 AM

The Pastor's Prayers -- Prayer before entering the sanctuary

I recently discovered a treasure trove of prayers which represent many nationalities, eras, and saints from the Christian Church.  These have been compiled by Rev. Paul Stratman, with whom I had attended both college and seminary.  (Rev. Stratman was a few years ahead of me.)  Rev. Stratman has assembled many prayers from many sources and, when it was necessary, cleaned up some phrases which did not faithfully confess the Scriptures.

This source for prayers, A Collection of Prayers, can be accessed by anyone and proves very valuable for Christians.  What I especially like about this collection is that it demonstrates the catholicity of the Christian Church.  Each of us is not his own entity; we are the body of Christ which is connected despite borders, languages, race, or even time.

A quick perusal through the prayers has unveiled a prayer by St. John Chrysostom (ca. 349 - September 14, 407), archbishop of Constantinople, which I will now be using after vesting and just before entering the sanctuary to conduct the service.  Here is the pastor's prayer for that occasion:

Lord, 
God of inconceivable power,
incomprehensible glory,
immeasurable mercy,
unspeakable kindness,
look on us in your tender love
and show your rich mercy and compassion 
to us and those who pray with us.
Amen.

Source: Liturgy of St. Chrysostom, fourth century

Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953




Further acknowledgement: Pastor Stratman's website was first made known to me through Gene E. Veith's blog: Cranach: The Blog of Veith.

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Sermon -- 3rd Sunday in Lent (March 24, 2019)

EXODUS 3:1-8b,10-15

THE LORD IS REMEMBERED 
AS YOUR DELIVERER.

In the name + of Jesus.

     The Lord Jesus taught us to pray, “Deliver us from evil.”  No doubt, that is a heart-felt prayer by many Christians.  We all have different evils that come to mind when we pray that, depending upon what we are going through.  We either pray that we never have to face certain difficulties, trials, and sorrows, or we plead that God would relieve us from the ones we are facing.  Brothers and sisters, the day is coming when we will be delivered from every form of evil that exists.  The Lord is remembered as your deliverer.  On the Last Day, our Lord will deliver us to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.  Then, everything will be right.  Everything will be restored to the perfection that God has always intended us to have.
     Until that day, we will have to deal with various difficulties, trials, and sorrows.  However, even these God uses for our good.  We have this promise: We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)  God makes use of the evils of this world for our eternal good.
     Consider the Israelites.  For many generations, they were enslaved by the Egyptians and pressed into hard labor.  It was a bitter existence, and we would never want to endure what they did.  While they were enduring this hardship, God was still with them and even blessed them.  God blessed them not with money or freedom, but with children.  They grew into a great nation while they were slaves in Egypt.  Do not think lightly of this blessing.  Money and freedom are temporary blessings.  Children you will get to have forever in heaven, by God's grace.  Still, it did not feel like God was blessing them, or even remembered them.  Life was hard.  And no doubt, many Israelites were praying, “Deliver us from evil.”
     In this way, God used their hardships for their good.  If they had built luxury condos and set up a thriving, comfortable community in Egypt, they would have settled in nicely.  They would have had no desire to see the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  They might have even forgotten about God's promised Savior.  If life were that wonderful, who would want to be saved from it?  But the Lord used their hardships so that they would long for something better and cry out for deliverance.
     The cries of the Israelites were not hopeless dreams, either.  They were based on promises.  God had promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that he would deliver their descendants to the Promised Land, and that he would bring a Savior into the world through them.  So, when Israel cried out, they cried out holding on to a promise that God had made, and they were holding God to that promise.  True to his word, the Lord acted.  The LORD said [to Moses], “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters.  I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey...” (Exodus 3:7-8)
     The hardships you face do not rise to the level of the Israelites enslaved in Egypt.  But that does not make them any less painful or frustrating for you.  Still, God uses those hardships for your eternal good.  Your hardships and your pains are a constant reminder that this world is corrupt and dying.  Nothing here is permanent, and therefore, nothing here is reliable.  We tend to trust in the blessings we can touch and hold, but they are taken away by being stolen, broken, worn out, or by dying.  When we are dealt our problems, we want someone to blame for them.  Often, that falls to God.  The devil convinces us that, if God truly loves us, he would spare us from heartache and difficulties.  But God did not make the Egyptians oppressive and abusive to the Israelites.  The sinful ambition of the Egyptians drove them to that.  And God is not the one who brought sin and death into the world.  Man did that, and now we suffer the consequences.  Some consequences come because the world is broken and bad things happen.  Some we bring on ourselves because of our sinful choices.  God is not the reason evil is in the world; but God is the one who can deliver you from them all.
     The Lord is remembered as your deliverer, and he uses even the evils of this world for your good.  Because of them, you long to be delivered from a world of sin and to receive a better home.  Because of them, you pray to the Lord for mercy and for strength to endure.  In short, they drive you to Jesus.  Just like the Israelites', your cries are not wishful thinking or empty dreams.  You have been given promises by God that he will bring this deliverance to you.  The Lord is remembered as a deliverer.
     Although the Lord had allowed the Israelites to endure about 400 years of hardship, he had not forgotten them.  When God was ready to act, he called Moses to act for him to deliver Israel out of Egypt.  Moses was not eager to do it.  God said, “Tough.  You're doing it.  Go!”  Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?”  God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.”  And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:13-14)
     The Lord calls himself “I AM.”  That means he is eternal.  He is always “I AM.”  In the Garden of Eden, he is I AM.  At the burning bush, he is I AM.  When he took on flesh to save mankind, he is I AM.  And in the midst of your life and struggles, he is I AM.  Since he does not change, neither do his compassion and his promises.  Though he is eternal, this God entered our time to save us from all that is temporary and passing away.  He came to give us a life without end.  The Lord is remembered as our deliverer.
     But a life without end would actually be torturous if we were to keep on living in a world of difficulties, trials, and sorrows.  The Lord also delivers us from that.  As the “I AM,” the Lord is independent of everything.  He is not affected by the troubles of this sinful world, just as he is not affected by sin itself.  If we as the human race managed to destroy ourselves, God would not be changed.  The “I AM” would still be holy, glorious, almighty, and merciful.  But rather than keep his distance from sinful creatures, the Lord invested himself into saving us from sin, death, and every form of evil.  The Lord is remembered as a deliverer.  For the Lord entered our world as a man, submitting himself to all of the pains, sorrows, and hardships that we know.  He grieved over the sick and the dying.  He made fellowship with those who had messed up their lives with sinful choices.  He gave himself into the hands of those who plotted against him, who sought his death, and who mocked him while he died.  But all these things the Lord did for them, and for us.  Although he is independent of us, he invested himself in this world.  He gave his life as the ransom price to deliver us out of the curse of our sin and the consequences of our sin in this sinful world.  We are wholly dependent upon Jesus for our deliverance from sin, from death, and from every form of evil.  But Jesus has demonstrated that we are right to depend upon him fully for deliverance from all of these.  When we cry out to Jesus, we are clinging to promises of forgiveness and salvation.  We are holding Jesus to those promises, and we are right to do so.  For he is to be remembered as our deliverer.
     The Lord revealed himself to Moses and declared: “This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.” (Exodus 3:15)  The Lord is remembered as our deliverer.  Whatever evils you are enduring, they are not everlasting.  The mercies and promises of our Lord are.  The day will come when Jesus will deliver you out of a corrupt and dying world and will free you from your corrupt and dying body.  He will deliver you from every form of evil, and he will give a perfect and permanent answer to all your prayers.  For, he will make all things right.  He will raise you up from the dead to life everlasting, and he will restore his creation to a flawless condition.  The Lord entered our sinful world and our temporary time to deliver us to everlasting, heavenly glory.  And we will praise him then as we remember him now—as our gracious deliverer.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. 

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Update from Good Shepherd (March 21, 2019)

Greetings!


REGULAR SCHEDULE
        Our Divine Services are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
       Thursday services at 3:30 PM are also offered, but call or text to confirm you are coming (248-719-5218).  If no one calls to confirm their attendance, he may not be at the church.

SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS
        Our Sunday School & Adult Bible Class meet at 8:45 AM.

OFFICE HOURS Regular office hours at Good Shepherd will be Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. While there may be some flexibility to this schedule, we will
try to keep it as regular as possible.


EVANGELISM SEMINAR / EASTER OUTREACH PREP
On Monday, April 1, we will have our bi-annual Evangelism Seminar.  This will be
for the whole congregation, especially to gear up for Easter outreach and Easter Sunday. 
We will show a DVD entitled, “To the Ends of the Earth.”  It highlights St. Paul's preaching
in the city of Philippi where he encountered various kinds of people who needed the good
news of Jesus to give them comfort, hope, and deliverance from sin, death, and the devil. 
After viewing this DVD, we will consider the kinds of people we know who also need this. 
Then we will hand out postcards for you to invite friends and acquaintances to our Easter
service.  We are hoping to have at least 20 guests join us on Easter Sunday.  But that only
happens if we are all engaged in this outreach.
Our plans begin on Monday, April 1 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM.  

Mid-Week Lenten Vespers
During the Lenten season
, we offer additional services to ponder the sufferings and death of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The Lenten series, based on the theme, “Three Words of Truth,” is below.  Lenten Vespers (an evening prayer service) begins at 7:00 PM; a supper is served at 6:00 PM.  If you are interested in helping provide food for the supper, please speak to Pastor Schroeder, Dan Rauchholz, or Brian Wilder.
March 27  “Away With Him!”-- John 19:14-18
April 3   “I Am He.”  -- John 18:3-9 
April 10   “What Is Truth?” -- John 18:33-40

Mid-Week Lenten Suppers
The schedule for our Lenten suppers is as follows:

March 27  -- Church Council
April 3   -- Church Council
April 10   -- Ladies of Good Shepherd


ADULT BIBLE CLASS  —  Galatians
       Our Adult Bible Class will read through St. Paul's letter to the Galatians.  The main purpose of this letter was to offer correction and encouragement to a congregation which was convinced that human effort must be added to the Gospel promises to be assured of one's place in the kingdom of God.  This is a constant struggle that we face, convinced that our salvation is somehow based on our performance or worthiness.  This epistle, perhaps more than any other, teaches us what it means that we are saved “by faith alone.”
      March 24       Does the Gospel need help to do its work? -  Galatians 2:1-24
      March 31        We are saved by faith alone.  -  Galatians 3:1-18
      April 7             Is the Law opposed to the Gospel? -  Galatians 3:19-29
      April 14           Are we slaves or are we free?  -  Galatians 4:1-31
      April 21           EASTER BREAKFAST
      April 28          How do we exercise our Christian freedom? -  Galatians 5:1-15
      May 5              Examination of Catechumen / Catechism review
      May 12            We are at the same time sinner and saint. -  Galatians 5:16-26
      May 19            Let us care for and encourage one another. -  Galatians 6:1-18

Spring Fellowship Dinner - I don’t care what the weather says. 
        In place of our progressive dinner this year, we are opting to have a simple fellowship dinner, to be hosted at Resting Rock Estate (AKA, Dan R's House) THIS SATURDAY (March 23).  Start time approximately 6:00 pm.  Please use the Sign Up Genius link below to let us know how many will be coming so we can plan as well as what you may be able bring. 

SUNDAY NIGHT BIBLE SERIES
  Our next session for our Sunday Night Bible Series will be Sunday, April 14
at 6:00 PM. This series, entitled “Eating God's Sacrifice,” explores the Lord's
Supper portrayal in the Old Testament sacrifices. While the Sacrament of the
Lord's Supper flows from the Passover, its roots and forgiveness come from all
the Old Testament sacrifices. After viewing each DVD segment, Pastor Purdue
and Pastor Schroeder will lead a discussion about the material which is in the
DVD. All sessions will begin at 6:00 PM. These are intended to be interactive
discussions as well as informational. Desserts and snacks will be served. All
are welcome. 


WELS YOUTH RALLY
        Join Us for the 2019 WELS Regional Youth Rally in West Virginia!
        This year's regional Youth Rally will take place at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, from July 15-18th. The Michigan District and North Atlantic District will again be partnering on this project.
The event will be similar to the rallies held at Villanova in 2015 and at Xavier in 2017. Students and chaperones will have the chance to join fellow WELS members from around the country for worship, Bible study, games, exploring the West Virginia countryside, a trip to an amusement park, and much more!
        You can find Rally information at welsyouth.net or simply click the link below.

DO YOU LIKE US?
Look for Good Shepherd on Facebook.  Then “LIKE” us for updates and other postings.

BAD WEATHER POLICY FOR SERVICES AT GOOD SHEPHERD
        For future reference (or a reminder) here is the bad weather policy for Good Shepherd services:
        We will always have services as scheduled at Good Shepherd.  Since I live across the parking lot, I can get to the church no matter how bad the weather gets.  Even if the service is just me and my family, we will be here.  For everyone else, please use your God-given common sense to determine whether or not you will get on the road to attend any service when the weather is bad.  We don't want anyone to risk his or her life to be here.  But if you do venture out, the scheduled service will take place.  It may be only a handful with a capella singing and/or spoken liturgy, but we will be here.
        Bible Classes and meetings may be cancelled due to weather.  Check your email regarding announcements to see if any of those scheduled events is cancelled.  If there is no email about it, it is not cancelled.  But again, use common sense to determine if you can make it, and call the pastor to let him know if you will not be coming.

God bless you.

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder
==============================
DIVINE SERVICES
     Sundays at 10:00 AM
     Thursdays at 3:30 PM (call or text 248-719-5218 to confirm)

SUNDAY SCHOOL
     Sundays at 8:45 AM

ADULT BIBLE CLASS
     Sundays at 8:45 AM

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG

Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church
41415 W. Nine Mile Road
Novi, Michigan  48375-4306
+   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +
Divine Services -- Sundays at 10:00 AM

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Sermon -- Lenten Vespers (March 13 & 20, 2019)

This sermon was preached at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Belleville and St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Plymouth on Wednesday, March 13 and Wednesday, March 20 respectively.

JOHN 13:31-35

THREE WORDS OF TRUTH: Love One Another.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, gave a new commandment.  The old commandment was good and it directs us to what is good: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18)  If we do this, we fulfill the Law.  We do not do what is evil.  We do not do harm to our neighbor through violence and anger, or through slanderous lips, lustful eyes, or covetous hearts.  Rather, we strive to do what is good.  We befriend him in every bodily need.  We encourage him to love and honor his wife.  We do all we can to help him improve his property and means of income.  We defend him, speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything.  We do this as much as we want our neighbor do this for us.  This Law is good.  In fact, it is perfect. 
     But Jesus gives a new commandment and ups the ante.  “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)  This new commandment is not only given by Jesus, it was also exemplified by him.  Jesus loved us beyond loving himself.  He emptied himself for us.  He covered debts that he did not accumulate.  He suffered punishments he did not deserve.  And he credited us with work that we did not do, but that he did for us.  In loving us, Jesus spared no expense.
     Jesus did not merely give us time and attention.  He gave us his whole life.  He took up our cause.  And it was not a just cause that he assumed.  A just cause is defending the rights of one who has been falsely accused.  A just cause seeks to aid someone who has been wrongly fired, was hammered with medical bills because of a prolonged sickness, or injured in an accident.  But our sinful condition is no accident.  Sin entered the world through person, and every person since has added his own wicked infractions to the world's evils.  But Jesus demonstrated love beyond just causes.  Jesus does not defend the falsely accused.  Jesus acts to deliver those who are undeniably guilty and from their just punishment.  Jesus' mercy should not be assumed, and his grace should not be expected.  Nevertheless, it is given.  He suffered our death and absorbed our damnation; we receive pardon and a completely different kind of life sentence.  We have God's blessing.  We receive a resurrection to glory.  Jesus is the only Son of God, but now we are included in the inheritance, too.  This is the love Jesus has for you.  And now he says: “Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34)  
     You know that Jesus' command is good.  It has certainly been good for you; for, it saved you.  You know that Jesus' commandment would surely be good for others.  And you know that it is the right thing to do.  But how hard it is for us to do the right thing!  Even when we know that it is right and good to love one another as Jesus has loved us, we recoil.  For, we know that such love can easily be taken advantage of.  We know that it will cost us.  We are willing to give up money that we can spare.  We are willing to give time and effort that will be repaid.  We can love those who love us back.  But to seek the good of others at our own expense—an expense never to be returned—this is too hard for us. 
     We always consider other people by what they are worth or how we can benefit from them.  It does not take long to think up a list of people whom we can dismiss.  All I have to do is say, “You know the kind of people I am talking about,” and you do.  We all have our own lists.  We not only think it is good if we can dismiss them, we think we should!  And yet, Jesus says, “Love them.  As I have loved you, love them.”  Now, if you insist, “Jesus wasn't talking about those outside the church, he said, 'Love one another.'  He means us.”  We still don't want to do that.  When we give our love, we are always counting the cost.  We are always gauging—who is worth investing myself for them?  It should make you wonder: Has my heart been converted at all?  Repent.
     Jesus told his disciples: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” (John 13:34)  The good news is that Jesus did love you as he commanded.  Your place in God's kingdom is not based on how well you love your neighbor, your fellow Christian, or even on how much you love Jesus.  It is based entirely on how much Jesus has loved you.  That love is revealed by Jesus fulfilling all the commandments of the Father on your behalf.  Jesus perfectly loved his disciples who were often slow to understand his word but quick to debate which of them was the most important.  Jesus perfectly loved the sick who begged him for healing as well as the crowds who sought him out and infringed on his private time.  Jesus even perfectly loved those who betrayed him, who fled from him, who denied him, and who cried out for his crucifixion.  Do you think these things did not cost him?  Do you think anyone ever could repay him?  Do you recognize that many were never grateful for his perfect love, but still rejected him?  And yet, he loved them all—seeking their eternal good and obtaining it by his innocent death on their behalf.  If any perish, it is not because Jesus failed to love them or give everything to win their forgiveness.  See how Jesus does so deeply and perfectly love you, too!
     This is how Jesus revealed the glory of God to you.  Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.  If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once.” (John 13:31-32)  God's glory is this: He loves and saves sinners.  God the Father sent his Son, Jesus, to display God's glory in saving us.  It was the Father's will that his Son would cover our wickedness with his goodness and atone for our cold hearts by taking the Father's fiery judgment.  Jesus willingly came to glorify his Father by doing all that his Father desired.  Jesus' glory is that he fulfills his Father's will and, in doing so, delivers us from death.
     What's more, Jesus has also sent his Holy Spirit to convert our hearts to fear, love, and trust in him above all things.  He transforms our minds so that we are no longer turned in on ourselves, thinking only of our benefits.  Our Lord has taught us that all people are the beneficiaries of his love.  Since our Lord has compassion on all, so shall we.  The Lord changes our hearts and minds, and he strengthens our will so that we actually do desire and work for the good of our fellow Christians, our fellow man, and even of our enemies.  This doesn't mean you will be buddies with everyone, but you certainly can seek the good of everyone.  This is the love Jesus seeks in us, and produces in us. 
     “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)  I don't know if anyone who watches us will be convinced that we are disciples of Jesus by the way we love others.  But do not fret over that.  Our goal is not to hear their appraisal or to gain their praise.  Our goal is simply this: “Love one another.”  We invest ourselves in the good of our neighbor—whether he is grateful for it or mocks it.  But our confidence is that our Lord Jesus Christ loves us.  His love for us abounds far beyond what anyone could repay, could replicate, or could grasp.  That is the love that saves us.  That is what we rejoice in.  And that is what makes us his disciples.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. 

Today's Earworm: Jazzman by Carole King

This has been an earworm for the past few days.  Quite frankly, I'd like to keep this one going for a while.  I remember Jazzman when I was a little kid, and it never got much air play outside the 70's.  I also remembered when it showed up on the Simpsons, and that was the first time in years that I had heard it.  Thanks to YouTube, I can hear it over and over again.

So, here it is--both the studio version and a live version.  Enjoy!



Sunday, March 17, 2019

Sermon -- 2nd Sunday in Lent (March 17, 2019)

LUKE 13:31-35

HE YEARNS TO SAVE
EVEN THE REBELS.

In the name + of Jesus.

     When the prophet Jonah was called by God to go to Nineveh and preach repentance to Assyria, Jonah got on a ship which was bound for the opposite direction.  He feared that God's word would lead Israel's enemy to repent and that God would be merciful to them.  When Elijah preached, he called the northern tribes of Israel to return to worshiping the Lord alone and to reject Baal, the Canaanite god of fertility.  Queen Jezebel vowed death to Elijah, and Elijah fled the country—some 280 miles south, down to Mt. Sinai.  God's prophets had been influenced by fear, causing them to flee from their duties.  The Pharisees were banking on the same reaction from Jesus.
     At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” (Luke 13:31)  They had hoped that the same fear that caused Jonah and Elijah to flee would be seen in Jesus.  Such fear would certainly discredit one who claimed to be the Messiah, the Son of God.  But Jesus was not shaken.  Whether the threat from Herod was real or not, who knows?  But what Jesus did know was what the Scriptures had foretold.  Jesus knew that his end would not come in Galilee, but in Jerusalem.  Therefore, he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.  Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’” (Luke 13:32-33)  That reply may have been for the benefit of Herod, but it was more likely directed at the Pharisees.  Jesus made it clear: He would not be distracted from his goal.  He would preach.  He would heal.  He would have mercy.  And he would go to Jerusalem where he would be slain.  For, Jesus' desire was to do the work to save us.
     After Jesus expressed his destination—both the end of his journey and the end of his life—he expressed a lament.  “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!  How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Luke 13:34)  Jerusalem did not have a good track record with God's prophets.  They were resistant.  They were rebellious.  They even killed prophets who did nothing to them but call them back to God's word.  You'd think that Jesus would have turned his back on Jerusalem, or rained down judgment on them.  Instead, he had compassion.  He was compelled to go there to suffer all things in order to redeem them.  For, he yearns to save even the rebels.
     The love that Jesus has for sinners really cannot be disputed.  Consider what he longs for:  Jerusalem, you kill the prophets.  How often would I have gathered you to myself!  Jerusalem, you stone those sent to you.  How often would I have gathered you to myself!   Contemporaries of Noah, I gave you 120 years to repent before the destructive Flood.  People of Canaan, I was patient with you for 400 years, hoping you would forsake your perverse worship and child sacrifices.  Israel, I called you again and again to be a faithful bride to your Lord.  How often would I have gathered you to myself!  But you were not willing.  You chased after others and gave your love to them.  You were seduced by the promises of false gods who promised you endless happiness which they could never deliver.  In turn, you rejected a peaceful conscience and eternal joys.
     The love that Jesus has for you cannot be disputed, either.  He promises to be with you, to watch over you, and to supply all your needs.  He assures you that everything that comes to you will work for your eternal good—even if it is hard, unpleasant, and painful.  He never lies to you.  He calls out to you in his word.  He declares to you what a good life looks like, and he tells you to live according to his Commandments.  To do so is to love your neighbor.  To do so is to respond to his gracious love with willing and obedient devotion.  To do so is to be faithful to him who yearns for your salvation.
     The faults we have seen in past sinners is repeated in present day sinners.  Our sinful flesh is not content with God's word, and we are disappointed in God's blessings.  We expect more from God, and we notice that the world promises it.  The world presents endless pleasures—luxuries, delicacies, and instant gratification.  And yet, with all the comforts that we enjoy in our suburban American lifestyle, we are still not satisfied.  The cravings continue.  We often medicate ourselves with food, drink, sports, shopping, or whatever.  We keep running back to these, hoping that they will finally satisfy us, but they never do.  We never have enough.  Even if the world grants you your every wish, it will still not save you from the grave.  And it will not give you a refuge in the judgment.  Many people find out too late that the seductive and enticing voices were lying voices.  No matter how false gods disguise themselves, they do not save.  They cannot alleviate your guilt.  They offer no consolation for your fears.  They provide no hope.
     “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, … how often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Luke 13:34)  There will always be people who seek comfort and happiness from this world and its thrills.  They devote themselves to their cravings, hoping instant gratification will lead to lasting gratification.  They will not heed Jesus' word, and they do not desire his gifts.  If people remain rebellious against Jesus, he will not force his way upon them.  He does not abduct anyone into his kingdom.  He grants their wish and says with regret: “Behold, your house is forsaken.” (Luke 13:35)
     But that does not mean he delights in the demise of anyone.  He yearns to save even the rebels.  We, too, have often strayed and sought our joy from worldly cravings.  Nevertheless, the Lord still desires our salvation.  Jesus does not utter empty words when he says:  “How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings...” (Luke 13:34)  Jesus Christ has come to save sinners.  He yearns to save even the rebels.  And that is why Jesus was earnestly headed to Jerusalem.  He would not be scared off by the threats of Herod, not by the deception of the Pharisees, not by his disappointing rejection at Jerusalem, and not even by our weaknesses and rebellions.  Rather, Jesus came to atone for all of it.  For he is always faithful to his Father, to his mission, and to you.
     Jesus yearns to save even the rebels.  He went to Jerusalem where he delivered himself up to death for our rebellions.  He heeded the word of his Father who sent him to die for us and for all.  As Isaiah had foretold it: He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)  The righteous one was slain for our rebellions, and the rebels are declared innocent and set free.
     You may have heard the story of park rangers at Yellowstone National Park going to inspect the damage after a forest fire.  They came upon the charred remains of a bird, huddled in its nest.  When they removed the charred bird, they found underneath its chicks, still alive and crying to be fed.  That mama bird gave itself up for her chicks.  So also, the Lord Jesus spread out his arms at the cross and gathered us all under his protection as a hen covers her brood under her wings.  He protects you from judgment; for he has taken your sins from you.  He protects you from the Father's wrath; for he has taken the blows for you.  He protects you even from death because he has destroyed the power of death and will raise you up to live in glory with him.
     He yearns to save even the rebels.  No matter how much you have done or how often you have strayed from him, he longs to save you.  And to strengthen you so that you are not enticed by the world's empty promises, he sustains you with heavenly food by which he keeps you in his care.  Therefore, we sing, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (Luke 13:35), because we know that he is coming with his gifts to save us.  He gathers us together often to encourage, to comfort, to bless, and to save.  He drives away fear, death, and disappointment.  He satisfies us with good things, for his gifts have eternal value and deliver everlasting benefits.  He yearns for you to have all of these, and so he gives them freely and frequently—even to rebels.

In the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen. 

St. Patrick's Day and the Holy Trinity. Come on, Patrick!

Here is the annual St. Patrick's Day post, as St. Patrick attempts to teach the Trinity to some friendly Irish folks.  Come on, Patrick!

Enjoy.


Thursday, March 14, 2019

Update from Good Shepherd (March 14, 2019)

Greetings!



REGULAR SCHEDULE
        Our Divine Services are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
       Thursday services at 3:30 PM are also offered, but call or text to confirm you are coming (248-719-5218).  If no one calls to confirm their attendance, he may not be at the church.

SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS
        Our Sunday School & Adult Bible Class meet at 8:45 AM.

OFFICE HOURS Regular office hours at Good Shepherd will be Mondays, Tuesdays,
and Thursdays from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. While there may be some
flexibility to this schedule, we will try to keep it as regular as possible.

Mid-Week Lenten Vespers
During the Lenten season
, we offer additional services to ponder the sufferings and death of our Lord Jesus Christ.  The Lenten series, based on the theme, “Three Words of Truth,” is below.  Lenten Vespers (an evening prayer service) begins at 7:00 PM; a supper is served at 6:00 PM.  If you are interested in helping provide food for the supper, please speak to Pastor Schroeder, Dan Rauchholz, or Brian Wilder.
March 20         “Watch and pray.” -- Matthew 26:35-41
March 27
  “Take him away!”-- John 19:14-18
April 3   “I am he.”  -- John 18:3-9 
April 10   “What is truth?” -- John 18:33-40

Mid-Week Lenten Suppers
The schedule for our Lenten suppers is as follows:

March 20  -- Church Council
March 27  -- Church Council
April 3   -- Church Council
April 10   -- Ladies of Good Shepherd


ADULT BIBLE CLASS  —  Galatians
       Our Adult Bible Class will read through St. Paul's letter to the Galatians.  The main purpose of this letter was to offer correction and encouragement to a congregation which was convinced that human effort must be added to the Gospel promises to be assured of one's place in the kingdom of God.  This is a constant struggle that we face, convinced that our salvation is somehow based on our performance or worthiness.  This epistle, perhaps more than any other, teaches us what it means that we are saved “by faith alone.”
      March 17        St. Paul was called to apostleship. -  Galatians 1:11-24
      March 24       Does the Gospel need help to do its work? -  Galatians 2:1-24
      March 31        We are saved by faith alone.  -  Galatians 3:1-18
      April 7             Is the Law opposed to the Gospel? -  Galatians 3:19-29
      April 14           Are we slaves or are we free?  -  Galatians 4:1-31
      April 21           EASTER BREAKFAST
      April 28          How do we exercise our Christian freedom? -  Galatians 5:1-15
      May 5              Examination of Catechumen / Catechism review
      May 12            We are at the same time sinner and saint. -  Galatians 5:16-26
      May 19            Let us care for and encourage one another. -  Galatians 6:1-18

Spring Fellowship Dinner - I don’t care what the weather says. 
        In place of our progressive dinner this year, we are opting to have a simple fellowship dinner, to be hosted at Resting Rock Estate (AKA, Dan R's House) on March 23. Start time approximately 6:00 pm.  Please use the Sign Up Genius link below to let us know how many will be coming so we can plan as well as what you may be able bring. 

SUNDAY NIGHT BIBLE SERIES
      Our next session for our Sunday Night Bible Series will be Sunday, April 14
at 6:00 PM. This series, entitled “Eating God's Sacrifice,” explores the Lord's
Supper portrayal in the Old Testament sacrifices. While the Sacrament of the
Lord's Supper flows from the Passover, its roots and forgiveness come from all
the Old Testament sacrifices. After viewing each DVD segment, Pastor Purdue
and Pastor Schroeder will lead a discussion about the material which is in the
DVD. All sessions will begin at 6:00 PM. These are intended to be interactive
discussions as well as informational. Desserts and snacks will be served. All
are welcome. 

WELS YOUTH RALLY
        Join Us for the 2019 WELS Regional Youth Rally in West Virginia!
        This year's regional Youth Rally will take place at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, from July 15-18th. The Michigan District and North Atlantic District will again be partnering on this project.
The event will be similar to the rallies held at Villanova in 2015 and at Xavier in 2017. Students and chaperones will have the chance to join fellow WELS members from around the country for worship, Bible study, games, exploring the West Virginia countryside, a trip to an amusement park, and much more!
        Earlybird online registration is already open! Save now by registering before March 16th. You can find Rally information at welsyouth.net or simply click the link below.

DO YOU LIKE US?
Look for Good Shepherd on Facebook.  Then “LIKE” us for updates and other postings.

BAD WEATHER POLICY FOR SERVICES AT GOOD SHEPHERD
        For future reference (or a reminder) here is the bad weather policy for Good Shepherd services:
        We will always have services as scheduled at Good Shepherd.  Since I live across the parking lot, I can get to the church no matter how bad the weather gets.  Even if the service is just me and my family, we will be here.  For everyone else, please use your God-given common sense to determine whether or not you will get on the road to attend any service when the weather is bad.  We don't want anyone to risk his or her life to be here.  But if you do venture out, the scheduled service will take place.  It may be only a handful with a capella singing and/or spoken liturgy, but we will be here.
        Bible Classes and meetings may be cancelled due to weather.  Check your email regarding announcements to see if any of those scheduled events is cancelled.  If there is no email about it, it is not cancelled.  But again, use common sense to determine if you can make it, and call the pastor to let him know if you will not be coming.

God bless you.

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder
==============================
DIVINE SERVICES
     Sundays at 10:00 AM
     Thursdays at 3:30 PM (call or text 248-719-5218 to confirm)

SUNDAY SCHOOL
     Sundays at 8:45 AM

ADULT BIBLE CLASS
     Sundays at 8:45 AM

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG

Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church
41415 W. Nine Mile Road
Novi, Michigan  48375-4306
+   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +
Divine Services -- Sundays at 10:00 AM