Sermon -- All Saints' Day, transferred (November 2, 2025)

HEBREWS 11:32-40

THE SAINTS OF GOD LONG FOR A BETTER HOME.

In the name + of Jesus.

     “I believe in the holy, Christian church, the communion of saints” (Apostles’ Creed).  That phrase, “the communion of saints,” is a reminder that there is one Church of God.  There is one group of saints.  Many of the saints have gone before us and dwell in the Church Triumphant.  They have departed from this world and have received the eternal rest, peace, and glory which was gained for us through Jesus Christ. 

     The kingdom of God is not something that you will enter one day.  You dwell in the kingdom of God now.  You are the Church, although you are not in glory yet.  You are in the Church Militant.  That means you and I have to do battle every day.

     We do battle against the devil who tempts us to sin, who tries to seduce us away from Jesus with fine-sounding arguments, and who accuses us of sins from our past.  The devil is stronger and more crafty than we are.  The weapon we have to fight against him is the word of God.  If we take Jesus’ words to heart, we are kept safe in his kingdom.

     We also do battle against the world and its attitudes.  The world assures us that there are great rewards if we abandon chastity, decency, morality, sobriety, honesty, and so on.  The world celebrates abandonment of self-control.  Anyone who upholds God’s word as the only source of truth and guidance in life is mocked and condemned.  One of the reasons the Lord brings you into the Church is so that you can be sure you are not fighting the battle alone.  The Bible reminds us, “The grace of God … trains us to reject ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, that is, the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13).  The saints of God gather regularly to receive this grace and the strength to stand firm.

     We also do battle against our own sinful flesh.  You are a new creation in Christ.  He has created in you a clean heart and renewed in you a right spirit.  It is this spirit which acknowledges that God’s commands are good and right.  You are eager to know and to do what God desires you to do.  But there is another part of you that remains rebellious.  Your new nature knows that when someone sins against you that you should forgive him just as, in Christ, God forgave you.  But another part of you wants to attack, vilify, and humiliate that person.  This is the part of you which you battle against every day.  This is life in the Church Militant.

     Your life in the Church Militant is no different than the saints of the past.  The Church has always had to face the same enemies, although the attacks have often been more intense and the consequences of fighting for the faith have been more severe.  The writer to the Hebrews spent the entire 11^th chapter speaking about this communion of saints.  While their struggles varied, their goal was all the same.  It is the same as yours: God’s saints long for a better home.

     The writer to the Hebrews reminds us of the saints of old.  Sometimes they were blessed with divine aid which saved those who were steadfast in their faith.  He said that “by faith they … shut the mouths of lions” (Hebrews 11:33).  This brings to mind Daniel.  Late in Daniel’s life, a decree went out that no one should pray to anyone but the king of Persia.  Daniel went home to pray to the Lord about this.  He continued to practice his faith, not caring about the consequences.  The consequence was that he would be thrown into a den of lions to become their lunch.  God, in his mercy, shut the mouths of the lions and vindicated Daniel’s innocence.

     The writer to the Hebrews also mentioned those who “by faith … quenched the power of fire” (Hebrews 11:34).  This brings to mind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who refused to worship the idol Nebuchadnezzar had built.  The consequence of failing to worship this idol was to be thrown into a fiery furnace.  The three men remained steadfast in their faith.  Nebuchadnezzar even taunted them, “What god will be able to save you from my hands” (Daniel 3:15)?  Their response was amazing.  They replied, “Our God … is able to save us from the blazing fiery furnace. …But if he does not, you should know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods, and we will not worship the golden statue that you set up” (Daniel 3:17-18).  They did not presume that God would save them from the fires of the furnace.  But they were sure that God would save them from the fires of hell.  They would suffer anything rather than lose their Savior.  Once again, in his mercy, God preserved these faithful men.

     We like these stories about God’s people because they come out unscathed.  But recognize that these men were willing to die for their faith because God’s people long for a better home.  They could have gained the favor of powerful kings if they had played along.  But the saints of God don’t desire to build a kingdom in this world for themselves.  They are eager for the kingdom of peace and glory that Jesus Christ is preparing for them.  God’s saints long for a better home.

     While we are inspired by the saints whom God miraculously preserved, those stories are the exceptions, not the rule.  In the early Church, the Christians lived under a government that demanded that they worship Caesar.  Everyone in the Roman Empire was to offer a pinch of incense at an altar and confess, “Caesar is lord.”  To refuse was treason.  Treason meant death.  I suppose those Christians could have just pretended—go through the motions and mouth the words.  After that, they could go and worship Jesus as they pleased.  But they did not.  The Christians refused to worship at Caesar’s altar.  They refused to confess, “Caesar is lord.”  They held steadfastly to the confession, “Jesus is Lord” (1 Corinthians 12:3).  In these cases, God did not shut the mouths of the lions.  Many Christians were mauled in the Colosseum to the amusement of the Roman crowds.  Nor God did quench the power of fire.  Nero doused many Christians in pitch and used them as human torches to light the streets of Rome at night.  Why would the saints of the past do this?  Because the saints of God long for a better home.

     The writer to the Hebrews commented that some of God’s saints in the past “who were tortured did not accept their release, so that they may take part in a better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35).  That’s not to say that they earned their glorious home.  They could have enjoyed a happier life on earth if they had renounced their faith.  The world would have rewarded them and praised them if they had.  They refused.  They preferred torture over worldly pleasure, scorn over worldly praise, and a better home with the Lord more than a happy life without him.  God’s saints long for a better home.

     The devil still offers you the same deal he has offered the saints of the past.  He will make you popular.  He will let you gratify your lusts—if not with a partner, then with porn.  He will show you that riches can be gained through conning, fraud, and theft.  He will assure you that intoxication guarantees a good time and inspires great ideas.  He may keep it even more simple than that.  He may tell you that Sunday mornings are for family time, sports, leisurely breakfast, or sleep.  While those things are not evil of themselves, the devil will have you pursue them to avert your attention from Jesus.  If you neglect hearing God’s word and receiving his sacraments, your faith will suffer.  It may even die while you are convinced that you are doing good things.  Beware.  The battle in the Church Militant does not end, and the strategies of the devil’s attacks are clever. 

     In the Church Militant, we can become tired, lose focus, or even despair.  The Lord is our strength in the battle, and he is our refuge for comfort, hope, and assurance.  That is why we flee to him.  He reminds us of the end goal.  “And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long, steals on the ear the distant triumph song, and hearts are brave again and arms are strong” (For All the Saints, stanza 5).  The Lord keeps us focused on the end goal, which is everlasting peace, rest, and glory.  God’s saints long for a better home. 

     This is the home Jesus Christ has won for us.  He has rescued us from the empty promises made by a dying world.  He has delivered us from the devil who torments souls.  He has delivered us from the curse of death which terrifies the hearts of all.  He has done this by restoring us to the status he always intended us to have.  God created Adam and Eve to be holy and blameless.  God has made you a new creation, to be holy and blameless before him.  His innocent blood has purified your minds and hearts.  His resurrection means victory over death and the devil.  Jesus has made you partakers of his victory.  By your baptism, he has clothed you with the righteousness you need to enter the heavenly kingdom.  From this altar, Jesus feeds you with the body that has overcome death.  God’s saints long for these gifts because this is how the Lord delivers his salvation to us.  Here, he sets you apart for eternal life.  Here, he strengthens you for the battle.

     Our Lord has always sustained his saints in the true faith.  He has even blessed some to endure suffering, pain, torture, and death because God’s people recognize that there are things worse than death.  Dying apart from the Savior tops the list.  Our goal is not to die comfortably, but to die in the faith.  Many who die comfortably do not die in peace.  God’s saints, no matter how they die, depart in peace; for God’s peace rests upon them.  And God’s saints do not fret departing from this world.  If this life were all we had to live for, what a sad and bitter death it would be!  But God’s saints long for a better home, and Jesus Christ assures we will have it.

     “I believe in the holy, Christian church, the communion of saints” (Apostles’ Creed).  We are united with all the saints in heaven and on earth.  We all confess the same Savior, and we all long for the better home he has secured for us.  When we come to the altar as guests at the wedding feast of the Lamb, we feast together with Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, all the prophets, and all the saints who have gone before us.  They now rest in glory.  We fight the battles that they had once fought.  We all rally to the same place for refuge, for relief, and for release from our service—the Lord Jesus Christ.  He has promised us a better home, and we long for him to take us there.  Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus.

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

Call for Names -- All Saints' Day remembrances

CALL FOR NAMES – ALL SAINTS' DAY REMEMBRANCE

            Every year, we remember the names of loved ones who have died in the Christian faith, praising God for the mercy he has had upon them and thanking God for preserving them in that saving faith throughout their life.  Normally, the names of these departed souls are recalled in a prayer on All Saints' Day, which is November 1.  Since Good Shepherd does not have a specific All Saints' Day service, we transfer this prayer and these remembrances to the first Sunday after All Saints Day.  This year, that will be November 2.

            In addition to members of Good Shepherd who have been called to eternal rest, you may submit the names of your own loved ones who have died in the Christian faith between November 3, 2024 and November 1, 2025.  When submitting these names, please include

                    1. the name of the deceased
                    2. your name
                    3. how he/she was related to you
                    4. the dates of his/her birth and death, if known

            All names submitted by Wednesday, October November 29 will be submitted in the bulletin.  Names may still be submitted as late as Sunday morning, but will not be printed in the bulletin.  Note: All who were members of Good Shepherd or were served by the pastor are automatically listed.

            The prayer which will be spoken on the Sunday of All Saints Day is listed here:

PRAYER FOR ALL SAINTS’ DAY

          Almighty God, today we recall with thanksgiving those saints who were taken from us in the Church Militant and carried by the angels to you and the Church Triumphant.  Especially, we give you praise for our departed family and friends who have gone before us in faith and all those who are in our hearts and minds this day:

          (The names of those who are to be remembered are read).

          To these, you have granted eternal rest this past year.  We thank you for giving them new life in Christ while on this earth and for sustaining them in true and saving faith throughout their life.  We praise you for finally giving them the fulfillment of your promises of salvation and eternal life.  Strengthen and sustain us in this saving faith so that we may also join with the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven in joyful praise, peace, and rest forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Cong:          Amen.

YouTube -- All Saints' Day, transferred (November 3, 2024)

Here is the Divine Service from Sunday, November 3, 2024.  It observes All Saints' Day, transferred from November 1.

Prayer for All Saints' Day -- 2024

PRAYER FOR ALL SAINTS’ DAY

M:          Almighty God, today we recall with thanksgiving those saints who were taken from us in the Church Militant and carried by the angels to you and the Church Triumphant.  Especially, we give you praise for our departed family and friends who have gone before us in faith and all those who are in our hearts and minds this day:

Diane DeSantis, mother of Ken DeSantis (December 14, 1937 - November 13, 2023)

Kay LeFevre, mother of Dan LeFevre (December 29, 1938 - November 30, 2023)

Lois Goeminne, mother of Carol Casmer (October 23, 1942 - December 17, 2024)

Nicholas Napolski, brother-in-law of Bob DuBois (May 3, 1954 - February 11, 2024)

Jonathan "Jack" Boyd, member of Lola Park / Good Shepherd (May 30, 1931 - February 14, 2024)

Mary Zuehlke, member of Good Shepherd (September 4, 1929 - March 8, 2024)

Debbie L. Patterson, cousin of David Kirvan (July 7, 1955 - March 19, 2024)

Patricia A. Garber, former mother-in-law of Renea Garber-Cislo and grandmother of Kelsey Garber (November 16, 1936 - August 27, 2024)

John Cahill, close friend and old roommate of Bob DuBois (August 22, 1960 - September 22, 2024)

Melva Christine Skrycki, mother of Ann Mohler and Rob Skrycki (July 10, 1932 - September 24, 2024)

Harold Boehler, father-in-law to be of Caleb Schroeder (October 1, 1965 - September 30, 2024)

Carole Kuschel, resident of Pomeroy Living and served by Pastor Schroeder, (May 26, 1937 - October 3, 2024)

               To these, you have granted eternal rest this past year.  We thank you for giving them new life in Christ while on this earth and for sustaining them in true and saving faith throughout their life.  We praise you for finally giving them the fulfillment of your promises of salvation and eternal life.  Strengthen and sustain us in this saving faith so that we may also join with the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven in joyful praise, peace, and rest forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Cong:    Amen.

Sermon -- All Saints' Day, transferred (November 3, 2024)

REVELATION 20:4-6

THEY LIVE AND REIGN WITH CHRIST.

In the name + of Jesus.

      One of the principles of Bible interpretation is “Scripture interprets Scripture.”  In other words, the clear, simple words of Scripture clarify the words which are more difficult to understand.  God’s word is true.  No teaching of the Bible will contradict another.  If an interpretation or a teaching contradicts what is clearly stated elsewhere, then we know it is wrong.  So, we let Scripture interpret Scripture.  That principle of interpretation will help us with the Revelation of St. John, particularly this part of Revelation from which many false teachings have spawned.

     Revelation is hard to understand because it is filled with figurative language.  For example, St. John recorded, “Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads” (Revelation 14:1).  These 144,000 are all those “who had been redeemed from the earth” (Revelation 14:3).  If we understand that number literally, eternal life is restricted to precious few across the history of the world.  However, the Bible states clearly, “We have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:10).  Jesus has paid the redemptive price for all people.  Those who believe in him are the ones who benefit.  Jesus states, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16).  He does not put a cap on this number.  Therefore, the number 144,000 is symbolic.  12 is the number of the Church (e.g., 12 apostles, 12 tribes of Israel).  12 times 12 (144) is the Old Testament Church times the New Testament Church.  Ten is a number of completeness.  Ten times ten times ten is 1,000—complete, completer, completest.  Therefore, the sum total of those who believe in God’s promises from the Old and New Testament Church is 144 times 1,000, or 144,000.  It is just as Scripture plainly teaches, “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21).  They live and reign with Christ.

     Now, let’s look at the verses from Revelation 20.  The clearer verses of Scripture will help us understand John’s vision.  St. John wrote, “Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed” (Revelation 20:4).  When we hear “thrones,” we think of one who reigns.  We know that Jesus lives and reigns over all things.  But John uses a plural here, “thrones.”  So, this does not refer to Jesus but to the saints who live and reign with Jesus. 

     John also saw “the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands” (Revelation 20:4).  In John’s day, Christianity was illegal, and the Roman government sought to snuff out the word of God and the testimony about Jesus.  To do that, they killed those who made the good confession.  Some were killed by lions.  Some were crucified like the apostles Peter and Andrew.  Some were beheaded like the apostle Paul.  To the world, these people were losers.  The real power seemed to be with the governments who seized and killed God’s people.  But these saints are not losers.  They are not even dead.  St. John saw them, living and reigning with Christ in the glories of heaven.

     St. John also noted why they forfeited their lives on earth.  He said they “had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands” (Revelation 20:4).  Again, some take this literally, expecting that we will be tattooed or receive some physical marking.  This interpretation has fostered some strange ideas and unnecessary fears.  To understand how to interpret this image, let’s consider another part of Scripture.  Scripture interprets Scripture.

     When the Moses called the Israelites to be faithful to the Lord, he commanded them to hold faithfully to his word.  Moses said, “These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. … You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes” (Deuteronomy 6:6,8).  The Pharisees took this quite literally, tying small boxes to their foreheads and around their wrists.  Unfortunately, the words of Jesus did not take root in their hearts.  So, the literal binding of these words to their heads and hands was useless.  Their heads rejected the Christ and their hands were dedicated to killing him.

     To have the mark of the beast on you is to use your head to adopt worldly ideas and to employ your hands to take up sinful endeavors.  God’s people are to flee from these things.  St. Paul wrote, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.  On account of these the wrath of God is coming” (Colossians 3:5-6).  Through baptism, you have been marked as God’s people for purity and decency.  Your head, your heart, and your hands have been set apart for godliness.  Jesus Christ has delivered you from the coming wrath by taking away your sins.  The only way you can be condemned now is if you take your sins back.  This requires continual repentance by us.

     St. John saw the saints who had departed from this world.  They live and reign with Christ.  St. John wrote, “They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.  …This is the first resurrection.  Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection!  Over such the second death has no power” (Revelation 20:4-6).  St. John is not suggesting that there will be multiple resurrections from the grave.  The rest of Scripture speaks of one resurrection at which time all will be raised from the grave for the final judgment.  So, what is this first resurrection?

     Scripture interprets Scripture.  Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live” (John 5:25).  Who are these dead?  St. Paul answers that.  He wrote, “You were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:1-2).  You and I are by nature sinful.  We were dead in sin, unable to change our condition, powerless to reconcile ourselves to God.  Even the best we have to offer to God is corrupted by sin and unclean. 

     Therefore, God had to act.  St. Paul wrote: “God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:4-5).  So, you are no longer dead in sin.  You have been given a living and active faith which trusts God’s word and strives to do God’s will.  This is the first resurrection—those who were dead in sin are now alive with Christ.  Since you are alive in Christ, the second death has no power over you.  The grave cannot keep you.  Hell will not touch you.  Jesus Christ has delivered you from all of this.  And God’s people who have departed from this world still live.  They live and reign with Christ.

     Now we come to St. John’s words which have spawned commonly held false beliefs.  St. John observed the saints in heaven and said, “[The saints] came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.  The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended” (Revelation 20:4-5).  All numbers in Revelation are symbolic, but many conclude that it is no longer symbolism once we get here.  Many teach that Jesus will return to set up an earthly reign that will endure for a literal 1,000 years.  Jesus, however, said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:26).  He will not change his mind for 1,000 years.  Recall that the number 10 is used throughout the whole book to express completeness.  10 times 10 times 10 is 1,000—complete, completer, completest.  So, what is this complete time?  It refers to the time in which Jesus Christ will live and reign over all things.  When will that be?

     Scripture interprets Scripture.  “[The Father] raised [Jesus] from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.  And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church” (Ephesians 1:20-22).  As we pray every week, Jesus Christ lives and reigns over all things.  Not “he will,” but he does!  He is seated at the right hand of God the Father from his glorious ascension until he returns to judge the living and the dead.  That is the entire New Testament era.  That is the 1,000 years. 

     Therefore, right now, God’s saints live and reign with Jesus Christ.  Many live and reign with the Lord Jesus in glory.  They dwell in the Church Triumphant, forever victorious over sin, death, and the devil.  Nothing can harm them any longer, as they await the resurrection of all flesh.  But at the resurrection, not all will rise to have eternal life.  As St. John noted, “The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended” (Revelation 20:5).  Unbelievers remain dead in sin.  The do not come to life in this world.  Unbelievers will be raised from their graves, but it is not to live.  Rather, they will be cast into the second death—forever cut off from the Lord of Life whom they rejected. 

     But you are God’s redeemed.  You are marked with baptism for a glorious future.  And while it does not seem like it, you live and reign with Jesus Christ now.  Although you see and feel your sins, they are all forgiven.  Although your body is frail and failing, you are children of the resurrection.  Although you appear weak and you struggle against temptations, you are the children of God.  Jesus Christ has marked you and continues to assure you of this so that you do not lose hope.  Right now, your life is hidden in Christ, and the glory to come will not be revealed until the Last Day.  Do not be deceived by your weakness.  You are the saints of God.  The goal and prayer of every Christian is to be God’s saints in glory—whether we live a long life or die young.  Either way, life in the kingdom of God does not end.  Together with all the saints and angels, we rejoice in Jesus’ endless reign and boundless love.  For Jesus Christ lives and reigns for us; and all God’s saints live and reign with him.

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

Alll Saints' Day -- Call for Names

CALL FOR NAMES – SAINTS TRIUMPHANT

               Every year, we remember the names of loved ones who have died in the Christian faith, praising God for the mercy he has had upon them and thanking God for preserving them in that saving faith throughout their life.  Normally, the names of these departed souls are recalled in a prayer on All Saints' Day, which is November 1.  Since Good Shepherd does not have a specific All Saints' Day service, we transfer this prayer and these remembrances to the Sunday following All Saints' Day.  This year, that date falls on November 3.

               Members of Good Shepherd who have been called to eternal rest this past year are automatically included.  Members of Good Shepherd, you may also submit the names of your own loved ones who have died in the Christian faith between November 1, 2023 and November 3, 2024.  When submitting these names, please included

                         1. the name of the deceased
                         2. your name
                         3. how he/she was related to you
                         4. the dates of his/her birth and death, if known

               All names submitted before Wednesday, October 30 will be listed in the bulletin.  Names may still be submitted as late as Sunday morning, but will not be printed in the bulletin.

               The prayer which will be spoken is below.

PRAYER FOR ALL SAINTS’ DAY

M:          Almighty God, today we recall with thanksgiving those saints who were taken from us in the Church Militant and carried by the angels to you and the Church Triumphant.  Especially, we give you praise for our departed family and friends who have gone before us in faith and all those who are in our hearts and minds this day:

               (The names of those who are to be remembered are read).

               To these, you have granted eternal rest this past year.  We thank you for giving them new life in Christ while on this earth and for sustaining them in true and saving faith throughout their life.  We praise you for finally giving them the fulfillment of your promises of salvation and eternal life.  Strengthen and sustain us in this saving faith so that we may also join with the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven in joyful praise, peace, and rest forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Cong:    Amen.

YouTube -- All Saints' Day, transferred (November 5, 2023)

Here is the Divine Service from Sunday, November 5, 2023.

YouTube -- 3rd Sunday of End Times: Saints Triumphant (November 13, 2022)

Here is the service from Sunday, November 13, 2022.

Prayer for Saints Triumphant 2022

 

          Every year, we remember the names of loved ones who have died in the Christian faith, praising God for the mercy he has had upon them and thanking God for preserving them in that saving faith throughout their life.  Normally, the names of these departed souls are recalled in a prayer on All Saints' Day, which is November 1.  Since Good Shepherd does not have a specific All Saints' Day service, we transfer this prayer and these remembrances to the 3rd Sunday of End Times which focuses on Saints Triumphant.

          Members of Good Shepherd who have been called to eternal rest this past year are automatically included.  Members of Good Shepherd were also welcomed to submit the names of loved ones who died in the Christian faith between November 14, 2021 and November 13, 2022.  

PRAYER FOR SAINTS TRIUMPHANT

            Almighty God, today we recall with thanksgiving those saints who were taken from us in the Church Militant and carried by the angels to you and the Church Triumphant.  Especially, we give you praise for our departed family and friends who have gone before us in faith and all those who are in our hearts and minds this day:

Carol Kirvan, sister of David Kirvan (December 21, 1956, - December 7, 2021)

Margaretha Lester, member of Good Shepherd (March 4, 1935 – January 11, 2022)

Pam Weaver, wife of David Kirvan’s cousin, (September 28, 1953 – January 20, 2022)

Gentry Yearout, brother-in-law of Mark & Carol Casmer (March 11, 1940 – April 17, 2022)

Mackenzie Schmidt, niece of Pastor & Laura Schroeder (February 27, 1999 – October 23, 2022)

            To these, you have granted eternal rest this past year.  We thank you for giving them new life in Christ while on this earth and for sustaining them in true and saving faith throughout their life.  We praise you for finally giving them the fulfillment of your promises of salvation and eternal life.  Strengthen and sustain us in this saving faith so that we may also join with the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven in joyful praise, peace, and rest forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Cong:  Amen.

Sermon -- 3rd Sunday of End Times: Saints Triumphant (November 13, 2022)

LUKE 20:27-38

YOU ARE CHILDREN OF THE RESURRECTION.

In the name + of Jesus.

     In a series of challenges against Jesus, the Sadducees took their turn.  The Sadducees were the temple priests, but they were more politicians that priests.  They craved power and wealth.  Being worldly, they rejected the existence of angels and the resurrection of the body.  So, when the Sadducees came to Jesus, they were not curious about the resurrection.  Rather, they came to mock the very idea of one.

     It would be nice if we could bypass their rejection of the resurrection as some trivial oddity.  But we hear less and less about the resurrection of the dead even in Christian churches.  Funerals should be the one place where the hope of the resurrection is proclaimed.  Instead, funerals have turned into a celebration of the person and the life which was lived rather than delivering the comfort of the life of the world to come.

     Some Christians talk about reincarnation more than resurrection even though reincarnation is a Hindu teaching.  Reincarnation is appealing because people love this world and want to keep it.  People assume that they have lived a good enough life that they will return to this world in a higher place, in other words, attaining greater earthly glory.  In truth, if our rewards came through reincarnation, we should all come back as slugs; for our sins are many.  None of us has overcome jealousy, anger, impatience, or selfishness.  Reincarnation denies the resurrection of the body.  It rejects the fact that God created you to uniquely be the human you are for this time and in this place and that you will be you for all eternity.  But—God be praised!—you are not trapped in a cycle of death and reincarnation.  You are children of the resurrection.

     The Sadducees assumed that any eternal life would be just like this life.  So, they presented a worldly scenario in which a woman, through the course of time, was married to seven brothers.  God’s Law had called for every married man to have his name and his line preserved through his children.  So, if a man died without a child, his brother was to father a child through his wife, and that child would be regarded as the dead brother’s child.  As the Sadducees told their story, seven brothers all had taken this woman as a wife, but none of them ever fathered a child.  Finally, the woman died, too.  So, as if they were actually seeking an honest answer, the Sadducees concluded, “In the resurrection, … whose wife will the woman be?  For the seven had her as wife” (Luke 20:33).

     Jesus explained that life in time and life in eternity will be different.  Life in this world is full of sorrow and pain.  Even the Sadducees’ story acknowledged that.  Can you imagine the strife, stress, and sorrow that woman would have gone through to have seven husbands die?  She also never had a child to help her in her old age.  In this life, we endure loss of friends, loss of family, loss of property, loss of health, loss of hearing and eyesight and memory, and finally, we lose our life.  Such things may be common, but they are painful.

     Everything God had made was very good—and there is still good in much of it—but all of it was corrupted when sin entered the world.  Our bodies are good, but sin has corrupted them so they age, break down, and die.  Marriage was established and blessed by God, but every marriage takes work as two sinners fight off their selfish desires to serve one another.  Sometimes the sinful desires win and the marriage fails.  God created people to have a loving relationship with him, but sin has ruined that, too.  Sin causes us to be insulted that God thinks he should have anything to say about how we live our lives—even though God is the source of life.  Sin causes us to defy God with our actions and attitudes.  Sin causes us to fear his judgment.  Finally, sin produces death.  

     Everyone wants a better life than that.  Dear Christians, you have such a future!  Jesus came to restore everything ruined by sin.  He removed your sin from you.  The Lord took on a human body so that he could deliver our human bodies from the corruption of sin and the chains of death.  Jesus bore our sin and gave himself into death.  Jesus was not only put to death at the cross, he was put under God’s judgment at the cross.  And the full curse for all sin was emptied out there. 

     Jesus gave his life into death so that he would overcome death.  Then he rose from the grave, never to die again.  Jesus died in shame and weakness, only to rise with a body that lives in a glory that will never pass away.  Jesus submitted to beatings and bruises and bleeding, only to rise from the dead with a body that will never suffer any harm, any pain, or any affliction again.  Death does not own Jesus; Jesus is the master over death.  Jesus lives and forgives all your sins.  He has reconciled you to God and restored that relationship.  Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and all who believe in Jesus will be delivered out of death and raised up to life everlasting. 

     The Sadducees assumed that the next life would be just like this life.  Dear Christians, you have been delivered from being raised from the dead only to return to a corrupt life and wicked world.  Jesus will deliver you to a new life that is superior to everything in this world.  He will restore all things back to perfection.  Jesus will deliver you to a Paradise that is free from any problem you encounter now.  You will have a perfected body which can never die and will never get sick.  Your mind will be in complete harmony with God’s will, and your heart will have a perfect love for the Lord and for others.  Joy will never be interrupted with sadness.  Glory will never marred by shame.  Peace will never be lost to conflict or anxiety.  You will be with your risen Lord forever, for you are children of the resurrection.

     That’s not to say we are ungrateful the blessings God gives in this life.  But some are just for this life.  Jesus explained to the Sadducees, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection” (Luke 20:34-36).  God established marriage for this life because it is not good for the man to be alone.  He binds the man to his wife.  Then he blesses them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” (Genesis 9:1).  That blessing still stands.  It drives our desire to procreate to assure that the world will have people living on it for generations to come.  That blessing and that drive to procreate are properly fulfilled within marriage, which is why God established marriage for this life.

     You are children of the resurrection.  Once you and I have been raised, we will be like the angels.  We will be perfected in glory, and we will have no need to procreate to add to the numbers in heaven.  Just as the number of angels is set, so will be the number of the redeemed.  Therefore, there is no need for people to be married off in the glories of heaven.  But that is not to say that there is no wedding. 

     As children of the resurrection, you will be brought to the wedding banquet of the Lamb.  You will recline with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the whole company of heaven to feast with your Lord for all eternity.  The Bride of Christ, which is the Church, is clothed in beautiful garments, which is baptism.  Through baptism into Jesus’ name, you have been clothed with garments of salvation.  The heavenly Groom, Jesus, will come again to receive his holy Bride, and there will be joy for Christ and his Church forevermore.  Of course, we already get to partake in that feast already.  We kneel at the altar where we receive the heavenly food.  It is the same feast that is shared by all the saints who have gone before us.  While our celebrations are interrupted by our labors in this sinful world, their celebration goes on in unending joy.  That joy will be yours soon enough, for you are children of the resurrection.

     Jesus’ final statement to the Sadducees is intriguing.  He said, “That the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.  Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him” (Luke 20:37-38).  Of course, the point is that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, though long gone from this life, still live with God in glory.  Now, I suppose you could argue that this does not prove the resurrection.  Their souls have gone to be with the Lord, but their bodies are still dust. 

     Jesus, however, says that this proves the resurrection of the dead.  Could it be that once we pass out of this time, we are immediately transported to eternity with bodies and souls already restored?  It is possible.  If they feast, they must have bodies; for spirits can’t eat.  But we don’t know how things work when we pass from time into eternity.  We only know this world and the time that passes in it.  From what we see, people die and their bodies turn to dust.  After a period of time, those bodies will be raised on the Last Day.  That is what we experience.  But what did Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the saints of the past experience when they closed their eyes in death?  We can say that they are with the Lord because the Bible says so.  They live forever and they will never again know sorrow, pain, or death.  The Bible tells us that, too.  But whether death fast-forwards us to the day of resurrection or not, we can’t say. 

     What we can say for sure is what the Scriptures reveal.  We are safe when we take our stand there.  The Scriptures state that when we die, “the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7).  But God did not design us to have our soul separate from our bodies.  Death rips those apart.  Since Jesus has come to restore all things to perfection, he will reunite bodies and souls so that we will be whole as God designed us to be.  Jesus became a man to be the way for mankind to escape death.  He rose a body and soul man to show us that we will live as body and soul people in the glories of heaven. 

     You are children of the resurrection.  Jesus Christ has come to secure a life for you which is far better than any life you can imagine here.  Jesus Christ will come again to deliver you to that beautiful life.  And—God be praised!—those who have passed out of this life trusting in Jesus already have it.  What they are celebrating now, you and I pray for each day.  And Jesus Christ will guard and keep you to bring you there.

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

Saints Triumphant -- Call for Names of Remembrance

CALL FOR NAMES -- 

SAINTS TRIUMPHANT

               Every year, we remember the names of loved ones who have died in the Christian faith, praising God for the mercy he has had upon them and thanking God for preserving them in that saving faith throughout their life.  Normally, the names of these departed souls are recalled in a prayer on All Saints' Day, which is November 1.  Since Good Shepherd does not have a specific All Saints' Day service, we transfer this prayer and these remembrances to the 3rd Sunday of End Times which focuses on Saints Triumphant.

               Members of Good Shepherd who have been called to eternal rest this past year are automatically included.  Members of Good Shepherd, you may also submit the names of your own loved ones who have died in the Christian faith between November 14, 2021 and November 13, 2022.  When submitting these names, please include:

          1. the name of the deceased
          2. your name
          3. how he/she was related to you
          4. the dates of his/her birth and death, if known

               All names submitted by Thursday, November 10 will be listed in the bulletin.  Names may still be submitted as late as Sunday morning but will not be printed in the bulletin.

Names can be submitted to: welsnovi@aol.com 

               The prayer which will be spoken on the Sunday of Saints Triumphant is here:

PRAYER FOR ALL SAINTS’ DAY

M:          Almighty God, today we recall with thanksgiving those saints who were taken from us in the Church Militant and carried by the angels to you and the Church Triumphant.  Especially, we give you praise for our departed family and friends who have gone before us in faith and all those who are in our hearts and minds this day:

               (The names of those who are to be remembered are read).

               To these, you have granted eternal rest this past year.  We thank you for giving them new life in Christ while on this earth and for sustaining them in true and saving faith throughout their life.  We praise you for finally giving them the fulfillment of your promises of salvation and eternal life.  Strengthen and sustain us in this saving faith so that we may also join with the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven in joyful praise, peace, and rest forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Cong:    Amen.

YouTube -- 3rd Sunday in End Times: Saints Triumphant (November 14, 2021)

Here is the service from November 14, 2021.

Prayer for All Saints -- 2021

          Every year, we remember the names of loved ones who have died in the Christian faith, praising God for the mercy he has had upon them and thanking God for preserving them in that saving faith throughout their life. Normally, the names of these departed souls are recalled in a prayer on All Saints' Day, which is November 1. Since Good Shepherd does not have a specific All Saints' Day service, we transfer this prayer and these remembrances to the 3rd Sunday of End Times which focuses on Saints Triumphant.
          Members of Good Shepherd who have been called to eternal rest this past year are automatically included. The names of loved ones who died in the Christian faith between November 15, 2020 and November 14, 2021. were able to be submitted by members of Good Shepherd. 

          The prayer which was spoken on the Sunday of Saints Triumphant is listed below.

PRAYER FOR ALL SAINTS’ DAY

M: Almighty God, today we recall with thanksgiving those saints who were taken from us in the Church Militant and carried by the angels to you and the Church Triumphant. Especially, we give you praise for our departed family and friends who have gone before us in faith and all those who are in our hearts and minds this day:

          Beverly Reynolds, family friend of Laura Schroeder

To her and to others, you have granted eternal rest this past year. We thank you for giving them new life in Christ while on this earth and for sustaining them in true and saving faith throughout their life. We praise you for finally giving them the fulfillment of your promises of salvation and eternal life. Strengthen and sustain us in this saving faith so that we may also join with the angels and archangels and all the company of heaven in joyful praise, peace, and rest forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Cong: Amen.

Sermon -- 3rd Sunday of End Times: Saints Triumphant (November 14, 2021)

JOHN 5:25-29

JESUS’ VOICE BRINGS THE DEAD TO LIFE.

In the name + of Jesus.

     The Bible teaches the realities of heaven and hell throughout the Scriptures.  Both places, though, are difficult to comprehend.  The blessings of the heavenly kingdom include the absence of every problem and every pain.  In the heavenly kingdom, everything is restored to purity and perfection.  It will be that way without interruption and without end.  Its goodness will be far beyond anything we can understand.

     On the other hand, hell is just as incomprehensible.  The Bible says hell is an unquenchable fire.  It is a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth.  Gnashing of teeth refers to the anguish of people there.  Weeping is the regret of despising God and his word.  It is a place without mercy and without hope.  It will be that way without interruption and without end.  Even the horrors of war, famine, or plague do not measure up to that.  In fact, it is so horrible that even some Christians have rejected that it is real.  I think you would agree that it is horrible, but to reject the reality of hell is to reject the words of Jesus and many other parts of the Bible.

     I suppose one of the reasons people think that hell is such a terrible judgment is because people do not recognize the severity of the sinful condition.  We might have the idea that people mind their own business, not really hurting anybody, and then Jesus will come and banish people to hell for no good reason.  Now, if that were true, then the Lord would be a monster.  But it is not true.  No one is neutral.  Everyone comes into this world a sinner—both unable and unwilling to follow God’s word.

     The Psalms teach us to confess, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5).  We are corrupt from the very beginning.  No one had to teach us how to be selfish, cruel, or angry.  While we may be minding our own business, it is opposed to God and his business.  St. Paul declares, “For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot” (Romans 8:7).  That is why St. Paul also says, “You were dead in the trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1).  If you are dead in your sins, then you cannot fix your sinful condition.  You can’t even begin to do it, because dead people don’t get better.

     While it is true that God will send people to hell, he is not a monster who delights in doing it.  This is what the Lord says: “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God” (Ezekiel 18:32).  For this reason, God sent a Savior to rescue us from our sinful condition and from being destined for damnation.  And so Jesus came for sinners, to bring the dead to life.  He said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live” (John 5:25). 

     Jesus’ voice brings the dead to life.  This is the first resurrection.  Jesus comes to people who are dead in their sins and enlivens them.  He enlightens you to see that God’s word is true, even when it convicts you.  He renews your heart so that you have a love for God’s word.  He transforms your mind so that you are eager to live and to act as God’s word directs you.  He shows you that you do not need to flee from God in terror.  Rather, you need to flee to God; for he alone provides hope, mercy, and peace for sinners. 

     Jesus’ voice brings the dead to life.  When the word of the Lord goes out to sinners, it produces what it says.  Consider the times Jesus raised people from the dead.  The daughter of Jairus had just died.  Jesus took her by the hand and said, “Little girl, I say to you, arise” (Mark 5:41).  Jesus’ voice brought the dead girl to life.  When the young man from Nain was on his way to the tomb, Jesus spoke, “Young man, I say to you, arise” (Luke 7:14).  Jesus’ voice brought the dead man to life.  When Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days, Jesus summoned him, “Lazarus, come out” (John 11:43).  Jesus’ words produced what he had commanded.  Jesus’ voice brings the dead to life.

     So it is with you in your sinful condition.  Jesus preached, “Repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15).  The voice which called people to repent changed their hearts.  The voice which called people to faith planted that faith into their hearts.  Whether Jesus says it himself or a believer repeats Jesus’ words, Jesus’ voice brings the dead to life.  For, it is through that word that the saving work of Jesus is applied to people.  It is the word of the Lord which delivers the forgiveness of sins to people.  The word of the Lord is added to water which makes it a washing of regeneration—that is, the water of life by which you are born again.  The word of the Lord is added to bread and wine which deliver to God’s people the body and blood which have overcome death.  Through these, Jesus’ voice brings the dead to life and sustains the life of those who have been enlivened.  “Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection!  Over such the second death has no power” (Revelation 20:6).

     Jesus’ voice brings the dead to life.  It is not only true in bringing those who are dead in sin to spiritual life, it is also true in summoning the dead from their graves on the Last Day.  Jesus spoke about the resurrection of the body, in fact, the resurrection of all the bodies.  Jesus conquered death by his resurrection.  He is now the Lord over death and the grave.  So, on the Last Day, every person who has died will be called forth from his grave—whether a body buried in a cemetery, or cremated ashes which have been scattered, or a soldier whose body was annihilated by a missile.  Although people who are dead in sin can reject the Gospel which would grant new life, no one will be able to reject or resist Jesus’ voice when he calls the dead from their graves.  Every grave will be emptied; for Jesus’ voice will bring the dead to life.  And then will come the judgment.

     Jesus’ description of the judgment can be disturbing.  He said, “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment” (John 5:28-29).  Now, I know which one we all want to be.  No one wants to go to hell.  But the judgment will be based on what we have done while in the body, whether good or evil.

     So, which one are you?  I am sure every one of us can think of good things we have done.  We go to church.  We stay out of jail.  We show up for work.  We say “Please” and “Thank you.”  We were nice to our mothers.  We hope that God would notice and remember.  But no one is perfect.  We have also done evil.  We had made snide remarks about people who are in our way, and we don’t care if they are struggling through a bad day.  We have snapped at our loved ones.  We have criticized people whose business we don’t know.  We have yearned for evil to come upon people who have enjoyed success.  These things have not gone unnoticed by the Lord.  The Bible reminds us, “Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord—how much more human hearts” (Proverbs 15:11)!  You can pretend you are better than you are by hiding your sinful thoughts from others, and they will probably believe you.  But you and I know the truth, and God knows it even better.

     “An hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment” (John 5:28-29).  So, which one is it?  Which one are you?  Good or evil? 

     Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice!  You do not have to pad your resume and invent good works to impress God with them.  You have a Savior!  Jesus’ voice brings the dead to life.  He does not give you a list of things to do to get eternal life.  He gives you words and promises.  Therefore, you can have confidence at the judgment and comfort for every day that leads up to it.  You will not be judged based on your merits or your performance.  This is what the Lord says: “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).  When the Lord sees you, he sees the righteousness and innocence of Jesus.  In Christ, you are not merely good, you are blameless, pure, and holy.  You are not destined for death, but have been guaranteed eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Jesus’ voice brings the dead to life.

     Therefore, we even have comfort when Jesus tells us about the judgment.  Listen to what he says: “For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.  And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man” (John 5:26-27).  Jesus is the judge of all mankind.  You shall be judged by a peer—the man Jesus.  He has been given that right because he has done all that the Father gave him to do—perfect obedience, a sacrificial death for the disobedient, resurrection from death to conquer the devil and the grave.  The Son of Man has been  confirmed as the perfect man and has the right to judge all mankind.  Those who reject his word also reject his forgiveness.  They will be judged according to what they have done.  Since they have remained in their sin, the sad result will be the weeping and gnashing of teeth—incomprehensible suffering forever.

     But you, dear Christians, know that the judge of the living and the dead is on your side.  He is your friend.  He is your Savior.  What’s more, he has already told you your verdict!  He has already taken away your sins.  He has clothed you with his righteousness.  You have his word that you are heirs of eternal life.  At the Last Day, in the presence of his Father, the angels, and all people who have ever lived, the voice of Jesus will publicly declare, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).  Jesus’ voice brings the dead to life—life as a child of God now, and a life of everlasting glory to come.  And we shall all receive the glories of the heavenly kingdom—incomprehensible goodness and peace forever.

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

Prayer for All Saints' Day -- Call for Names

CALL FOR NAMES – SAINTS TRIUMPHANT

Every year, we remember the names of loved ones who have died in the Christian faith, praising God for the mercy he has had upon them and thanking God for preserving them in that saving faith throughout their life. Normally, the names of these departed souls are recalled in a prayer on All Saints' Day, which is November 1. Since Good Shepherd does not have a specific All Saints' Day service, we transfer this prayer and these remembrances to the 3rd Sunday of End Times which focuses on Saints Triumphant.

In addition to members of Good Shepherd who have been called to eternal rest, you may submit the names of your own loved ones who have died in the Christian faith between November 15, 2020 and November 14, 2021. When submitting these names, please included

          1. the name of the deceased
          2. your name
          3. how he/she was related to you
          4. the dates of his/her birth and death, if known

All names given by to Thursday, November 11 will be submitted in the bulletin. Names may still be submitted as late as Sunday morning, but will not be printed in the bulletin.

YouTube -- 3rd Sunday of End Times: Saints Triumphant (November 15, 2020)

 Here is the service from November 15, 2020.