Sermon -- Festival of the Conversion of St. Paul (January 25, 2026)

CONVERSION IS GOD’S WORK BY GOD’S GRACE.

ACTS 9:1-22

In the name + of Jesus.

      In speaking about the conversion of people to the Christian faith, St. Augustine described it this way: “God makes willing people out of the unwilling and dwells in the willing” (Augustine, Against Two Letters of the Pelagians I, 19, 37; quoted by the Formula of Concord: Epitome, Article II, par. 15).  Augustine taught that conversion is completely God’s work, and it is.  Conversion is God’s work by God’s grace.  St. Paul wrote, “God, because he is rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in trespasses.  It is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4-5). 

     This is not to say that some are more willing to be saved than others.  Our default position was set when Adam and Eve rebelled against God.  They turned away from God’s word to listen to another.  They chose evil instead of good.  They fled from God and wanted nothing to do with him.  When God confronted them, they made excuses and tried to dodge accountability.  To them, God was the enemy, and they treated him that way.  That is the natural condition of all people who are born into this world.

     Some fight against God violently; others just don’t care.  Either way, those who are ruled by sin see God as the enemy.  They do not believe God’s word or desire to live according to it.  It is like a man who abuses his wife versus the man who gives his wife zero attention or affection.  The wife does not want to be throttled, but she also desires a husband who is not cold, distant, and disinterested.  Either way—whether the man abuses his wife or shuns her—he fails to love her.  So, while most will not attack Christ and his Church, many have no desire to love, honor, or serve him.  It is still rebellion.  It is the nature of sinners, and it still infects you whenever you feel that following God’s word too binding, too difficult, or too costly.

     When Jesus’ disciples went out to preach about Jesus’ sufferings, death, and resurrection, some believed.  Conversion was God’s work by God’s grace.  But many did not believe that word and rejected God’s grace.  Even if they were annoyed by this preaching, most people just ignored it.  Then there were others who actively wanted to stomp out Jesus’ teachings and terminate Jesus’ disciples. 

     This brings us to one man who was wholly invested in a violent rejection of Jesus.  It was a Pharisee named Saul.  Saul arrested Christians, had them imprisoned or beaten, and approved of their execution.  And it was not enough for Saul to hunt down Christians in Jerusalem.  Saul traveled to foreign cities to stomp out the Christian Church.  Saul was a fulfillment of Jesus’ warning: “A time is coming when anyone who murders you will think he is offering a service to God” (John 16:2).  Saul was convinced he was doing God’s work by hunting down Christians.

     “As he went on his way and was approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.  He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’  He asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’  He replied, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting’” (Acts 9:3-5).  Saul was certain that the one speaking to him from heaven was the Lord.  What shocked Saul to his very core was to discover that Jesus Christ is the Lord. 

     Can you imagine the guilt he had when he discovered he had actually been attacking the very God he thought he was defending?  Saul spent three days in Damascus struggling, fasting, and praying.  Meanwhile, the Lord gave directions to a pastor in Damascus.  The Lord called Ananias to go and visit Saul.  “The Lord told him, ‘Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul.  In fact, at this very moment he is praying.  In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he can regain his sight’” (Acts 9:11-12). 

     Ananias knew about Saul.  He knew that Saul had come to Damascus to arrest and persecute Christians.  If Ananias was a pastor, his name was probably on Saul’s list.  You can understand Ananias’ reluctance, even if it was God who was telling him to go.  But God was not asking Ananias’ permission.  The Lord told him, “Go!”  So, “Ananias left and entered the house.  Laying his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, whom you saw on your way here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 9:17). 

     Conversion is God’s work by God’s grace.  God converted Saul in heart and mind and spirit.  The zeal which had been dedicated to destroying Christ’s Church was now redirected into proclaiming God’s grace and advancing his kingdom.  While Ananias was God’s instrument in baptizing Saul, it was God who cleansed him of all sin.  Baptism is a washing of rebirth, and it is God who bestowed new life through it.  Baptism is a renewal by the Holy Spirit, and it is God who renewed in Saul a pure heart and a right spirit.  Conversion is God’s work by God’s grace.  Saul would appear to be the least likely candidate to be converted and brought into God’s kingdom.  Nevertheless, the Lord made a willing one out of the unwilling. 

     Saul’s conversion from persecutor of the faith to preacher of the faith is marvelous and miraculous.  We think of it fondly because we know how Saul continued in the faith.  We know how fervently he preached the Gospel.  We benefit from the letters he wrote.  And we know how much he suffered for the faith, just as Jesus said he would.  We might think, “Who would be afraid of Saul?  He was such a faithful missionary!”  Ananias would have thought, “Who would go near Saul?  He is such a violent persecutor!” 

     There are people who we find just as frightening as Saul, and we tend to look at them as our enemies.  Why?  Because they are crude, abrasive, and ill-tempered.  They are adulterers, addicts, and abortionists.  They are Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists.  They are loud-mouthed, foul-mouthed, braggarts, and liars.  And how many of them do you view and say to yourself, “Those are exactly the kinds of people we want in our church”?   We are more likely to say, “I hope those people stay away.  We don’t want them here,” while at the same time we would claim, “Well, we do pray for their conversion.”  But how will the Lord convert anyone to the kingdom of God if they do not hear God’s word?  And how can anyone discover that God is not the enemy unless they hear about the Savior who reconciles God and sinners?  God’s grace is meant for all, not just for those we consider to be polite.

     Remember our confession: We are by nature sinful.  That means we, too, were enemies of Christ.  But our Lord was not willing to leave us as his enemies.  The converted Saul once wrote, “God shows his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  …If, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, it is even more certain that, since we have been reconciled, we will be saved by his life” (Romans 5:8,10).  Out of his gracious love for mankind, the Father sent his Son into the world so that we would not be lost to him.  When Jesus was born, God sent his angels to declare peace on earth and good will toward mankind.  That peace was secured by Jesus who took everything from us that has earned God’s wrath.  Jesus put himself under God’s judgment and was banished as God’s enemy.  The punishment that brought us peace was put upon him.  God did not regard us as his enemies.  Rather, the Father declares us to be his beloved children based on Jesus’ willing, sacrificial death for us.  This risen Savior appeared to weak and flawed disciples and declared, “Peace be with you.”  He still declares peace to you.

     God is not the enemy.  He is your loving Father.  He declares his good will to you and carries it out.  All he does for you is for your good.  All he says to you is for your good.  He has made willing ones out of us who were, by nature, unwilling to fear, love, and trust in him.  “God makes willing people out of the unwilling and dwells in the willing.”  And since the Holy Spirit dwells in you, he continues to guide your will to despise what is sinful and to love what is righteous.  Even if you find following God’s word binding, difficult, or costly, you still recognize that it is good.  And God works in you the desire to bear the cost and to do what is good.  It is a continual conversion from the spirit of a sinner to that of a saint.  Conversion is God’s work by God’s grace.

     The word of God which comforts, motivates, and guides you is the only word which will convert hearts.  It has been entrusted to you to speak it to others so that God would graciously work in them.  It is the only way sinners can learn that God is not an enemy to fight against, but a merciful Father to be loved. 

     The conversion of the Pharisee named Saul is a remarkable example that anyone can be converted from one who hates Jesus into one who serves him.  You might think, “Well, if the Lord appeared personally to people, they would convert for sure.”  But that is not true.  When Moses performed miraculous signs before Pharaoh, the only result was that Pharaoh hardened his heart even more against the Lord.  When the Lord appeared in a thick, black cloud over Mt. Sinai, it did not prevent the people of Israel from crafting and then worshiping a golden calf right under his nose.  When Jesus preached to the religious leaders of his day, most of them became enraged and plotted his death.  Conversion is God’s work by God’s grace, but God’s grace can be abused and rejected.

     Unfortunately, there will always be people who are unwilling to turn from their sins.  Even though our Lord wants all people to be saved, he will not force himself on anyone.  Those who insist on being God’s enemy will be left outside God’s kingdom.  But since we don’t know who will rejoice in God’s grace and who will reject it, we proclaim God’s gracious promises to all.  After all, it is not your work to convert anybody.  Our task is to confess God’s word.  Conversion is God’s work by God’s grace.

     By God’s grace, he has worked saving faith in you.  By God’s grace, he continues to work in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.  By God’s grace, he teaches you to trust that he is good even in days of sorrow and distress.  The Lord has turned your heart and mind to him so that you can see that his face does, indeed, shine upon you.  His good will rests upon you; and he gives you peace.

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

Sermon -- Funeral for Elaine Swartz Patton (January 23, 2026)

+ (Ruth) Elaine Swartz Patton +

September 13, 1932 – January 17, 2026

ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER WITH RESURRECTION HOPE.

1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18

In the name + of Jesus.

      At the death of a loved one, we look for different ways to cope and to find comfort.  One of the ways to cope with the death of your mother or grandmother is to tell stories and share memories.  Those memories are good.  They are why you loved her so much and why you will miss her so much.  But the memories also make this hard.  You don’t grieve over people you don’t know.  You grieve because the death of a loved one is final.  It puts an end to any more memories. 

     Another way you could cope with Elaine’s death is recognizing that her health was not very good over the past few years.  She was frustrated that her eyesight was pretty much gone.  She was not as vibrant as in past years.  Just because you knew that Elaine’s death was coming does not make it any easier.  People often console themselves by saying, “She went to a better place.”  But many don’t know where that place is, so how can they know it is any better?

     St. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians who were grieving over their Christian family and friends who had died.  Somehow, they had gotten the idea that their loved ones missed out on the glory that God promised because they died before Jesus returned.  So, St. Paul wrote words to correct and to comfort them.  They are words for you to take to heart, too.  Encourage one another with resurrection hope.

     St. Paul begins, “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you do not grieve in the same way as the others, who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).  You will notice that Paul does not forbid you to grieve.  Death is painful.  It rips away those whom we love, and it leaves a wounded heart.  Death is not what God had intended for anyone when he created the world.  But once sin entered the world, death was the result. 

     The Bible declares, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).  As much as you loved your mother or grandmother, it does not change the fact that she was a sinner.  As much as she loved you, it does not change the fact that you are sinners, too.  And since we are all sinners, death comes for us all.  Pretending it is not true is no way to cope with that, and it is certainly no way to escape it.

     Even though you grieve, you are not without hope.  You are not hopeless in the face of death, and you are not hopeless in regard to your sin.  Elaine and I got to visit with each other often.  She liked to hear the Scriptures read to her, to ponder what they said, and to partake in the sacrament of holy communion.  The reason is because in God’s word and sacraments, the Lord provides a remedy for sin and death.  It is not merely a way to cope with sin and death; it is how we are delivered from them.

     God’s word reveals God’s love for sinners.  St. Paul referred to that in his letter to the Thessalonians.  He wrote, “If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, then in the same way we also believe that God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 4:14).  Jesus died because he took upon himself the sins of the world, including Elaine’s.  Since the wages of sin is death, Jesus died bearing the sins of Elaine and of us all.  Jesus took God’s curse so that he could deliver God’s blessing.  Jesus was sentenced for our guilt so that he could issue to us a full pardon for all our offenses against God.  Jesus endured death so that he could bestow upon us eternal life.

     Jesus died for our sins; then he rose from the dead.  This confirms that the payment for your sin has been made in full.  More than that, it shows that death does not get the last word.  Jesus has overcome death.  He rose from the dead not as a ghost, but with a glorified body that can never die again.  This is what Jesus grants to all who believe in him.  Jesus delivers us from sin and death.  Encourage one another with resurrection hope. 

     If you went to Jerusalem, you could visit the sites there where Jesus died and rose.  You could take selfies and post them on Facebook for everyone to see.  But you won’t find forgiveness there.  What Jesus won for you 2,000 years ago needs to be delivered to you now.  Jesus’ salvation was delivered to Elaine when she was baptized.  She was washed clean of all guilt and marked as a child of God.  The Lord strengthened her faith through his word.  She received the living body and blood of Jesus in holy communion.  This is how Jesus supplied to Elaine the benefits of his bloody cross and empty tomb.  This is how Jesus delivers them to you, too.  This is Jesus encourages you with resurrection hope.

     If you want to cope with Elaine’s death, our Lord gives you the hope you need.  Now, the way we use the word “hope” tends to leave us with some doubts about the future.  I am sure that Elaine hoped that she would be surrounded by dogs in the heavenly kingdom.  Will she?  I don’t know.  God’s word makes no specific promises about that.  However, since there would have been dogs in the Garden of Eden, and since the Garden of Eden was a perfect home for holy people, it is not ridiculous to hope that there will be dogs in heaven, but it is not a certainty.

     When we speak of the hope of the resurrection and the glories of heaven, we do have certainty because God’s promises are our hope.  It is not called a hope because God’s promises are in question; it is a hope because we haven’t received the fullness of them yet.  We have not entered the glories of heaven.  Well, now Elaine has.  I am sure that she hoped to be reunited with her beloved George.  What hope is there for that?  This is what the Lord says: “We believe that God will bring with (Jesus) those who have fallen asleep through Jesus.  … And so we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:14,17).  This is not a wish, but a promise.  And our Lord’s word is always sure.

     Encourage one another with resurrection hope.  Just as Jesus rose from the dead, so he will come again to raise up and restore Elaine to glory.  He will grant her a body that will never become frail, will never suffer pain, and will live forever.  This will endure much longer than any memories or stories.  As precious as those are, they don’t save her.  As endearing as those are, they don’t offer a comfort that overrules death.  Jesus does.  His promises remain firm when your world is shattered.  His grace to soothes you when your hearts are hurting.  Jesus lives and rules over all things, even death.  At his word, death must give Elaine Patton back so that she will live and rejoice with her beloved George and all who believe in Jesus.  “And so we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).  Therefore, encourage one another with resurrection hope. 

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

Update from Good Shepherd (January 22, 2026)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE
Divine Service is Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School is Sundays at 9:00 AM.
Adult Bible Class is Sundays at 9:00 AM.

Bible Matters meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. 

CALENDAR: For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

BIBLE MATTERS

          Bible Matters is a discussion group. We meet on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. Each week, we will read through a chapter of, “Your Life Has Meaning: Discovering Your Role in an Epic Story,” and discuss how God’s word applies to our lives. The weekly topics are listed here.  Even if you feel you have a good handle on our topic, perhaps you can think of how you would speak to others who struggle with it. Or, perhaps you could invite those people to come to our class with you. All are welcome.

BIBLE INFORMATION CLASS

          Our next Bible Information Class will begin on February 2. We will meet on Monday evenings (7:00 – 8:30 PM). This class is a review for long-time Christians and an opportunity for anyone to come, ask questions about God and the Bible, and to grow in faith and knowledge. Consider whom you might bring to this class. Many people have spiritual questions. This class will address many of them.  The tentative schedule can be found here.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS
          Sometimes we have a hard time understanding parts of the Bible. Some of those words come from Jesus himself. We are considering the Hard Sayings of Jesus. The weekly schedule can be found here.  Adult Bible Class meets at 9:00 AM. All from grade 7 on up are welcome to attend.  

MURDER MYSTERY – OH, HORRORS! IT’S MURDER!
           Good Shepherd will be hosting an interactive theater experience on Saturday, February 7 at 7:00 PM.  (Doors open at 6:15 PM.) “Oh, Horrors! It’s Murder!” will be presented by a local theater group which will feature congregational members Diane Wozniak and Tom Mattison. We will watch the first act which will depict the murder (it’s not going to be gruesome; it’s church outing!). Then, we will interact with the characters during an intermission. In the second act, we will vote on who we think the murderer is, and the actors will respond based on our vote. Tickets are $25.  Look for tickets at the QR code in this link. Refreshments will be served before the play and during the intermission. You are encouraged to invite friends to this event.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE

           Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Here is the Divine Service from January 4, 2026: Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, January 4, 2026

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS (January)

>  We are still planning to have a dry run for our texting service.  The date for that is still to be determined. 

>  In an effort to engage more members with more opportunities to serve, we are summoning more men to serve as ushers.  We also intend to be more organized so that we don’t grab people at the last minute to fill in for absent people.  We will be recruiting people who will count and deposit the offerings.  We will also be recruiting more women who can serve in handling the sacred vessels for holy communion.  Training for all of these areas of service will be scheduled in the months to come.

>  Every four years or so, the pastor conducts visits at the homes of all the members.  It is intended to stay connected with everyone and to allow people to address any issues that may bother them or confuse them.  Every Member Visits will begin in February.  A sign-up sheet will be posted at church to allow people to schedule their visit.  As the year goes on, phone calls will be made to those who have not yet signed up (ominous music inserted here).

BAD WEATHER POLICY FOR SERVICES AT GOOD SHEPHERD
          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 cappella singing and/or spoken liturgy, but we will be here.
          Bible Classes and meetings may be canceled due to weather. Check your email regarding announcements to see if any of those scheduled events are canceled. If there is no email about it, it is not canceled. 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.

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS

          For the most part, the pastor will be observing formal office hours (Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon). Occasionally, duties will take him away from the office during these scheduled times, so you will still want to call or text to confirm any meetings with the pastor (248-719-5218).

INTRODUCTION VIDEO FOR GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH
          Here is a video to introduce people to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Novi. Share it as much as you can.

DO YOU LIKE US?

          Look for Good Shepherd on Facebook. Then “LIKE” us for updates and other postings. Be sure to share posts with friends.

SHARE THIS POST!
          We desire as many as possible to rejoice in the Gospel which we proclaim and confess. Share the information from our weekly email blast, links to our web page, and even to the pastor's blog to let others know that we have a space in our congregation for them!

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

==================

REGULAR SCHEDULE

Sunday School -- Sundays at 9:00 AM 

Adult Bible Class -- Sundays at 9:00 AM 

DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 AM.

Bible Matters -- Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG

www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com  

Murder Mystery Theater: "Oh, Horrors! It's Murder!"

On Saturday, February 7, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will host a murder mystery theater production entitled, "Oh, Horrors!  It's Murder!"  

The production begins at 7:00 PM.  (Doors open at 6:15 PM.) “Oh, Horrors! It’s Murder!” will be presented by a local theater group which will feature congregational members Diane Wozniak and Tom Mattison. We will watch the first act which will depict the murder (it’s not going to be gruesome; it’s church outing!). Then, we will interact with the characters during an intermission. In the second act, we will vote on who we think the murderer is, and the actors will respond based on our vote. 

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through the QR code below. 

Refreshments will be served before the play and during the intermission. You are encouraged to invite friends to this event.

Minor Festival -- The Conversion of St. Paul

               Lutheran worship is liturgical.  While that often refers to an order of worship, it can also refer to the calendar of the Church Year.  The Church Year includes major festivals, such as Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Pentecost, etc...  On Sunday, January 25 we recognize a minor festival, the Festival of the Conversion of St. Paul.

               The Bible records the conversion of St. Paul in Acts 9:1-19.  In describing his own conversion and call to be an apostle, Paul describes himself as “one abnormally born.” (1 Corinthians 15:8) The account of St. Paul’s conversion bears this out.  He who had been a Pharisee, zealous for the Law of Moses and eager to snuff out the Christians, was converted personally by the ascended Jesus Christ who appeared to Paul from heaven.  While our conversions are not as spectacular, they are no less miraculous – as God takes sinners who are by nature opposed to him (Romans 8:7,8) and converts us into people who love him and are eager to do his will (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Sermon -- The Festival of the Confession of St. Peter (January 18, 2026)

o wn is Greek for
"He who is"

THIS IS A ROCK-SOLID CONFESSION.

MATTHEW 16:13-19 

In the name + of Jesus.

     “When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is’” (Matthew 16:13)?  Jesus knew that people were talking about him.  Jesus’ miracles had caught the attention of everyone—even of King Herod who longed to meet Jesus.  Jesus’ teachings had caught the attention of everyone—even of high level religious leaders who considered Jesus a threat.  So, people were talking about Jesus, and Jesus wanted to know, “Who are they saying I am?”

     For the most part, people had nice things to say.  “Some say [you are] John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets” (Matthew 16:14).  They were complimentary, but they were also wrong.  To confess that Jesus was a nice man, a good teacher, or a prophet of God fails to confess Jesus correctly.  Jesus did not come to this world to be flattered.  His claims demand much more than that.  They still do.

     Jesus wanted to hear his disciples’ confession.  “He said to them, ‘But you, who do you say that I am?’  Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’” (Matthew 16:15-16).  This goes far beyond saying he is nice, which would have been true enough.  It goes far beyond saying Jesus is a good teacher, which also would be true enough.  It even goes far beyond saying Jesus is a prophet of God.  Peter confessed that Jesus is the Son of the living God. 

     The nations around Israel worshiped many gods; the Jews worshiped only one.  The Old Testament creed is this: “Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4).  So, to confess that Jesus is the Son of the living God is to confess that he is God.  And that is who Jesus claimed to be.  If anyone came up to you later today and insisted, “I am God!” you would either laugh in his face or heap scorn upon him—and for very good reason.  If anyone claims to be God, we dismiss him as a lunatic.  This is what Jesus presents us with.  Either he is God or he is a lunatic worthy of scorn.  There is no middle ground here.  Simon Peter confesses it rightly: The LORD our God is one.  Jesus is the Son of God.  Therefore, he is God.  This is a rock-solid confession.

     If you find yourself having a religious conversation, most people will want to talk about issues of morality, usually with a political streak in it.  If they only want to talk about morals, try doing what Jesus did.  Ask them what they think of Jesus.  Then ask them why they think that.  It is interesting to learn what people think of Jesus and why they think that way.  Their confession will be informative, perhaps surprising, perhaps appalling.  May would rather talk about immigration, women’s rights, or Donald Trump.  But no one will be asked about those things on the Last Day.  Those issues have their place, but we do not build our lives on them.

     So, what about you?  Who do you say Jesus is?  St. Peter, who made the rock-solid confession, later wrote in his first epistle, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15).  More and more, we find ourselves living among people who don’t know what the Bible teaches.  Many are getting their theology from YouTube instead of the Bible.  Most are being taught badly, if they know anything at all.  You can no longer assume that people know about Jesus’ teachings or his sufferings, death, and resurrection.  You may be the first person to open the Scriptures to people you know and love.  It will be good to have a rock-solid confession to make to them.

     You share St. Peter’s confession.  Perhaps for your entire life you have believed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.  If so, praise God.  The Christian faith is not something which is common knowledge.  It is a gift of God.  Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17).  On the other hand, if you have been a Christian your whole life long, you may stutter and stammer if someone asks you why you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.  To say, “Well, it’s what I’ve been taught since Kindergarten,” might be true, but it also gives the impression that you have never examined the Christian faith or thought too deeply about it.  Unbelievers and skeptics will demand better than that; and that’s okay.  So, let’s consider why this is a rock-solid confession.

     First, consider the prophecies which were made hundreds of years before Jesus was born.  The likelihood of one person fulfilling some of them is staggering.  The likelihood of one person fulfilling all of them is immeasurable.  When we compare Jesus’ life with the prophecies, we see that he fulfilled everything that was foretold.  Therefore, he is the Christ, the Son of the living God.  The evidence is rock-solid.

     Next, we can consider Jesus’ life which was morally and ethically pure.  We can point to Jesus’ teachings which are completely in line with God’s word.  We can point to the miraculous signs Jesus did, and we can note that he did them out of mercy for the sick and suffering and not for showmanship.  Jesus is not an entertainer; he is a merciful and compassionate Savior.

     Perhaps the most compelling argument has to do with this: Three times, Jesus told his disciples explicitly that he would be betrayed by an apostle, suffer at the hands of the religious leaders, be mocked and crucified by the Romans, and then rise from the dead on the third day.  And then he did it!  His death was confirmed by the Roman governor, so there is no doubt that he died.  On the third day after his death, Jesus was seen alive by many of his disciples. 

     Some argue that Jesus’ disciples fabricated stories about Jesus’ resurrection.  Let’s put this claim under scrutiny to see which is more likely—that they saw Jesus risen from the dead or that they made it all up.  First of all, the disciples gained nothing by preaching about Jesus’ resurrection.  They did not get rich or gain power.  Their lives actually got much worse.  For their testimony, they endured threats, arrest, beatings, exile, torture, and death.  And yet, not once did any of them flinch.  They willingly died for their confession that Jesus Christ was crucified, is risen, and lives and reigns over all things forever and ever.  The only way it makes sense that every one of Jesus’ apostles faithfully and persistently confessed that Jesus rose from the dead and would rather die than deny it is if they actually saw Jesus risen from the dead.  This is a rock-solid confession.

     This is why Jesus said to Simon, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.  And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:17-18).  Although Jesus gave Simon the name Peter, he is not the rock on which the Church is built.  Our Lord does not build his Church on a fallible, mortal, sinful man.  In fact, just minutes after Jesus commended Simon Peter for his rock-solid confession, he called Simon “Satan” for dissuading him from going to the cross. 

     The rock on which the Church is built is Jesus Christ.  Salvation depends upon nothing else.  You are not saved by good works, no matter how many you do.  You are not saved by how many Bible passages you know.  You are not saved by how many arguments you win against Muslims, Jews, or Hindus.  You are not saved because others assure you that you are a good person.  Your salvation does not rest on you because you are sinful, fallible, and mortal—just like Simon Peter.  And just like Simon Peter, you and I have spoken words which have been inspired by Satan—words which have been untrue, unkind, or uncaring.  Jesus did not give Simon the name Peter because he was such a rock.  It was given because his confession was rock-solid.  It is the only confession by which we are saved.  St. Paul wrote, “No one can lay any other foundation than the one that has been laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11).  This rock-solid foundation does not shift, erode, or budge no matter what is going on in the world or in your life.  Jesus promises you that even the gates of hell cannot overpower it.

     That’s because Jesus Christ has secured your everlasting salvation and nothing can change that.  Jesus took up your sins from you, carried them to the cross for you, and suffered what sinners deserve so that fallible, sinful people can be pardoned.  No matter what accusation Satan hurls at you, he does not overturn Jesus’ sufferings and death for you.  Jesus has removed your guilt from you.  You have received a full pardon from God for all sins.  Nothing can change that.  It is a rock-solid truth.

     In the same way, nothing can nullify Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.  Jesus lives.  Death no longer has mastery over him.  And Jesus promises to all who believe: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.  No one will snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all.  No one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:28-29).  Not even death can snatch you away from Jesus.  Jesus’ resurrection assures you that mortals will be raised up to immortality.  This is a rock-solid truth.

     The gates of hell can do nothing to strip you of your salvation.  For, Jesus descended into hell to proclaim his victory over the devil.  He proclaimed it on the devil’s home turf and to his face.  Jesus stormed the gates of hell to deliver sinners from the devil’s claims and clutches.  You are the prize Jesus has won by his sufferings, death, and resurrection.  And Jesus is the key which releases you from your sins and unlocks the gates of heaven to you.  You have his word on it, and it is as true in heaven as it is on earth.  This is a rock-solid confession.

     Who do you say that Jesus is?  He is the Christ—the one who was anointed to make the atoning sacrifice which takes away your sins.  Jesus gave himself as that sacrifice and now gives you the benefits of that sacrifice from this altar.  He is the Son of the living God—the God who became man to rescue all mankind from death and the devil.  He is the rock on which the Church is built.  Blessed are you who share in this confession.  It provides comfort in the darkest days of life, assurance when doubts arise, and confidence to stand at the final judgment. 

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

Prayer for the Sanctity of Life and Protection of the Unborn

Sanctity of Life Sunday is January 18.  

Good Shepherd will be offering up this litany.

A Litany for the Sanctity of Life and the Protection of the Unborn

P:         Almighty and eternal God, you have created this world and all of us in it.  We praise you, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Lead all people everywhere to see that you are our Maker and that we are the work of your hands so that all would consider human life to be sacred.  Protect and defend all to whom you give life, whether born or unborn, until that day when you take our life from us again.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Heavenly Father, you do not delight in the death of the wicked, but that all would turn from their evil ways and live.  Keep us from evil, and forgive us our sins.  Strengthen us to proclaim your Law and to warn those who would continue in their sins.  At this time, we especially pray that you would help us to warn those who continue in the sin of abortion.  Work mightily through your word to bring to repentance all who seek, provide, or support these willful acts of murder.  Change the hearts of people who see this wrong and dare to call it a right, and who are so blind to call good what is evil.  We ask not only that our nation may be cleansed of this heinous sin, but also that you turn all people from their evil ways so that they would live.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Lord of the nations, you have given authority to the governments of this world to bring order and protection and to punish the wrongdoer.  We pray for our rulers that they would act responsibly in their positions over us.  Cause the leaders of our nation to restore justice for the unborn, who are being oppressed and killed.  Grant our President wisdom and courage to speak out against abortion.  Guide our legislators to propose, support, and pass laws that would protect the life of all people, whether unborn, elderly, frail, defenseless, or handicapped.  Move our judges to do your will in all cases which decide life and death.  Teach all rulers to despise what is evil and to cling to what is good.  Lord, in your mercy, 

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Heavenly Father, you have commanded us to live chaste and decent lives.  Bring all people to recognize the virtue of chastity, to exercise self-control over their sexual impulses, to honor marriage, and to keep the marriage bed pure so that every pregnancy is a cause for joy rather than regret.  Teach husbands and wives to regard children as a reward to be cherished and not a burden to be avoided.  Grant to all pregnant women, according to your mercy, a happy result in their childbearing.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Merciful Father, we thank you for the mercies you have bestowed upon us through your Son, Jesus Christ.  Many still bear the guilt, the shame, and the scars from sins they have committed against you.  Reveal to fearful sinners your mercies through the sufferings and death of your Son, Jesus Christ – whose body was cut, abused, and pierced to pay for sin, whose life was given up for the benefit of all, and whose blood was shed to cover over our guilt and shame.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Gracious Redeemer, you have called us to be the salt of the earth that this world might be preserved from greater wickedness.  Grant that more people will take your word to heart so that they will not sin by killing their children.  Bless those who work at the Redford Pregnancy Care Center and all pregnancy centers so that they may faithfully speak your word to those who come to them.  Let the fear of your wrath crush those who plot wickedness, and let your forgiveness deliver the penitent from damnation and despair.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

P:         Gracious Redeemer, you have called us to be lights to the world.  Embolden us to bring your word to those around us.  Strengthen each of us so that, by our words, deeds, and prayers, we may truly be little christs to this world – doing your will, defending the helpless, aiding the needy, standing by the lonely, comforting the fearful, holding on to your truth, upholding your glory, and demonstrating your love.  Lord, in your mercy,

C:        Hear our prayer.

Other intercessions may be offered.

P:         Heavenly Father, we bring all of our petitions and intercessions to you, trusting that you will hear and act for our good, according to the promises of your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray.

C:        Amen.