YouTube -- 14th Sunday after Pentecost (August 29, 2021)

Here is the service from August 29, 2021.

Bible Information Class begins Monday, September 13

EVER WONDERED????

What does the Bible teach?

What do Christians believe?

How can I know what God wants from me, or what God thinks of me?

Can I be sure of life after death?

Can I be sure it will be good?

So many questions......  We have answers!

Bible Information Class will begin on Monday, September 13.  Classes will be 7:00-8:30 PM.

The schedule is as follows:

     Sept 13        God's Plan of Salvation.

     Sept 20        God Created a Beautiful Universe.

     Sept 27        NO CLASS

     Oct 4           Why is the World So Crazy?

     Oct 11         How did Jesus Save the World?

     Oct 18         The End is Coming!

     Oct 25         Why do We Need the Bible?

     Nov 1          God Works through Holy Baptism.

     Nov 8          God Works through Holy Communion.

     Nov 15        God Gathers His Church.

     Nov 22        A Conversation with God.

     Nov 29        Our Spiritual Heartbeat.

     Dec 6          Love the Lord your God.

     Dec 13        Love your Neighbor -- Part 1.

     Dec 20        Love your Neighbor -- Part 2;  Take Good Care.

If you want to gain confidence in God's promises to you or to grow in your knowledge of the Bible, this class is for you.

There is no cost.  All materials are provided.  You will not be put on the spot to answer questions (though we will ask your name).  You are not even expected to know anything.  Come with questions.  Come with friends.  Come and learn what God wants you to know.

Call (248-349-0565) or email (welsnovi@aol.com) if you are interested or have any questions about this class.

Sermon -- 14th Sunday after Pentecost (August 29, 2021)

JOSHUA 24:1-2,14-18

AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD.

In the name + of Jesus.

      The words of Joshua here are both a farewell address and a confirmation vow.  Joshua’s days of leading the Israelites were coming to a close.  Joshua knew that the blessings in the Promised Land were great, but they would also be a great temptation. 

     When times were difficult, Israel’s dependence upon God was glaringly apparent.  They lived in tents and traveled from station to station.  Every day, the Lord provided bread on the ground for them to eat.  Regularly, the Lord provided water for them, sometimes having it pour forth from rocks.  And it was not food or water for a few.  Israel was a nation of about two million people, not including the flocks and herds and other animals they tended.  God’s providence was both miraculous and abundant.  In addition to this, the people of Israel fell under the threat of other nations.  Since they were not seasoned warriors, they could have been an easy target for other armies.  But God had been with them to protect and to provide.

     In the Promised Land, the people of Israel went from living in tents to living in fortified cities in homes that they did not even build.  They went from manna on the ground to the ground producing abundant crops, orchards, and vineyards.  They went from wilderness to a land abundant in natural resources.  The Promised Land meant blessing and prosperity and peace.

     But would prosperity and peace result in forgetting the Lord?  Would the Israelites find other gods more exciting or promising greater happiness?  Whom would they follow?  Where would the put their confidence?  Whom would they praise for their good?  To whom would they cry out in the day of trouble?  Therefore, Joshua to spoke: “Fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness.  Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.  And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.  But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:14-15).

     Joshua recognized the other gods that might appeal to these people.  The gods of the Amorites (we call them Canaanites) were gods who appealed to sensual desires.  They were credited with supplying wine and beer.  They were served with temple prostitution.  They did not tell you to exercise self-control; they encouraged you to gratify your desires.  They promised a good time.

     Then there were the Egyptian gods.  They represented material gain and worldly glory.  The Nile and the sun provided rich delicacies.  The ox and the eagle meant power and glory.  Egypt could boast of centuries of dynastic rule to claim that their gods performed well.  Their gods promised worldly success.

     Then there were the gods from beyond the Euphrates River.  These were mystical gods.  People tried to gain special wisdom and insight through meditation, introspection, and mystical arts.  They sought God from within their own minds and hearts.  Truth could be altered according to convenience and preference.  These gods promised superior spirituality.

     You might think that these Old Testament gods mean nothing to us now.  But these false gods are still around; they just have different names.  And they are still appealing.  Just look at what money can get you.  Why deny sensual pleasures when they can be had so easily?  Why not try to feel good when so many bad things happen in the world?  And what a powerful feeling to find divine thoughts in yourself!  Who wouldn’t worship a god who always agrees with you?

     These gods still entice us.  Their disciples are found among our friends who boast about what they have and have done.  We often envy such people because they give way to their desires, and they seem to have happiness without regret or consequence.  But every false god is a lie.  Even if you have limitless money, it will not buy you one extra minute of life.  Even if you gratify every sensual lust you have, you will not feel loved, but useless or used.  If you claim to be spiritual but not religious, you end up turning to yourself for your faith and hope.  But what comfort will you have when you are beaten down by life or terrorized by death?  These are no gods at all which cannot help you when you really need it.  Do not envy those who serve them, and certainly do not join them.  Get rid of any idols; for they lie to you and bring only death.

     As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  Joshua recognized that there was only one real God, and he is the God who saves.  Just as Joshua brought the people into the Promised Land, so also it is your Joshua who delivers you to a promised heaven.  In Aramaic, his name is pronounced Yeshua.  You know him best as Jesus.  Jesus is the God who has come to save you from every false god, every false promise, and every false hope. 

     Jesus does not merely give us coping mechanisms for life.  With Jesus, we don’t buy time.  He gives us life everlasting.  With Jesus, love is not about using someone to gratify feelings or desires.  Jesus loves us by giving himself up for us and freely giving what is good for us.  With Jesus, we don’t deal with our sins by dulling our senses with alcohol.  With Jesus, we have a Savior who takes pangs of conscience away by forgiving our sins.  With Jesus, we don’t have to grapple around looking for truth.  He tells us what is true and is firmly established by God.

     Jesus is your Savior, and he is the only Savior there is.  Jesus carried your sins upon himself and suffered the consequences at the cross.  Jesus paid the price for all our idolatry and self-worship.  It is not money that saves, but Jesus’ holy, precious blood.  Love is not found in sensuality, but in Jesus’ sufferings and death.  You do not have a God who seeks to take advantage of you, but works for your advantage.  It is not your own pondering that gives you hope or comfort, but the words of the Savior who conquered death and lives and reigns for your good.  As for me and my house, this is the Lord we will serve; for he is the only one who saves and lives and reigns.  He delivers you from the curse of sin and the power of death.  He promises you a new heaven and earth.  Your Lord will deliver you safely through this world, and your Yeshua will deliver you to the Promised Land.  That is why Joshua vowed as he did: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

     The elders of Israel vowed their own faithfulness to the Lord.  They declared, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods…  We also will serve the Lord, for he is our God” (Joshua 24:16,18).  As we had heard in the reading, they cited the reasons for faithfulness to God: Because God had faithfully saved them.  There is no other God who saves.  So as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

     The Israelites are to be commended for the vow they made: “We will serve the Lord, for he is our God” (Joshua 24:18).  I would like to say that the Israelites lived up to their vow and were faithful to the Lord, but I can’t.  Read the book of Judges for what happened next.  It is not a happy ending.  Once the older generation died, their children turned away.  They did not listen to God’s word.  They got absorbed in material gain, sensual desires, and mystical wisdom.  The lies of the false gods were more attractive than the salvation of the Lord.  It is a warning that deserves our attention.

     How does one avoid this?  Joshua answers: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).  It is a daily commitment that means hearing the word of the Lord and putting it into practice.  It means turning a deaf ear to the enticing lies.  It means showing your children that God’s word matters by making God’s word matter with church attendance, Bible classes, and reading the Bible at home.  Your children are the only thing God gives you in this world that you would see in the world to come.  The priorities you enforce in this world are what will produce that joyful reunion in eternity.  The commitment is set now: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

     As a general rule, children will follow the example of their parents.  If your faith is limited to this building, don’t expect your children to serve the Lord at school, at work, in their marriage, or with their friends.  When God’s word permeates throughout your life, your children will see that it matters.  When you pray together, they will see that you actually do cast your cares upon God.  When you discuss God’s word together, they will learn that God’s word applies to their lives in very real ways, not just as history lessons.  When gathering together at God’s house is a priority, they will see that church is essential, not optional.  When you work with your children on memorizing Bible passages or the Catechism, they will know that God’s word is worth remembering.  They will be more apt to endure hardship, and more grateful when they receive blessings.  They will be less likely to be enticed by material gain, sensual desires, or idolatry of themselves.

     Now it may happen that this commitment will be a new course for you, or maybe a greater emphasis than it has been.  Some of your family might even contest it.  “Why are we doing this?  Why have you become a zealot all of a sudden?”  Don’t let such questions bother you.  Be honest, and acknowledge: “Only Jesus has the words of eternal life.  Only Jesus has words which bring comfort in this life.  That’s why this matters.”  It would be like starting a new diet and exercise regimen.  You wouldn’t say, “Nah.  We’re out of shape.  It’s too much work.  What’s the point?”  You do it because you know you need it.  And it will be hard to establish the new, better habit.  Your sinful flesh always prefers to be lazy.  But the benefits are important, and the commitment is worth it.  What could be more important than the eternal welfare of your family?

     Let it be known to your own family and to others who ask: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  For there is no other God, and there is no other Savior.

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

Update from Good Shepherd (August 26, 2021)

Greetings!

SUMMER SCHEDULE
Divine Services are at 10:00 AM on Sundays, in person and on Facebook Live. Share our services and invite friends to tune in.

Sunday School and Adult Bible Class will resume on Sunday, September 12 at 8:45 AM. 

          Our Adult Bible Class will study the book of Daniel.  The tentative schedule can be found here.

          Bible Matters, a discussion group, will resume on Wednesday, September 15 at 7:00 PM.  The schedule of discussion topics can be found here.

          A Bible Information Class, which covers the basics of the Bible, will begin on Monday, September 13, 7:00-8:30 PM.  The schedule will be published soon.

CHURCH PICNIC

          Good Shepherd's Church Picnic will round out the kick off Sunday (September 12) for Sunday School and Adult Bible Class.  Shortly after church, we will start grilling the meat for our meal.  Attendees will be asked to bring salads, side dishes, and desserts.  Beverages will be provided by the church.  The meal will be served around 11:30 AM or so.  A Sign-Up Genius form will be sent out soon, assuring that we will have a variety of extras.  

GOOD SHEPHERD 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

         A pictorial retrospective of Good Shepherd has been produced and is at church. You are welcome to look through it. While there are many photos, there is also a lot of information about the history of the congregation. So, if you look at it, you will probably not be able to read through all the articles. The copy at church will be placed in Good Shepherd’s library, but you may want your own copy. We will contact Shutterfly to see what kind of discounted rate we can get for a bulk order. (Without discounts, the books runs well over $100.) We will see how many are interested in a copy, understanding that you may change your mind if the cost ends up being too high.

     NOTE: Orders will be taken in September.

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
          Between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, Pastor Schroeder’s office hours will be a bit more sporadic than usual. To ensure his availability, it is best to make an appointment. He will remain available by phone or text (248-719-5218). You may also email (welsnovi@aol.com), but the response may be slower.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE

         Feel free to share the videos.  For other services, do a search for "Good Shepherd Novi."  The service from Sunday, August 22 is here: (12) Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, August 22, 2021 - YouTube

         Bulletins for services can be downloaded from here (scroll down): 

http://goodshepherdnovi.org/worship

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

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

SUMMER SCHEDULE

DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 AM (also on Facebook Live )

Sunday School and Adult Bible Class will resume on Sunday September 12, 8:45 AM. 

Bible Matters will resume on Wednesday, September 15, 7:00 PM.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG
www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com

Adult Bible Class -- Fall 2021: The Book of Daniel

Adult Bible Class -- Fall 2021

DANIEL

Let's consider how God's people serve in circumstances which are not only difficult, but practically demand God's people to violate their faithful obedience to God and his word.  The book of Daniel gives us much to consider.  We will also see how the Lord of history guides the events of nations to bring the Savior into the world.  Come and join us for lively discussion and growing in faith and love.

September 12              Daniel 1          Captives faithful to the covenant                   

September 19              Daniel 2          Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

September 26              Daniel 3          Three Men in the Fiery Furnace

October 3                    Daniel 4          Nebuchadnezzar Humbled by God

October 10                  Daniel 5          The Writing on the Wall

October 17                  Daniel 6          Daniel in the Lions’ Den

October 24                  Daniel 7          Daniel’s Vision of the Four Beasts

October 31                  Daniel 8          Daniel’s Vision of the Ram and the Goat

November 7                Daniel 9          Daniel’s Penitential Prayer; Seventy Weeks

November 14              Daniel 10        Daniel’s Vision of Future Days:
                                                            Kings of the North and South -- Part 1

November 21              Daniel 11        Daniel’s Vision of Future Days:
                                                            Kings of the North and South -- Part 2

November 28              Daniel 12        The Time of the End

Classes are on Sundays at 8:45 AM.  All are welcome.

Bible Matters -- Schedule for Fall 2021

BIBLE MATTERS 

Bible Matters is a topical discussion group that enables God’s people to become more comfortable in discussing matters of the Christian faith and more confident in defending the Bible’s teachings. 

Bible Matters also allows for people unfamiliar with the Bible and the Christian faith the freedom to ask questions and even to challenge what we believe, because we believe the Bible stands up to scrutiny and that the Bible matters. We encourage open dialogue and welcome bold questions. Bible Matters will meet on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM. 

Here is our tentative schedule for the Fall. 

     9 / 15           How can Christians dismiss evolution as the origin of all things?
     9 / 22           What does it mean to be a man or a woman?
     9 / 29           How do we measure a person’s worth?
     10 / 6           Are people generally good or bad? Are we still “in God’s image”?
     10 / 13         How can we believe in a God who cannot be seen or touched?
     10 / 20         Why credit God for providing when I work for my possessions?
     10 / 27         What does it mean to be free? How far does free will go?
     11 / 3           What should we expect from God? Does God treat us fairly?
     11 / 10         What happens when a person dies?
     11 / 17         How are Law and Gospel the key to understanding the Scriptures?

All are welcome to consider how God’s word addresses various topics. Feel free to bring guests

YouTube -- 13th Sunday after Pentecost (August 22, 2021)

Here is the service from August 22, 2021.

Sermon -- 13th Sunday after Pentecost (August 22, 2021)

PROVERBS 9:1-6

WISDOM SUMMONS US TO THE FEAST THAT SAVES.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Quiz question: If you know that Jesus Christ died on a cross and rose from the dead on the third day, does this save you?  I am sure that your answer is a quick and emphatic, “Yes!”  You might be surprised to learn that you are wrong.  Knowledge of these facts does not save you.  The devil knows all these things are true, too.  There are many people who went to church as children, but then stopped and for years have had no interest in the Bible.  They still know that Jesus died on a cross and rose from the dead; they just don’t care anymore.  Mere knowledge of these facts does not save.  We are saved by faith, that is, by trusting in the promises attached to these facts.  It is a difference in saying, “Jesus died on a cross,” and “Jesus died on a cross to pay for my sins and to gain eternal life for me.”  This is why Wisdom calls out to people.  Wisdom does not say, “Here is some interesting trivia.”  Rather, Wisdom summons you to consume God’s word and to be consumed by it.  Wisdom summons you to the feast that saves. 

     Wisdom has done everything to present this feast to you.  Wisdom built the house and fortified it with seven pillars.  Wisdom has prepared the feast.  The meat has been slaughtered and roasted.  The wine has been poured.  The table has been set.  The banquet is ready.  Then Wisdom sends messengers to the heights of the city so that everyone can hear the invitation.  The feast is a gracious gift.  No one is handed a bill.  No one is asked to provide extra food.  No one is told that the house is too full.  The feast is prepared for all, and all are summoned to go to it.

     In Proverbs “Wisdom” is personified.  Wisdom in the flesh is Jesus.  He has done all the work to save you.  It is he who was slaughtered for the sins of the world and roasted in God’s wrath on the cross.  Whatever sins you have done—the sins that haunt you or the sins that you can’t even recall—all sins have been laid upon Jesus.  He has paid for all of them.  You are not told to bring something extra.  No one is told their sins are too much or that the kingdom of God is too full.  But to benefit from Jesus’ saving work, you must feast upon Christ, that is, believe in him for salvation.  There is no other way for sins to be forgiven.  There is no other name that saves.

     Wisdom summons us to the feast that saves.  “She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, ‘Whoever is simple, let him turn in here’” (Proverbs 9:3,4)!  It is not a one-time invitation.  It is always needed because we are always sinners.  We always need the Bread of Life to live.  The Bread of Life is Jesus, and it is given when Jesus is at work to save.  It is given to us through God’s word.  It is also given tangibly in Holy Communion.  There, we ingest the body and blood of Christ which have taken away our sins and which have overcome the grave.  This feasting is essential to the Christian faith.  Therefore, wisdom summons us the feast that saves.

     In the US Civil War, Union soldiers who were captured in battle were taken to prisons.  A notoriously bad prison was in Andersonville, Georgia.  Due to lack of food and proper medical treatment, these soldiers became malnourished.  Their bodies were emaciated.  If you saw their photographs, you would not say, “Okay, they are getting enough to keep them alive.  They should be fine.”  Rather, we would say, “They need to eat.  Their bodies need nourishment if they will ever be strong, active, and productive again.”  It is the same with your faith.  If it is not being fed, it will starve to death.  I don’t know how quickly that happens, but who would want to flirt with that?  Almost dead is never a good condition. 

     Wisdom summons us to the feast that saves.  The Bread of Life keeps our faith alive.  We feast on it as the word is preached and as Holy Communion is given.  This is how God comes to us to save us.  This is what makes us wise for salvation.  This is how the Lord keeps our faith living and active.  This is what brings comfort throughout this life and confidence for the life to come.  Therefore, wisdom continues to summon us to the feast that saves.

     Wisdom summons us for more.  “Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight” (Proverbs 9:6).  “Simple ways” refer to how easily we can be swayed away from God’s word by socially accepted attitudes and the deceptive arguments that support them.  Wisdom continues to summon us because we live in a world that entices us away from God’s word.  The devil seeks to deceive you.  And when the devil lies, most of what he says is true.  The devil wants to make his lies sound like they agree with God’s word.  This is how he leads people astray.  And the world has adopted his tactics.  The world has learned how to argue that an evil is actually good.

     Consider the arguments for abortion.  People don’t talk about a baby who grows in a mother’s womb.  Everyone knows that murder is wrong.  So now it is about women’s health care and her individual freedom.  Only a scoundrel would be against women’s health care or deny her freedom.  And just like that, the murder of unborn babies becomes good.  This is how God’s people are deceived into defending the abortion of babies. 

     Another example is demonstrated by the mantra, “Love is love.”  Well, who could argue with that?  What else could love be?  The mantra, however, is used to defend perversion.  To pervert is to use something apart from or opposed to its intended use.  God established marriage.  He gets to define what it is and how it is observed.  God’s word is clear that marriage is the joining together of one man and one woman for life.  The word of God also includes this instruction: “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous” (Hebrews 13:4).  So, sexual intimacy is good within the bond of marriage.  Everything outside of it is a perversion of God’s institution.

     When God’s people hear his words, they respond, “This is the word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.”  Even if it convicts you, you know that God’s word is right.  The world despises these things.  It mocks God’s word and those who hold to it.  It insists that, in the end, there is no such thing as perversion.  Again, people invoke freedom—that they are free to act however they want.  The world, however, does not give you the freedom to uphold God’s word.  The world chants its mantra, “Love is love,” convinced that saying it loud enough, often enough, and by enough people means God’s word can be shouted down and ignored.  Even Christians are swept up by it.

     Wisdom summons you so that you will not turn from a true faith to a perverted one.  The devil is good at using even God’s word to deceive God’s people.  Consider what Jesus said in John 5.  “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).  This makes sense to most people, that those who have done good will be saved.  Therefore, many people produce a resume of works they have done and a list of references who will tell them that they are good people.  Chances are, you’ve made similar assessments of yourself.  I don’t think you can live a long life without wondering what kind of difference you have made in the world.  Naturally, you want to be able to recall good things you have done, and you hope that you will be remembered for them.  You hope that God will remember them, too.  As sensible as this sounds, where does it put your focus?  On yourself.  Where do you put your confidence for heaven?  On your works.

     Now, the devil can leave you there, convincing you to trust that you are good enough for God.   But if you demand to be judged on your own merits, citing only good deeds and ignoring your sins, you will be lost because “there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins” (Ecclesiastes 7:20).  The devil is more likely to question what good you’ve done.  You will wonder if it was enough and begin to fear that it is not.  Then he will remind you of your sins, and you will become convinced that there is no hope for you at all.  You will recognize yourself for the sinner you are, but since you are focused on yourself, you will find no Savior, no comfort, and no hope.

     This is why Jesus declared, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven.  If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.  And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh” (John 6:51).  Jesus is your Savior and your hope.  He takes away your sins so you are not condemned by them.  He credits you with his innocence.  So, God not only calls you good; he declares you blameless.  Only Jesus delivers this salvation.  Only Jesus grants eternal life.  Therefore, Jesus summons you not merely to know facts about his life, but to believe in him, to cling to his word, and to feast on all the benefits he has won for you.

     Wisdom summons you to the feast that saves.  You need to hear wisdom’s words again and again.  The world will always promote corrupt ways.  They expect you to march with them.  The devil will always deceive.  His lies are slick.  If you want to stand firm, your faith needs to be fed.  If you want to remain on the path of righteousness, you need the proper insight.  Therefore, wisdom summons us all: “Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight” (Proverbs 9:6).

     Jesus does not just plop us onto the path of righteousness and leave us there.  He calls us to walk in the way of insight.  He speaks to us in the Scriptures so that we will not be led astray by a seductive voice.  He instructs us so that we will always know what God declares to be good and what God forbids as evil.  He encourages us so that we do not grow weary in doing his will.  He feeds us and keeps us nourished so that we remain strong, active, and productive.  We offer numbers Bible Classes to aid you in the feeding of your faith and for enlightenment in God’s wisdom.  By being regularly fed, you will recognize that there are great blessings for walking in the way of insight.  For, you spare yourself many griefs by living according to God’s word.  And when we struggle, stumble, or fail, the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin.

     Wisdom summons us to a feast that saves.  Our Lord has prepared the banquet.  He presents his blessings free of charge.  He gives himself for our salvation—given into death to pay for our sins, given in the word to declare his salvation, given at the altar for the forgiveness of our sins.  Jesus gives us the wisdom to pass through this life, and Jesus makes us wise for salvation for the life to come.

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

Things that make me go HMMMMMMM -- Lake Huron

Here is a sunrise over Lake Huron taken from Lakeport State Park, just north of Port Huron.  The haze and the distance makes it impossible to see the Great Lakes freighter which was on the horizon--going south into the St. Clair River, as best as I could tell.  Laura and I were able to sneak away for a camping trip, just to two of us.  (Peter spent the night with a friend.)  Laura noted that this was the first time we had done this since 1993.

As we were enjoying a day, a night, and a morning on the shore of one of the Great Lakes, I began to ponder.  My thoughts made me go, "Hmmmmmm."  Why is it Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and Lake Superior, but it is Houghton Lake, Higgins Lake, Torch Lake, Burt Lake, etc.?  What decides if "Lake" is the first word in the title or the last?

Size of the lake, you suggest?  I don't think so.  Lake St. Clair is in the chain of the Great Lakes, but it is most certainly not a Great Lake.  In Wisconsin, Lake Winnebago is the largest lake in the state, but certainly not worthy of Great Lake.  The Great Salt Lake is the largest inland lake west of the Mississippi, but "Lake" comes at the end.  In Wisconsin, Mirror Lake and Lake Delton are right next to each other.

So far, the best theory I can come up with is that "Lake" being the first word happens because of a French influence.  The French got to the Great Lakes first, so "Lake" introduces the name of each Great Lake.  In turn, "Lake" coming at the end of the title might be a British influence.  Lac du Flambeau (Wisconsin) would support that French influence theory, but then Fond du Lac (Wisconsin) blows it apart.  So, the mystery remains.  Any ideas out there?

Update from Good Shepherd (August 19, 2021)

Greetings!

SUMMER SCHEDULE
Divine Services are at 10:00 AM on Sundays, in person and on Facebook Live. Share our services and invite friends to tune in.

Sunday School, Adult Bible Class, and Bible Matters will resume in September.  Look for a promotional schedule coming out soon, and make it a point to attend any of the options which will be presented.

GOOD SHEPHERD 40TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

         A pictorial retrospective of Good Shepherd has been produced and is at church. You are welcome to look through it. While there are many photos, there is also a lot of information about the history of the congregation. So, if you look at it, you will probably not be able to read through all the articles. The copy at church will be placed in Good Shepherd’s library, but you may want your own copy. We will contact Shutterfly to see what kind of discounted rate we can get for a bulk order. (Without discounts, the books runs well over $100.) We will see how many are interested in a copy, understanding that you may change your mind if the cost ends up being too high.

     NOTE: Orders will be taken in September.

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
          Between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, Pastor Schroeder’s office hours will be a bit more sporadic than usual. To ensure his availability, it is best to make an appointment. He will remain available by phone or text (248-719-5218). You may also email (welsnovi@aol.com), but the response may be slower.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE

         Feel free to share the videos.  For other services, do a search for "Good Shepherd Novi."  The service from Sunday, August 15 is here: (11) Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service - August 15, 2021 - YouTube

         Bulletins for services can be downloaded from here (scroll down): 

http://goodshepherdnovi.org/worship

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In Christ,

Pastor Schroeder

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

SUMMER SCHEDULE

DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 AM (also on Facebook Live )

Sunday School, Adult Bible Class, and Bible Matters will resume in September.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG
www.LutheranSubject.blogspot.com

YouTube -- Festival of St. Mary, Mother of our Lord (August 15, 2021)

 Here is the service from August 15, 2021.

Sermon -- Festival of St. Mary, Mother of our Lord (August 15, 2021)

GALATIANS 4:4-7

GOD THE SON BECAME THE SON OF A WOMAN TO MAKE US THE SONS OF GOD.

In the name + of Jesus.

     From the third century, the early Christian Church has used a title for the Virgin Mary which has created more confusion than it deserves.  In 431 at the Council of Ephesus, the bishops formally adopted this title as a faithful Christian confession.  That confession?   The Blessed Virgin Mary is the Mother of God. 

     Does that title make you uncomfortable?  If it does, it is based on a misunderstanding.  Some hear the title “Mother of God” and elevate Mary to a divine status.  They make her a co-Redeemer with Jesus, putting her on par with Jesus, or even having influence over him.  Because some have committed idolatry with prayers to Mary and call her the Queen of Heaven, others reject the title “Mother of God.”  It is as if any recognition of Mary is idolatry. 

     The title “Mary, the Mother of God” is not really a confession about the Virgin Mary; it is a confession about Jesus.  By calling Mary “Mother of God,” we confess that Jesus is God.  We confess that God the Son became the Son of a woman, taking on her human nature, her DNA, and a place in her family tree.  It is exactly what St. Paul wrote to the Galatians: “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law” (Galatians 4:4). 

     When we say that Jesus was put under the law, this stresses his humanity.  He not only submitted to the Commandments that all people are judged by, he also submitted to every law that is common to man—laws of physics, laws of nature, and even civil laws.  He submitted to Roman rule and told others that they owed obedience even to unjust rulers.  He did not levitate from Galilee to Jerusalem, but he walked the dirt paths which all others trod.  Jesus knew a world of blisters, slivers, and body odor. 

     Jesus did not enter the world suddenly as a thirty-year-old man.  He was under the laws of nature.  He was conceived in the Virgin Mary.  He experienced nine months of gestation.  He was born in a mess of amniotic fluid which is common to all mankind.  He nursed at Mary’s breast, learned to walk by grabbing her fingers, and studied her face as she taught him to speak.  Jesus is in every way a human being, knowing both the joys and sorrows of this world.  He was even tempted in every way, just as we are; yet he remained without sin.  God the Son became the son of the woman.  He took his place with all of us as people under God’s care and command.

     Even the title “Virgin Mary” is a confession about Jesus.  It is not Mary who was immaculately conceived.  Jesus was.  By calling her the Virgin Mary, we confess that Jesus had no earthly father—not fathered by Joseph, not raped by a Roman soldier, not seduced by some lovesick teenager in Nazareth.  Of course, no one believes that pregnancy just happens.  Not even Mary believed that.  The angel told Mary how this would be: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Luke 1:35).  Through that word, Mary retained her virginity, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and the Word became the Word made flesh.  

     God the Son became the Son of the woman.  He who is God became a man.  He who was born a man is God.  The Athanasian Creed states it this way: “He is God, begotten from the substance of his Father before all ages; and He is man, born from the substance of His mother in this age: perfect God and perfect man, composed of a rational soul and human flesh.”  And the reason God did this?  St. Paul answered, “To redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:5).

     This is not mere Bible trivia; this is about your salvation.  God the Son became the son of a woman to make you sons of God.  You and I are not natural born children of God.  Adam and Eve were overcome by the devil.  They fell from the image of God and became totally corrupted by sin.  We all come from that same stock—conceived in the sinfulness of Adam and born in the likeness of the rebellious man.  Sin puts us under a curse and links us to death.  Just as you cannot escape your sinful condition, neither can you elude the curse or avoid the grave.

     But God promised a solution—the Seed of the woman.  When we confess that Mary is the Mother of God, we are confessing that God’s has fulfilled his promise in the Garden of Eden: The Seed of the Woman has come to crush the serpent’s head.  Just as the devil had overcome mankind, so also a man would overcome the devil to set mankind free.  The Son of Mary would reconcile us to God and restore us to his family.  Or, as St. Paul wrote it: “God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5).  God the Son became the Son of a woman to make you the sons of God.

     You have received adoption as sons, but the cost was covered by Jesus.  The price was Jesus’ own life.  This is why God the Son had to become the Son of a woman.  If Jesus Christ is not conceived in and born of Mary, then he is not really a man.  If he is not a man, then he cannot save you, because that would mean no man has ever fulfilled the Law of God.  If no man has kept God’s Law, then Satan’s kingdom stands and all people remain condemned for their disobedience. 

     Likewise, if Jesus is not God, he cannot save you.  The Bible reminds us: “Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life” (Psalm 49:7).  If Jesus is only a man, Jesus saved himself by his own holy obedience.  If he is only a man, his sufferings and death do nothing for you.  He could not vouch for you anymore than I could.  And he would not be able to redeem you anymore than you could redeem me.  But when it is God who pays the price to redeem mankind, then the payment is rendered for all.  But for God to shed his blood and lay down his life, he had to become a man.  God neither bleeds nor dies.  Therefore, God the Son became the son of a woman to make you sons of God.

     The Virgin Mary was present to watch that payment being made.  At the cross, Jesus was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities.  When our iniquities were put upon his head and the spear was thrust into his heart, a sword pierced Mary’s soul, too.  For, this mother saw the brutal sufferings and death of her own flesh and blood.  But it is not witnessing the sufferings, death, and resurrection of Jesus which makes us sons of God.  St. Paul wrote, “in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith” (Galatians 3:26).  Mary was not saved because Jesus’ death wounded her or because Jesus was her little boy.  Mary is saved just like us, by faith.

     God the Son became the son of a woman to make us sons of God.  Jesus is the true Son of God, begotten of the Father from eternity.  But now you also are sons of God through faith in Jesus.  This means that you are as dear to the Father as Jesus himself.  God the Father does not keep you at a distance, but sends his own Spirit to dwell within you.  He teaches you to call upon him as your dear Abba, as little Aramaic children affectionately called their fathers.  For God the Father surely looks upon you with affection. 

     God the Son became the son of a woman to make you sons of God.  The phrase “sons of God” is no accident.  Back in the days of St. Paul, a man’s inheritance was distributed only among his sons.  The daughters would be married off and benefit in the estate of another family.  The sons were the heirs.  Now if you are all sons of God, then you are all heirs of the heavenly kingdom.  You are all cherished by the Father who desires to make you all partakers of glory.  No matter what anyone else may think of you, God the Father holds you dear to himself.  God the Son is your brother.  God the Spirit dwells in you and preserves your adoption through the word and sacraments.

     The Virgin Mary got to witness all that God the Son did to make us sons of God.  While Mary did nothing to make us sons of God, she did set an example for the sons of God to emulate.

     It was no small matter to be the virgin in whom the Christ was conceived.  Mary would have heard the gossip about her unwed pregnancy.  She would have lived under that scandal all her life long.  Yet, when the angel told her of the hardship God would lay upon her, she humbly declared, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).  She did not fret about what would be inconvenient for her.  She conformed her will to God’s.

     When Jesus was born, the angels did not sing for Mary.  They appeared to shepherds out in the fields.  The shepherds came to see Jesus and reported all the angel had said and all that the angelic choirs had sang.  These words were dear to Mary who “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). 

     Years later, at the wedding in Cana, Mary alerted Jesus to the fact that the wedding had run out of wine.  Jesus rebuffed her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me?  My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4).  Rather than scold him for embarrassing her, Mary instructed the servants: “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5).  Mary trusted that, whatever Jesus would do, it was good and right so to do.

     The Blessed Virgin Mary was the vessel through whom God the Son entered the world.  She was also a vessel which was filled with a love for God’s word, a desire to follow God’s will, and a trust in whatever God does.  Is this not what God’s children do—fear, love, and trust in him above all things?

     God the Son became the son of a woman to make you sons of God.  He has redeemed you with sacred blood.  He has restored you to God by the flesh which has overcome the grave.  Now the risen flesh and the sacred blood born of Mary is given to you from the altar.  Through his body and blood, Jesus fills you with a love for God’s word, a desire to do his will, and a trust that, whatever he tells us to do, it will be good and right so to do.  Is this not what God’s children do—fear, love, and trust in him above all things?  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.  And if you are sons of God, then you are cherished by the Father and heirs of his glory.

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

Traveling with the Schroeders -- Wisconsin and Illinois

In early August, we traveled to Wisconsin.  The attempt to see my parents fell apart, so we stayed with Faith in the Milwaukee area.  On Friday, August 6 we went to the Wisconsin State Fair.  Peter was very impressed with the size of the fair.  Naturally, we saw the pig races.  Peter and I went on the ferris wheel.  We were able to see downtown Milwaukee from the top.  Our highlight of the day was seeing The Kids from Wisconsin, a show choir and band of high school kids from around the state.  They were always a must-see for my Mom, so we had to catch their show.  They were excellent.  A hot day meant that we chose beverages over food, but the State Fair offers so much food that four stomachs would be helpful.  Note to Wisconsin State Fair goers: We did not get cream puffs.  Don't hate us.

We left Wisconsin on Sunday.  The daily forecast for the U.P. was rain, so we changed direction and headed south to Springfield.  We had been intending for years to get to the Abraham Lincoln sites down there.  They called for rain only on Sunday (and did they ever get it!), but Monday and Tuesday were clear. 

On Monday, August 9, we started at the Abraham Lincoln Home National Historic Site.  Admission is free.  What surprised us more than anything was that it was more than just Lincoln's house (the only one he ever owned); it was four square blocks of homes preserved to recreate the feel of the neighborhood Lincoln lived in.  Two homes were utilized for exhibits; others were used for national park purposes.

From there, we went to visit the Oak Ridge Cemetery to see Lincoln's Tomb.  Mary Todd Lincoln and three of their children are buried there as well.  (Robert is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.)  There are many statues in this monument.  It is worth the visit if you are already in Springfield.  Of course, it is free.

With only two hours left in the afternoon, we visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.  We were pretty familiar with the life of Lincoln, so we were able to skim some of the history about him.  Still, we were very rushed.  Two hours is not enough time to do justice to everything there.  If you go to Springfield and have time for only one stop, this museum is the one to go to before all other sites.

There are numerous dioramas throughout which help to color the life and struggles of the Lincoln family.  Only a few pictures are included below.  It is best to go see it.  It was also very moving to see the display which depicted the president's coffin while lying in state.  It is no surprise that Lincoln died.  Still, the display was striking.  No pictures of that here; go see it.

Finally, on Tuesday, August 10, we visited Abraham Lincoln's New Salem site.  It is a restored village (only one building original, all others rebuilt on old foundations) which tries to give you the feeling of a twenty-something Lincoln settling into a short-lived village and trying to make a success of himself.  There are numerous stories about Lincoln's life from this time, but it seems that many of them are mythical.  Entertaining, but questionable.  We spent a few hours here, but decided that this would be the first place to be dropped from an itinerary if it had to be.  It is also about 20 miles away from Springfield, so you have to go there intentionally.  After our New Salem visit, it was time for the long trek home.  Another presidential museum under our belts, though, and long over due!

Here are some photos from the trip.

Peter and I from the top of the State Fair.

The Lincolns' bedroom.  I thought the wall paper might be a little to loud to wake up to each morning.

The best looking attraction in Springfield!

Here are the crossroads in the Lincoln neighborhood.  

Lincoln's house would be just off the camera shot on the left.

Two of Lincoln's son wreaking havoc in his law office.  Lincoln ignored them and let the wild play go without rebuke.  This was, apparently, typical, and not often well-received by law partners.

Lincoln and his cabinet strategizing during the Civil War.

Lincoln had attempted to run two general stores in New Salem.  Both failed.  

This is the second one.  Shortly after this venture, he served as postmaster.