YouTube -- 4th Sunday after Epiphany (January 30, 2022)

Here is the service from Sunday, January 30, 2022.

Sermon -- 4th Sunday after Epiphany (January 30, 2022)

LUKE 4:31-44

JESUS CASTS OUT WHAT IS EVIL AND DELIVERS WHAT IS GOOD.

In the name + of Jesus.

     There is a lament that is pondered by every generation: “Why do bad things happen to good people?”  We recognize that disease and disasters are not good.  We understand that this is not the way life is supposed to be, even if stories about disease and disasters are common.  Most people don’t get maimed in car accidents.  Most people don’t get Parkinson’s Disease.  Most people don’t have birth defects.  So, when they happen to you or to someone you love, grief, confusion, and anger overflow.  They spill out into a question, or even an accusation against God: “Why is this happening?!”  

     You know the answer to that question, although the answer is not really satisfying.  Why do bad things happen to good people?  Because there are no good people.  All people are sinners.  While most people don’t share our confession, we know what sins deserve.  We said it earlier: Lord, “I deserve your punishment both now and in eternity.”  Part of the curse of sin is that our bodies fail and that natural disasters affect our lives.  These things don’t happen in a perfect world.  But we are not in a perfect world.  Nor are we perfect.  So, bad things happen to sinners.

     That still does not erase the grief, the confusion, and the anger.  We want to be free from our sin, and we want to be free from its consequences.  We hear that hospitals are full; we’d rather hear that we don’t need them anymore.  Rather than hear that counselors will be on site to help people cope with the latest tragedy, we want to hear that there are no more tragedies.  We want a world that has no mental health issues, knows no need for children’s hospitals, or has no use for caskets.  The good news, dear friends, is that the day is coming when you will be free from sin and from every consequence of sin.  Jesus has come to save you from every effect that sin has upon you and upon the world.  Jesus casts out what is evil and delivers what is good.

     Jesus “went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee.  And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority” (Luke 4:31-32).  The people were amazed by Jesus’ message even apart from his miracles.  Part of the authority of Jesus’ preaching was that he did not rely on the traditions of other rabbis.  We catch a glimpse of that authority in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.  There, for example, he declared, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’  But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28).  Jesus did not appeal to other authorities.  He came as his own authority, and the people were in awe that he did.

     Then Jesus showed that the kingdom of God does not only come with words; it also comes with action.  Yes, Jesus proclaimed the good news of forgiveness of sins, deliverance from death, and his sacrificial death on behalf of sinners.  But Jesus also acted to take away the consequences of sin.  In other words, he dealt with the bad things that happen to sinful people.  Jesus casts away what is evil and delivers what is good.

     “In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Ha!  What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?  Have you come to destroy us?  I know who you are—the Holy One of God.’  But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be silent and come out of him!’  And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm” (Luke 4:33-35).  We don’t know how it came about that this man was possessed by a demon.  Chances are he had taken up magic arts or some form of divination like a Ouija board.  Such activities are invitations for the devil to invade your life and perhaps even to possess your body.  It doesn’t matter that the Ouija board is marketed by Hasbro; it is no game.  Stay away from it.  We also don’t know how a demon-possessed man came to be in a synagogue.  Nevertheless, there he was. 

     Since Jesus came to destroy the devil’s work, Jesus delivered this man from the demon which had possessed him.  The devil does not gladly surrender what he has taken, but when Jesus gave the command, the demon had to obey.  Jesus’ word had authority that the devil himself cannot overcome.  Jesus casts out what is evil and delivers what is good.

     While demon possession still occurs, it is not common—certainly not as common as what Jesus had to face.  What is more common today would be demon oppression.  The demons seem to be tormenting the thoughts and emotions of people in increasing numbers.  People are filled with anxiety, anger, loneliness, and hopelessness.  This leads to people bringing harm on themselves or to killing others.  Mental illness may play a part in this.  But it seems to me to be more than just a coincidence that people are ignoring God’s word and the church as the level of violence is increasing.  If you are not hearing the word of the Lord, other voices will take its place.  Do you think the devil would pass up such an opportunity?  He deceives and entices people into sin.  He robs minds of peace and hearts of comfort.  We need not be surprised by the results.

     In some rites of Holy Baptism, there is a little exorcism that takes place.  The pastor speaks to the one being baptized and says, “Depart, unclean spirit and make way for the Holy Spirit.”  That’s not to say that unbelievers are demon-possessed.  Rather, it is the recognition that Jesus must rescue us from the devil’s power.  Only Jesus’ words have the authority to do that.  And Jesus’ words have the authority to keep the devil away so that minds are not tormented and we maintain control of our emotions. 

     Jesus casts out what is evil and delivers what is good.  Jesus removes from us the sin that condemns us.  He takes from us all that is bad and suffers the worst for us.  Jesus made himself the victim of the sins of wicked men who slandered, schemed, and plotted his death.  Jesus made himself the victim of sacrifice as he bore our sins for us.  He delivers us from the curse of sin and death and delivers to us pardon and peace in its place.  He took all the bad from us and delivers to us all that is for our eternal good.  Thanks to Jesus, the Lord does not regard you as bad people or even flawed people.  He sees you clothed in the righteousness of Jesus.  Before God, you are not merely good; you are blameless.  Jesus casts out all that is evil and delivers all that is good.

     We still live in a sinful world, and bad things still happen.  Bad things will always happen in a sinful world.  But Jesus remains our hope.  The people Galilee recognized that too.  “Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.  And demons also came out of many” (Luke 4:40-41).  All the miracles of Jesus give us a glimpse of the heavenly kingdom that God has prepared for us.  He will deliver us into that heavenly kingdom where the evils are cast out forever.  In the heavenly kingdom, the demons will neither possess nor oppress anyone.  There will be no memory of sins, no regrets to stew over, no grudges to ruin our day, and no shame that would make us want to hide.  No one will have to ask, “Why do bad things happen?” because there will be no bad things.  Jesus will bring healing to everyone.  Just as he drove out the high fever of Simon’s mother-in-law by a word of rebuke, so he will cast away every sickness and disease.  In heaven, there will be no high fevers, no viruses, no allergies, and no runny noses.  Just as Jesus delivered healing by laying his hands on people, so his hand will cast away every debilitating problem.  In heaven, there will be no need for hearing aids or corrective lenses.  There will be no birth defects or handicaps.  Jesus will cast away everything that is evil and everything that comes from evil.  Jesus will deliver what is good and make it to be good forever.

     Jesus preached in the synagogue at Capernaum about the kingdom of God.  He gave a glimpse of that kingdom’s glory when he cast out the demon and rebuked the fever.  When the Sabbath had officially ended, the sick from all over town came to Jesus.  In mercy, he healed all those who were brought to him.  Is it any wonder they wanted to keep Jesus around?  But Jesus told them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose” (Luke 4:43).  And so he went forth to cast out what was evil and to deliver what is good.

     Today, this Gospel has been entrusted to you.  While the Lord seems to have chosen to suspend his gifts of healing, we still have words which are proclaimed with authority.  They are meant for all.  We know people who need these words.  It is not fever or blindness or paralysis which keeps people out of the kingdom of God.  It is sin and unbelief.  By the preaching of the word, the devil is cast away from so that people are relieved of harassment and torment.  By his word, Jesus drives away the guilt that hounds you and nullifies fears that plague you.  When sin is cast away, comfort and peace are delivered.  Jesus casts out what is evil and delivers what is good.

     What is more, Jesus also delivers people from the oppression of the devil.  When people hear and believe the words and promises of God, the Lord delivers healing to troubled hearts and minds.  Those who feel rejected and lonely discover that Jesus is the friend of sinners.  Those who are struggle with anger or emotional issues will learn that Jesus is meek and gentle with them.  Those who feel hopeless will find that God invests himself in their lives now and assures them of an eternal hope in heaven.  The Lord never forsakes his people.  Rather, he delights to hear your prayers and gives you strength to endure your problems.  He even joins you together with fellow Christians who support and encourage you and pray for you when bad things come your way.  No matter what bad we must still endure in an uncertain world, we have promises which are reliable.  We have a Savior who is steadfast in mercy and boundless in love. 

     Jesus casts out what is evil and delivers what is good.  And the day will come when he will deliver us out of this sin-filled world and bring us to the perfection of eternal life.  This is the good news of the kingdom; and it is enforced by divine authority.

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

Update from Good Shepherd (January 26, 2022)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE
Divine Services are at 10:00 AM on Sundays.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are Sundays at 8:45 AM.
           Our Adult Bible Class is studying “Great Chapters of the Bible.” 

           The  full schedule can be found here.
Bible Matters, a discussion group, meets Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.
For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS – GREAT CHAPTERS OF THE BIBLE
           While the various teachings of God are scattered throughout the Bible, the Bible sometimes documents a particular teaching in an extended portion of Scripture. They give us a great deal to ponder for our understanding, comfort, and guidance. A greater knowledge of these chapters provides a greater defense against false doctrine and a greater appreciation of God’s promises and instruction. Classes are Sundays at 8:45 AM. 

           A complete schedule of “Great Chapters of the Bible” can be found here.
Upcoming lesson include:
            Jan 30        Romans 8  --  God is For Us
            Feb 6          John 10  --  The Good Shepherd
            Feb 13        Ezekiel 33  --  The Office of the Ministry
            Feb 20        Acts 2  --  Pentecost
            Feb 27        Ephesians 1  --  Chosen from Eternity in Christ

BIBLE MATTERS – A discussion group
          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. We encourage open dialogue and welcome bold questions. All are welcome to consider how God’s word addresses various topics. Topics will be select portions of our Sunday morning Bible Class. The full schedule of our winter sessions can be found here. The short list for upcoming discussion is here:
            February 2           Ephesians 1  --  Chosen from Eternity in Christ
            February 9           Galatians 3  --  Saved by Faith Alone
            February 16         1 Peter 3:8 – 4:19   --  Suffering for Being a Christian
Bible Matters meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.

AXE THROWING

          On Saturday, February 5, members and friends of Good Shepherd are invited to engage in an afternoon of axe throwing at BATL Axe in Novi.  The plan is to be there from 3:00-5:00 PM, with the option to go out to eat at a local restaurant following the event.  It appears that the cost will be about $40 per person, but that may come down when we ask for a group rate.  For now, we need to know how many people we would need to make reservations for.  You can RSPV through this link. 

          The event is for everyone age 12 and older (under 18 will need to have a guardian sign a waiver).  All are welcome!  You can bring friends, too!

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE
          Services are uploaded to YouTube each week, usually the Monday after the service. Feel free to share the videos. Sunday, January 23: Good Shepherd Novi Service, January 23, 2022 - YouTube

OFFICE HOURS
          Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon. The pastor will be in his office unless a meeting has been scheduled elsewhere (consult the weekly schedule). The pastor is also available by appointment. Call or text (248-719-5218). You may also email (welsnovi@aol.com), but the response may be slower.

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 is 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.

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

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REGULAR SCHEDULE

DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 AM
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are on Sundays at 8:45 AM.
Bible Matters meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

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

A GOD-LIVED LIFE: Let your money be good for something.

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

          We are wrapping up a series of sermons with a Stewardship emphasis. Stewardship, ultimately, is about our entire life. We use what God gives us to his glory and for the good of our neighbor. For one more month, we will consider the way we use the gifts God gives us as is God-pleasing.

         This email is to further encourage what we pondered on Sunday, January 9. (That service can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fjo1iuJ-pSw&t=1s)  In this way, each one can give more consideration about how he or she may put into practice what was proclaimed as a God-pleasing way to serve him.
          For the month of January, we continue to consider what it means to have A Life Shrewdly Lived.

A LIFE SHREWDLY LIVED

Week #3      Let your money be good for something.

            “Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights” (James 1:17).  Every good gift is from God, and every gift God gives is good.  This includes our wealth.  Money is not the root of all evil; rather, “the love of money is a root of all sorts of evils” (1 Timothy 6:9, emphasis added).  Money, in and of itself, is a tool.  We use it to accomplish what we need to do.

            If money is a tool, it is to be put to good use.  Some uses are obvious.  St. Paul wrote, “If anyone does not provide for his own family, and especially for his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).  Caring for one’s own family and assuring the family has what they need is obvious even to scoundrels.  We put our money to good use by caring for the family God gives us.

            But if this is as far as your use of money goes, it is not doing as much good as God desires.  God intends us to use the tools he gives us to honor him and to serve our neighbor.  In regard to serving our neighbor, this is what the word of the Lord says: “Let the one who has been stealing steal no longer.  Instead, let him work hard doing what is good with his own hands, so that he has something to share with a person who is in need” (Ephesians 4:28).  We bring harm to our neighbor of we steal from him.  But God urges us to go further than to do no harm.  He tells us to do good, especially to the one who is in need.  We make our money good for something when we aid and assist those who are in need.

            Our money is also used to honor the Lord.  While all godly use of money honors God, the offerings we give are a specific act of worship to honor him.  In the Old Testament, the offerings were animals which were slain and then consumed by fire on an altar.  This sacrifice was a complete devotion.  In a worldly sense, it was a total waste.  There was no return on a ram burnt to ashes.  Of course, we do not light our offerings on fire after we devote them to the Lord.  Our money is good for the work of preaching the Gospel, of sending missionaries throughout the world, of supporting the training of future pastors and teachers, of publication of literature which faithfully teaches the Scriptures, and so on.  Our prayer is that the return on our offerings will be the eternal welfare of people whom we don’t even know and of people who are not yet even born.  That is good for something.

            Whatever we do, we want to do it to the glory of God and the good of our neighbor.  Whatever God has given us is given for that purpose, including our wealth.  It is a good gift of God, and it is to be used for something good.

YouTube -- 3rd Sunday after Epiphany (January 23, 2022)

Here is the service from January 23, 2022.

Sermon -- 3rd Sunday after Epiphany (January 23, 2022)

ISAIAH 61:1-6

THE LORD’S ANOINTED RELIEVES AND RESTORES.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Isaiah’s prophecy begins with the words, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me” (Isaiah 61:1).  If there is any confusion about who the “me” is, Jesus cleared that up.  He went to the synagogue in Nazareth and was given the privilege to do the reading and to preach on it.  The appointed reading for the day just happened to be Isaiah 61.  After the reading, Jesus began his sermon: “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21).  The “me” of Isaiah is Jesus.  He is the Lord’s Anointed.

     Isaiah foretold a seven-fold blessing which the Lord’s Anointed would bestow through his preaching.  He would later secure those blessings with his sufferings and death.  Here is what the Lord’s Anointed would do: “The Lord has anointed me 1) to bring good news … 2) to bind up the brokenhearted … 3) to proclaim liberty; … 4) to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor; … 5) to comfort; … 6) to grant to those who mourn in Zion … 7) to give them a beautiful headdress …, the oil of gladness …, the garment of praise” (Isaiah 61:1-3).  The Lord’s Anointed was sent to relieve everything that has burdened the people and to restore everything that was ruined.

     While it would be worthwhile to explore each of these seven blessings, we will limit ourselves this morning to this: “The Lord has anointed me … to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound” (Isaiah 61:1).  The Old Testament Israelites knew of captivity through their 400 years in Egypt.  They were reduced to servitude and oppressed with hard labor.  The Egyptians even ordered the death of their baby boys so that the women would be absorbed into Egypt and the nation of Israel would cease to exist.  The Israelite nation longed to be free from their bondage, but it’s not like they could just walk away or refuse to obey.  They were captive to Egypt and in bondage to slavery.  It was not until the Lord acted to set them free that they finally had liberty.

     You and I have been under bondage to sin.  Even though you are forgiven children of God, you recognize the bondage and oppression of sin still in your lives.  Surely, you want to be free from sin, but you aren’t.  Sin still dwells within you.  Sin persists in your thoughts and comes out of your mouth.  It will not let you go.  As a result, you are also captive to death.  “The wages of sin is death,” (Romans 6:23), so we are all destined for the grave.  No one wants to die, but then no one has a choice either.

     Just as Israel was not free from captivity util the Lord acted to set them free, so the Lord’s anointed must act to relieve you of your burden and release you from your captivity to sin and death.  He gave himself in exchange for you.  He offered himself as the ransom which sets you free.  So, sin did to Jesus what it should have done to us.  He took the curse and was consumed in God’s wrath.  Jesus died the death we deserve—not just an agonizing death on a cross, but a God-forsaken death of judgment.  Jesus died for sins that we have done in weakness or on purpose.  Jesus died for sins we can’t recall and for sins we cannot seem to forget.  By taking your sins away from you, Jesus sets you free.  Your sins cannot condemn you because Jesus was convicted of them for you.  The Lord’s Anointed relieves you of your bondage to sin and its curse.

     The Lord’s Anointed also relieves you of death.  The worst that death can do is bring you to the fires of hell and endless torment.  But Jesus has relieved you of that sentence.  Jesus endured the horrors of death for you.  The eternal Son of God has endured the torment so that you will not.  Now, for you, death is but a slumber.  Scripture often speaks of death as a sleep from which Jesus will awaken you.  Now, you surely do not fear going to bed at night.  You probably look forward to it.  But when you sleep, you are dead to the world.  You don’t see anything.  You don’t hear anything.  You are completely unaware of anything that is going on.  But you go to sleep confident that you will wake up in the morning.  And isn’t that what death has become for those who are in Christ?  We go to our grave for a while, but on the Last Day, our Lord who holds authority over death and the grave, will summon us back to life.  He will relieve of death and decay, and he will awaken us into everlasting day.  He will raise us up with glorious, immortal bodies.  The Lord’s Anointed relieves us of death and restores to us life in God’s glorious presence.

     After Isaiah foretold what the Lord’s Anointed would deliver to us, he also foretold the benefits of his gracious decree.  After being relieved of their burdens and freed from their captivity, all that Israel lost would be restored.  In one respect, Isaiah’s prophecy was quite literal.  Isaiah prophesied more than 100 years before Israel’s captivity in Babylon.  Nevertheless, Isaiah was already foretelling of their return.  The cities and houses that were to be destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar would be rebuilt.  The land which was to be devastated would later be recultivated.  Again, the Lord would act to restore his people.  And a faithful remnant would resettle the Promised Land and wait for their Messiah.  The Lord’s Anointed relieves and restores. 

     And the Lord’s Anointed promises you much better!  One of the realities of living in this sinful world is that we lose the blessings God gives us.  The fault does not lie in the blessings.  God’s blessings are good gifts.  The fault does not lie with the Lord who both gives takes these blessings away.  He who gives them for a while has the right to withdraw them as he sees fit.  He does not give his gifts because they are deserved, and he does not take them away because he is petty or angry.  He does it out of wisdom and mercy, even if our losses cause pain.  If the Lord withdraws his blessings, it is because he is teaching you that us not to love or trust in them.  We don’t need the blessings; we need the God who supplies whatever is for our good.  Throughout your life, you’ve probably lost wealth and property; yet you still have enough.  You’ve lost friends and family members; yet God is still good and merciful.  Eventually, we lose our dexterity, our mobility, and finally our breath; but God does not forsake you.

     The Lord’s Anointed will restore all things.  He will raise us from the dead and give us everything that we truly need.  All his blessings will be perfect.  They will never lose value or effectiveness.  They cannot be lost or stolen.  Everything which is devastated or devalued by sin will be restored.  The Lord’s Anointed will restore what has been lost.  Those who have lost their senses will have their sight and hearing restored.  Those who have lost their ability and agility will have their bodies made whole.  Those who have become weak and frail will be restored to perfect strength.  Lost riches will be restored with much better riches.  A dying world will be restored to an everlasting Paradise.  The Lord’s Anointed gave us glimpse of this freedom with his miraculous healings.  The Lord’s Anointed relieves and restores.

     This also means that you will be relieved of all your struggles and weaknesses.  You have been relieved of the curse of sin already.  God’s pardon means your sin does not condemn you.  But your sinfulness still plagues you.  You are not proud of your sins.  You grow frustrated because you cannot overcome bad habits or because you do not produce the patience, kindness, generosity, or self-control you want.  But the Lord’s Anointed will relieve you of your weaknesses.  He will restore to you both the perfect desire and the perfect ability to do everything in accordance with God’s will.  And you will rejoice in doing it.  What joy to know that you will never again disappoint a loved one, fail to keep your word, or need to swallow your pride over boastful or hurtful words!  The Lord’s Anointed will restore you to a pure heart and mind and to glad and willing obedience.  The Lord’s Anointed relieves and restores.

     Jesus read the words: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor” (Isaiah 61:1).  Jesus was sent to deliver the good news of salvation to the poor.  That means all people because all are destitute of righteousness.  Jesus, however, supplies the righteousness people need.  And now, to you who have been given the righteousness that saves, Jesus calls you to declare this good news, too.  You do this both by words and actions.

     The Lord reminds you, “You shall be called the priests of the Lord; they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God” (Isaiah 61:6).  Not everyone in Christ’s church is a pastor, but everyone is a priest.  A priest is one who speaks and acts for the Lord.  This is what you do throughout your life.  You sing his praise and call upon his name here.  You pray and teach God’s word with your family at home.  You invite your neighbors to come and hear God’s word with you and boldly confess the comfort and peace that Jesus gives to sinners.  You can boast how Jesus has relieved your fears and how he will restore your life to perfection and peace. 

     Your priestly duties are not limited to church.  You live and serve in God’s name no matter what you do.  Even the way you live toward your neighbor makes a confession to him.  You work honestly.  You act graciously.  You forgive freely.  You speak kindly.  You listen with compassion, and you respond with mercy.  Whatever you do, you do it as a priest of God and in service of Christ.  This is how you love your neighbor and bless him—whether your neighbor is your spouse, your client, or a stranger.  Your neighbor will recognize your deeds of love, and he will praise God for your service.

     The Spirit of the Father has anointed the Son who declares liberty for the captives and freedom for those who had been bound to sin and death.  In holy baptism, God the Son poured out his Spirit upon you and set you free.  Through preaching and holy communion, he keeps you free from the bondage to sin and death.  He relieves you of the guilt that bothers you and the death that stalks you.  He pardons you and promises you a resurrection to life everlasting.  He will restore to humanity the perfection it first had, and he will restore the world to the perfection of Eden.  The Lord’s Anointed was sent and commissioned for this very purpose: to relieve sinners and to restore righteousness.

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

Update from Good Shepherd (January 20, 2022)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE
Divine Services are at 10:00 AM on Sundays.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are Sundays at 8:45 AM.
           Our Adult Bible Class is studying “Great Chapters of the Bible.” 

           That schedule can be found here.
Bible Matters, a discussion group, meets Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.
For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS – GREAT CHAPTERS OF THE BIBLE
           While the various teachings of God are scattered throughout the Bible, the Bible sometimes documents a particular teaching in an extended portion of Scripture. They give us a great deal to ponder for our understanding, comfort, and guidance. A greater knowledge of these chapters provides a greater defense against false doctrine and a greater appreciation of God’s promises and instruction. Classes are Sundays at 8:45 AM.
          A complete schedule of “Great Chapters of the Bible” can be found here.
Upcoming lesson include:
          Jan 23        Psalm 73 -- I Envied the Wicked
          Jan 30        Romans 8 -- God is For Us

BIBLE MATTERS – A discussion group
          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. We encourage open dialogue and welcome bold questions. All are welcome to consider how God’s word addresses various topics. Topics will be select portions of our Sunday morning Bible Class. The full schedule of our winter sessions can be found here. The short list for upcoming discussion is here:
          January 26      Romans 8                   God Is for Us
          February 2      Ephesians 1                 Chosen from Eternity in Christ
Bible Matters meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.

EVANGELISM COMMITTEE MEETING 

          In order to make the most of opportunities to proclaim the Gospel in our community, we need to budget our expenses and our time. We will be meeting to determine our plans and to pray that God will bless them. Our next Evangelism Committee meeting will be Sunday, January 23 at 11:15 AM. All members are encouraged to participate in our Evangelism efforts, whether on the committee or not. But we do need people who are willing to be on the committee to plan.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING
          Our next Stewardship Committee meeting will be Sunday, January 23 at 11:15 AM. The main purpose of our Stewardship Committee right now is to coordinate events to foster the bonds of fellowship among our members and to serve our community as well. While we can come up with ideas, it is important that congregation is on board with these ideas to make them beneficial for us and for others. In other words, we need your participation to make these events go well. Got an idea? Willing to make some phone calls? Want to see our congregation more energetic and vibrant? Then you can help. Join us on Sunday, January 23 after church.

AXE THROWING

          On Saturday, February 5, members and friends of Good Shepherd are invited to engage in an afternoon of axe throwing at BATL Axe in Novi.  The plan is to be there from 3:00-5:00 PM, with the option to go out to eat at a local restaurant following the event.  It appears that the cost will be about $40 per person, but that may come down when we ask for a group rate.  For now, we need to know how many people we would need to make reservations for.  You can RSPV through this link. 

          The event is for everyone age 12 and older (under 18 will need to have a guardian sign a waiver).  All are welcome!  You can bring friends, too!

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE
          Services are uploaded to YouTube each week, usually the Monday after the service. Feel free to share the videos. Sunday, January 16: Good Shepherd Novi - Worship Jan 16, 2022 - YouTube

OFFICE HOURS
          Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon. The pastor will be in his office unless a meeting has been scheduled elsewhere (consult the weekly schedule). The pastor is also available by appointment. Call or text (248-719-5218). You may also email (welsnovi@aol.com), but the response may be slower.

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 is 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.

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          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

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REGULAR SCHEDULE

DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 AM
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are on Sundays at 8:45 AM.
Bible Matters meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

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

A GOD-LIVED LIFE: Tithe. Really.

INTRODUCTORY NOTE

          We are wrapping up a series of sermons with a Stewardship emphasis. Stewardship, ultimately, is about our entire life. We use what God gives us to his glory and for the good of our neighbor. For one more month, we will consider the way we use the gifts God gives us as is God-pleasing.

         This email is to further encourage what we pondered on Sunday, January 9. (That service can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fjo1iuJ-pSw&t=1s)  In this way, each one can give more consideration about how he or she may put into practice what was proclaimed as a God-pleasing way to serve him.
          For the month of January, we continue to consider what it means to have A Life Shrewdly Lived.

A LIFE SHREWDLY LIVED

Week #2        Tithe.  Really.

            For Old Testament Israelites, it was really simple.  Ten percent of their income was given to the Lord.  It was the first ten percent.  Not ten percent after all the bills were paid.  Not ten percent if it was a good month.  It was the first fruits.  Ten percent was given to the Lord.  This was a confession as much as it was a command.  The command was the tithe.  The confession was that the Lord would supply for their needs after they honored him first.

            For New Testament Christians, there are no commandments.  The closest we get to a commandment is this: “This is what I mean: The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. The one who sows generously will also reap generously.  Each one should give as he has determined in his heart, not reluctantly or under pressure, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).  And this: “Now concerning the collection for the saints, do as I directed the churches in Galatia to do.  On the first day of every week, each of you is to set something aside in keeping with whatever he gains, saving it up at home, so that when I come, no collections will need to be carried out” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2).

            Though a tithe is not commanded, the principle is the same for God’s people in Old and New Testament—honor the Lord with the wealth he has given you.  Set God first, and the rest will be given to you as God is pleased to give it.  He will supply your need.

            While the Old Testament command to tithe is no longer a ceremonial law which we are bound to keep, it is still a good practice to strive for, and for the same reasons as God gave it in the Old Testament.  It is a confession.  We honor God with our first fruits, not with leftovers.  There is not much honor in giving God what we wouldn’t miss anyway.  We usually throw into the trash what we don’t want or need; that is a poor confession.  Really, an insulting one.  If offerings are an act of worship, then let our offerings be a confession.  A tithe is a good confession in that way.  We honor the Lord first, and then we trust that God will supply what we need to live.

            Granted, that may mean we sacrifice some things and pass on some luxuries.  My guess is that we would not need to sacrifice every luxury or frill even if we tithe, just some.  We would become more particular about what we really want to do with the wealth God gives us, and we would probably appreciate those things more. 

            It should be noted: God does not want you to give because he needs your money.  Nor does God need your good works.  We don’t do these things because God needs them.  We do them because we are God’s people who seek to honor the Lord above all.  We do it because we want our actions to match our confession.  The Lord has been good and gracious.  The Lord is trustworthy in caring for his people.  Our offerings acknowledge both.

YouTube -- 2nd Sunday after Epiphany (January 16, 2022)

Here is the service from January 16, 2022.

Sermon -- 2nd Sunday after Epiphany (January 16, 2022)

ISAIAH 62:1-5

THE LORD DELIGHTS IN HIS BETROTHED.

In the name + of Jesus.

     The first miraculous sign Jesus performed was changing water into wine at a wedding feast.  It is worthwhile to ask the question: Why is that Jesus’ first miracle?  Certainly, there were more urgent needs in Galilee than bailing out a bride and groom who did not have enough wine for their guests.  Galilee had blind people, lame people, lepers, and so forth.  We can understand why Jesus would have tended to them.  Their problems had been endured for a long time, and life would be hard for them to continue living with their problems.  The bride and groom, however, would have to endure embarrassment for a while, but their guests would have gotten over it soon enough.  So, why this miracle, and why this occasion?

     Isaiah helps with that answer.  Isaiah repeated a theme in the Bible, declaring the Lord’s his love for Zion with the love and commitment a husband has for his bride.  The Lord’s covenant with Zion was a special union in which each was devoted to the other and faithful to each other.  Therefore, when Jesus first revealed his glory as the Messiah, he gave the sign at a wedding banquet.  The Lord delights in his betrothed and seeks her devotion and her glory.

     If you have been blessed with a happy marriage, you know what a blessing it is.  However, if your marriage is full of strain and strife, it can make life unbearable.  This is especially true if one spouse has been unfaithful to the other.  The one who has been sinned against feels betrayed, rejected, ashamed, and sometimes even as if it his or her fault.  No one wants his or her marriage to be a failure.  And while divorce has become very common, it is never okay.  There is no such thing as a sinless divorce.  Even if one spouse was innocent, the other was not.  Our Lord despises divorce—not just because it causes harm and instability for families and society, but also because our Lord likens his love for the Church as a groom for a bride.  He reveals his union to his Church as one which is timeless, cherished, and intimate.  The Lord delights in his betrothed.

     The Lord had bound himself to the people of Israel in a special covenant relationship, but it was not the blessed union the Lord intended.  Isaiah told the people of Israel, “You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate” (Isaiah 62:4).  If they were no longer to be called by those names, it means that these were the names they deserved.  The Lord, of course, was faithful to Israel, but Israel had not been faithful to him.  They chased after the gods of other nations because they craved the riches and pleasures that the other nations had.  They embraced Canaanite fertility gods, thinking they would grant bumper crops and, therefore, fatter cattle and fatter bank accounts.  They sought after the gods of Egypt and Syria.  More powerful nations surely must mean more powerful gods!  They even adopted the despicable practices of the Moabite god Molech and offered up their babies as burnt offerings to him.  Can you imagine a society that sacrifices their own children?  Sadly, we can.  The people of Israel looked at the world around them and said, “We want what they have!”  And they chased after it.  This is why the beginning of Isaiah’s prophecy met with bitter condemnation: “How the faithful city has become a whore, she who was full of justice” (Isaiah 1:18)!  Should we be surprised that Israel had earned the names “Forsaken” and “Desolate”?  The Lord was just in sending unfaithful Israel away with a certificate of divorce.

     These are harsh words, but they are a warning for us to take to heart.  People have not changed.  All are sinners.  It is easy to be seduced by suitors who say that they have something better to offer than our Lord.  Sin entices us to turn away from divine wisdom because it offers something attractive and alluring.  That is the way it is with temptation.  All temptations are attractive and alluring.  If they weren’t, they would be tempting.  Even when we know God forbids something, we are drawn in by the seductive voice which promises something fun, something appealing, something better.  When we chase after other things for our comfort, satisfaction, and happiness, we are unfaithful to our Lord.  Like the adulterer who has his affair, we think we can cheat on the Lord and still insist we are faithful to him.  It is a lie.  Repent.  Like the Israelites who turned away from the Lord, we, too, deserve the names “Forsaken” and “Desolate.”

     But Isaiah declares the amazing, faithful love of God.  God continues to woo people back to him.  He does not seek a divorce.  He desires a reconciliation.  He still delights in his betrothed.  This is what the Lord says, “You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married” (Isaiah 62:4).  The Lord would not remember Israel for her unfaithfulness.  He delights in his betrothed and reconciles her to himself. 

     In the Old Testament covenant, the Lord had commanded that everyone who was caught as an adulterer should be stoned to death.  The Lord was very serious about chastity and faithfulness.  Although Zion was unfaithful, the Lord did not seek her death.  Rather, the Messiah came to die for Zion.  In betrothing himself to the Church, the Messiah took upon himself the responsibility for all her unfaithfulness.  It is a like a man who gets married to a woman who has accrued immense credit card debt and student debt.  He does not say, “That’s your problem.  I hope it works out.”  Instead, he assumes that debt as his own.  So, Jesus Christ has assumed the debt we owe.  He pays the price for our unfaithfulness.  He suffers the consequences and dies on our behalf.  This is the payment for all wickedness and unfaithfulness—for every divorce, every affair, every lustful thought, and every yearning to seek satisfaction from forbidden fruit.  This is what needed to be done to work out our reconciliation.  The demands of God’s Law were met by the Messiah who dies for us.  He dies for us because he does not want us to perish.  He does not want to divorce Zion.  He delights in his betrothed and wins her back all over again.  “As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you” (Isaiah 62:5).

     The Lord Jesus delights in his betrothed and does everything for her good.  St. Paul explains: “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27).  In holy baptism, Jesus applies to you all that he has done for you.  He cleanses you from every stain of sin.  He wipes away every mark from your record.  He does not look at you to observe blemishes.  Rather, he covers them with his innocence.  He does not gaze upon our filthy garments or filthy thoughts.  The Lord says, “You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God” (Isaiah 62:3).  The Lord delights in his betrothed and makes Zion beautiful.

     The Lord is committed to you for your salvation.  He is ever-faithful to his promises.  He continues to speak words of comfort so that you do not forget who you are.  He continually assures you of his love so that you can be certain of whose you are.  This is what the Lord says, “For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not be quiet, until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch” (Isaiah 62:1).  The righteousness of Jerusalem is Jesus.  The salvation of Zion is the Christ.  He came to shine the goodness of God upon us. 

     Now, we don’t shine as bright as we should.  The Church is not as beautiful as we would hope.  Even God’s people become disenchanted with the Church because people are not always kind, because there is dissension, or because there is scandal among God’s people.  In other words, we still prove ourselves to be sinners.  This is a blemish that is ugly no matter how much we try to cover it up.  We ought to be honest and acknowledge that our beauty does not come from ourselves.

     What makes the Church beautiful?  Jesus does!  He declares, “You shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give” (Isaiah 62:2).  The name we bear is given by God; we are Christians, marked by the name of the one who saves us.  We are not perfect, but pardoned—purified by the blood of Christ which was shed for us.  Jesus does not forsake us despite our flaws, and he does not leave his Church desolate because it is filled with sinners.  Jesus continues to woo us and to cover our blemishes with his purity.  Jesus fills us his Holy Spirit so that we develop greater devotion to him and love for each other.  There is no reason or point in running after others.  Jesus is the only source of comfort, satisfaction, and happiness.  Our delight is in him because he calls his Church, “My Delight Is In Her.”  The Lord delights in his betrothed.

     When Jesus comes again in glory, he will present the Church before all the world as his most beautiful Bride.  He dresses us in garments of salvation.  He will perfect us so that we will be continually without blemish or flaw.  We will be the righteousness of Christ in appearance and in action.  The union of Christ and his Church will be perfect and permanent.  And we will rejoice eternally at the heavenly wedding feast.

     That brings us back to Jesus’ miracle at the wedding in Cana.  When the marriage feast was about to become desolate, Jesus acted to save it.  Jesus was revealing himself as the heavenly bridegroom who restores his bride to him so that the feast will endure.  Jesus has done all the work to reconcile us to himself.  He is the ever-faithful bridegroom.  He continues to delight in his betrothed so that Zion is never forsaken; the Church will never be desolate.  He has given you a new name—a name which is written in heaven.  The Lord delights in his betrothed.  Therefore, you will partake in the wedding feast of the Lamb, just as that heavenly banquet is served to you here and now.

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

Sermon -- Funeral for Margaretha Lester (January 15, 2022)

Christian Funeral for

+ Anna Margaretha Lester +

(March 4, 1936 – January 11, 2022)

PHILIPPIANS 3:20-21

JESUS GIVES US A HEAVENLY HOME.

 In the name + of Jesus.

     The path of Margaretha Lester’s life certainly wandered about many places.  Born in Sweden, worked in England, lived in Tanzania where she met her husband, and then moved to Michigan.  Not many people have had such different homes.  Living on three continents is unusual.  I never did ask her what she considered to be home.  I wonder if she would have said Sweden, the home of her childhood.  I know she remained fond of Sweden, based on the Swedish magazines I saw when I visited.  Of course, having been married for 45 years, she probably would have said Michigan.  Here is where she and Chuck settled and raised their children.  I suppose home is where your loved ones are.

     For that reason, Margaretha had a better home awaiting her all along.  When she was baptized into Christ, she was promised a better, more glorious home than any she knew on this earth.  God became her Father, and heaven became her home.  St. Paul reminds all Christians: “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).  That is where we find the one who loves us truly and purely.  Our Father in heaven loves what he has created.  He desires us to be his people now and for all eternity.  Baptism marked Margaretha as a child of God and a citizen of heaven.  Jesus gives us a heavenly home.

      God the Father loves what he has created, but he does not love the sin which has taken root in us.  Your parents did not love the sins you did, either.  Whether you got a spanking, had your mouth washed out with soap, or were banished to your room, you were punished because your behavior was unacceptable.  Your parents wanted to drive that poor behavior from you.  But no matter how much our Father in heaven would punish us, he would not drive the sin out of us.  We are, by nature, sinful.  We cannot turn it off even when we want to.  God threatens severe, eternal punishment if we disobey his word.  That doesn’t stop us.  God promises gracious blessings if we follow his word.  We still don’t.  Sins continue to ooze out of us.  The Bible reminds us, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), which is what brings us here today.

     But since God the Father loves what he has created, he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem it.  Jesus left the heavenly home to make his home here with us.  Jesus became a man to deliver mankind out of sin and death.  He does not want our eternal abode to be apart from God, so he acted to take away from us any and all sin which earns God’s wrath.  He assumed our sin in his body which was, then, pierced to a cross.  Jesus is the guilt offering which is the atoning sacrifice for our sins.  Jesus’ death satisfies God’s justice.  Jesus bore all sins and suffered the curse meant for all sinners.  Therefore, all guilt has been punished.  Since all sin has been taken away by Jesus, sin no longer condemns.  There is pardon for all who believe in Jesus.  God and sinners have been reconciled.  Jesus gives us a heavenly home.

     When Margaretha lived in Tanzania, she helped people who were fleeing from hostilities in Kenya.  They escaped the hardships and brutality of one place, but they still needed someone to provide for them in their new place.  She oversaw their care in the refugee camp.  The Lord Jesus delivered us from our enemies of sin, death, and the devil.  Our citizenship is in heaven, but we are not there yet.  We still live in a world hostile to Jesus and to his people.  In order to find comfort and aid until we get there, our Lord brings us into the Church.  The Church is where Jesus dwells with his people to bless and to save them.  It is there that Margaretha was continually reminded of God’s mercy and love.  It is there that the Lord sustains and strengthens his people so that they will not fall prey again to their enemies.

     The enemies of God’s people were preying hard against Margaretha in her final years. Afflicted by Parkinson’s disease, she did not often feel at home in her own body.  She reflected on her life and wondered how much of it mattered.  I suppose part of that came from not being nearly as active as she had been throughout her life.  Part of it also came from her longing to finally go to her heavenly home.  God’s people often feel out of place in a world of sin.  We know a better life is coming, and we long to be in that kingdom won for us by Jesus.  Jesus gives us a heavenly home.

     The soul of Margaretha Lester has gone to her heavenly home.  But the Lord is not done with her yet.  God did not create her to be a soul.  God made her body and soul.  Her body, however, like every body, was corrupted by sin.  The Parkinson’s was probably the most obvious indicator of that.  Since our bodies are sin-stained, they grow old, frail, diseased, and finally die.  These bodies cannot enter the heavenly dwelling where everything is without sin.  

     But just as God loves what he has created, and just as God redeemed what he has created, so also God will raise up and restore what he has created.  St. Paul wrote, “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21).  Jesus did not merely die for us.  His resurrection from the dead was also for us.  Jesus left the grave with his body, never to die again.  He was buried in weakness, but he is risen in glory.  He promises the same future to all who believe and are baptized into him.

     On the Last Day, the Lord Jesus will return in glory from the heavenly realms.  He will raise up all the dead.  To those who have believed in him, to those whom he marked in baptism, he will give glorious bodies.  He will rejoin our souls with our resurrected bodies so that, perfected in every way, we can enter our heavenly home. 

     Jesus gives us a heavenly home.  Margaretha Lester will be raised from the dead.  She will be relieved from every form of sin and evil.  She will not have to comfort refugees, tend to the sick, or feel displaced from another move.  She will not grieve as her body fails or shed tears at the death of loved ones.  She will never again know a body that is afflicted with Parkinson’s disease or even a common cold.  The Lord who conquered death and lives and reigns for her will grant her a glorious body and eternal home.  There, she will know the love of a Father who gave everything to have her with him.  There, she will be among beloved saints.  There, she will be home.

     Jesus gives us a heavenly home.  And if you remain faithful to Jesus and cling to his word, you will be home there, too.

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