Sunday, July 31, 2022

Sermon -- 8th Sunday after Pentecost (July 31, 2022)

FROM THE PEN OF ST. PAUL

COLOSSIANS 1:1-14

WE ARE FRUITFUL IN CHRIST.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Christians are in the habit of going to church.  We know what to expect.  We find comfort in it.  We have friends here.  But if a stranger were to ask you, “Why do you go to church?” how would you answer?  Is it just a habit?  An obligation?  That you would feel guilty if you don’t go? 

     We go to church and to Bible Class to hear God’s word for our comfort, encouragement, and guidance.  We study it and to meditate upon it.  Some might say that we come to learn, but that is not quite right.  Our best attended service is Easter.  You don’t go to Easter services to learn things.  You already know how the story ends.  Easter does not present any surprises.  Now, you will have moments of enlightenment when something in the Bible strikes you like it had not before.  Those “Aha!” moments come to us throughout our lives, and we are grateful for them.  But that is not why we continue to come to church and to Bible Classes.  We come to hear the words of Christ so that we will become like Christ.  For, we are fruitful only in Christ.

     When Paul wrote to the Christians in Colossae, he commented that we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints” (Colossians 1:4).  The Colossian Christians knew about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection for them.  They had heard the Gospel and they believed it.  They knew the facts.  They learned the passages.  They trusted in God’s promises. 

     St. Paul wrote this letter to assure them that knowledge of Jesus was a good start.  Paul’s prayer for the Colossians was that they would grow deeper in faith, in wisdom, and in godly living.  To believe in Christ is good; to become like Christ is the goal.  This is the prayer of the apostle for his fellow Christians.  It is God’s plan for you, too.  We are fruitful in Christ.

     Here is Paul’s prayer for the Colossians, and indeed for all Christians: “We have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossians 1:9).  We long to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will.  But there is only one way to know God’s will.  He has to tell us what it is.

     Some years ago, there was an exercise for engineers who were hired by Microsoft.  They were given an assignment to fill Bill Gates’ house with state-of-the-art technology.  They came up with some pretty slick ideas.  Media was voice-activated.  Lights were motion-detected.  So, when Mr. Gates walked from one room to the next, lights and music would turn on in the room he entered and shut off behind him.  But the best idea was by a group that did nothing.  They just asked a question: “What does Mr. Gates want?”  The only way to be sure that Mr. Gates would be satisfied with the work is if it is what he wanted.  The only way to know what Mr. Gates wanted was to ask him.  We are fruitful in Christ when we ask, “What does our Lord want?”  And to know that, we must listen to his word.

     First of all, the Lord wants you to know that you have been redeemed.  As St. Paul wrote, “[The Father] has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.  He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:12-14).  The Father sent his Son to redeem you from a dark, dreary existence of fear, doubt, guilt, and regret.  You are no longer ignorant of God’s love or your eternal future.  The Lord has enlightened you to know that Jesus has redeemed you.

     God the Son became a man so that he could die.  Jesus died under God’s curse which was illustrated when the sun refused to shine on him.  He died in darkness with our guilt under our curse.  But this man is also true God; so, his death is the sufficient payment for all mankind.  The price to redeem has been paid in full.  Sadly, many people do not know it.  Many still live in doubt and fear, with guilt and regret.  They should not have to, but since they don’t trust in Jesus, they live with darkened hearts and fearful consciences.  They have no real hope.  Not so with you.  You have been delivered from the domain of darkness to the light of God’s love, favor, and forgiveness.  You have a hope that many do not have because you have been brought to trust in a promise that all need.  Regardless of what happens in this world, you have a place in heavenly glory and bliss that awaits you.  This is not based on a wish, but on the very words of God.

     This Gospel has made you wise for salvation.  But our Lord also wants you to be wise for godly living.  He wants you to have “the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Colossians 1:9).  In his word, God tells you what his will is so that you can have spiritual wisdom.  This wisdom means putting God’s word to action in your life.  To believe in Christ is good; to become like Christ is the goal.  And we are fruitful in Christ.

     We come together in God’s house to be filled with spiritual wisdom.  God reminds us that his word alone is eternal and that everything else will pass away.  Then God’s word sets our priorities accordingly.  God directs us to use the things he has given out of love for our neighbor rather than loving things and using our neighbor.  God’s word moves us to turn from sin because it shows us that sin is always destructive.  It never satisfies.  It always causes harm.  And it cannot be ignored.  Wisdom means that we will cast off our sins and fight against them.  We do not want to be sinful with wicked works, but fruitful with good works which are always beneficial.  We are fruitful as long as we are in Christ.  

     We come to church to hear God’s word.  In doing so, we become better acquainted with his will.  We are given motivation to repent of our sins and strength to renounce them.  The Lord fills us with wisdom and the will to do what is pleasing to him.  If we are in Christ, we will be fruitful.  For this is what the Lord says: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.  …Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches.  Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:1-5).  

     We are fruitful in Christ, and we remain in Christ as we remain in his word and are nourished by his sacraments.  God strengthens and sustains our faith through the Gospel.  He prunes from us the sins that entangle us so that they will not overcome us.  He nourishes and strengthens us so that we become like Christ and bear the fruit he seeks.  To believe in Christ is good, but the goal is to become like Christ.  And we remain fruitful as long as we are in Christ.

     We come to church in order to receive the answer to another part of St. Paul’s prayer: to be “strengthened with all power … for all endurance and patience with joy” (Colossians 1:11).  We live in a world that is hostile to God’s word.  People mock Christians when they “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 1:10).  We are encouraged to embrace sin rather than repent of it.  We are regarded as strange when our behavior is chaste and when our words are not obscene or profane.  If you speak with people and do not pepper your speech with filthy language, people will notice.  Some will even ridicule you for being too goody-goody because your godly behavior convicts them.  You need not be surprised by this.  St. Peter observes, “They are surprised that you do not plunge into the same overflowing river of filth with them, and they slander you” (1 Peter 4:4).  When the mockery mounts up, you may feel like you have to apologize for purity and chastity.  You may become weary of holding on to godly living.  If it seems like no one else cares, you will wonder why you should care anymore.

     Do you see why Christians come together for worship, why we need to?  It is so that St. Paul’s prayer, which is also our prayer, would be answered: to be “strengthened with all power … for all endurance and patience with joy” (Colossians 1:11).  We need God’s word to keep us mindful of our place in his kingdom and of the glory that comes to those who stand firm in the faith.  We need the sacraments to strengthen us so that we will stand firm in the faith.  Our Lord sustains us when the fight for the faith gets hard.  Jesus reminds us that he himself dwelt among sinners with patience and mercy.  He knows what it is like to live in this world.  Rather than cast off people in disgust, Jesus interacted in mercy.  In love, he called them out of the domain of darkness—out of doubt, fear, and guilt to a life of comfort and confidence.  In love, he calls us to be like him and to do likewise.  And when we prove ourselves to be sinners, Jesus assures us of his faithfulness to us and forgiveness for us.  He restores us, redirects us, and rejuvenates us.  In Christ, we are kept fruitful.  For, to believe in Christ is good, but the goal is to be like Christ.

     We come to church because we need each other for this encouragement.  We support one another and pray for one another as we patiently wait for our Lord’s return.  When he comes again, he will gather all his people together to give us the glorious kingdom he has won for us and has promised to us.  While we wait for our Lord’s return, we gather in his name to hear his word and feast on his body and blood.  This enables us to wait with patience, with endurance, and even with joy.  This motivates us to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 1:10).  This keeps us fruitful and keeps us in Christ—the only place we find redemption and the forgiveness of sins.

     Why do we come to church?  Because we want to be with the Lord.  Here, he meets us in the word and the sacrament.  Soon the Lord will return and take us to be with him, and we will be with the Lord forever.  When that day comes, guess what?  We will be like Christ.  We will be perfected in the knowledge of God.  We will be in perfect harmony with God’s will.  Every trace of darkness will be driven out.  All fear, doubt, guilt, and regret will be banished, and we will dwell in everlasting light.  We will be gathered for everlasting worship—the heavenly feast, the choirs of angels, and the communion of all the saints in peace and joy forever.  We will be with Christ, and we will be like Christ.  That, after all, is the goal.

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

Thursday, July 28, 2022

Update from Good Shepherd (July 28, 2022)

 Greetings!

SUMMER SCHEDULE
Divine Services are at 10:00 AM on Sundays.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class will be on summer break until September 11.
Bible Matters will be on summer break until September.
For a calendar of events and meetingsclick here.

EVERY MEMBER VISITS – 2022
          Every 3-4 years, the pastor desires to meet with all members in their homes.  It is an opportunity to speak with each other in a less-than-formal setting. The pastor gets to know the people he serves better. It also allows for members to ask about matters that might be personal, to offer suggestions and ideas, to inquire about matters of the Bible that have them confused, or just general chit-chat. Visits would be about 45-60 minutes but can last longer if you want them to. You can also sign up through the links below.  Time slots are first come, first served.  The visits will be available throughout 2022.
          July: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050a4fa8aa2ea64-every6
          August: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050a4fa8aa2ea64-every7

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

>>>   Landscaping around the church.  We are hoping to eliminate the maintenance needed on the shrubs on the north and east sides (facing 9 Mile and Meadowbrook Roads, respectively).  We don’t want to leave these areas barren, but we do want to have plants that require little to no maintenance.  We will be checking with people who are more familiar with plants who can suggest what to put there.  Your suggestions are welcome, too.

>>>   Web site improvements.  Currently, if you visit our web page, it will note that it is not secure.  This may prevent people from contacting us or enrolling in our VBS or other activities.  We will see how we can make our web page secure.  In addition, we viewed a video introduction on another WELS church’s web page, making people aware of what we preach and what our congregation has to offer for those who are searching for the truth.  To view this sample, go to https://www.rlca2.com.

>>>   We have begun to make plans for our church picnic which will tentatively be scheduled for Sunday, September 11.  Look for details to come.

EVANGELISM & STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE MEETINGS
          On Sunday, July 31 after church, the Evangelism and Stewardship Committees will meet to discuss plans for congregational activities for the remainder of the summer and into the fall. All are welcome to offer suggestions for this planning.

INTRODUCING THE NEW HYMNAL
          The WELS has produced a new hymnal, released in late 2021. Some congregations are already using it. Before Good Shepherd would invest a good deal of money to replace what we already have, we need to become acquainted with the new hymnal, in particular, the liturgical settings for the Sunday services.
          The hymnal has three service settings for the Divine Service, in addition to settings for other services. Matt Kanzenbach from St. Paul’s, Livonia has agreed to play through at least two service settings so that we can hear what these Sunday liturgies sound like. He will be at Good Shepherd on Monday, August 1 at 7:00 PM to play through them. All members of Good Shepherd are invited to attend for this preview. 
Mr. Kanzenbach will be bringing extra hymnals so that everyone can use one while we look at the liturgies.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE
          Services are uploaded to YouTube each week, usually the Monday after the service. Feel free to share the videos. Sunday, July 24: 
Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, July 24, 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.

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 are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class will be on summer break until September 11.
Bible Matters 
will be on summer break until September

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

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

Sunday, July 24, 2022

VBS 2022 -- We are ready to go!

Our Family VBS begins tomorrow.  We meet Monday - Wednesday, 6:30 - 8:00 PM.  Even if you can only make a one or two sessions, join us anyway.  There is still time to join us, and you should!



Kids' VBS is God's Wonder Lab.  To register, use the QR code here:

Adults' VBS will consider how to counter various challenges to the Bible.  The Scriptures are up to the challenge!  The sessions are: 

Monday, July 25

The Scriptures are a solid foundation for our faith.

Tuesday, July 26
We make every thought captive to Christ and the Scriptures.

Wednesday, July 27
We defend the faith by standing on the Scriptures.

The Bible is up to the challenge.
We should be too.

Sermon --7th Sunday after Pentecost (July 24, 2022)

GALATIANS 6:1-10,14-16

WE ARE DEVOTED TO GOD IN SERVICE TO EACH OTHER.

In the name + of Jesus.

     When you were brought into the kingdom of God, you were brought in individually.  While many were likely present at your baptism and rejoiced to see it, only you benefited from it.  Just as a birth happens to only one child at a time, so also you were born again as an individual. 

     While your salvation happened to you personally, you are not called to go it alone in the Christian faith and life.  You have been brought into a family of believers.  Your faith is yours alone, but you are part of THE faith.  You have all received the same Holy Spirit who has brought you into one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.  There is only one kingdom of God, and you are all in it. 

     Being devoted to God also means being devoted to all of God’s people.  You have been joined not only to Christ, but to all who bear his name.  Since we are a family of believers, we are joined together to serve for the good of each other.  We don’t know the saints of God who are scattered around the world, but we are still devoted to them.  We include them in our prayers.  We support them with mission offerings.  We provide aid when it is needed, such as when Christians suffer from famine, war, or natural disasters.  But we are especially devoted to the family of God whom we do know, namely, those who are members of this congregation.  Being devoted to each other means that we seek the good of each other.  Above all, that means that we watch over one another so that no one slips away from the faith.  St. Paul wrote, Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.  Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.  Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2). 

     We live in a society which tells everyone to mind their own business.  I suppose that is sensible in some areas.  It is not my business what your income is, how you decorate your house, or what direction you mow your lawn.  On the other hand, I can use “Mind your own business” as my excuse to ignore you, your sorrows, and your struggles.  The Savior who has compassion on sinners teaches us to care for one another.  St. Paul says: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

    We are devoted to God in service to each other.  Some might refuse your loving concern, especially if it is about one’s sins.  Some may tell you to back off by saying, “Do not judge lest you yourself be judged!”  They may insist the Bible forbids you to make judgments on others.  But that is impossible.  You cannot go through life without making judgments.  What do you think about the shooter in Uvalde, Texas who killed grade schoolers?  When you heard the reports, did you say, “Well, who am I to judge?” 

     All judgment is to be in line with God’s word.  Our Lord tells us what is right and wrong, good and evil.  In this way, God remains the judge.  So, when we see our fellow Christians who are falling into sin or drifting away from Christ, we cannot mind our own business—not if we love them.  If you saw your brother or sister or child doing something that would bring great harm to them, you would not mind your own business and say nothing, would you?  If we are devoted to God by serving each other, that includes admonishing a brother or sister who is straying from the Christian faith and Christian living.

     But do this “in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1), St. Paul says.  We deal with one another in mercy.  I should humbly recognize that I myself face temptations.  I, too, am attracted to sins and am susceptible to being deceived.  The goal is not to prove that I am morally superior.  The goal is to love my fellow Christian and to see that he or she remains my fellow Christian.  So, if my brother or sister in Christ is struggling with sin, love compels me to bear the burden with him or her so that he or she will not be overtaken by sin, overwhelmed by guilt, or overlooked because I am going to mind my own business.  Love calls me to devote my time, my money, my energy, and my prayers for a brother or sister who is engaged in a spiritual struggle.  You and I do this for one another because we love and care for one another.  Being devoted to God means serving each other as God’s people.

     The devil is devoted to our destruction, but the Lord is devoted to our salvation.  Therefore, we are devoted to God and his word.  And therefore, we are devoted to God’s people.  We band together to fend off the devil’s attacks.  We rally to the Divine Service because here Jesus Christ strengthens, encourages, and sustains us.  We remain stronger when we are together.  Our Lord has great concern for sheep who stray from the flock.  He knows that a sheep is in danger on its own.  Jesus calls us to bring each straying sheep back to the fold where it is safe.  This we do because we regard each other as saints who are precious to our Lord.  Therefore, we are devoted to God in service to each other.

     St. Paul encourages you, Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10).  In loving our neighbor, and especially in loving our brothers and sisters in Christ, we seek each other’s good.  In this way, we are fulfilling the law of Christ.  In other words, we are acting like Jesus.

     The Lord Jesus Christ was completely devoted to your good—in fact, to the good of all mankind.  He demonstrated compassion on the diseased and disabled—even the dead!—by restoring them to health.  These acts of mercy are glimpses of the heavenly kingdom where everything will be restored to perfection.  But Jesus does not merely seek to relieve your aches and pains.  He delivers you from fiery torment and endless death.  He does not mind his own business.  His business is to save you and to restore you to God.

     Jesus is devoted to doing good for all people.  He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  It is a tremendous comfort to know this!  Jesus did not select a special few for whom he would live and die.  He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  If you are in the world, Jesus has suffered and died for you. 

     Sadly, many do not know or care that Jesus has won their salvation.  They will not benefit from Jesus’ saving work, but it is not because Jesus failed to pay the price for them.  It is because they do not believe in him.  If they do not know him, we are to seek their highest good and declare to them how Jesus loves sinners and saves them.  We want everyone to know that salvation is found only in Jesus.  If they refuse to listen, they will perish—and we pity them all the more.  But that does not change the fact that Jesus lived and died for their highest good.

     You are brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.   You enjoy the benefits of all of Jesus’ works.  Your sins are taken away.  You are children of the heavenly Father.  You will obtain a glorious resurrection.  Jesus became man to make himself one of us.  He lived, died, and rose from the dead so that we could be one with him.  If you are brothers and sisters of Christ, then you are brothers and sisters of one another.  He has brought you together to serve one another, to encourage one another, to comfort one another, and, if need be, to admonish one another.  The Lord has arranged this so that you can benefit each other. 

     We are devoted to God in service to each other.  St. Paul exhorts us: As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).  Just as Jesus has done all things for our good, so we serve for the good of others.  In doing so, we show that our faith is not just a matter of talk.  We put into practice what our Lord says.  Our Lord gives freely to us, so we give freely to others—whether they honor God or not.  We need not concern ourselves to whom good is done; our concern is just that we do good.

     Granted, some will abuse this.  Some will be ungrateful.  Some will even try to scam you.  If that happens, then you will be like Jesus who suffered for people who mocked him as he died for them.  You will be like your Father in heaven who makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).  St. Paul urges us, Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).  Your works don’t save you, but they are evidence that you are saved.  You may not see any rewards for doing good in this life, but God sees the good you do.  He will bless you for it. 

     We are devoted to God in service to each other.  As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).  If your good works are devoted to any and to all, how much more are they devoted to your brothers and sisters in Christ!  Our Lord Jesus Christ is pleased to call us his brothers and sisters.  If it brings joy to Jesus to acknowledge this, we have all the more reason to rejoice in this.  Therefore, we give to each other freely, knowing that our true treasure is Jesus Christ, and our true home is heaven.

     We are devoted to God in service to each other.  As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).  These opportunities do not have to be invented.  God presents them to you every day.  It is offering a kind word to someone who is having bad day.  It is sitting and listening to one who is grieving or mourning.  It is a word of welcome to the stranger or the outcast.  It is a word of encouragement to one who is struggling.  It is compassion for those who are weak, downtrodden, or neglected.  It is being patient and kind to all, understanding that people are carrying burdens that you don’t know anything about.

     Our God is devoted to us and to our good.  He provides all that we need in this life, and he has done all the work to secure our place for eternal life.  He gives freely and faithfully.  Since we bear his name, we long to be like him.  We are devoted to the neighbor he has given us, especially to our brothers and sisters who are united in his name, in his work, and for his glory.  We serve as our Lord does—not because it is deserved, but because it is beneficial and because it is needed.

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

Friday, July 22, 2022

Summer with friends

We certainly cherish our friends and the time we spend with them.  What we don't do enough is take photos with them.  So, here are a few from this summer. 



Thursday, July 21, 2022

Update from Good Shepherd (July 21, 2022)

Greetings!

SUMMER SCHEDULE
Divine Services are at 10:00 AM on Sundays.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class will be on summer break until September 11.
Bible Matters will be on summer break until September.
For a calendar of events and meetingsclick here.

EVERY MEMBER VISITS – 2022
          Every 3-4 years, the pastor desires to meet with all members in their homes.  It is an opportunity to speak with each other in a less-than-formal setting. The pastor gets to know the people he serves better. It also allows for members to ask about matters that might be personal, to offer suggestions and ideas, to inquire about matters of the Bible that have them confused, or just general chit-chat. Visits would be about 45-60 minutes but can last longer if you want them to. You can also sign up through the links below.  Time slots are first come, first served.  The visits will be available throughout 2022.

FAMILY VBS

            On Monday – Wednesday (July 25-27), from 6:30-8:00 PM, Good Shepherd will host its Family VBS. The children will have their lessons, make crafts, and learn songs as the adults gather in the chapel for presentations and discussions relevant to them. 
          The topic for children will be God's Wonder Lab.  For more information, please email Good Shepherd at welsnovi@aol.com .
Register here: 
          The topic for adults will be The Bible Is Up To the Challenge.  More details can be found here.

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

>>>   Landscaping around the church.  We are hoping to eliminate the maintenance needed on the shrubs on the north and east sides (facing 9 Mile and Meadowbrook Roads, respectively).  We don’t want to leave these areas barren, but we do want to have plants that require little to no maintenance.  We will be checking with people who are more familiar with plants who can suggest what to put there.  Your suggestions are welcome, too.

>>>   Web site improvements.  Currently, if you visit our web page, it will note that it is not secure.  This may prevent people from contacting us or enrolling in our VBS or other activities.  We will see how we can make our web page secure.  In addition, we viewed a video introduction on another WELS church’s web page, making people aware of what we preach and what our congregation has to offer for those who are searching for the truth.  To view this sample, go to https://www.rlca2.com.

>>>   We have begun to make plans for our church picnic which will tentatively be scheduled for Sunday, September 11.  Look for details to come.

VBS MEETING
          Our VBS will begin on Monday, July 25. Just to make sure that we are all comfortable with the materials and responsibilities, we will meet after church on Sunday to address any issues or questions. We will need all teachers and assistants to make sure that we will have our stations covered for the Kids’ VBS program.

EVANGELISM & STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE MEETINGS
          On Sunday, July 31 after church, the Evangelism and Stewardship Committees will meet to discuss plans for congregational activities for the remainder of the summer and into the fall. All are welcome to offer suggestions for this planning.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE
          Services are uploaded to YouTube each week, usually the Monday after the service. Feel free to share the videos. Sunday, July 17: 
Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, July 17, 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.

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 are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class will be on summer break until September 11.
Bible Matters 
will be on summer break until September

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

PASTOR SCHROEDER’S BLOG
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Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Family VBS 2022

FAMILY VBS

July 25-27 (6:30 - 8:00 PM)

For Kids: God's Wonder Lab


Consider the amazing things our Lord has done, both in our universe and especially for our salvation.  To register, use the QR code here:


For Adults:  The Bible Is Up To The Challenge.

Monday, July 25
The Scriptures are a solid foundation for our faith.

Tuesday, July 26
We make every thought captive to Christ and the Scriptures.

Wednesday, July 27
We defend the faith by standing on the Scriptures.

The Bible is up to the challenge.
We should be too.

Join us and bring friends with you. Questions are welcome.

Monday, July 18, 2022

YouTube -- 6th Sunday after Pentecost (July 17, 2022)

Here is the service from Sunday, July 17, 2022.  Pastor Schroeder was out of town.  The guest preacher is Rev. Alois Schmitzer who is retired.  Pastor Schmitzer had recently served Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Chruch of Jenera, Ohio for over 30 years.  He also served as Pastor Schroeder's supervising pastor during Pastor Schroeder's vicar year (3rd year of seminary training in the field).

Also, there was no organist or pianist available, so all the hymns and liturgy were accompanied by HymnSoft.



Saturday, July 16, 2022

Summer 2022, so far

This summer has afforded us with many wonderful experiences and memories so far.  For about 10 months of the year, we are pretty well tethered to home.  So, don't get the idea that we travel this much normally.  

Some summer highlights include (photos follow):
>>     30th anniversary get away to Door County, Wisconsin at Ephraim Shores Resort.  The fish boil was great.
>>     Family retreat to Alger, Michigan, including some golf, a tube float, and swimming.  The whole family made it up, but not all at the same time.  A big Thank You to Dan & Mary L. for the use of their cabin!
>>     We saw Charlie Berens at the Royal Oak Theater.  Before the show, we MET Charlie Berens (selfish proof below) by pure luck.
>>     4th of July fireworks with the Schmidt family in Dowagiac, Michigan. 
>>     Schmidt-Biebert wedding in Oconomowoc,  Wisconsin. 

There is still more summer to come, too!  We are grateful for every moment and every day.













 

Sunday, July 10, 2022

Sermon -- 5th Sunday after Pentecost (July 10, 2022)

GALATIANS 3:19-29

WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD THROUGH THE GOSPEL.

In the name + of Jesus.

     Is God’s Law good or bad?  Many people feel that it is bad because it makes demands upon us, it convicts us of wrong-doing, and it produces guilt.  St. Paul wrote, Why then the law?  It was added because of transgressions” (Galatians 3:19).  The Law always accuses.  For that reason, many people don’t want to hear it.  No one likes guilt and shame.  Of course, the way to avoid guilt and shame is to not do the things that result in guilt and shame.  But we have not avoided sin, and we can’t.  The Bible reminds us, Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins” (Ecclesiastes 7:20).  In other words, we don’t do the good we are supposed to, and we can’t stop the sins we are not supposed to do—just as we confess each week.  God’s Law exposes this sinfulness in all of us.

     As St. Paul describes what God has intended to do with his Law, it sounds like the Law is bad.  Paul wrote, “The Scripture imprisoned everything under sin” (Galatians 3:22) and “before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned” (Galatians 3:23).  The Law has shown us that we are enslaved to sin.  We can’t shake free from it, no matter how hard we try.  But that does not mean the Law is bad. 

     God’s Law shows us what is good.  Yes, it makes demands on us, but what the Law demands is good, like, “Put on your seatbelt before you start driving,” and, “Call Mich-Dig before you dig a hole in your back yard.”  These laws are given for your good—to protect and to preserve your life.  God’s Law is the same.  “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30).  Why?  Because God is good and faithful and trustworthy.  God is the author of life and the source of truth.  If we do not love God above all things, we will be deceived by lies and suffer eternal death.  So it is good to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

     The second commandment is: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).  Why?  Because you get to demonstrate your love for God by loving the neighbor he has given you to serve.  Yet get to make use of your talents and interests to benefit your family, your friends, customers, clients, and even strangers.  While others may not express any appreciation for your service, they are still blessed by it.  And this honors God who also blesses those who do not thank him.

     God’s Law is good.  If everyone kept God’s Commandments, we would have no violence, no wars, no liars, no unwanted pregnancies, no abortions, and so on.  The hungry would be fed.  The poor would find help.  Marriages would be stronger.  The oceans would be cleaner.  This is what God’s Law demands, so it is most certainly good.  But it shows us that we are not.

     Once again, it sounds like the Law is bad because it condemns us.  But St. Paul assures us that even this serves God’s purpose.  “Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed.  So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:23-24).  The picture of the guardian would have been familiar to the Galatians.  The guardian was a slave who cared for the son of his master for as long as the son was a minor.  It was usually not a nice relationship.  The guardian was often cruel and could be abusive.  He was in charge until the son was old enough to receive all the rights of the son of his father’s estate.

     The Law of God does this for all people.  It is called the alien work of God—to convict and condemn all people of their sin.  It pushes, threatens, and drives us to good lives, and it forces us to recognize our sin. It causes us to realize that if we want to have eternal life, it will not be because we have done anything to earn it or even contribute to it.  Isaiah reminds us, We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment” (Isaiah 64:6).  We know that our sins make us filthy.  But Isaiah tells us that even our “righteous deeds” are filthy before God.  God’s Law shows us that any hope to be the children of God must come from outside of ourselves.  It does!  We are children of God through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that is, by faith and not by works.

      Under God’s Law, St. Paul shows us that our status is captive and imprisoned.  We need a Savior, and we have one!  Jesus Christ delivers us to a new status through the Gospel.  St. Paul wrote, “Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith” (Galatians 3:25-26).  The Gospel announces that you have become the children of God.  You have been adopted into God’s family, and the adoption was notarized in the blood of Jesus.

     The Gospel of Jesus gives you what the Law cannot.  The Law demands perfect obedience.  Jesus has lived in perfect obedience to the Law.  He delivers that perfect status to you.  The Law condemns everyone who is guilty of sin.  Jesus was delivered over to be sentenced to crucifixion by those who hated him.  Despite every accusation they charged him with, none of them stuck.  What did stick, however, was every sin we have thought, spoken, and done.  St. Paul had written to the Galatians earlier in chapter 3, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’” (Galatians 3:13).  Jesus took our guilt and its curse.  He died the cursed death we deserve.  We have been redeemed from the curse of the Law.  The cost was the life of God’s Son, but it is a price he willingly paid to deliver us from the curse of the Law.  We are not condemned but forgiven.  So, the Lord does not merely tolerate us; he embraces us as his very own.  We are children of God through the Gospel. 

     If you have ever doubted your status as a child of God, it is probably because you are aware your actions and attitudes are often not God-pleasing.  None of us has overcome our sins yet.  The Law still exposes our sinfulness.  So, how can we be certain that we are the children of God?  God has taken the doubt away from you.  He does not ask you to convince yourself that it must be true because of how well you live or because of how strongly you believe.  He takes it out of your hands completely.  St. Paul wrote, As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). 

     We are children of God through the Gospel.  You are a child of God because you have been baptized.  Baptism is not something that you do for God, as if he needs this from you.  Baptism is what God has done for you.  Baptism bestows gifts that God wants you to have.  When you were baptized, the Lord put his name upon you.  He adopted you into his family.  He cleansed you of your sin.  He wrapped the righteousness of Jesus around you.  “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).  Therefore, when God the Father looks upon you, he sees Christ.  And what he sees, he loves. 

     We are children of God through the Gospel.  “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith” (Galatians 3:26).  If you are sons of God, you have the same status before God the Father as Jesus himself.  Of course, Jesus is the only begotten Son of the Father.  He is true God from true God.  We are not God and will not become gods.  But since God adopted you into his family, he regards you with the same love and affection as he has for Jesus.  You have been credited with Jesus’ work.  So surely, he must love you the same.

     We are children of God through the Gospel.  “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith” (Galatians 3:26).  St. Paul chose his words carefully when he wrote this.  You are sons of God.  Back in Paul’s day, when a father was going to pass down his inheritance, everything was divided among the sons.  The daughters got married off into other families and benefited from those estates.  But the sons were the heirs.  Now, if you are all sons of God through faith, then you are all heirs.  You all receive the benefits of the kingdom.  You all have a place in heavenly glory.  And your background does not matter.  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).  You do not have a better or worse status in the kingdom of God based on race, sex, or economic status.  You are all one in Christ—equally loved, equally forgiven, equally saints, equally promised the glories of eternal life with the Lord.

     We are children of God through the Gospel.  So, does the Law matter anymore?  Yes, because the Law is God’s word, and the Law is good.  It does matter that God has created you a man or a woman.  It does matter if you are married or single, a parent or a child, the boss, an assembly line worker, or the janitor.  God’s Law does direct you in your vocation because this is where God has put you to serve him.  God’s Law is good because it guides and directs your life so that you are spared many griefs and so that you receive temporal blessings as well. 

     Since you are children of God, you recognize that your heavenly Father is good.  Everything he says and does for you serves your eternal good.  His word is given to you for your good.  By his word, the Lord strengthens you to fight against the temptations you will face.  It reveals sins that need to be cast off and put to death.  It reminds you that you still need the Savior’s forgiveness because you have not yet been perfected.  It declares that your Savior does not tire of being merciful to you.  It assures you that your place in God’s family is not shaky, but secure; for God’s faithfulness is not shaky, but stands firm.

     For most people, the most peaceful time of your life was when you were a little child.  You did not worry about bills or appointments.  You did not have stress about food, clothing, or shelter.  You never gave a thought to any real difficulties because your parents were there to take care of everything.  You never doubted that your parents loved you, and you trusted that their motives were pure and that their intentions were good.  If the love and care of your parents produced such peace even though they were less than perfect, how much more peace is yours since you are children of God through the Gospel.  The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have a perfect love for you.  Your Triune God supplies all your needs for this life and the next.  What greater joy could you have?  You are all children of God through faith in the Gospel, and therefore heirs of all good things.

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