Worship Notes: The Athanasian Creed

            The Athanasian Creed is one of the three catholic creeds.  The word catholic means universal, as in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.  The word creed comes from the Latin word credo which means “I believe.”  Luther said of this creed, “I doubt whether the New Testament church has a more important document since the Apostolic age.”

            Although named for Athanasius, the bishop of Alexandria (ca. 296-373), it is almost certain that he did not write it.  Neither Athanasius nor his contemporaries ever refer to it.  But even if Athanasius did not write the creed, he certainly would have ascribed to it.  Athanasius was one of the bishops at the ecumenical Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325) which opposed the heresy of Arius (ca. 250-336).  Arius denied the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, teaching that he is of a similar substance to God the Father, but not of the same substance.  In essence, Arius claimed that Jesus Christ is not the eternal God.  This belief has resurfaced in modern-day cults such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons.  The Council of Nicaea adopted the Nicene Creed to affirm that Jesus is “God from God, Light from Light, true God from True God” and “of one being with the Father.”

            The Athanasian Creed first appeared in Gaul (France) late in the 5^th century.  Early in that century, Europe was invaded from the east by barbarian tribes, notably the Vandals and Goths.  This event marked the beginning of the Dark Ages.  During this time, the people and the clergy lapsed into illiteracy and ignorance of the Scriptures.  In addition, some of the invaders were Arian in their beliefs.  Out of this confusion came the need for a clear statement of faith.  The result was the Athanasian Creed.

            The Athanasian Creed quickly assumed an important role in the orthodox church.  (Much of the visible church was overrun with Arianism.)  Emperor Charlemagne (ca. 742-814), in order to preserve the true Christian faith, decreed that all churchmen had to learn this creed and to be able to teach it to the laity.

            The second portion of the Athanasian Creed reaffirms the Nicene Creed regarding the person of Jesus Christ.  However, it begins with a most excellent presentation on the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.  It says no more and no less than Scriptures say, letting the paradox of God’s nature stand (i.e., God is one; God is three).

            Confessors of the creed should not be put off by the second to last article which says: “Those who have done good will enter eternal life, but those who have done evil will go into eternal fire” (cp also John 5:28,29).  The article does not teach salvation attained by human works, but simply reflects that our good works (or lack thereof) are evidence of God-given faith (or unbelief).  When we remember that our good works are actually God’s work through us, then we will understand this article correctly (cf Ephesians 2:8-10).  In addition, we remember that are judged based on Jesus’ merits, not our own.  We have been given the credit for Christ’s righteousness.  Therefore, we are heirs of eternal life.

            This creed ought to bring us great comfort, as it speaks clearly about our God and his plan for our salvation.  Its clearness and boldness are refreshing in this age of doctrinal confusion.  This is no wishy-washy confession.  It states what the Scriptures teach – there is no God but the Lord revealed in the Scriptures, and there is no salvation outside of the name of Jesus Christ.  All who deny this deny the truth; and all who deny the truth forfeit salvation.

YouTube -- Pentecost (May 28, 2023)

Here is the Divine Service for Sunday, May 28, 2023.

Summer Reading: Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers

This book has been in my shelf since 2007.  Actually, it sat on my desk for the past couple of years because, "I am going to read this.  Really.  I mean it."

Well, now we are hitting the summer lull in the schedule, so I will be plowing through it.  I hope it will be easy plowing. 

An early quotation: "My counsel is to surround your entrance into the world of the fathers with humility, self-awareness, a listening ear, prayer and a sense of humor.  It is better to chuckle at the periodic patristic quirk than to allow our self-righteous anger wall off their insights." (Page 36)

Sermon -- Pentecost (May 28, 2023)

JOHN 7:37-39

THE HOLY SPIRIT QUENCHES OUR GREAT THIRST.

In the name + of Jesus.

      The feast at which Jesus spoke the words of our Gospel lesson was the Feast of Booths.  It was a commemoration of the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness until the Lord brought his people into the Promised Land.  The people spent the week living in Jerusalem under tents made from the boughs of various trees.  Each day sacrifices were offered at the temple.  The priest would also take a golden pitcher which was filled with water from the Pool of Siloam and pour it out at the altar.  It was a ceremony which anticipated the fulfillment of God’s word in Ezekiel 47.  There, Ezekiel was shown a vision of waters flowing from the altar of the temple.  The Lord told Ezekiel, “Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish.  For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes” (Ezekiel 47:9).  This water would grant life to the world. 

     On the last and greatest day of the Feast of Booths, Jesus was in the temple.  Perhaps he even interrupted the ceremony of the priest as he was pouring out the water at the altar.  “Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, “Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water”’” (John 7:37-38).  Jesus boldly decreed this to everyone at the feast.  Jesus was saying, “This festival and this ceremony find their fulfillment in me.  I am the living water.  I am the true temple.  I am God who has come to dwell with his people.  Whoever believes in me will be saved.  Whoever thirsts for righteousness will be quenched.” 

     So, why do we thirst?  We thirst when our bodies become dehydrated.  We need water to live.  We thirst spiritually because we are lacking what we need to live in peace before God.  We lack a pure heart and the good works that spring forth from it.  God’s word tells us what a good heart is and what a good life looks like.  A good heart is pure in its motives and intentions.  It views people as someone to love, not to use.  It rejects any spirit of falsehood, jealousy, or revenge.  It does not assume evil about anyone but looks upon people with mercy and patience.  A good life puts these thoughts into action.  Because a pure heart is devoted wholly to God and his word, the pure heart will demonstrate love and kindness to all people, even to the wicked. 

     Jesus taught us, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.  For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?  Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others?  Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:43-48).  This is what a good heart does and what a good life looks like because this is what God is like.  But God’s Law shows us that we are not like God, and we are not good—certainly not as good as we like to think we are.  Repent.

     Our guilt produces our longing thirst.  It grieves us to know that we fall short of God’s goodness and that we have earned God’s judgment.  Therefore, we pant for mercy from God.  We want to escape our wretched condition.  So, we promise that we will do better, but we don’t.  We mean to, but we can’t.  We commit to being patient and honest and chaste and generous and content.  But we fall back into the same sins we have been accustomed to.  We blame others.  They drove us to it.  We blame our circumstances.  We had no choice.  We blame God.  I could keep God’s commandments better if my life were easier.  Because we fail to live up to all our promises, efforts, and intentions, our guilt only increases.  We are like people who are on an island surrounded by the ocean.  There is water everywhere, but if we consume it, it will kill us.  If we trust in our intentions to do better, it will kill us.  All our efforts only result in a greater thirst for relief. 

     Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37).  The only problem is that Jesus has ascended into heaven.  How can we go to him?  How can we drink if we cannot reach him?  Jesus addressed that with a promise.  He promised to send his Holy Spirit.  When Jesus promised, “Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water,” (John 7:38), he was speaking “about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive” (John 7:39).  By the Spirit, Jesus comes to us.  We hear God’s word, and through it the Holy Spirit supplies the peace and the hope we crave.  He reveals the love of the Father who sent Jesus to atone for our sins.  He reveals Jesus who suffered for our sins and died the death we deserve so that we are pardoned.  He gives us the hope of life everlasting that endures even in the face of sickness, sorrow, and death.  The Holy Spirit quenches our greatest thirst.

     Perhaps it sounds strange to hear the words in our Gospel: “As yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified” (John 7:37-39).  This is not to say that there was no Holy Spirit prior to Pentecost.  The Holy Spirit is already active in Genesis 1.  And the Holy Spirit spoke through the Old Testament prophets; for all Scripture is God-breathed.  But the day of Pentecost marks a definite shift in the way God interacts with his Church.

     Prior to Pentecost, if a person wanted to be in the presence of God, he had to go to the Temple.  That is where the Lord put his name.  That is where God said he would dwell with his people.  It was limited to one place.  But now, the Bible has you consider this: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God” (1 Corinthians 6:19)?  The Holy Spirit dwells within you by faith.  He is with God’s people in all places, particularly when we gather in Jesus’ name to hear God’s word and to partake in the sacraments.

     After Jesus was glorified, the Holy Spirit was given to make each believer God’s temple.  The glory of Jesus was accomplished through his death, resurrection, and ascension.  By his death, Jesus has taken away your sins.  You are declared righteous by God for Jesus’ sake.  By his resurrection, Jesus delivers you from the power of death.  You will also be raised from the dead to eternal life.  By his ascension, Jesus reigns over all things for us.  But since he is no longer physically with us, he sends his Holy Spirit to dwell within us. 

     Jesus poured out his Holy Spirit upon the apostles on the day of Pentecost.  The apostles had the benefit of witnessing Jesus’ works and hearing Jesus’ words.  Since we do not have the same benefit, the Holy Spirit worked through these apostles who wrote down for us the words and works of Jesus.  The Bible reminds us, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).  Whenever we hear his word, the Holy Spirit is at work to create and to strengthen faith in us.  Everything we need to dwell in God’s kingdom the Holy Spirit gives in God’s word and sacraments.  By these, the Holy Spirit quenches our great thirst.

     The third article of the Apostles’ Creed confesses the Holy Spirit.  Following the Holy Spirit, we confess a series of other doctrines.  Perhaps they seem unrelated to the Holy Spirit: “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.”  These are not teachings that someone tacked on to the end just to make sure they got covered.  These confess the work of the Holy Spirit who quenches our greatest thirst.

     At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit began gathering people from all nations into the Christian Church.  He draws people into communities of common confession and unites us as one.  We often need to be corrected or enlightened by the word of the Lord for this unity.  He addresses our actions, our attitudes, and our understanding of doctrine.  Through God’s word, the Holy Spirit converts minds and hearts.  He reveals truth and exposes falsehood.  Unity is established by the Holy Spirit through God’s word.  He makes us a communion of saints, creating in us clean hearts and right spirits.

     The Holy Spirit quenches our great thirst for the forgiveness of sins.  While the payment for sin was made on Mt. Calvary by Jesus, it is not delivered there.  It is delivered by the Holy Spirit.  Whether the Spirit-inspired word is preached or applied to water or to bread and wine, there the Holy Spirit is at work to bring forgiveness of sins, new life, and salvation.  The Holy Spirit quenches our great thirst.

     The Holy Spirit also will carry out the resurrection of the body.  St. Paul wrote, “In (Christ) you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13-14).  The Holy Spirit lives in you as a deposit of the life to come.  He has worked new life in you now, making you saints of God.  And the Spirit of Life will breathe new life into your body again at the resurrection.  He will raise you up from the dead and bring you into life everlasting.  The Holy Spirit quenches our great thirst for life, and he brings us to a life that will never end.

     Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:38).  The Holy Spirit not only quenches your great thirst, but he also makes you a source of that living water when you confess God’s word.  You get to confess the comfort that you yourself have based on God’s promises of forgiveness and salvation through Jesus.  You get to declare the confidence God has given you to stand before him at the final judgment.  You get to reveal the hope that endures through all of life’s hardships.  And by your confession, you can quench the great thirst of others.  We live in a world where many are dying without hope.  Only the Lord gives it; for only the Holy Spirit can quench our great thirst and deliver God’s salvation.

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

Update from Good Shepherd (May 25, 2023)

Greetings!

SUMMER SCHEDULE

Divine Service is Sundays at 10:00 AM.  

For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

> Several sample images of LED signs were presented.  We are debating about one or two-sided signs and which direction(s) the sign(s) should face.  So far, no estimates have been given.  If you are willing to do some research, speak with Dan Rauchholz.

> There are quite a few trees around the church property which are dying or will be dying.  A virus is killing many blue spruces in Novi.  We have been advised to cut them all down and replace them with other trees or shrubs.  (The city of Novi has given us a list of suggested plants.)  We will need to remove 28 trees.  Some can be done immediately; most will wait until the fall.  If we try to do the work ourselves (cutting trees, putting the cuttings through a wood chipper, planting replacement trees and shrubs), we will save a great deal of money.  We will be discussing our options at our Open Forum on Sunday, June 11.  If you can’t wait until then, please speak to Bob Wozniak.

>  If you have friends who are not attending a church or with whom you have had conversations about spiritual matters, ask them if they would like to meet your pastor.  Meetings can take place at your home, at church, at a coffee shop, or other venues. 

EVANGELISM & STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE MEETINGS
          The Evangelism & Stewardship Committees have charted out a tentative schedule for events through the summer. These events serve both to unite our own members better and to connect with people from our community. Look for ways that you can help out to make each event a success. Let’s make the most of the opportunity for each event.
     JUNE 9 –  Putt-putt golf & go-karts
     JULY 27 – Yard games at Good Shepherd with a food truck (alternate date: July 20)
     AUG 4 –    Detroit Tigers vs. Tampa Bay Rays
     SEPT 10 – Church Picnic

OPEN FORUM (VOTERS’ MEETING TO FOLLOW) 

          On Sunday, June 11, Good Shepherd will be having an Open Forum to discuss the future plans of our congregation. In order to accomplish as much as possible, we all get to play a role and to participate in the working of the congregation. The Open Forum provides a way for you to see how and where you can be active in the work we do together. It also allows you to ask questions about Church Council discussions and to offer input and suggestions for the benefit of our congregation. All confirmed members are welcome to participate.
          The Voters’ Meeting will meet immediately following the Open Forum. All men who are members in good standing and over the age of 18 are encouraged to attend.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE

          Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Here is the service from Sunday, May 21: (127) Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, May 21, 2023 - YouTube

PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
          Hope Christian Academy (formerly Huron Valley Lutheran High School) has put together a five-minute informational video. Check it out at the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EPfzzwmpUKM6cZi1iZQlIJQrv_6g3qZr/view?usp=drive_web

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

          The pastor will try to maintain regular office hours are Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM - Noon. However, the nice weather may lead him to read outside on his deck rather than sit in his office. To ensure the pastor’s availability, it is best to make an appointment. He is available by phone or text (248-719-5218). You may also email (welsnovi@aol.com), but the response may be slower.

 

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

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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 are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School, Adult Bible Class, and Bible Matters will resume in September.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

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

YouTube -- Ascension, transferred (May 21, 2023)

Here is the Divine Service from Sunday, May 21, 2023.  The Rite of Confirmation was also observed in this service.

Sermon -- Ascension, transferred (May 21, 2023)

The Rite of Confirmation was also observed in the service today.

EPHESIANS 1:15-23

THE ASCENDED SAVIOR IS HEAD OVER ALL THINGS FOR THE CHRUCH.

In the name + of Jesus.

M:    Alleluia! Christ is risen!
C:    He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

     There is a story told in the Apocryphal book of 2 Maccabees about a family of faithful Jews.  Seven brothers were being pressured to violate God’s Law and threatened with death if they did not comply.  They all refused.  One by one, they were brutally tortured and then put to death.  And over what?  They refused to eat unclean foods.  What many would consider trivial, these brothers believed to be a sin.  They would not turn from God’s word even on a minor point. 

     The mother of these seven brothers had to watch each one being brutally tortured and martyred until only the youngest remained.  She said to him, “My son, have pity on me.  I carried you nine months in my womb and nursed you for three years and have reared you and brought you up to this point in your life and have taken care of you.  I urge you, my child, … do not fear this butcher, but prove worthy of your brothers.  Accept death, so that in God’s mercy I may get you back again along with your brothers” (2 Maccabees 7:27-29).  The mother urged her last son to remain faithful to the word of God at all costs.  Finally, to complete the cruelty, the mother was killed. 

     As horrible as it was for this family to be tortured and martyred, they all recognized that there are things worse than dying.  They willingly suffered death rather than deny their Lord.  No matter how much it grieved this mother to lose her sons in this life, she watched them die in the confidence that she would get them all back at the resurrection of the dead.  This is the confidence of the Christian faith, based on promises made by God and confirmed by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.  And now, Jesus guarantees a place in the heavenly kingdom to all who are faithful to him even to the point of death.  The ascended Savior lives and reigns as head over all things for the church. 

     I doubt that this family had taken the same confirmation vow that you will make today, Peter, but they demonstrated the spirit of that vow.  Many here have been asked in the past, as you will be asked today: “Do you intend to continue steadfast in this confession and Church and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it?”  I suppose that question sounds a little dramatic, but the truth is that we will all suffer death at some time.  The point of the Christian faith is not to die comfortably, but to die in the faith.  There are things worse than dying, such as being without Jesus.  So, whether we die peacefully or violently, we yearn to remain steadfast in the Christian faith and to have Jesus as our refuge.

     The confirmation vow is relived to a certain extent every Sunday.  Every week God’s people confess the Christian faith, using one of the three ecumenical creeds (Apostles’, Nicene, or Athanasian).  We are taking a stand—both literally and figuratively—stating, “This is the truth.  This we believe.  We will live and die in this confession.”  We confess these truths confidently because Jesus Christ has taught these things to us in his word.  And his word will not be refuted.  It may be reviled.  It may be rejected.  But the word of the Lord endures forever because the ascended Savior is head over all things for the Church.

     When St. Paul wrote to the Ephesians he mentioned how he constantly prayed for them.  It was a prayer for specific blessings.  We do well to have this prayer upon our lips so that we continue to grow in the faith and hope which rest upon Jesus Christ.  St. Paul’s prayer was for three blessings: “that you may know (1) what is the hope to which he has called you, (2) what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and (3) what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-19). 

     The hope to which the Lord has called you is that when you depart from this world, you will enjoy the peace and glory of life everlasting with the Lord.  The Christian hope is not a wish.  We don’t call it a hope because it is in question, like, “I hope the party goes well this afternoon.”  Rather, it is called a hope only because we have not received it yet.  But our hope is based on a promise made by Jesus.  Jesus promised, “Everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:40).  Now, those are big words.  There is not a doctor on earth who could boast, “Take these pills.  And if they kill you, don’t worry.  I will bring you back to life.”  We would never take that doctor seriously.  But Jesus does claim this.  Why?  Because the ascended Savior is head over all things, including death and the grave.  He has conquered death.  Jesus lives and reigns for the Church.  Since Jesus has authority over death, he will follow through with his promise, and he will raise you up to live with him.  This is the hope to which he has called you. 

     The second part of our prayer is “that you may know … what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18).  That’s not to say the world won’t entice you with claims that its treasures and pleasures are more desirable.  Let’s go back to that faithful Jewish family from the days of the Maccabees.  After his six older brothers were tortured and slaughtered, the Greek king thought he could break the youngest brother.  He tried sweet-talking him.  “Antiochus not only appealed to him in words, but promised with oaths that he would make him rich and enviable if he would turn from the ways of his fathers and that he would take him for his friend and entrust him with [a prestigious office]” (2 Maccabees 7:24).  Oh, yes, there were riches waiting for this young man, but the cost was his place in the kingdom of God. 

     The ascended Savior is head over all things for the Church.  Jesus enriches you like no one else can.  You have a peace which the world does not know.  When you fall into sin, you know where to go to find forgiveness.  You know where to find strength to fight against temptations.  If you endure days of bitterness or loneliness and wonder if God has forsaken you, you have promises to cling to.  You know that God remains your good and merciful Father in heaven.  That does not change based on circumstances or feelings.  You can’t buy these riches, and the world cannot even offer them to you.  But Jesus guarantees them because he is head over all things.  He lives and reigns for you.

     The third part of the prayer is “that you may know … what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe” (Ephesians 1:19).  The power of God is that he has delivered you out of the kingdom of the devil and that he preserves you from ever being taken captive again.  The devil will continue to hound you all your life.  He will try to seduce you out of the kingdom of God, and he makes his offers very attractive.  He will try to drive you to despair by tormenting you over your sins.  He will try to convince you that you don’t need God’s word, and that what you really need is more time for yourself, for entertainment, or for sleep. 

     Now, if your goal is a moment’s pleasure, the devil has great ideas.  But if your goal is eternal peace, joy, and glory, you need Jesus.  You will always need Jesus’ strength to preserve you in the true faith.  You will always need Jesus’ word to protect you from the devil’s lies and worldly wisdom.  You will always need Jesus’ body and blood to keep you in the true faith unto life everlasting.  You cannot stand against your enemies alone.  You and I are weak.  We still find temptations attractive.  Our sins prove that.  But Jesus is head over all things.  Nothing can overcome him.  The ascended Savior also sends you his Holy Spirit so that no unclean spirit will overtake you.  If you remain with Jesus Christ, if you cling to his word and sacraments, you are safe.  The ascended Savior is head over all things for you, for your good, and for your salvation.

     If there is a flaw in the Rite of Confirmation, it is that you may get the idea that you are done.  You’ve studied.  You have grown in the faith.  You memorized the Catechism.  You learned a lot about the Bible and its teachings.  And even if you have not gone through the Catechism in a long time, you still might think that you’ve mastered the Christian faith.  You know what happened at Christmas and Easter.  You might remember a lot of your Sunday School lessons.  It’s not like new chapters are being added to the Bible every year.

     But consider St. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian Christians.  He wrote, “Because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him…” (Ephesians 1:15-17), and so on.  He did not say, “You know who Jesus is.  That’s good enough.  You’re set.”  He urged them to continue in what they learned and to grow in the faith.  He encouraged them to let the faith in their hearts and minds become evident in their words and actions.  If you keep reading through the letter to the Ephesians, you will see that St. Paul admonished them to fight against the very sins and temptations that affect us today.  To stand firm, you need Jesus.  And Jesus will not fail you; for, he is the ascended Savior who is the head over all things for the Church.

     Then who or what is there to fear?  The seven Jewish brothers and their mother did not fear the threats, the torture, or the martyrdom that came at the command of Antiochus Epiphanes—which is not to say they enjoyed it.  But their moments of torment were soon forgotten as they entered everlasting peace and joy.  Their bodies were mutilated and destroyed, but they would get them back in glorified perfection.  In the end, those faithful Jews lost nothing.  How could they?  For, Jesus Christ lives and reigns “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.  And (the Father) put all things under his feet” (Ephesians 1:21-22). 

     So also, we stand firm with Jesus, fearing neither threats nor loss nor shame nor death.  Our ascended Savior is head over all things for the Church.  We long to be with him in glory.  Therefore, we long to be with him now.  Here, he confirms our hope of the resurrection, enriches us with his grace, and strengthens us to live and die in the one true faith.

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

WORSHIP NOTES: The Paschal Candle and the Festival of the Ascension of our Lord

            The Paschal (PASS-cal) Candle is lit for all Divine Services during the forty days from Easter Sunday to Ascension Day.  It reminds us how the Risen Savior, the Light of the World, dwelled with his apostles for forty days following his resurrection. 

            When we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord, we note Jesus’ departure from this world.  He has ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.  NOTE: We will be transferring the Festival of Ascension from its proper date (Thursday, May 18 this year) to the Sunday that follows.

            Jesus’ departure is symbolized by the departure of the Paschal Candle from the nave as the gospel lesson is read.  Although it is carried out of our sight, its light is not extinguished.  For, though Jesus is no longer visible to his Church, the Light of the word has not been extinguished.  He is with us whenever we gather in his name to give us blessing and salvation.

Update from Good Shepherd (May 18, 2023)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE

Divine Service is Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are on Sundays at 9:00 AM.  

For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

CATECHISM REVIEW AND CONFIRMATION
          On Sunday, May 21, there will be a review of the Catechism which will also serve as the examination of our catechumen before his confirmation. This review, worth the attention of all our members, will be at 9:00 AM
          In the 10:00 AM Divine Service, the Rite of Confirmation will be observed by our catechumen, Peter Schroeder.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL
          Following the service on Sunday, May 21, we will have an ice cream social. The Confirmation Class will provide a cake, and generous scoops of ice cream will be doled out. If you are willing to provide toppings, please click the Sign Up Genius link here: Good Shepherd: Ice Cream Social (signupgenius.com).

ASCENSION DAY
          Today (Thursday, May 18) is the 40th day after the festival of the resurrection of our Lord.  On the 40th day after Jesus rose from the dead, he ascended into heaven.  Good Shepherd will be transferring the celebration of the Ascension to our Sunday service (May 21).  If you are interested in attending an Ascension Day service this evening, you may consider these services:

     -- St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church (17810 Farmington Road, Livonia) -- 6:30 PM

     -- St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church (1434 Penniman Avenue, Plymouth) -- 7:00 PM

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

> Several sample images of LED signs were presented.  We are debating about one or two-sided signs and which direction(s) the sign(s) should face.  So far, no estimates have been given.  If you are willing to do some research, speak with Dan Rauchholz.

> There are quite a few trees around the church property which are dying or will be dying.  A virus is killing many blue spruces in Novi.  We have been advised to cut them all down and replace them with other trees or shrubs.  (The city of Novi has given us a list of suggested plants.)  We will need to remove 28 trees.  Some can be done immediately; most will wait until the fall.  If we try to do the work ourselves (cutting trees, putting the cuttings through a wood chipper, planting replacement trees and shrubs), we will save a great deal of money.  We will be discussing our options at our Open Forum on Sunday, June 11.  If you can’t wait until then, please speak to Bob Wozniak.

>  If you have friends who are not attending a church or with whom you have had conversations about spiritual matters, ask them if they would like to meet your pastor.  Meetings can take place at your home, at church, at a coffee shop, or other venues. 

EVANGELISM & STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE MEETINGS
          The Evangelism & Stewardship Committees have charted out a tentative schedule for events through the summer. These events serve both to unite our own members better and to connect with people from our community. Look for ways that you can help out to make each event a success. Let’s make the most of the opportunity for each event.
     MAY 21 –  Ice cream social after church
     JUNE 9 –  Putt-putt golf & go-karts
     JULY 27 – Yard games at Good Shepherd with a food truck (alternate date: July 20)
     AUG 4 –    Detroit Tigers vs. Tampa Bay Rays
     SEPT 10 – Church Picnic

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE

          Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Here is the service from Sunday, May 14: (105) Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, May 14, 2023 - YouTube.  Jump ahead to the 2:10 mark for the beginning of the service.

PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
          Hope Christian Academy (formerly Huron Valley Lutheran High School) has put together a five-minute informational video. Check it out at the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EPfzzwmpUKM6cZi1iZQlIJQrv_6g3qZr/view?usp=drive_web

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.

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

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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 are on Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class are on Sundays at 9:00 AM. 

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

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

YouTube -- 6th Sunday of Easter (May 14, 2023)

Here is the service from Sunday, May 14.  Jump ahead to the 2:10 mark for the beginning of the service.

Something from ... Gottesdienst and the dangers of social media

Rev. David Petersen wrote an interesting article regarding sins common to man, although I think most people will do all they can to hide these sins or to deny their existence.  His article focuses on a link between internet porn and suicide ... among clergy!  It is a reminder that pastors and their families are human and may struggle with sins that are prevalent among others.  I suppose everyone wants to believe that pastors are above this, but the (staggering!) statistics mentioned in the article state that it is not the case.  I never would have guessed it, either.

Confronting the Epidemic of Pornography in the Church — Gottesdienst

The point of my linking to this article is not to make any confession, but to expand on his thoughts.  Internet porn (or any porn for that matter) is a snare that destroys.  Solomon warns against the adulteress who seduces a young man, stating that he goes off to his death unaware as he goes with her.  From Proverbs: 

At a window of my house, I looked out through the lattice. I was watching the gullible people. Among the young men I noticed a youth without sense. He was crossing the street near her corner, strolling along the road to her house, in the twilight, in the evening of the day, when the darkness of the night was coming. Suddenly a woman meets him. She is dressed like a prostitute with a scheming heart! ... She deceives him with enticing words. With smooth lips she seduces him. He follows right after her, like a steer going to slaughter, like a deer prancing into a noose, until an arrow pierces its liver, like a bird darting into a trap. He does not realize this will cost him his life. Now, you sons, listen to me. Pay attention to the words from my mouth. Do not let your heart turn in her direction. Do not wander on her pathways, because she has brought down many victims. Those she has killed are countless. Her house is on the road to the grave. It goes down to the chambers of death. (Proverbs 7:6-10,21-27)

Solomon portrays an in-person encounter, but I think it extends to social media as well.  People become infatuated and inflamed with images on a screen.  They lust over people whom they will never meet and become disappointed in the spouse with whom they have been united in marriage and with whom they have become one flesh.  People learn to despise what is real for fantasies that will never be fulfilled.  At the least, this puts a strain on a marriage.  Often, it destroys a marriage.  Apparently, it also results in people taking their own lives.

But I think this goes beyond internet porn.  I think people are disillusioned by social media in general.  People cherry pick the moments that they post on Facebook (yeah, I'm old), Instagram, Snapchat, and whatever other platforms are out there.  (I'm not familiar with other platforms.  Yeah, I'm old.)  We look at the cherry picked images and assume that their lives are phenomenal.  We wonder why our life is boring.  We see one person's vacation photos, assume that everyone is going there, and are upset that we are not basking in tropical sun like everyone else.  We become so frustrated with our life, as if we have been cheated or as if we are the only ones with struggles.  

Suicide has become way too prevalent among young people.  I wonder if social media and the fabricated lifestyles depicted there influence it.  In fact, I am pretty convinced they do.  I know I can get mopey about seeing someone's Florida pictures in February.  

Social media deceives us.  It is all a production.  Its purpose is to sell something.  That doesn't mean just the ads, but the idea that someone's life is fabulous.  It convinces you that a day-to-day life in which you take care of the tedious tasks that need to be done to care for your family are evil.  But what God gives you to do to love and serve your family is not evil.  It is the way God makes you active, productive, and beneficial to others.  That may make for a boring social media post, but it is what life has always been about.  

It is not beneficial or even possible to be constantly entertained.  Social media sells you a lifestyle that is unrealistic.  Of course, images on a screen are not real things.  Do not be deceived by them, and certainly do not kill yourself over them.

Your remedy and repentance includes ditching social media--if not completely, then limit yourself a lot.  Go spend time with your family.  Meet up with friends and talk with them.  Chastise each other when someone checks their phone.  Go to church.  (You had to see that one coming.)  Talk with the people there.  Pray for one another.  Partake in the body and blood of Christ.  Hold a hymnal in your hands, turn the pages, read the hymns, and sing with the congregation.  Participate!  

God designed us to be social with real people and to engage in real activities in life that benefit our fellow man.  This is not done by flipping through images.  It is done with your loved ones.  So, click off this post and talk to someone.  It may not live up to your fantasies, but it won't be fake.

Sermon -- 6th Sunday of Easter

ACTS 17:22-31

WE WORSHIP THE ONLY GOD WORTH KNOWING.

In the name + of Jesus.

M:      Alleluia! Christ is risen!
C:      He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

     When the apostle Paul walked through the streets of Athens, he saw many shrines to many gods.  The Greeks and Romans acknowledged all kinds of gods, each responsible for some part of creation or life.  It was an admission that they were not in control of their lives.  They could not control the weather which, in turn, meant that they had no control over their harvests.  There must be a god who is in charge of those.  They were not in control of what stirs up people to love or war.  Mars and Venus were worshiped for that.  Sailors and travelers knew they had no control over the sea.  A trip to Neptune’s shrine might result in good sailing.  You can at least give the Greeks and Romans credit for recognizing that they did not have control, and that someone influenced times and events.

     As the apostle Paul observed the various temples and shrines for all these gods, he noticed another altar.  He said, “As I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god’” (Acts 17:23).  It was as if the people in Athens did not want to offend any god that they happened to have missed.  Well, the truth is they had missed one—the triune God.  Rather than mock the Athenians for their pagan worship, St. Paul seized the opportunity to teach them about the God they did not know. 

     What Paul encountered in Athens is not much different than what we run into today.  People are still very religious, but they claim to be spiritual.  Many are claiming to be “Nones,” that is, not affiliated with any religion.  When filling out a survey, they check, “None” for religion.  But such people have not abandoned interest in God.  That should not surprise us.  St. Paul noted, “(God) made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth … that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him” (Acts 17:26-27).  So, it is no surprise that people are religious.  What many lack, however, is any real source of truth.  For people who are spiritual, God is whatever they think he is or should be.  But just as I cannot tell you what you are like, we do not get to tell God what he is like or should be like.  God must reveal himself to us if we are to know him rightly.

     Dear Christians, you do know the triune God who insists, “I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God” (Isaiah 45:5).  “Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.  I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior” (Isaiah 43:10-11).  There can only be one God.  Only one can be almighty.  You can’t have two almighties; one would have to be more powerful than the other.  Only one can reign supreme.  You can’t have two supremes; one would have to be greater than the other.  Our Lord does not allow himself to be worshiped as chief of many gods.  He demands, “You shall have no other gods” (Exodus 20:3); for, there are no other gods.  As it turns out, he is also the only one who saves.  We worship the only God worth knowing. 

     The people of Athens demonstrated a natural knowledge of God.  That was apparent when St. Paul walked through Athens.  In each of the shrines he passed, he saw altars.  What is an altar for?  It is for offerings.  An animal is slaughtered and consumed by fire.  This was done to purchase the favor or to appease the wrath of a god.  In either case, it showed the worshiper was seeking to make things right between themselves and God.  Their consciences testified that something needed to be done to make things right.  So, they made sacrifices at these altars.  But how could they know which offerings were pleasing?  And how could they know if their offerings were enough?  Just as they made assumptions about who God is, so also they had to make assumptions about whether or not some god was pleased with them.

     We worship the only God worth knowing.  The Lord has not only revealed his nature to us, he has also revealed what reconciles us to him.  Unlike false gods who demand sacrifices to be appeased, Jesus came to be the sacrifice which appeases God’s wrath.  Jesus took upon himself our sin—the defilement in our hearts that leads us to jealousy, bitterness, obscenity, perversion, and the self-centered assumption that God is just like me.  This sin affects the way I think others.  My judgments are often ignorant, biased, and unkind.  How can this not affect the way I treat them?  It is worthy of God’s wrath.  But Jesus has taken all sin and guilt from us.  He was slaughtered on the cross and there was consumed by God’s fiery wrath.  Since Jesus has taken away the curse of sin, we are not condemned.  Since Jesus has taken into himself the full load of God’s wrath, God has only blessing left for us.  We worship the God who saves, and this is the only God worth knowing.

     How blessed you are to know the true God!  How blessed you are to live your life in peace!  For, the day is coming when we will all have to stand before God to answer for our lives.  St. Paul told the people of Athens, “(God) commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31).  We worship the only God worth knowing who has revealed his word to you so that you don’t have to guess where you stand with him. 

     Jesus Christ is, indeed, risen from the dead.  Jesus showed his risen body to many people over a period of forty days before he ascended into heaven.  This was no illusion.  Jesus spoke with his disciples and ate with them.  Spirits don’t eat, but people do.  Jesus invited people to touch him and to inspect the wounds inflicted upon him by crucifixion.  Jesus rebuked the disciples who were slow to believe that he was risen.  How could they doubt when he was standing there and speaking to them? 

     Jesus’ resurrection assures you that your sins have, indeed, been taken away.  The sacrifice he made for you is perfect.  Jesus’ resurrection assures you that the grave is powerless.  Jesus has authority to raise your body up to live forever.  Jesus holds the key to death and hell.  We often get the idea that Satan is in charge in hell.  This is not true.  Satan doesn’t hold the key.  He is an inmate.  Jesus is the judge.  Jesus issues the sentence and enforces it.  Jesus lives and reigns.  There is no greater power.  There is no higher throne.  Jesus’ resurrection proves that he will judge all people on the Last Day.

     Many people find the idea of Jesus judgment to be offensive.  More people, even within Christendom, have rejected the idea of eternal death in hell.  But do you know who spoke more about hell than anyone else in the Bible?  Jesus!  He issues warnings because he does not want people to go there.  No other God—as if there are any others—will deliver you from hell and the grave.  Other gods themselves are dead.  But Jesus lives.  We worship the only God worth knowing.

     Now maybe you think that hell is too harsh a judgment for anyone to receive.  We don’t deny that it is horrible, but we must confess it is true because God has revealed it to us.  Besides, people do recognize that there must be a judgment to face when we depart this world for justice to be carried out.  Consider this: If someone murdered or raped your sister or daughter, you would demand justice.  What would that be?  Lock someone up for 60 years?  How does that balance out with her violent death or with having to suffer psychological trauma for the rest of her life?  Some will argue, “Well, that man has to sit in jail and be tormented with regret for the rest of his life.”  Perhaps.  But that man may boast about it for the rest of his life.  Putting him in jail prevents him from doing it again, and that is good.  But is it justice?  If we want to push this to its limit, Adolf Hitler was responsible for unspeakable atrocities.  If there is no judgment by God, then Hitler got away with everything.  Sure, he killed himself at the end of the war, but lots of people died in that war.  Is it the same?  You could argue that Hitler died for a bad cause and the soldiers died for a good cause.  But if there is no judgment before God, what is the difference?  All alike are dead.

     The Lord God has given us life and breath and everything.  He holds us accountable for how we use his gifts.  If you have abused God’s gifts, repent and strive for what is good and decent.  But even more, cling to Jesus.  Flee to his altar—not to make a sacrifice to appease God, but to receive the body and blood which have appeased God and forgive sins.  Flee to Jesus for relief of fear and refuge in the judgment.  Only Jesus declares you not guilty of sin because he has taken it away from you.  Only Jesus declares you heirs of eternal life because he has conquered death for you.  Only Jesus declares you children of the Most High God because he has reconciled you to the Father.  Only Jesus opens heaven to you so that you can dwell with him forever.  Jesus’ resurrection is the proof that he has the authority to grant these things.  He is only one who saves in this way.  He is the judge, and his word is final.  Therefore, we worship the only God worth knowing.

     When the apostle Paul walked through the streets of Athens, he saw many people clinging to gods that were not real and could not save.  So, he preached to them.  You and I will encounter more and more people who claim to be spiritual, who grew up never going to church, or who have been badly misinformed about what the Bible teaches.  Some do not worship God at all.  Others, because of their assumptions, worship a god which, for all intents and purposes, is an unknown god.  How do you engage them?  Start by asking questions.  What do they believe?  Why do they believe it?  How did they come to that conclusion?  Like St. Paul, you have the word of God which reveals salvation.  You have compassion for the lost.  Start with people where they are, and then proclaim what the true God has revealed.  Through you, God will reveal his mercy, his peace, and his salvation.  Our Triune God is the only God worth knowing.  For, he is the only God who saves, and he is the only God there is.

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

Prayer in recognition of Mothers' Day

O Almighty God, who did send forth your Son to be born of a woman, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and who by His holy incarnation did in truth cause her to be the very Mother of God, thereby crowning and honoring all motherhood, grant your perpetual favor and blessing upon all of our mothers, that they in turn may be a blessing to all their children. Bless the memory of those of our mothers who have passed on from this vale of tears, and leave us not comfortless. Grant also to the Holy Christian Church, which is the Mother of us all, prosperity in faithfulness, that we through her pure milk of the Word may gain everlasting joy, through the Son of Mary, your only Son Jesus Christ, our Lord.