Update from Good Shepherd (May 2, 2024)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE 

Divine Service is Sunday at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School is on Sunday at 9:00 AM.
Adult Bible Class is on Sunday at 9:00 AM.
Bible Matters meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.

          For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

INTRODUCTION VIDEO FOR GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH

          Here is a video to introduce people to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Novi. Share it as much as you can.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS

          Why do Lutherans worship the way they do? What makes us different, and why?
          Our Bible study, entitled, “Oh, Come, Let Us Adore Him!”  considers how the Bible lays the foundation for our worship so that we gain a greater appreciation for our Lutheran heritage. After all, “We’ve always done it that way” is not a good foundation. There has to be a reason we’ve done it a certain way.
           All are welcome to consider these matters and to ask questions about “Why this?” or “Why that?” You can even bring up criticisms you’ve heard or had, and we will assess if they are valid and how they can be resolved.
           Adult Bible Class beings promptly at 9:00 AM on Sundays. All are welcome.  The schedule is here.

BIBLE MATTERS
          Our spring session for Bible Matters, a discussion group, is working through portions of the book of Judges. Judges was an era of problems for the people of Israel--self-inflicted problems. God's people suffered the consequences of godless behavior.
          The tentative schedule is here. Bible Matters begins at 6:30 PM.  NOTE: There is NO CLASS on Wednesday, May 8.

LADIES’ BRUNCH AT GOOD SHEPHERD
          On Saturday, May 4, the men of Good Shepherd will be pleased to prepare a brunch for the ladies of our congregation and any guests you would like to invite. Brunch will be served at 10:00 AM, but the ladies are welcome to stay and chat as long as they please. We welcome girls and women alike.
          Due to its popularity, we will be asking for an RSVP (welsnovi@aol.com) this year so that we will know how many we should prepare for.

BRIDAL SHOWER FOR LINDSEY CASMER
          On Sunday, May 5 after church, the Ladies of Good Shepherd will be hosting a bridal shower for Lindsey Casmer. Lindsey will be marrying Jake Vega-Miranda on Friday, May 24.
          We will be having a potluck as the meal. Lindsey is gluten and dairy free so if anyone has a particular recipe that speaks to that, please let me know! (Her Mom will be bringing something she can have as well.)
          Gift Registry: Lindsey and Jake are registered at Amazon and Target. We welcome our new members and hope you can join us for fun and fellowship. Please do not feel obligated to bring a gift; your presence is your present. Our Ladies’ Group will also be giving Lindsey a gift on behalf of the women in the congregation.

Spring Cleaning at Good Shepherd
          On Saturday, May 11 from 9:00 AM – Noon, we will be meeting at church to do some deep cleaning. We will be focused on the church entryway, the fellowship hall, and the pastor’s office. Besides cleaning, there may also be some purging. We encourage you to offer an hour or so to make sure that we are properly caring for God’s house.

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS (April)

>    A down payment of about $13,000 was paid to the Johnson Sign Co. to begin the work on installing the LED sign for church.  It will be two sided and will be positioned perpendicular to the traffic on 9 Mile Road.  Offerings for the new sign can still be given.  You may designate your donations to “New Sign”.  To date over $900 has been donated for the $27,000 cost.

>    A one-day evangelism seminar called “Everyone Outreach” will be offered at Good Shepherd.  The presenter will be Pastor Norman Burger of Shepherd of the Hills in Lansing.  The seminar is to assist us in establishing an outreach culture that permeates through the whole congregation.  We hope to have a great turnout as we want this culture to affect all of us.  The seminar will be held in September, and a date will be announced in the coming month(s).   

>    Dan Schneider has had contact with the City of Novi to see if they will follow up on their proposal to install a new, more handicapped friendly sidewalk.  It would go out the door to the south and end at about the 4^th parking space on the east side of the parking lot.  If the City of Novi has the funds to install it, they will likely try to get it done before the November election.

>    Good Shepherd has enjoyed an influx of new members, mostly from Lola Park Lutheran Church.  Our goal is to engage and involve the newer members as much as possible.  We will be presenting ways for people to join in our efforts and invite people to participate as much as they like to.  Some of these opportunities will be presented at our Get-To-Know-You Mixer on April 21.  Pastor Schroeder also intends to make home visits with these newer members.  Questions about Good Shepherd and involvement in our ministry can be addressed then, too.

 GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE

          Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Pastor Schroeder was out of town the weekend of April 7.  The service was covered by the elders.  Here is the service from April 28, 2024: Good Shepherd Novi, April 28, 2024 (youtube.com)

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS

          The pastor will try to maintain regular office hours are Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM - Noon. 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. 

DO YOU LIKE US?

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

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

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

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

REGULAR SCHEDULE
DIVINE SERVICES are on Sundays at 10:00 AM
Sunday School -- Sundays at 9:00 AM 
Adult Bible Class -- Sundays at 9:00 AM

Bible Matters meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

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

Sermon -- 5th Sunday of Easter (April 28, 2024)

JOHN 15:1-8

ONLY JESUS PRODUCES FRUITFUL LIVES.

In the name + of Jesus.

M:       Alleluia!  Christ is risen!

C:        He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

     Lutheran preaching puts a strong emphasis on what we have been set free from.  You have been set free from sin.  Your sin no longer condemns you.  Jesus Christ has endured condemnation for you in his death on the cross.  You are set free.  You are also set free from the devil.  Jesus Christ has destroyed the devil’s work and has crushed the serpent underfoot.  The devil cannot snatch you away from Jesus.  You are set free.  You have even been set free from death.  Now, it is true that we will go to a grave one day.  These bodies of ours have been corrupted by sin, and nothing sinful can dwell together with God.  But when Jesus comes again on the Last Day, he will raise you up from the grave with a glorified, holy body.  In the end, the grave gets nothing.  You have been set free.

     This heavy emphasis on what we are set free from is on purpose.  This is where we find our comfort and our hope.  But if we are set free from something, it stands to reason that we are set free for something.  The Christian faith is more than: “We are set apart as God’s people.”  It is also, “We are set apart to be godly people.”  The apostles made this clear in their preaching to the Church.  For example, St. Paul wrote, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor….  For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4,7).  You have been set apart for a godly life and for good works.  Only Jesus produces this fruitful life in us.

     Jesus said, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:8).  We do not get to opt out of producing fruit, that is, good works.  Nor do we get to tell God which good works we will do and which we will not.  Fruitful lives are evidence that our faith is genuine.  Faith cannot just sit there; it is active and productive.  If we confess faith in God’s word but our lives contradict it, then our confession is empty and faith is dead.  If we believe that God’s word is true, then we will also strive to live according to it. 

     Jesus assures us that we will produce the fruitful lives the Father seeks.  He says, “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” (John 15:4-5).  If our faith rests in Jesus, the good works will flow forth.  It is Jesus who works in us to will and to act according to God’s purpose.  Only Jesus produces fruitful lives.

     Now, you may compare yourself with people who have no use for Jesus at all, and conclude that their works are just as good as yours.  If they look like they are doing the same works that you are, you might wonder if even matters.  But Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).  Scripture also says, “Without faith, it is impossible to please [God]” (Hebrews 11:6).  Those who do not believe in Jesus are still in their sin.  No matter how good their works appear, no matter how much they are praised for them, they are still covered in sin.  God cannot delight in that.  But Jesus tells you, “Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you” (John 15:3).  God is not pleased with your works because they are more holy or spectacular than that of others; God is pleased with your works because he is pleased with you.  Jesus has taken away your sin.  He presents you to his Father as holy and blameless.  And Jesus produces in you the works that delight God.  Only Jesus produces fruitful lives.

     Another problem you might struggle with is that you recognize that your works are flawed.  Your sin rears its ugly head even in your good works.  For example, if you give a charitable gift to a noble cause, your gift is done out of love.  But it may also stir up your pride as you think, “That was wonderful of me.  Surely God will reward me for that.”  So, your good work is done for your sake as much as for the good of another.  Sin infests everything.

     But remember Jesus’ promise: “Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you” (John 15:3).  Through faith in Jesus, you have become God’s children.  Through holy baptism, you have been purified in Christ.  Even though your works are flawed, God the Father sees you as pure.  If the Father sees you as pure, then he sees all your works as pure.  It is like a kindergartener who wants to draw a picture for her mother for Mothers’ Day.  She pulls out her box of crayons and draws on a sheet.  She goes to her mother and says, “Here, Mommy!  I made this for you!”  No mother in the world would squawk, “Well, this certainly isn’t a Rembrandt, is it?”  No, she will gush over it.  “This is a beautiful drawing.  I am going to put this on the refrigerator so we can see it all the time.”  She loves it because it came from her daughter whom she loves, a daughter who loves her and wants to please her.  Since you are children of God, the Father does not sniff in contempt at your less-than-perfect works.  He delights in you and in the fruit you bear.  Only Jesus produces fruitful lives.

     Now let’s consider one of Jesus’ words which sounds unsettling.  He said, “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” (John 15:1-2).  When the master gardener comes, he prunes and hacks away at the grapevine.  If a grapevine could speak, it would protest, “Why are you coming to do such harm to me?  You are cutting away branches that have already begun to bud.  You are taking away good fruit.  Why would you inflict such pain on me?”  But the master gardener knows what he’s doing.  He removes some of the sprouts and buds so that the remaining branches get more nutrients.  That makes the remaining branches even more fruitful.

     This is what the heavenly Father does to us.  The Father does not prune only dead branches.  Jesus says, “Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2).  So, he prunes away things that are good in order to have us produce even more good.  But since it is a pruning, it seems painful, cruel, and unnecessary to us.  All we know is that it hurts as God strips blessings from us or allows us to suffer.  But he is the master gardener.  He knows what he is doing.  What you and I think is cruel the Father knows is for our good.  The pruning makes us more fruitful.  Jesus produces that fruitful life in us even in suffering.

     Consider how this worked out in Jesus’ own life.  Without a doubt, Jesus had a fruitful life, overflowing with good works.  He had compassion on the outcasts.  He welcomed the crowds even when they were infringing on his private time.  He drove out demons and cured the sick.  But this was not his most fruitful labor.  That happened when he was most cruelly oppressed, vilified, beaten, and killed.  The injustice that was heaped upon Jesus was done by the hands of wicked men, but it was also according to the will of his heavenly Father.  St. Peter wrote, “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.  He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.  When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:21-23).  Jesus endured unjust suffering patiently both to glorify his Father and to win our salvation.  You are the fruit which Jesus has borne.

     So, when the heavenly Father starts to prune blessings from you—and this happens more as you get older—he is teaching you to trust him all the more.  If he takes away your family or friends, he is saying, “Well, you can’t trust in these anymore.  But you can trust in me.”  If your eyesight fades or your balance and mobility grow weak, he is saying, “Well, you can’t trust in your abilities anymore, but you can still trust in me.”  If you lose your money, your reputation, or your memory, he is teaching you, “Well, you can’t trust in those anymore.  But you can still trust in me.” 

     If the Father prunes you this way, what else can you do but call on him for mercy?  What else can you do but endure your sufferings with patience?  What else can you hope for but a better future in the heavenly kingdom?  What else can you do but acknowledge that everything in this world is passing away and is, therefore, untrustworthy?  But the word of the Lord will never pass away.  His mercy endures forever.  And Jesus still abides in you.  He still produces the fruitful life that shows you are his disciple and the faithful confession that glorifies God.  Besides, what makes a better confession before the world—praising God for abundance and comfort, or praising God in the midst of suffering and loss?  Rejoicing in good times is easy.  Rejoicing despite one’s suffering shows a faith that leans upon God for everything that is truly good.  In the end, if all you have is Jesus, you have everything that matters.

     One final promise we will consider because it is often misunderstood.  Jesus declared, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).  This sounds like Jesus is issuing a blank check—that you should be able to get anything you want just by asking for it.  But what happens when you pray for healing and a loved one dies anyway?  What happens when you pray for that new job but the company hires someone else?  Did Jesus lie? 

     Pay careful attention to the promise.  Jesus said, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).  In other words, if your prayers are in line with God’s word, it will be done for you.  God will always say, “Yes,” to his own word.  Now, you can pray for anything you want.  But you don’t know if all your requests are in line with God’s will.  He may provide relief from suffering.  He may put an end to suffering by bringing you to your heavenly home.  He may have your suffering linger to teach you patience and increase your prayers.  Even if you don’t understand why the Father prunes as he does, you know that he is your good and merciful Father.  And you know Jesus will abide in you to preserve you in the faith.  Jesus will abide in you to sustain you through suffering and loss.  Jesus will abide in you so that you will and act according to God’s good pleasure.  Only Jesus produces a fruitful life, and only Jesus bestows everlasting life.

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

Local Tourist: NFL Draft in Detroit

On Friday, April 26, the Local Tourist went with Nathanael and his high school classmate Chad to Detroit to check out the festivities for the NFL Draft.  Estimations were that there were 230,000 people in attendance.  But since the footprint of the whole NFL Draft experience was so huge, it never felt too crowded.  The whole event was very well organized.  Getting in and out was pretty easy.  There were long lines for various activities, so we were selective in what we wanted to do.

We stuck around for the actual draft until the Packers made their first pick in the 2nd round.  The wind was picking up a bit, and it was getting chilly, so it was the right time to go.

Detroit put on a fantastic show.  The city was great.  The fans were fun.  Lions' fans booed the Packers enthusiastically.  Good times!

Here are some pre-draft photos, taken about a week before the NFL Draft.   Lots of construction was still going on, and access was limited in most places. On the upside, there was no waiting for photo ops.

Photos from Draft Day, Day #2.

Admiring the other fans is fun.  Here are some zealous Packers' fans,

I have always entertained myself with jersey watching.  Jerseys of players from 25+ years ago are great.  Twice, I had people ask about my #54 Larry McCarron jersey--Packers' center (1973-1984).

Fake Troy Polamalu.  We saw him while watching the Pat McAfee show.

That's me under the arrow!

Next step: Get this guy noticed by the NFL.

Update from Good Shepherd (April 25, 2024)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE 

Divine Service is Sunday at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School is on Sunday at 9:00 AM.
Adult Bible Class is on Sunday at 9:00 AM.
Bible Matters meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.

          For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

INTRODUCTION VIDEO FOR GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH

          Here is a video to introduce people to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Novi. Share it as much as you can.

NEW HYMN INTRODUCED APRIL 28
          A hymn that is likely going to be new to everyone will be sung before the sermon this Sunday. "Christ the Vine" was composed by Michael Schultz who was the chairman for the assembly of the new hymnal. You can find a version of that hymn at this link: Christ the Vine - YouTube

ADULT BIBLE CLASS

          Why do Lutherans worship the way they do? What makes us different, and why?
          Our next Bible study, beginning Sunday, April 7, will be entitled, “Oh, Come, Let Us Adore Him!” We will consider how the Bible lays the foundation for our worship so that we gain a greater appreciation for our Lutheran heritage. After all, “We’ve always done it that way” is not a good foundation. There has to be a reason we’ve done it a certain way.
           All are welcome to consider these matters and to ask questions about “Why this?” or “Why that?” You can even bring up criticisms you’ve heard or had, and we will assess if they are valid and how they can be resolved.
           Adult Bible Class beings promptly at 9:00 AM on Sundays. All are welcome.  The schedule is here.

BIBLE MATTERS
          On Wednesday, April 10, we will begin a new series for Bible Matters, a discussion group. We will be considering portions of the book of Judges. Judges was an era of problems for the people of Israel--self-inflicted problems. God's people suffered the consequences of godless behavior.
          The tentative schedule is here. Bible Matters begins at 6:30 PM.

LADIES’ BRUNCH AT GOOD SHEPHERD
          On Saturday, May 4, the men of Good Shepherd will be pleased to prepare a brunch for the ladies of our congregation and any guests you would like to invite. Brunch will be served at 10:00 AM, but the ladies are welcome to stay and chat as long as they please. We welcome girls and women alike.
          Due to its popularity, we will be asking for an RSVP this year so that we will know how many we should prepare for.

BRIDAL SHOWER FOR LINDSEY CASMER
          On Sunday, May 5 after church, the Ladies of Good Shepherd will be hosting a bridal shower for Lindsey Casmer. Lindsey will be marrying Jake Vega-Miranda on Friday, May 24.
          We will be having a potluck as the meal. Lindsey is gluten and dairy free so if anyone has a particular recipe that speaks to that, please let me know! (Her Mom will be bringing something she can have as well.)
          Gift Registry: Lindsey and Jake are registered at Amazon and Target. We welcome our new members and hope you can join us for fun and fellowship. Please do not feel obligated to bring a gift; your presence is your present. Our Ladies’ Group will also be giving Lindsey a gift on behalf of the women in the congregation.

Spring Cleaning at Good Shepherd
          On Saturday, May 11 from 9:00 AM – Noon, we will be meeting at church to do some deep cleaning. We will be focused on the church entryway, the fellowship hall, and the pastor’s office. Besides cleaning, there may also be some purging. We encourage you to offer an hour or so to make sure that we are properly caring for God’s house.

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS (April)

>    A down payment of about $13,000 was paid to the Johnson Sign Co. to begin the work on installing the LED sign for church.  It will be two sided and will be positioned perpendicular to the traffic on 9 Mile Road.  Offerings for the new sign can still be given.  You may designate your donations to “New Sign”.  To date over $900 has been donated for the $27,000 cost.

>    A one-day evangelism seminar called “Everyone Outreach” will be offered at Good Shepherd.  The presenter will be Pastor Norman Burger of Shepherd of the Hills in Lansing.  The seminar is to assist us in establishing an outreach culture that permeates through the whole congregation.  We hope to have a great turnout as we want this culture to affect all of us.  The seminar will be held in September, and a date will be announced in the coming month(s).   

>    Dan Schneider has had contact with the City of Novi to see if they will follow up on their proposal to install a new, more handicapped friendly sidewalk.  It would go out the door to the south and end at about the 4^th parking space on the east side of the parking lot.  If the City of Novi has the funds to install it, they will likely try to get it done before the November election.

>    Good Shepherd has enjoyed an influx of new members, mostly from Lola Park Lutheran Church.  Our goal is to engage and involve the newer members as much as possible.  We will be presenting ways for people to join in our efforts and invite people to participate as much as they like to.  Some of these opportunities will be presented at our Get-To-Know-You Mixer on April 21.  Pastor Schroeder also intends to make home visits with these newer members.  Questions about Good Shepherd and involvement in our ministry can be addressed then, too.

40th Anniversary Service for the Redford Pregnancy Care Center
          On Sunday, April 28, the WELS Lutherans for Life will have their annual meeting at Hope Christian Academy. In conjunction with that meeting, the Redford Pregnancy Care Center will have a thanksgiving service for 40 years of serving mothers and their children—both unborn and born. The guest preacher for this service will be Rev. Gene Jahnke who was instrumental in the early days of the Pregnancy Care Center. Rev. Jahnke had also served Good Shepherd in Novi in its early days. The annual meeting is at 2:00 PM; the service is at 3:00 PM.

 GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE

          Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Pastor Schroeder was out of town the weekend of April 7.  The service was covered by the elders.  Here is the service from April 21, 2024: Good Shepherd Novi , Divine Service, April 21, 2024 (youtube.com)

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS

          The pastor will try to maintain regular office hours are Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM - Noon. 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. 

DO YOU LIKE US?

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

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

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

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

REGULAR SCHEDULE
DIVINE SERVICES are on Sundays at 10:00 AM
Sunday School -- Sundays at 9:00 AM 
Adult Bible Class -- Sundays at 9:00 AM

Bible Matters meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

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

YouTube -- 4th Sunday of Easter (April 21, 2024)

Here is the Divine Service from Sunday, April 21, 2024.

Something from ... Martin Luther on God and the devil

When some hardship or disaster enters your life, who is responsible for it?  Did God send it, or was it the devil at work?

It is easy to say, "Everything good is from God, but everything bad is from the devil."  If we hold to this belief, then we may also conclude that there are times when God loses control and the devil has gained the upper hand.

King Solomon wrote, "In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him" (Ecclesiastes 7:14).  Based on this word of God, we come back to the question: When some hardship or disaster enters your life, who is responsible for it?  Did God send it, or was it the devil at work?  The answer is: Yes.

Martin Luther wrote about the devil who seeks to devour and to drive us to despair, but he does not do it apart from God's will.  When evil comes, the devil intends it for harm; God intends to use the devil's evil designs for our good.  Our God is so good and gracious to us that he even employs the devil for our good.

Martin Luther comments on John 15:1-2 to teach us about God's purpose regarding evil that comes into our lives.  Something from Martin Luther: 

"But now God takes him in hand and says: 'Devil, you are indeed a murderer and an evildoer; but I will use you for My purpose.  You shall be My hoe; the world and your following shall by My manure for the fertilization of My vineyard.'  We must surely acknowledge him a great Master, who knows how to employ the devil's and the world's wickedness for the vine's good and not for its harm and ruin, as these intend.  This is what He says about it: 'Your intentions are evil indeed; you are very bitter and angry, and you plot to destroy My vine; but I will and must use you as My tools with which to cultivate and dress the vine.  Therefore cut, chop, and hoe away, but not beyond the bounds that I set.  For you shall go just so far that it will not ruin My vine but will help and improve it.  You shall not fertilize it with mature until it is choked; you shall use only enough to make it sturdy and lush." (pp 195-196.  Luther's Works: American Edition.  Volume 24 -- Sermons on the Gospel of St. John, chapters 14-16.  Concordia Publishing House: St. Louis, MO. (c) 1961.)

Sermon -- 4th Sunday of Easter (April 21, 2024)

JOHN 10:11-18

LISTEN TO YOUR GOOD SHEPHERD AND FOLLOW HIM CLOSELY.

In the name + of Jesus.

M:       Alleluia!  Christ is risen!

C:        He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

     Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd.  The word “good,” employed here by Jesus, refers to something that is beautiful or useful.  It is the same word that Peter used at Jesus’ transfiguration when he said, “Lord, it is good that we are here” (Matthew 17:4).  Then he suggested that they build three shelters.  So, it was good in the sense that it was useful that they were there.  This particular Greek word for “good” refers to the essence of its object, in other words, what makes it useful.  For example, you could use many items for a hammer—the heel of your shoe, a brick, or the end of a wrench.  While those could serve as a hammer, best would be a claw hammer of forged steel.  That is a good hammer because it was designed to be a hammer.

     Jesus is the Good Shepherd.  He is the essence of a shepherd.  He is uniquely qualified to serve as the shepherd of his flock, the Church.  The Church has other shepherds.  We call them pastors because the Latin word for shepherd is “pastor.”  But no matter how good you might think a pastor is, he is not the Good Shepherd.  Pastors have weaknesses.  They may sin against you because of negligence.  They may use harsh, judgmental, or ignorant words.  They may even deceive you by twisting God’s word.  A pastor may fail you.  On the other hand, Jesus does not fail you, and he will not mislead you.  Listen to your Good Shepherd and follow him closely.

     Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.  I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father” (John 10:14-15).  Jesus knows the Father because he is the Son.  God the Father and God the Son are one.  They are in perfect harmony in thoughts and actions; for the Father and the Son are one God.  Jesus establishes this same kind of harmony and unity with his Church.  He does this by making himself known to us.  And this he does the way a shepherd leads his flock: He speaks to us.  Listen to the Good Shepherd and follow him closely.

     Jesus is the Good Shepherd.  His invitation to disciples is, “Follow me.”  Jesus not only brings us into the safety of his care, but he also leads us throughout our lives.  This is why we listen to him.  We need to listen so that we follow Jesus closely.  We don’t know where life will take us.  We anticipate blessings, and we have hopes and plans for our future.  Young people hope to graduate and find employment.  They have plans to get married and have children.  Parents also hope to see their children enjoy these blessings.  Then they hope to see grandchildren.  We make plans, and we pray that God will bless them.  But God may have other plans.

     St. James warns us not to be so sure of our plans that we would be crushed if they do not come to fruition.  James wrote, “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’—yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.  …Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that’” (James 4:13,15).  In other words, you don’t know where the Lord will lead your life.  But what you do know is that you have a Good Shepherd.  He knows you because he has redeemed you and made you his.  You know him because he has made himself known to you as your loving and faithful Savior.  He calls you to follow him for your good.  Listen to your Good Shepherd and follow him closely.

     As a Good Shepherd, Jesus continually speaks to you in his word.  He has to because there are many other voices which are calling for your attention.  The devil seduces you with lies that sound very attractive.  The world peppers you with slogans and soundbites which sound very reasonable.  These voices can be very persuasive.  They certainly are persistent.  And to be fair, there is often just enough truth in these voices that you can believe that they are in line with God’s word. 

     Consider the phrase, “Don’t get mad, get even.”  This appeals to our sense of justice.  If someone has wronged you, you are right to call it what it is.  That man sinned against you.  What he did was wicked.  If it was wrong, there should be a penalty for it.  Justice demands it.  Since it is unlikely that anyone else will step in to administer such justice, it is up to you to take care of matters.  That seems to make sense.  And it would feel so good to make someone suffer who brought suffering on you or your family.  Entire movie plots are based on that. 

     But this is what the Lord says: “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.  Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord’” (Romans 12:17-19).  These are hard words for us to follow.  Our sinful nature craves revenge.  We want to take it upon ourselves to execute justice which is reserved for God.  The devil and the world may even taunt you: “What kind of God do you have who tells you to put up with people who sin against you?  ‘Turn the other cheek’?!  Ha!  Revenge is sweet!  The way of the Lord is bitter.  Maybe it is time to find a new way.”

     The devil, the world, and your own sinful nature call you to follow them on a path which promises satisfaction, but it leads to unending violence, strife, pain, and death.  The fact is: The devil does not care about you.  He wants you damned.  The world does not care about you.  When you die, the world moves on and makes more empty promises to the next generation.  But Jesus is the Good Shepherd.  He not only cares about you; he has invested himself completely to secure your temporal and eternal good.  Listen to your Good Shepherd and follow him closely.

     Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me” (John 10:14).  What you know best about your Good Shepherd is this: “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).  For all the pleasures promised by the world, the world will not do you any favors.  For as much as the devil promises you, he will give up nothing for you.  Jesus, however, lays down his life for you.  He owed you nothing, but he gave up everything to save you. 

     Jesus left the glories of heaven to live in a world that has been corrupted by sin.  Jesus emptied himself of his divine majesty to take into himself the guilt of mankind.  Jesus exchanged the innocence of a holy life for the sins of the world.  He was marked for death—dying for people who loved the devil’s lies and were seduced by worldly schemes.  No one else would do this for you.  Even if they tried, they could not take away your sins or win your place in heaven.  Jesus did both.  He has paid for your sins with his holy, precious blood, and he has satisfied God’s judgment with his innocent sufferings and death.  “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).  What do the sheep get out of it?  Peace, comfort, blessing, hope, and life everlasting.  What does the Good Shepherd get out of it?  You.

     The Good Shepherd, however, does not remain a dead shepherd.  The sheep would remain helpless without a Good Shepherd to protect them, to guide them, and to speak to them.  Listen to your Good Shepherd and follow him closely.  For this is what he says: “I lay down my life that I may take it up again.  No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.  I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again” (John 10:17-18). 

     Sometimes it looks like your life is out of control, and you might question where Jesus is leading you.  You might even wonder if Jesus has lost control because difficulties and disasters are piling up.  Fear not.  Jesus has never lost control, and he never will.  Even when Jesus was going to be crucified, he did not lose control.  St. John wrote about Jesus’ arrest.   “Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, ‘Whom do you seek?’  They answered him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’  Jesus said to them, ‘I am he.’  …When Jesus^] said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground” (John 18:4-6).  Then he patiently waited for them to collect themselves and arrest him.  Jesus was in control.  He was not seeking to escape arrest or death.  He went to the cross on purpose.  The purpose was to claim you.

     The way the Gospel writers describe Jesus’ death is striking, too.  For us, death is something that happens to us.  We fight to live and strain for breath until death finally takes us.  We fight, but death overcomes us.  Not so with Jesus.  St. John records Jesus’ death this way: “He bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30).  Death did not take Jesus; Jesus willingly went into death.  He was active in dying.  As Jesus said, “No one takes (my life) from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.  I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again” (John 10:18). 

     The Good Shepherd willingly went into death.  The Good Shepherd definitively walked out of death.  Death did not take Jesus; Jesus took death.  He lives, and he lives to faithfully protect and guide his flock.  He speaks to you so that sin, death, and the devil cannot harm you.  Listen to your Good Shepherd and follow him closely. 

      Even as you listen to your Good Shepherd and follow him, you may still feel like your life is out of control.  Jesus may lead you through hardships.  A Good Shepherd may have to lead his flock through rough and rocky terrain to get them to where they need to be.  The sheep will prefer a softer path, but the softer path may not lead to the place you need to be.  So, if Jesus causes you to struggle, drains you of your strength, and makes you wonder if you can even go on, Jesus remains in control.  Listen to him and follow him closely.

     You know your Good Shepherd.  He cares for you.  He guides and protects you.  If he leads you through difficulties, Jesus uses them to discipline you.  Just as your muscles get stronger only when you put strain on them, so also your faith is strengthened when Jesus lays a cross on you.  But he remains your Good Shepherd.  Everything he does is for your good.  Rather than trust your fears, your hardships, or your lack of control, listen to your Good Shepherd.  He did not make you his own to neglect or deceive you.  Follow him closely; for only Jesus provides comfort which cannot be destroyed by problems.  Only Jesus makes promises which cannot be overcome even by death.  Jesus is the Good Shepherd.  He lives and reigns forever, and he lives and reigns for you.

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

Update from Good Shepherd (April 18, 2024)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE 

Divine Service is Sunday at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School is on Sunday at 9:00 AM.
Adult Bible Class is on Sunday at 9:00 AM.
Bible Matters resumes on Wednesday, April 10 at 6:30 PM.

          For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

INTRODUCTION VIDEO FOR GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH

          Here is a video to introduce people to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Novi. Share it as much as you can.

GET-TO-KNOW-YOU MIXER
               On Sunday, April 21 after church, we will have a mixer which will encourage the members of Good Shepherd and Lola Park to engage with each other. This will be a great event for new members and seasoned members alike. There will be a quiz to get to know the history of each congregation and different ways for us to interact with each other. A continental breakfast will be served. Perhaps a few other surprises will be unveiled as well. Plan on joining us for this event so that we can all tighten the bonds of friendship a fellowship among us.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS

          Why do Lutherans worship the way they do? What makes us different, and why?
          Our next Bible study, beginning Sunday, April 7, will be entitled, “Oh, Come, Let Us Adore Him!” We will consider how the Bible lays the foundation for our worship so that we gain a greater appreciation for our Lutheran heritage. After all, “We’ve always done it that way” is not a good foundation. There has to be a reason we’ve done it a certain way.
           All are welcome to consider these matters and to ask questions about “Why this?” or “Why that?” You can even bring up criticisms you’ve heard or had, and we will assess if they are valid and how they can be resolved.
           Adult Bible Class beings promptly at 9:00 AM on Sundays. All are welcome.  The schedule is here.

BIBLE MATTERS
          On Wednesday, April 10, we will begin a new series for Bible Matters, a discussion group. We will be considering portions of the book of Judges. Judges was an era of problems for the people of Israel--self-inflicted problems. God's people suffered the consequences of godless behavior.
          The tentative schedule is here. Bible Matters begins at 6:30 PM.

LADIES’ BRUNCH AT GOOD SHEPHERD
          On Saturday, May 4, the men of Good Shepherd will be pleased to prepare a brunch for the ladies of our congregation and any guests you would like to invite. Brunch will be served at 10:00 AM, but the ladies are welcome to stay and chat as long as they please. We welcome girls and women alike.
          Due to its popularity, we will be asking for an RSVP this year so that we will know how many we should prepare for.

Spring Cleaning at Good Shepherd
          On Saturday, May 11 from 9:00 AM – Noon, we will be meeting at church to do some deep cleaning. We will be focused on the church entryway, the fellowship hall, and the pastor’s office. Besides cleaning, there may also be some purging. We encourage you to offer an hour or so to make sure that we are properly caring for God’s house.

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS (April)

Ø    A down payment of about $13,000 was paid to the Johnson Sign Co. to begin the work on installing the LED sign for church.  It will be two sided and will be positioned perpendicular to the traffic on 9 Mile Road.  Offerings for the new sign can still be given.  You may designate your donations to “New Sign”.  To date over $900 has been donated for the $27,000 cost.

Ø    A one-day evangelism seminar called “Everyone Outreach” will be offered at Good Shepherd.  The presenter will be Pastor Norman Burger of Shepherd of the Hills in Lansing.  The seminar is to assist us in establishing an outreach culture that permeates through the whole congregation.  We hope to have a great turnout as we want this culture to affect all of us.  The seminar will be held in September, and a date will be announced in the coming month(s).   

Ø    Dan Schneider has had contact with the City of Novi to see if they will follow up on their proposal to install a new, more handicapped friendly sidewalk.  It would go out the door to the south and end at about the 4^th parking space on the east side of the parking lot.  If the City of Novi has the funds to install it, they will likely try to get it done before the November election.

Ø    Good Shepherd has enjoyed an influx of new members, mostly from Lola Park Lutheran Church.  Our goal is to engage and involve the newer members as much as possible.  We will be presenting ways for people to join in our efforts and invite people to participate as much as they like to.  Some of these opportunities will be presented at our Get-To-Know-You Mixer on April 21.  Pastor Schroeder also intends to make home visits with these newer members.  Questions about Good Shepherd and involvement in our ministry can be addressed then, too.

 GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE

          Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Pastor Schroeder was out of town the weekend of April 7.  The service was covered by the elders.  Here is the service from April 14, 2024: Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, April 14, 2024 (youtube.com)

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS

          The pastor will try to maintain regular office hours are Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM - Noon. 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. 

DO YOU LIKE US?

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

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

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder

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REGULAR SCHEDULE
DIVINE SERVICES are on Sundays at 10:00 AM
Sunday School -- Sundays at 9:00 AM 
Adult Bible Class -- Sundays at 9:00 AM

Bible Matters resumes on Wednesday, April 10 at 6:30 PM.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

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