YouTube -- 14th Sunday after Pentecost (September 14, 2025)

Here is the Divine Service from Sunday, September 14, 2025.

Minor Festival -- The Festival of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

            Lutheran worship is liturgical.  While that often refers to an order of worship, it can also refer to the calendar of the Church Year.  The Church Year includes major festivals, such as Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Pentecost, etc...  

            On Sunday, September 21, we will recognize a minor festival, the Festival of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist.

            Matthew, also called Levi (Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32), was a tax collector before Jesus called him to be a disciple and later appointed him to be an apostle.  We know little of Matthew other than his seedy background (tax collectors were often thieves).  Yet, the Lord, who redeemed this wretched sinner, had a special purpose for him.  As an apostle, Matthew devoted his life to proclaiming the good news of forgiveness through Jesus to others.  He was also inspired by the Holy Spirit to record the words and works of Jesus in the gospel that bears his name.  Even tradition is vague on Matthew’s ministry and death, except that he was martyred in some way.  Just as the Lord redeemed this sinner and called him to service, so the Lord does for us sinners as well.

Sermon -- 14th Sunday after Pentecost (September 14, 2025)

HOSEA 3:1-5

 A SPURNED LOVER REDEEMS HIS UNFAITHFUL BRIDE.

In the name + of Jesus.

    Even if you are unfamiliar with them, you probably have great respect for the prophets.  There have been many preachers throughout the history of the world.  Very few have had their words inspired by our Lord and preserved for God’s people until Judgment Day.  You may know next to nothing about the prophet Hosea.  Maybe you have never read the book of the Bible which bears his name.  Nevertheless, it is right to have respect for Hosea, but you probably would not envy him. 

     Consider what Hosea recorded: “When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, “Go.  Take for yourself an immoral wife and children produced by sexual immorality, because the land has been committing flagrant immorality, turning away from the Lord.’  So he went and took Gomer daughter of Diblaim” (Hosea 1:2-3).  How would you like that?  “Go and find a floozy.  Marry her.  She will continually cheat on you.  She will have children, but they will not be yours.  They will be children of infidelity.  Love her anyway.”  That is what God commanded Hosea to do.

     It is not the only time our Lord gave his prophets bizarre commands.  While the prophets spoke for the Lord, the Lord occasionally had the prophets’ lives be the sermon.  This was the case with Hosea.  He was the faithful and loving husband whose wife was unfaithful to him.  Hosea was an image of the Lord.  Gomer was an image of the northern tribes of Israel who turned away from the Lord, again and again, to chase after other sources of truth and pleasure.  Israel fell in love with whatever promised prosperity, pleasure, and power.  They pursued other lovers and spurned the Lord.

     What should a spurned lover do?  How should a faithful husband respond to a bride who cheats on him repeatedly?  I can’t think of anyone who would argue, “Well, he should put up with that and accept that this is who she is.”  No, we would expect the husband to divorce his wife and to send her away, perhaps with a few choice words.

     At first, the Lord’s words were calls to return.  The Lord sent prophets like Hosea to his beloved again and again.  Again and again, he called them back to him, wooing them and pleading with them to turn away from their false gods and their perverse worship.  Again and again, Israel spurned the Lord’s overtures.  The Lord cannot be faulted for his efforts.  He was, indeed, slow to anger.  He was most patient for a favorable response.  He did not get it; and finally, judgment came upon Israel in harsh and cruel ways. 

     The nation of Assyria came and ravaged God’s people.  Those who survived the sword, starvation, and disease were carried off into captivity where they died.  It happened just as the Lord had warned through Hosea: “The people of Israel will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred memorial stones, and without the special vest or family idols.” (Hosea 3:4).  The kingdom and the worship ceased during years of captivity.  The Lord had warned such judgment would come upon those who spurned him.  Perhaps the people did not think the Lord would follow through.  Many still don’t.  Don’t dismiss God’s warnings, and don’t confuse God’s patience with indifference.  The judgment he had warned about came at last—with crushing violence and banishment.  And it was deserved.

     There are many today who reject the notion that the Lord would send people to hell despite all his warnings.  They argue that a loving God would never do that.  Or if he would, they argue that he is not a loving God.  Perhaps you have kicked around those thoughts yourself.  “What kind of God is this who demands love and obedience under the threat of eternal damnation if he doesn’t get it?”  When the argument is set up that way, it surely makes our Lord look petty.  Do not be deceived by people who present God this way.  It is like the people who ask, “So, have you stopped beating your wife?”  A “Yes” means you admit that you have beaten your wife.  A “No” means you still are beating your wife.  The word of the Lord is most certainly not, “Love me or I’ll damn you.”

     Many people fail to understand this: No one begins his life in the kingdom of God.  No one is even neutral, as if God decides to toss some aside because he can.  All are sinners.  All stand outside of God’s love because of this sinful condition.  The Scriptures testify: “The mind-set of the sinful flesh is hostile to God” (Romans 8:7).  God is regarded as the enemy.  So, if anyone enters in the kingdom of God, it is because the Lord has brought him in.  If anyone loves God, it is God who has produced that love in him.  The Bible teaches, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).  He demonstrates a love that is unexpected and unearned.  He woos those who are unfaithful to be his very own.  He shows himself a faithful lover, not plotting to take, but seeking to give.

     If a woman has racked up some significant debt—credit cards, school loans, car payments, what have you—the man who marries her assumes those debts as his own.  Even though he did not accumulate them, he becomes responsible for them.  This is what Jesus has done for his bride, the Church.  In fact, for more than the Church, but for the world.  All people are accountable to God for their lives.  Sins deserve to be judged.  The guilty are held accountable.  They must pay the price.  But Jesus assumed the guilt for all.  He made himself accountable for the sins of the world.  He submitted himself to divine judgment, and he paid the price.  Although perfectly faithful to his heavenly Father, Jesus died as an adulterer, a cheater, a manipulator, and a liar; for the obscene, the impure, and the perverse. 

     Jesus covers sinners with his own innocence.  He opens the kingdom of heaven to those who were destined for hell.  If people go to hell, it is not because God failed them.  God has loved them with a selfless love.  The Lord does not thunder, “Love me or go to hell.”  He pleads, “To escape hell, come to me.  Don’t love the things that result in death.  Love me, for I will give you life and peace and hope.”  The spurned lover continues to reach out to those who have been unfaithful to him.

     Sadly, Israel did not listen or care.  They spurned the Lord for other gods.  They devoted their love to others.  Like Gomer, Hosea’s wife, they prostituted themselves to whoever made promises, even though those promises were empty.  They were willingly deceived, to their own destruction.

     Now, this is where God’s instructions to Hosea are incredible.  This is where Hosea’s life became the second part of the sermon he was preaching.  “The LORD said to me, ‘Go again.  Show love to a woman who is loved by another man, a woman who keeps committing adultery.  Show love just as the LORD loves the people of Israel, even though they keep turning to other gods and loving the raisin cakes.’ (Note: used in pagan worship.)  So I bought her for myself for fifteen pieces of silver and nine bushels of barley.  I said to her, ‘You will stay with me for many days.  You must not be promiscuous.  You must not be with any other man, and I will also be for you’” (Hosea 3:1-3).  The Lord sent the spurned lover to redeem his unfaithful bride. 

     Hosea is an image of Jesus Christ.  He is the Groom, and the Church is his Bride.  Even though each of us has been unfaithful and have sinned against him, the spurned lover redeemed his unfaithful bride.  St. Paul wrote, “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, by cleansing her with the washing of water in connection with the Word.  He did this so that he could present her to himself as a glorious church, having no stain or wrinkle or any such thing, but so that she would be holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:25-27).  The price Jesus paid to redeem us was himself.  He spared nothing, but gave himself completely into a cursed death to rescue us from dying the death we have earned.  In love for us, Jesus cleansed us of every blemish and stain from sin. 

     A bride on her wedding day wants to be as beautiful as possible.  But if a bride wakes up on her wedding day to discover a blemish on her face, she panics.  She fears that her groom will focus on her blemish rather than her beauty.  (News flash, ladies: He won’t.)  The Lord Jesus, however, removes every blemish from us.  Rather than leaving us in rags, he has clothed us with garments of salvation.  He presents us to himself in radiance and beauty and purity.  How great is his forgiveness!  He does not scowl at us, reminding us again and again of how we turned our wandering eyes to sin.  He does not threaten or manipulate us.  Rather, he speaks tenderly to his Bride, continually professing his faithful love to his Church.

     This is one reason why our Lord calls for chastity among people and why he holds up marriage in such high regard.  Those who are single are to reserve themselves for the one person to whom he or she will be united in marriage.  Marital relations are to be reserved for married couples.  And married couples are to be exclusive to one another.  Each is to be devoted to the other, love each other, and exalt each other.  For every marriage is the image of Jesus Christ to his Church.  Everything outside of the union of one man and one woman in a life-long union perverts the image of Christ and his Church.  The Lord calls the perversion of his image an abomination.  On the other hand, the union of Christ and his Church is glorious.  That is why God’s establishment of the union between one man and one woman in marriage is glorious as well.

     Even though Israel was unfaithful to the Lord, the Lord remained faithful to his bride.  The Lord would not forget or forsake his covenant promise.  The spurned lover redeemed his unfaithful bride.  The unfaithful bride repented and was restored to him again.  Hosea had foretold it: “Afterward the people of Israel will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king.  They will come trembling to the LORD and to his goodness in the latter days” (Hosea 3:5). 

     We come trembling before our God, not because he will damn us if we don’t.  Rather, it is because we know that we are not worthy of his love.  And yet, we marvel.  For, the Son of David loves us faithfully and fervently.  Therefore, we pledge ourselves to be his exclusively.  For, he is the only one whose love is truly pure and selfless, and he is the only one who saves.

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

Update from Good Shepherd (September 11, 2025)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE
Divine Service is Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School is Sundays at 9:00 AM.

Adult Bible Class is Sundays at 9:00 AM.  We will study the book of Revelation.  A schedule can be found here.
Bible Matters meets Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.  We will have an overview of the Minor Prophets.  A schedule can be found here.   (NOTE: We will NOT meet on September 17.)

CALENDAR: For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

EVENTS THIS FALL
Church picnic will be held at Good Shepherd on Sunday, September 14 after church.  The church will provide meat, buns, condiments, and water.  Members are asked to bring a dish to round out the menu.  This SignUpGenius form will indicate what you can bring to round out the meal -- salad, side dish, or dessert.  Your generosity is appreciated.

Octoberfest, a celebration of the Lutheran Reformation, will be on Sunday, September 28.  (Yes, I know, SEPTEMBER. But that’s when they do it in Munich, so there!) The schedule for our Octoberfest is:
               5:00 PM -- Vespers
               5:30 PM – A bratwurst dinner
               6:30 PM – Luther Lecture (Frederick the Wise, elector of Saxony, protector of Luther)
In order to make sure we will have enough food on hand for this event, please RSVP to welsnovi@aol.com, indicating your name and how many will be coming to this event. If you would be so willing, please bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to round out the meal.

Trunk or Treat will be Sunday, October 26 (3:00 - 5:00 PM).

6th Grade Bible History will begin on Wednesday, September 24 (5:00-6:00 PM).

ROAD CONSTRUCTION
          Be aware that west-bound traffic on 9 Mile Road is closed between Haggerty and Meadowbrook. There is no known date for the end of this project. Construction crews are doing landscaping on the shoulders of the road.  It seems likely that 9 Mile will be open this Sunday, but please err on the side of caution.

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS (August)

>  We are still looking for more estimates to replace the windows in the chapel. With the seasons changing, so will the placement of the sun during our Divine Services.  Soon, it will not be blinding on the north side of the church which gives us more time to get the window replacement we want instead of a hurried solution.

>  Our projector has not been consistent in projecting.  Since it is better than ten years old, we are considering a replacement.  We are looking into getting a smart TV with interactive capabilities which allows HDMI input as well as ability to draw with a special, electronic pen.  This will allow for the pastor to continue to draw his map of Israel for Bible Class.  IYKYK.  (If you don’t know, come to Bible Class!)

>  Security cameras are being installed around the exterior of the church.  Thanks to Mark Casmer and Jake Vega-Miranda for getting these set up.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE

           Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Here is the Divine Service from August 31, 2025. Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, August 31, 2025

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS
          For the most part, the pastor will be observing formal office hours (Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon). Occasionally, duties will take him away from the office during these scheduled times, so you will still want to call or text to confirm any meetings with the pastor (248-719-5218).

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.

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

Sunday School -- Sundays at 9:00 AM 

Adult Bible Class -- Sundays at 9:00 AM 

DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 AM.

Bible Matters -- Wednesdays at 6:30 PM 

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

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

Sermon -- 13th Sunday after Pentecost (September 7, 2025)

LUKE 14:25-35

RECOGNIZE THE COST OF BEING JESUS’ DISCIPLE.

In the name + of Jesus.

     The popularity of Jesus was amazing.  It is not hard to understand why.  Jesus healed many with incurable disabilities.  Jesus had multiplied bread and fish to feed multitudes.  Who could blame people for wanting to be near him?  Even King Herod longed to meet Jesus because he had heard about the miracles.  When he finally did meet Jesus and Jesus would not perform for him, Herod’s fascination turned into mockery.  The crowds also turned from Jesus when they discovered he was not there for their entertainment and to hand out endless freebies.

     Jesus told the crowds that there was a cost to being his disciple.  Jesus was no huckster, conning people in order to get something out of them.  Jesus had come to deliver people from their sins.  That, of course, meant that people needed to recognize that their sins were a problem.  It is not always a love of wickedness that is a problem; it is often a love of blessings.  All our blessings are gifts from God, but they are not to be praised higher than the God who gives them.  The First Commandment is the greatest commandment: “You shall have no other gods.  What does this mean?  We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things” (Luther’s Small Catechism: First Commandment).  All things.  Even precious blessings.

     Recognize the cost of being Jesus’ disciple.  Jesus revealed that cost in shocking terms.  “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26).  This is hyperbole.  (St. Luke likes to do that.)  Jesus does not forbid you to love your family.  The 4^th Commandment tells us to honor father and mother.  That is God’s word, and it is good.  But the 4^th Commandment is never higher than the 1^st Commandment.  So, Jesus intentionally used shocking language to show that being his disciple demands a total commitment.  If you would ever have to choose between Jesus and your family and friends, you would forsake your family and friends before you forsook Jesus.  Recognize the cost for being Jesus’ disciple.

     Our Lord does not expect parents to withhold love from their children.  Even if your child goes to jail, you will still love your child.  You may be disappointed in him, but you will still love him.  However, parents who love their children will also love them enough to tell them when they are wrong.  Discipline is not cruelty; it is done out of love for the good of the child.  So, if your son or daughter is engaged in sinful living, love for your child will compel you to admonish him.  Love for Jesus will compel you to uphold the truth of his word.  Love will tell that child, “This is what the Lord says,” and then hold firm to that truth.  You may be tempted to keep silent because you fear that you will lose your children and grandchildren.  And you may.  But if your child persists in his sins, you will lose him for eternity.  It is important to recognize that cost, too. 

     Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26).  Jesus comes first.  That is the first and greatest commandment.  It is non-negotiable.  It does not forbid you to love your loved ones, but it commands you to keep things in order.  Recognize the cost of being Jesus’ disciple.

     While Jesus is blunt in telling us that there is a cost to being his disciple, recognize that there was a tremendous cost for Jesus to be your Savior.  God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son.  He not only gave him to the world, he gave him to suffer and die for the world. 

     Recognize this cost!  It would be one thing if all mankind had been perfectly devoted to the Lord but were taken hostage by the devil.  Then God would be acting to deliver innocent victims.  But this is what the Lord says: “At the appointed time, while we were still helpless, Christ died for the ungodly.  It is rare indeed that someone will die for a righteous person.  Perhaps someone might actually go so far as to die for a person who has been good to him.  But God shows his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8).  God the Father gave up his Son for people who naturally and willingly live in rebellion to his word.  Nevertheless, the Father did not withhold his love.  He sent Jesus to rescue rebels and to die for the guilty.

     Recognize the cost our Lord paid to redeem sinners.  He did not even hedge his bets, sending his Son to be slain for a select few who would eventually prove themselves worthy.  For, no one is worthy.  No one is an innocent hostage.  All are sinners, but God loves all.  He cares for everyone, no matter what their story is.  God loves the world; so, he sent his only begotten Son to be the ransom price for the world.

     Jesus recognized the cost, too.  Jesus did not bask in his popularity.  His ego certainly could have blown up because of the multitudes around him.  But Jesus never forgot his mission.  He was not sent to be popular, but to be the sin offering for the world.  Just days before he was crucified, Jesus told his apostles, “Now my soul is troubled.  And what shall I say?  ‘Father, save me from this hour’?  No, this is the reason I came to this hour” (John 12:27).  Jesus recognized the cost.  He would be consumed in the fiery wrath of his Father for sins he did not commit.  Jesus would suffer damnation even for sinners who would never repent.  But this is the love of God—covering the cost for every sinner so that no one should have to perish.  Jesus recognized the cost, and he willing paid the price for you.  While your salvation was free, it was not cheap.

     Now to you, Jesus gives salvation and forgiveness without any cost.  Your baptism was free.  You have God’s word preached to you for free.  (You do not pay your pastor to preach.  Preaching is free.  Your pastor is paid so he can give his full time to the word of God and prayer.)  The Lord’s Supper is delivered to you for free.  Your sins are absolved for free.  It is like the jailer in Philippi who was about to kill himself because he thought Paul and Silas had escaped.  When Paul stopped him from killing himself, he fell at the feet of Paul and Silas and begged, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved” (Acts 16:30)?  He was convinced that there must be some grand sacrifice to make, some great deed to do, some condition to be met.  Paul gave him none of that.  Paul told him, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).  Though it cost Jesus immensely to save you, he gives his salvation for free.

     Still, you ought to recognize that there is a cost to being Jesus’ disciple.  Jesus alerted the crowds that being his disciple would not be easy.  There would be a cost, and people should consider carefully if they would be willing to endure it.  He told a parable about a man who wanted to build a tower, laid the foundation, but failed to complete it.  He had not really considered the cost.  He told another parable about a king who was preparing to go to war.  Before he mobilized his army, he calculated “if he (was) able with ten thousand to oppose the one who (was coming) against him with twenty thousand” (Luke 14:31).  Just as we are to consider the cost in earthly endeavors, so also we should recognize there is a cost to being Jesus’ disciple.

     The cost of being Jesus’ disciple was summed up in Jesus’ first proclamation recorded by St. Mark: “The kingdom of God has come near!  Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15)!  It is that word “repent” that stands out.  Being a disciple of Jesus is much more than a mental exercise where we know some facts.  It is more than a sigh of relief where we say, “Thank God there will be no punishment for my sins!”  Being Jesus’ disciple means actions as well as faith.  It is a heart, a mind, and a body devoted to Jesus.  It is a life of following his word above everything else.

     Recognize the cost of being Jesus’ disciple.  It means daily contrition and repentance.  Daily, we do battle against our sins.  Daily, we fight to overcome temptation.  Jesus said, “Whoever does not carry his own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27).  As long as we are in this flesh, we must daily put to death the sinful nature and all its desires.  That’s what the cross is for—to put our sin to death.  Just because your desires are intense does not mean they are good.  Just because something brings you pleasure does not mean it pleases God.  Jesus’ disciples follow his words—more than feelings, more than family, and more than friends. 

     On some days, your struggle will be fierce.  But it is a struggle that needs to continue.  If you do struggle, that is good.  It shows you know the way of righteousness and strive to stay on it.  If you give up the struggle, it means that you are letting sin sweep you away, and you will be lost to the kingdom of God.  The devil will convince you that this way is easier.  Your friends may like you more.  Your family may commend you for choosing them over church.  But recognize that your desire to belong and to be praised comes with a cost, too.  Jesus said it: You “cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26).

     The Lord does not leave you hopeless or helpless in your struggles.  He continues to forgive your sins.  He continues to strengthen you in the battle against your flesh.  He continues to show you that the struggle is worth it.  He continues to remind you that there is an eternal victory for all who struggle, battle, and endure; and he is with you so that you will endure.  If you would remain Jesus’ disciple, then continue to hear his word, to confess your sins, to come to the altar for his body and blood, and to pray.

     Recognize the cost of being Jesus’ disciple.  Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26).  Does that sound steep?  Then recognize this: When you die, you lose all these things anyway.  When you stand before the Lord in judgment, none of these things will be with you to help you, much less save you.  Your loved ones will sing your praises at your funeral, but Jesus’ judgment is the only one that will matter.  Good news: Jesus lived and died for you.  He has paid the ransom.  He will commend you at your judgment.  In the end, he is all you need.  In the end, he is all you will have.  You can enjoy your blessings and your loved ones, but do not fear losing them.  Forsake them if you must; for there is only one who saves.  If your loved ones are Jesus’ disciples, praise God, because then you will get them all back.  And together, you will rejoice with angels and archangels and all Jesus’ disciples forevermore.

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

Octoberfest at Good Shepherd -- September 28, 2025

          Octoberfest will be Sunday, September 28.  (Yes, I know, September. But that’s when they do it in Munich, so there!) 

          The schedule for our Octoberfest is:

               5:00 PM -- Vespers
               5:30 PM – A bratwurst dinner
               6:30 PM – Luther Lecture

          This year's Luther Lecture will focus on someone whom our Lord used to protect Martin Luther, enabling the Lutheran Reformation to take hold.  The theme is: "Frederick the Wise, elector of Saxony, protector of Luther."

          Good Shepherd will provide the bratwurst, buns, condiments, bottled water, lemonade, and coffee.  In order to make sure we will have enough food on hand for this event, please RSVP to welsnovi@aol.com, indicating your name and how many will be coming to this event. If you would be so willing, please bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to round out the meal.

         We hope that all guests of our Octoberfest celebration will gain a greater appreciation for the confessors and the confession of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Update from Good Shepherd (September 4, 2025)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE
Divine Service is Sundays at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School is Sundays at 9:00 AM.

Adult Bible Class is Sundays at 9:00 AM.  We will study the book of Revelation.  A schedule can be found here.
Bible Matters meets Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.  We will have an overview of the Minor Prophets.  A schedule can be found here.   (NOTE: We will NOT meet on September 17.)

CALENDAR: For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

EVENTS THIS FALL
Church picnic will be held at Good Shepherd on Sunday, September 14 after church.  The church will provide meat, buns, condiments, and water.  Members are asked to bring a dish to round out the menu.  A SignUpGenius form will be distributed via email to let people know what salad, side dish, or dessert you will bring.

Octoberfest, a celebration of the Lutheran Reformation, will be on Sunday, September 28.  (Yes, I know, SEPTEMBER. But that’s when they do it in Munich, so there!) The schedule for our Octoberfest is:
               5:00 PM -- Vespers
               5:30 PM – A bratwurst dinner
               6:30 PM – Luther Lecture (Frederick the Wise, elector of Saxony, protector of Luther)
In order to make sure we will have enough food on hand for this event, please RSVP to welsnovi@aol.com, indicating your name and how many will be coming to this event. If you would be so willing, please bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to round out the meal.

Trunk or Treat will be Sunday, October 26 (3:00 - 5:00 PM).

6th Grade Bible History will begin on Wednesday, September 24 (5:00-6:00 PM).

Bible Information Class will begin on Monday, September 8 (7:00 - 8:30 PM).  A schedule will be posted soon.  You are encouraged to invite friends to this class.  If you are interested, let the pastor know today so he knows if there will be any attendees.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION
          Be aware that west-bound traffic on 9 Mile Road is closed between Haggerty and Meadowbrook. There is no known date for the end of this project. Construction crews are close to completing the final topping of asphalt.  It is possible that 9 Mile will be open this Sunday, but please err on the side of caution.

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS (August)

>  We are still looking for more estimates to replace the windows in the chapel. With the seasons changing, so will the placement of the sun during our Divine Services.  Soon, it will not be blinding on the north side of the church which gives us more time to get the window replacement we want instead of a hurried solution.

>  Our projector has not been consistent in projecting.  Since it is better than ten years old, we are considering a replacement.  We are looking into getting a smart TV with interactive capabilities which allows HDMI input as well as ability to draw with a special, electronic pen.  This will allow for the pastor to continue to draw his map of Israel for Bible Class.  IYKYK.  (If you don’t know, come to Bible Class!)

>  Security cameras are being installed around the exterior of the church.  Thanks to Mark Casmer and Jake Vega-Miranda for getting these set up.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE

           Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Here is the Divine Service from August 31, 2025. Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, August 31, 2025

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS
          For the most part, the pastor will be observing formal office hours (Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon). Occasionally, duties will take him away from the office during these scheduled times, so you will still want to call or text to confirm any meetings with the pastor (248-719-5218).

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.

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

Sunday School -- Sundays at 9:00 AM 

Adult Bible Class -- Sundays at 9:00 AM 

DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 AM.

Bible Matters -- Wednesdays at 6:30 PM 

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

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

YouTube -- Summer Sermon Series: Lord's Prayer, 7th Petition (August 31, 2025)

Here is the Divine Service from Sunday, August 31, 2025.

Sermon -- Summer Sermon Series: Lord's Prayer, 7th Petition (August 31, 2025)

LUKE 11:1-4

DELIVER US FROM EVIL.

In the name + of Jesus.

    There is a translation question with this final petition.  Some have translated it, “Deliver us from evil,” and others have it, “Deliver us from the Evil One” (Matthew 6:13).  Either translation is valid.  If your Bible has one translation, there is likely a footnote to offer the other.  Either we are praying to be delivered from the devil, or we are praying to be delivered from all the evils that are caused by the devil.  No matter which one you pick, your concerns are valid, and your prayers are proper. 

     If you surveyed people and asked them what kind of evils they want to be delivered from, you would probably get similar answers whether they are Christians or not.  What is on your list?  Do you want to be delivered from fear?  There is plenty that strikes fear in our hearts.  Some fears come from headlines or from phone calls.  Other fears are fabricated as we fret over things that have not happened and are unlikely to happen.  But we would like to be delivered from all fears.  Do you want to be delivered from poor health, aches, and pains?  That’s understandable.  No one likes to feel lousy.  We could go on, of course. 

     Almost everything we want to be delivered from comes because we are living in a world that has been corrupted by sin.  The world is broken as evidenced by sickness, disease, war, crime, poverty, debt, pain, loss, and death.  Politicians promise to address these things.  They mean well, but they cannot fix what sin has corrupted.  Doctors write prescriptions to fix these things.  But doctors are not miracle workers.  Sometimes what is broken is beyond repair.  Job’s assessment of life may sound pessimistic, but he is right: “Man born of woman has a few short days, and they are full of anxiety” (Job 14:1).  We live in a broken world.  Bad things happen.  That is why we pray, “Deliver us from evil.”  Your concerns are valid, and your prayers are proper.

     When the devil came into the world, he brought the curse of sin upon it and all the people in it.  When Jesus came into the world, he came to deliver us from every evil in it and from the Evil One who caused it.  “This is why the Son of God appeared: to destroy the works of the Devil” (1 John 3:8).  Jesus began to reverse the brokenness of this world through the miracles he did.  Isaiah had foretold this work: “The eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unplugged.  The crippled will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy” (Isaiah 35:5,6).  What Isaiah foretold, Jesus did.  Through his miracles, we get a glimpse of the kingdom of heaven.  In the kingdom of heaven, there are no blind, deaf, mute, or lame.  There will be no need for walkers, hearing aids, corrective lenses, or speech therapists.  When we finally enter the kingdom of heavenly glory, there will be no evils. 

     This is what people pray for and long for.  But these are not the greatest evils we face.  No one is banned from heaven because he needs a wheelchair.  No one is forbidden because the doctor reported bad test results.  There is no car accident, no infection, no disfigured body, and no epidemic that will keep anyone out of the kingdom of heaven.  Even if such things send people to an early grave, they do not condemn.  You can pray that the Lord will deliver you and defend you so that you will never experience such evils.  Your concerns are valid, and your prayers are proper.  But understand that the hardships and frustrations of life are not your chief problem.  Even if you are delivered from these evils, you still have not been delivered from the Evil One.

     One time when Jesus was preaching in a house, some people tried to see him.  They were carrying a man on a mat because he was paralyzed.  But there was no chance to get to Jesus because the house was packed.  So, they carried him up to the roof top.  Roofs in Palestine were flat with a parapet around them.  They could be used as a spare room or as a workspace.  These people carried their friend up there and began to remove the tiles from the roof.  Once the hole was big enough, they lowered him on his mat right down in front of Jesus.  It was no secret what they hoped Jesus would do for the paralyzed man. 

     “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven’” (Mark 2:5).  I have to believe that some were there thinking, “What is he doing?  Isn’t it obvious that this man was brought to have his legs restored?  How is the forgiveness of sins going to help him?”  That is what many people would like to have from Jesus—relief from physical problems.  People want to be delivered from the evils of failing health, threat of war, school shootings, acne, and poison ivy.  If we have that, we believe, then we have been delivered from all the evils that concern us.  Then we have enough.

     The man who was brought to Jesus obviously wanted to have strength restored to his legs.  He wanted to be able to serve his family.  He wanted to be free from being dependent on his friends or on charity for all his needs.  It was a valid concern.  Calling upon Jesus to heal him was a proper prayer.  But this man’s paralysis was not going to keep him out of the kingdom of heaven.  Sin does that.  Sin brings divine judgment, wrath, and death.  Sin comes with a curse and results in eternal punishment.  And sin marks us all.  Whether life is easy or stressful, whether you enjoy robust health or endure chronic illness, whether you are financially stable or struggle to pay the bills, you are a sinner.  There is no salvation for those who die in their sins.  And that is why Jesus told this man, “Son, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5).  Jesus addressed the great evil that afflicted him.  In mercy, he delivered him from perdition.  In love, he also delivered him from paralysis.

     Do not underestimate the significance of your prayers.  Our Lord spares our country and community from many dangers when we call upon him to deliver us from evil.  We don’t know the evils that our Father in heaven delivers us from.  We only know the evils that still happen.  That makes us wonder if our prayers do any good.  It is also why the godless mock us for our prayers.  Just last week, a former student opened fire on the children and teachers at a Roman Catholic school in Minneapolis.  Unbelievers spout off, “What good are your prayers?  Those children were actually praying when this happened to them!”  (The mayor of Minneapolis said as much.)  But this is what the Lord says: “The prayer of a righteous person is able to do much because it is effective” (James 5:16).  He was not lying when he said this to you.

     We pray “Deliver us from evil” because we want to be safe from the Evil One and all the evils he produces.  The evils produce fears in us.  COVID had many fearing for their lives.  A school shooting has every parent fearing for their children.  Your concerns are valid, and your prayers are proper.  Your fears give you every reason to pray.  But fears also distort our focus.  Our focus shifts from the heavenly goal to maintaining earthly peace and security.  Rather than listen to our Lord and his promises, we listen to people who promise that their ideas will produce peace and security for us here and now.  But Jesus issued this warning: “Do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  Rather, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).  Jesus is telling you not to fear the Evil One or any evils that may bring harm or death.  The devil may want people to go to hell, but he cannot send anyone there.  War, crime, and disease may bring death, but they do not damn.  The only one who can damn or send anyone to hell is the Son of God.  All judgment has been entrusted to him; so, fear him.

     But don’t just fear him.  Flee to him!  For, this very same Son of God came so that we will not be destroyed both soul and body in hell.  Our fear is not that we would die, but that we would die apart from the Son of God because the one who could destroy both soul and body in hell has come to rescue us from that judgment.  The Son of God became a body-and-soul man to redeem your body and soul from sin, death, and hell.  In order to deliver you from the grasp of the Evil One, Jesus substituted himself for you.  The judgment and punishment that we should have received was taken by Jesus.  Jesus died the cursed death for you—totally forsaken and utterly rejected by his Father for the sins he was bearing.  Jesus’ death was an evil death—not because he was falsely charged by the priests, not because he was unjustly sentenced by Pontius Pilate, not because he was treated violently by Roman soldiers, and not because he was stripped of all dignity as he hung from the cross.  Jesus’ death was an evil death because he died under God’s curse.  Jesus did this to deliver you from an evil death and to grant you a blessed death.

     A blessed death is not that you die peacefully, which would be nice.  It is not that you would be surrounded by your family, which would also be nice.  Rather, Jesus taught us to pray that “when our last hour comes, [our Father would] grant us a blessed end and graciously take us from this world of sorrow to himself in heaven” (Luther’s Small Catechism: Lord’s Prayer, 7^th Petition).  This is a blessed death because it is died in the faith.  Those baptized children in Minneapolis may have died by a violent, evil, and senseless act, but they died a blessed death.  They were marked by Jesus, and they went to be with Jesus.  The goal of every Christian is not to die at an old age.  It is not to die a peaceful death.  It is to die a blessed death, that is, to die in the faith.  Ultimately, that is our prayer: “Deliver us from evil.”  It is our utmost concern, and it is a most proper prayer. 

     It is also where we draw our comfort, no matter what circumstances we endure.  The Lord Jesus Christ went into death to conquer it for us.  The Savior rose body-and-soul from the grave to assure you that you, too, will rise body-and-soul to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Even if you die in an act of unspeakable evil, Jesus delivers you from the Evil One, from an evil death, and from every evil that has ever plagued mankind. 

     If you surveyed what evils people want to be delivered from, you would get similar answers from Christians and non-Christians alike.  People long to have good health, good relationships, peace, safety, and the like.  While many people wish for all these things, you and I only have the wait for them.  We pray, “Deliver us from evil,” and our Father in heaven will.  He will grant you a blessed end.  He will bring you to the unending joy, goodness, and peace of Paradise.  Your concerns are valid.  Your prayers are proper.  And your Father in heaven hears and answers.

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

Traveling with the Schroeders--Noblesville, Indiana

On a visit to see Laura's mother, we enjoyed an few moments walking around the town square after fish and chips at Syd's Bar.

The White River, trickling through Noblesville. 

YouTube -- Summer Sermon Series: Lord's Prayer, 6th Petition (August 24, 2025)

Here is the Divine Service from Sunday, August 24, 2025.

Update from Good Shepherd (August 28, 2025)

Greetings!

REGULAR SCHEDULE
Divine Service is Sunday at 10:00 AM.
Sunday School will resume on September 7, 9:00 AM.

Adult Bible Class will resume on September 7, 9:00 AM.
Bible Matters will resume on Wednesday, September 3 at 6:30 PM.

          If you will be away for the weekend, alternative local options include St. Paul's (17810 Farmington Road, Livonia) which offers a service on Thursdays at 6:30 PM; St. Peter's (1343 Penniman Ave., Plymouth) which offers a service on Mondays at 7:00 PM; and Peace (9415 Merriman Ave., Livonia) which offers a service on Mondays at 7:00 PM.
          If you are traveling, consult the WELS Church Locator to find a WELS church near your destination. You may want to call to confirm the worship time(s) as their schedule may change for the summer months.

CALENDAR: For a calendar of events and meetings, click here.

LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FALL SCHEDULE
Sunday School (ages 3 - 6th grade) will resume on September 7 at 9:00 AM.
Adult Bible Class (7th grade and older) will resume on September 7 at 9:00 AM.  We will study the book of Revelation.  A schedule can be found here.
Bible Matters (a discussion group for adults) will resume on Wednesday, September 3 at 6:30 PM. We will have an overview of the Minor Prophets.  A schedule can be found here.
Bible Information Class will begin on Monday, September 8 (7:00 - 8:30 PM).  A schedule will be posted soon.  You are encouraged to invite friends to this class.  A schedule can be found here.
6th Grade Bible History will begin in early September. Time and day to be announced soon.

Church picnic will be held at Good Shepherd on Sunday, September 14 after church.

Octoberfest, a celebration of the Lutheran Reformation, will be on Sunday, September 28.  Vespers will be at 5:00 PM, followed by a bratwurst dinner and a Luther Lecture.

Trunk or Treat will be Sunday, October 26 (3:00 - 5:00 PM).

SUMMER SERMON SERIES --  Meditations on the Lord's Prayer
Our final Sunday for our meditation on the Lord’s Prayer will be August 31. You can review the previous sermons at the following links.
          Our Father who art in heaven.
          Hallowed be thy name.
          Thy kingdom come.
          Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
          Give us this day our daily bread.
          Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
          Lead us not into temptation.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION
          Be aware that west-bound traffic on 9 Mile Road is closed between Haggerty and Meadowbrook. There is no known date for the end of this project. Paving on 9 Mile Road continues, but it looks like they are getting closer to completion.

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS (August)

> Here are some dates for upcoming events. Please join us and invite friends to enjoy these events too.
          Church Picnic -- Sunday, September 14 at Good Shepherd
          Octoberfest, a celebration of the Lutheran Reformation – Sunday, September 28 at 5:00 PM.
          Trunk or Treat – Sunday, October 26 (3:00 – 5:00 PM)
We welcome members to join us and to help plan these various events. Even if you take charge of one event, that will benefit us all.

>  We are still looking for more estimates to replace the windows in the chapel. With the seasons changing, so will the placement of the sun during our Divine Services.  Soon, it will not be blinding on the north side of the church which gives us more time to get the window replacement we want instead of a hurried solution.

>  Our projector has not been consistent in projecting.  Since it is better than ten years old, we are considering a replacement.  We are looking into getting a smart TV with interactive capabilities which allows HDMI input as well as ability to draw with a special, electronic pen.  This will allow for the pastor to continue to draw his map of Israel for Bible Class.  IYKYK.  (If you don’t know, come to Bible Class!)

>  Security cameras are being installed around the exterior of the church.  Thanks to Mark Casmer and Jake Vega-Miranda for getting these set up.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE

           Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Here is the Divine Service from August 24, 2025. Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, August 24, 2025

REGULAR OFFICE HOURS TO RESUME AFTER LABOR DAY
          For the most part, the pastor will be observing formal office hours (Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM – Noon). Occasionally, duties will take him away from the office during these scheduled times, so you will still want to call or text to confirm any meetings with the pastor (248-719-5218).

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.

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

Sunday School -- Sundays at 9:00 AM (begins Sept. 7)

Adult Bible Class -- Sundays at 9:00 AM (begins Sept. 7)

DIVINE SERVICES -- Sundays at 10:00 AM.

Bible Matters -- Wednesdays at 6:30 PM (begins Sept. 3)

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE
www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

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