YouTube -- 2nd Sunday of Easter (April 12, 2026)

Here is the Divine Service from Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Update from Good Shepherd (April 16, 2026)

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.

Bible Matters is Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.

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

EVERY MEMBER VISITS

          Every four years or so, the pastor conducts visits at the homes of all the members.  It is intended to stay connected with everyone and to allow people to address any issues that may bother them or confuse them.  A sign-up sheet for Every Member Visits in April is posted at church to allow people to schedule their visit.  You can also sign up (dates through April 25) at the Sign-Up Genius link here.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS

          Why do we sing what we sing?  Beginning on April 12, our Sunday morning Bible Class will consider the hymns of the Church dating all the way back to the earliest songs of praise which were rendered to our Lord.  Hymns can be judged as good, medium, and bad.  How is that judgment determined?  Why does the pastor select the hymns he does?  We will explore these questions and others as we give careful attention to the songs we sing in worship.  The schedule can be found here.  Adult Bible Class meets at 9:00 AM on Sunday.

BIBLE MATTERS

          A new series will begin on Wednesday, April 8 at 6:30 PM.  Our series will be entitled, "Who Are These People?  Lessons on Lesser-Known People of the Bible."  The schedule is here.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE

           Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Here is the Divine Service from April 12, 2026: Good Shepherd Novi, Divine Service, April 12, 2026

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS (April)

>     On Thursday, June 4, Good Shepherd will host a table at Novi’s Community Day.  Feel free to stop by between 4:00-8:00 PM and say “Hi” to us. 

>    The windows above the altar and organ pipes are scheduled to be replaced on Wednesday, April 22.  It will take a few days, weather permitting, to complete the project.

>    Payment has been made on a Smart TV to replace our projector and screen in the fellowship hall.  We are waiting for its delivery and we will be installed shortly after that. 

>    We have had issues recording the service and uploading them on our YouTube channel.  We will be looking at replacing some equipment and running new wiring to improve our recordings.  When the new equipment is in place, we will begin to live-stream our services again.

>    We are planning a Work Bee on Saturday, May 16.  Look for a list of projects that we will try to tackle.

>    Upon the completion of the windows being replaced, we will be looking to tackle another large project—the reupholstering of the chairs in the sanctuary.  The current chairs are about 30 years old and the cushions are disintegrating.  One estimate has been received at a cost of $450 per chair.  We will be attaining another estimate before we begin this project.

LADIES BRUNCH -- Part 1
          After church on Sunday, April 26, the Ladies of Good Shepherd will be heading out to a local restaurant to enjoy a brunch together. All ladies are welcome.

LADIES BRUNCH -- Part 2
          Ladies of Good Shepherd, mark your calendars for our annual Ladies Brunch. The men of Good Shepherd will be pleased to serve you brunch on Saturday, May 2 at 10:00 AM. You are welcome to invite other ladies of any age to join us for this event.

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  

Pastors' Conference at Peace Lutheran Chirch, Livonia

On Tuesday, April 14 and Wednesday, April 15, the pastors of the southeast conference of the Michigan District met at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Livonia, Michigan.

Here are a couple of photos of Peace.

Sermon -- 2nd Sunday of Easter (Apri 12, 2026)

THE RISEN SAVIOR BRINGS PEACEFUL ASSURANCE.

JOHN 20:19-31

In the name + of Jesus.

M:       Alleluia!  Christ is risen!

C:        He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

      “On the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were together behind locked doors because of their fear of the Jews” (John 20:19).  The Jewish religious leaders had demanded the crucifixion of Jesus.  Jesus’ disciples feared that they were next.  So, they locked themselves in this upper room while the pilgrims in Jerusalem were still celebrating the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  But the disciples of Jesus had other fears weighing on them.  By the evening of that first Easter, they had already heard the reports of the women.  The women spoke of the angels at the tomb.  They could even report they had seen the risen Jesus.  Peter and John could report that Jesus’ tomb was, indeed, empty.  This should have resulted in joy; it did not. 

     The disciples remembered the last time they had seen Jesus.  For most, that was in the Garden of Gethsemane.  While Jesus was being apprehended, they fled into the night.  Peter had seen Jesus from Caiaphas’ courtyard right after Peter had denied him three times.  John witnessed Jesus’ death from the foot of the cross.  All had failed him.  If they saw Jesus risen from the dead, what could they say to him?  What would he say to them?  They may have feared the Jews, but they probably feared seeing Jesus, too.

     “Jesus came, stood among them, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you!’  After he said this, he showed them his hands and side.  So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord” (John 20:19-20).  The risen Savior brought a peaceful assurance.  He did not come to express disappointment or regret.  He did not bear a grudge.  Yes, they all failed him, but he had paid for that sin and for every other sin they had committed. 

     “Peace be with you!” he said.  While our translation says that he showed them his hands and side after he declared peace to them, it is also possible to translate it this way: “As he said this, he showed them his hands and side” (John 20:20, emphasis added).  This gesture would have been more than just an identifier, that is, Jesus showing himself as the crucified one.  It would also have been the proof that God’s peace was theirs.  The marks on Jesus showed that this is how their sins were paid for.  Jesus’ risen body is the proof that the payment was sufficient.  The Lord was not angry with them.  He sought no vengeance against them.  The risen Savior brings a peaceful assurance.  Sins are forgiven.  The Lord blesses you.  His face shines upon you.  He gives you peace.

     Unfortunately, peace eluded one of the apostles.  Thomas was not there.  Thomas had just as much reason for fear and guilt as the other apostles.  Sadly, his fear and his guilt still ruled over him.  He would not believe the testimony of the women.  He would not believe the claims of his fellow apostles.  None of them had a reason to lie to him.  And certainly their joy and enthusiasm should have convinced Thomas that they were telling him the truth.  But when someone is consumed by fear and guilt, that is the only thing they believe.  The prophet Isaiah declared, “There is no peace, says the LORD, for the wicked” (Isaiah 48:22).  If you are weighed down by your sin, you have no peace.  That is when the devil will seize you with unbelief and despair.

     Judas Iscariot is the chief example of this.  Judas had betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.  But St. Matthew notes, “When Judas … saw that Jesus was condemned, he felt remorse.  He brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders and said, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.’  But they said, ‘What is that to us?  That’s your problem’” (Matthew 27:3-4).  The priests did nothing to atone for his sin.  For Judas, there was no pardon, no peace; therefore, there was no hope or comfort.  Since Judas could not fix or reverse what he had done, he chose to kill himself rather than to live with the burden of guilt.

     Judas’ suicide was tragic enough, but dying in unbelief and despair meant that Judas perished eternally.  Judas’ story is especially sad, because the risen Savior had come to bring peaceful assurance to sinners.  It is also sad that Judas’ story is repeated by so many.  Perhaps you know the terrible burden of sin, the likes of which haunted Judas.  Perhaps you are weighed down by guilt that will not lighten up.  People who are hounded by such guilt often deal with it in destructive ways.  Some medicate with drugs or alcohol.  Some figure they are a lost cause and choose to continue in their sin.  If you’re going to hell anyway, why not?  Others, like Judas, feel the only way to escape guilt and despair is by killing themselves.  But there is no forgiveness in any of these.  There is no peace.  And, saddest of all, there is only hell that awaits those who die in their sins.

     No one should have to live with such a burden of guilt.  No one needs to wallow in despair.  You have a Savior whose wounds testify that your sins have been paid for.  The feet that took Jesus to Mt. Calvary were nailed to the cross for you.  The hands that brought healing to the hurting were driven into the wood to bring healing to your troubled conscience.  Jesus’ heart—so filled with compassion for sinners—was pierced for you.  It brought forth a flow of blood and water which provide cleansing for all sin and guilt.  The Savior who died to rescue from sin, death, and hell now lives and declares, “Peace be with you!  You have been acquitted of all guilt.  You have received a full pardon.  The cloud of guilt has been lifted.  The sun of grace shines upon you now!”  The risen Savior brings peaceful assurance to you.

     To further assure you of that peace, Jesus had commissioned his ministers to deliver it to you.  “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you!  Just as the Father has sent me, I am also sending you.’  After saying this, he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.  Whenever you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven.  Whenever you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven’” (John 20:21-23).  Jesus has given charge to his ministers not merely to talk about the forgiveness of sins, but to administer it. 

     If you were a defendant in a court of law, you could ponder the idea of being acquitted.  You could dream about it, pray for it, and hope for it.  While such thoughts would be appealing, none of them would acquit you.  Nor would it do you any good if the judge sat in his chamber and thought good thoughts about you.  Even if he sat at his desk and muttered to himself, “That guy should go free,” how would that help you at all?  The only way you can be acquitted in a court of law is to have a judge formally declare you “Not guilty.” 

     Likewise, you don’t find forgiveness in your own private thoughts.  And it would not do you any good if God sat in his heavenly glory and thought good thoughts about you.  How would you know if he did or didn’t?  To know that your sins are forgiven, the judge must formally declare you, “Not guilty.”  All judgment has been entrusted to the Son.  Jesus will come again and sentence people either to everlasting life or everlasting damnation.  His verdict is the only one that matters.  Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection have won your pardon from all sin.  But to know that you are forgiven, it must be formally proclaimed to you.  The Lord Jesus has commissioned his ministers to do just that.  You have forgiveness delivered to you as the minister speaks in the stead and by the command of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The “I forgive you” is the voice of your Savior, delivered through the mouth of his minster.  In this way, the risen Savior brings peaceful assurance to you.

     You know Jesus’ words and promises.  They were applied to you in your baptism.  So, day after day, you can be confident that you stand forgiven before the Lord.  However, like the apostles, you may have a sin that haunts you and will not let you go.  For such times, the Lord summons you to private confession and absolution.  It is private; you are the only one present.  So, there is no confusion about who is meant when the absolution is proclaimed.  Jesus, through his minister, brings the peaceful assurance, “I forgive you.”  Jesus sends you home justified; you get to depart in peace.

     The apostle Thomas was not present that first week to hear Jesus proclaim peace.  On the next Sunday, Thomas was with them.  Suddenly, Jesus stood in the midst of his disciples again.  And what did he say to Thomas?  “Tsk, tsk, tsk.  You should have listened to these guys.  I am so disappointed in you”?  Rather than shame Thomas for his guilt, fear, and doubting, Jesus declared, “‘Peace be with you,’ he said.  Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and look at my hands.  Take your hand and put it into my side.  Do not continue to doubt, but believe’” (John 20:26-27).  Once again, the risen Savior showed the wounds that he received to take away the guilt of sinners.  Once again, the risen Savior showed himself the victor over death and the one who has the right to pardon all offenses.  Once again, the risen Savior brought peaceful assurance. 

     Now, if Jesus’ appearance to Thomas was for his sole benefit, it would not have been recorded for yours.  The Holy Spirit guided St. John to record these things to give you further assurance and greater peace.  John acknowledged that there is much more that he could have written.  No doubt, it would have been fascinating.  But the Holy Spirit does not waste his breath with anecdotes and trivia.  He is intentionally selective about what is written and about what we need to know.  St. John acknowledged that.  He wrote: “Jesus, in the presence of his disciples, did many other miraculous signs that are not written in this book.  But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:30-31). 

     The risen Savior brings peaceful assurance.  It was shown in the wounds he sustained in making the payment for our sins.  It was shown in the immortal, resurrected body which proves the payment is sufficient.  Jesus’ risen body also provides a glimpse of the immortality that awaits us at our resurrection.  That peaceful assurance is proclaimed when sinners are absolved by Christ’s ministers who speak and act in the stead and by the command of Jesus Christ.  And it is bestowed on the pages of Scripture which are written for your hope and comfort. 

     Jesus Christ is risen.  He lives to bring peaceful assurance.  You get to live in peace.  You get to die in peace.  And you will receive everlasting peace.

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

Local Tourist -- Marshall, Michigan

This may stretch the definition of "local," but a week or so ago, the Local Tourist and the Mrs. went for a few days to visit Marshall, Michigan.  We enjoyed the downtown with its historic buildings.  While one particular restaurant boasts of its historic significance, we chose not to dine there.

We stopped in The Stagecoach Inn where we stumbled across Karaoke night.  We did not perform, but we got to enjoy a few brave souls who sang their hearts out, including one spirited by tone-deaf version of "Once Bitten, Twice Shy."

On the next day, we ate lunch at Mike's Place, a little bar and grill in town that boasts "Last Call" is never before 2 AM.  We did not stay to confirm that.  After we enjoyed the riverwalk, we had supper at a Mexican place called El Tajin.  We got there shortly before they locked up for the night, but they still treated us well.

Here are some photos from Marshall.

This was my favorite part of being in Marshall--time with the Mrs.
Photo taken at Mike's Place.

Photo from El Tajin.

If it had been darker, this would have been a really pretty photo of Main Street.

Update from Good Shepherd (April 9, 2026)

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.

Bible Matters is Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.

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

EVERY MEMBER VISITS

          Every four years or so, the pastor conducts visits at the homes of all the members.  It is intended to stay connected with everyone and to allow people to address any issues that may bother them or confuse them.  A sign-up sheet for Every Member Visits in April is posted at church to allow people to schedule their visit.  You can also sign up (dates through April 25) at the Sign-Up Genius link here.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS

          Why do we sing what we sing?  Beginning on April 12, our Sunday morning Bible Class will consider the hymns of the Church dating all the way back to the earliest songs of praise which were rendered to our Lord.  Hymns can be judged as good, medium, and bad.  How is that judgment determined?  Why does the pastor select the hymns he does?  We will explore these questions and others as we give careful attention to the songs we sing in worship.  The schedule can be found here.  Adult Bible Class meets at 9:00 AM on Sunday.

BIBLE MATTERS

          A new series will begin on Wednesday, April 8 at 6:30 PM.  Our series will be entitled, "Who Are These People?  Lessons on Lesser-Known People of the Bible."  The schedule is here.

GOOD SHEPHERD ON YOUTUBE

           Services are uploaded to YouTube each week. Feel free to share the videos. Here is the Divine Service from April 5, 2026: (2988) Good Shepherd Novi, Easter Service, April 5, 2026 - YouTube

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS (March)

>  We approved spending up to $25,000 to get the windows replaced above the altar and the organ pipes.  The windows will have a bronze hue on the outside.  The windows above the altar will have frosted glass on the inside; the windows above the organ pipes will be clear glass on the inside.  Installation will take place after Easter, particularly when the lawn is not too soggy. 

>  Ladies of Good Shepherd, mark your calendars for our annual Ladies Brunch.  The men of Good Shepherd will be pleased to serve you brunch on Saturday, May 2 at 10:00 AM.  You are welcome to invite other ladies to join us for this event.

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  

Lutheran Satire: Best Conspiracy Ever

If last week's post from Lutheran Satire (Ishtar Ruins Easter) was not enough for you, here is another installment of Lutheran Satire.  Entitled, "Best. Conspiracy. Ever.", it demonstrates that the people who claim men invented Christianity for their own personal gain are deluded.  

As for the claim that Christians seek to control others' lives, all the Christian Church does is proclaim what God says.  We also recognize that people who are determined to rebel against God's word are not to be forced to change their ways.  (Note: Those who present examples to the contrary should recognize that those examples are rare and not consistent with God's word.  Christians recognize that, too.)  Those who demand to live apart from God and his word will get their way.  To Christians, however, this is tragic because it means eternal separation from God who is the source of life, love, and blessing.  This is why Christians are persistent in their preaching and calling people to repent.  Our Lord desires all people to leave their wicked ways so that they can live.  Christians have been influenced by God to feel the same way.

In any case, here is a video from Lutheran Satire to show that the early Church did not concoct the story of Jesus' resurrection for personal gain.  Enjoy.

YouTube -- Easter Festival Service (April 5, 2026)

Here is the Divine Service for Easter Festival on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

YouTube -- TRIDUUM: Good Friday Tenebrae (April 3, 2026)

Here is the Tenebrae service from Good Friday -- April 3, 2026.

Easter with the Kids

It was a rare and joyful occasion to have everyone home on Easter this year.  We are truly blessed.  Here is a group photo of all our children. 

I guess I could also post one from church, too.

Sermon -- Easter Festival (April 5, 2026)

JESUS IS RISEN.  THERE IS NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT.

1 CORINTHAINS 15:1-11

In the name + of Jesus.

M:       Alleluia!  Christ is risen!

C:        He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

     Not long ago, there was a Christian theologian who spoke these words from his death bed: “If Jesus is risen, nothing else matters.  If Jesus is not risen, nothing else matters.”  St. Paul said it differently: “I am going to call your attention to the gospel that I preached to you.  … For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1,3-4).  Jesus is risen.  There is nothing more important.

     St. Paul had a lot of issues to address in his letters to the Corinthian congregation.  Among them were divisions in the church and church discipline, sexual ethics and marriage, the office of the holy ministry, and proper decorum in worship.  Much of what Paul had to say are still issues within Christendom; the problems never really go away.  In fact, time seems to add new problems.  How much should the church preach about politicians, immigration, the war in Iran, LGBTQ+ matters, protests, free speech, and the like?  

     First, it should be noted that the Church is not a political action group.  When election season rolls around, we don’t hand out pins or invite candidates to speak (although some have asked).  If the Church is to influence society, it is by changing hearts one person at a time.  That happens through preaching God’s word, not by protests or activism.  It should also be noted that while contemporary issues are not the main thing, they are not meaningless, either.  God’s word has a lot to say about them.  But the Church is not founded upon contemporary issues.  If we devote our time and attention to contemporary issues, we will lose focus on the eternal issue.  Jesus is risen.  There is nothing more important.

     St. Paul told the Corinthians what truly matters.  “I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).  There is nothing more important.  This is not to minimize your trials and your tears.  It is a broken world, and bad things happen.  You can argue that they are not supposed to happen.  You can work hard to improve your little corner of the world.  But nothing you say or do is going to change the fact that this world is flawed and produces frustration. 

     The flaws and frustrations of this broken world have their finality in death.  That is what produces fear in everyone.  Even if you are going through a trial, there is always hope that things are going to get better.  But death puts an end all hope.  If you have a sick child, you hope things will get better.  You hope to avoid the worst-case scenario, that the child dies.  Just the thought of that would make any mother cry.  Death brings finality.  It puts an end to hope.  Many of our fears arise from the threat of death.  When the news reports war or terrorism, the fear is that it will bring death to your home.  If your trials are financial, it is frustrating, but people have survived through greater hardships than that.  But if your life has been reduced to just surviving, the fear is that you may not.  When COVID first hit, we were told that 1/3 of the population would die.  That terrified almost everybody.  People think that the worst thing that can happen to them is death.  But every life ends in death.  There is no escape from it.  We don’t know the “how” or the “when,” but we all know that it is not “if.” 

     You may wring your hands over politics, pandemics, and the price of gas and eggs, but in the hour of death, you won’t care about any of that.  You need something certain which brings comfort and peace.  St. Paul proclaimed it to the Corinthians, and it has been recorded for you: “I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). 

     Jesus is risen.  There is nothing more important.  Of course, if we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection, that means he died.  St. Paul told us what Jesus’ death was for: “for our sins.”  Jesus absorbed all transgressions into himself.  This man is the substitute for all mankind, absorbing the blows and suffering the hell all mankind deserves.  He was buried, and on the third day, this man rose from the dead, just as the Scriptures foretold.  Psalm 16 states, “My heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices.  Even my flesh will dwell securely because you will not abandon my life to the grave.  You will not let your favored one see decay” (Psalm 16:9-10).  Jesus did not come back as a zombie with a grotesque appearance.  Jesus arose with a glorious body.  Jesus lives and will never die again.  This man rules over death and now can release all mankind from the grave.  Jesus is risen.  There is nothing more important. 

     That resurrection assures us that the Father has accepted Jesus’ payment for all your sins.  It also shows us that the grave has lost its power to Jesus.  The Lord Jesus will come again to raise up all the dead.  In the end, the grave gets nothing.  All will be gathered before Jesus.  There will be a division among the people, however.  Those who believe in Jesus will receive the benefits of his life, death, and resurrection.  Those to whom Jesus was most important are covered in Jesus’ innocence.  They will receive life everlasting.  This is why there is nothing more important. 

     But there will be many others for whom Jesus was never important.  They were devoted to other matters—perhaps social causes or political activism.  Perhaps their Sundays were devoted to sports or sleep.  Perhaps they cared only about partying or porn.  Most do not think that they are bad people.  Granted, most people are not criminals, but all people are sinners.  All need God’s forgiveness.  To despise Jesus is to forsake the only source of forgiveness there is.  Many will be raised from their graves only to be cast into hellfire.  So, there are things worse than death.

     That’s why there is nothing more important than Jesus.  He proclaimed, “Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15).  Repent, and recognize that you have not lived the holy life God demands.  You don’t have to sell yourself to God.  He wouldn’t buy it anyway.  And if you are honest with yourself, neither would you.  But here is the good news: Jesus Christ has redeemed you from your sin.  The proof is that he has conquered death.  Eternal life is God’s gift, won by Jesus, delivered to you.  Jesus is risen.  He delivers the goods to you in word and sacraments.  “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16).  There is nothing more important.

     “If Jesus is risen, nothing else matters.  If Jesus is not risen, nothing else matters.”  If Jesus is risen, it will not matter if you die rich or poor; young or old; married, single, or divorced; beloved or despised; healthy of sick.  It will not matter if you die peacefully or tragically.  If Jesus is risen, nothing else matters.  Your place in heaven is secure, and you can live your life in godliness and in joyful anticipation of a glorious resurrection. 

     But the other end of that statement is, “If Jesus is not risen, nothing else matters.”  If Jesus is not risen, you are still in our sins.  The world remains broken.  Life goes on with trials and tears.  In fact, life is just a march of failings and frustrations to the finality of death.  Even St. Paul observed, “If our hope in Christ applies only to this life, we are the most pitiful people of all.  If the dead are not raised, then ‘let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die’” (1 Corinthians 15:19,32). 

     But St. Paul removes the “If” from these things.  Jesus is risen!  There is nothing more important.  In fact, St. Paul says there is nothing more certain!  Listen to the evidence St. Paul presents: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to  Cephas, then to the Twelve.  After that he appeared to over five hundred brothers at the same time, most of whom are still alive, but some have fallen asleep.  Then he appeared to James, and then to all the apostles.  Last of all, he appeared also to me” (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). 

     Jesus is risen!  It is not a metaphor or a myth, a fable or a fairy tale.  It is a historical fact attested by multiple witnesses who saw him, spoke with him, touched him, inspected his wounds, and feasted with him.  As St. Paul noted, the claims of Jesus’ resurrection are not private encounters that cannot be investigated.  In one case, he appeared to over five hundred brothers at the same time.  St. Paul practically dared the Corinthians to verify it since most of them were still alive and could testify what they saw and heard.

     Jesus is risen.  There is nothing more important.  You and I are not able to interview those who saw Jesus’ risen body.  We have only their eyewitness accounts recorded for us.  But we also have their testimony confirmed by their blood.  They chose to rather die rather than deny what they had seen.  Compare that to the men who were involved in the cover-up of the Watergate scandal.  Chuck Colson served as White House special counsel.  He was involved in the cover-up and spoke about the failure to keep the lie going.  He said, “I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me.  How?  Because 12 men testified that they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it.  Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison.  They would not have endured that if it weren’t true.  Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world—and they couldn’t keep a lie for three weeks.  You’re telling me 12 apostles could keep lie for 40 years?  Absolutely impossible.” 

     Dear Christians, the Lord Jesus Christ died for your sins.  He was buried.  He is risen.  The Scriptures prophesied about it.  Jesus himself foretold it.  The apostles witnessed it, proclaimed it, and died for it.  It is the message on which the Church is built.  It is the message on which your life rests and in which you will find comfort in the hour of death.  As sure and certain as death is, just as sure and certain is that Jesus rose from the dead.  Therefore, you can be sure and certain of the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting.

     You may die having accomplished much, or you may wish you could have done more.  You may die having accumulated much, or you may leave behind precious little.  You may die surrounded by friends and family, or you may die alone.  In the eternal picture, none of that matters.  No matter what, you will die.  But no matter what, Jesus lives.  Jesus will come again and raise you up to a life that will never end, will never know tears, and will never disappoint you.  Jesus is risen.  There is nothing more important. 

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

Sermon -- TRIDUUM: Easter Dawn (April 5, 2026)

BAPTISM NOW SAVES YOU.

1 PETER 3:17-22

In the name + of Jesus.

M:       Alleluia!  Christ is risen!

C:        He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

     “He descended into hell.  On the third day he rose again from the dead” (Apostles’ Creed).  The Apostles’ Creed seems to reverse the order of events.  St. Peter wrote that Jesus “was put to death in flesh but was made alive in spirit, in which he also went and made an announcement to the spirits in prison” (1 Peter 3:18-19).  So, the descent into hell occurred after Jesus had risen from the dead.  If he were still dead, how could he proclaim victory?  But Jesus Christ is risen.  He is the conqueror, the one who holds authority over death and hell. 

     Jesus descended into hell before he appeared to anyone on Easter day—and that seems to be the point of the Apostles’ Creeds order of events.  His suffering was finished on Good Friday.  He had taken his Sabbath rest in the grave.  He rose and descended into hell.  He went to the devil’s home turf.  He preached to the spirits and proved himself the victor.  Then he departed since neither death nor hell nor the devil has any hold on him.

     Although the spirits in prison include all who have despised and denied God’s promises, St. Peter focused only on those from the days of Noah.  Those who had rejected God’s word and dismissed it with mockery were forced to acknowledge that their condemnation was deserved.  By contrast, Noah took God’s word seriously and built the ark in which he and his family were saved.  The Flood destroyed all the wicked.  The same waters scrubbed the world clean and produced a new creation—not yet perfected, but renewed.  The Flood also up lifted Noah and his family above that destruction so that they were saved. 

     St. Peter, then, draws this analogy: “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the body but the guarantee of a good conscience before God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).  Just as the Flood drowned the wicked and lifted up the ark above the destruction, so the waters of baptism have done for you.  Baptism now saves you.  It wipes out all unrighteousness.  It purifies you from sin.  Through baptism, you have been brought into the ark of the Holy Christian Church.  That is why this part of the church building is called the nave.  “Nave” comes from the Latin word for boat or ark.  It is where you find the deliverance from a damning judgment.  Baptism extinguishes the hellfire that awaits the guilty. 

     Some Christians protest that baptism does not save.  They want to correct you and say, “Baptism does not save; Jesus does.”  But that is like saying, “Food does not sustain you; nutrition does.”  But how does God provide that nutrition to you?  Through food.  Likewise, St. Peter connects baptism to Jesus’ resurrection.  Jesus’ resurrection bestows new life.  How does the Lord deliver that new life to you?  Through holy baptism.  Baptism now saves you—not a symbolic washing, but “the guarantee of a good conscience before God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).  Baptism is “the washing of rebirth and the renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).  It makes you a new creation—not yet perfect, but renewed.  The resurrection and perfection and glory will come at the resurrection of all flesh.  Death will be done.  The Church will be delivered.  For, Jesus lives.

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

Sermon -- Good Friday Tenebrae: The Sixth Word (April 3, 2026)

Good Shepherd celebrated a Tenebrae service in which we heard the seven words from the cross, followed by a brief homily on each word.  

THE SIXTH WORD — John 19:30

     Everything Jesus ever did was done intentionally.  He was fully obedient to God’s commandments.  He recognized that the traditions of the Pharisees were customs.  Even if those traditions were helpful for exercising piety, they were not commandments.  It is like teaching our children to pray before meals.  There is nothing in God’s word that commands us to pray before meals.  It is still a worthy practice, so we teach it.  But we cannot say a family is sinning against God if they do not offer up a prayer before digging into their salads.

     Everything Jesus ever did was done intentionally.  He did not waste his words when he taught about the kingdom of God.  No miraculous healing was done by accident.  His mercy toward the tax collectors and prostitutes was not to be confused with leniency, and his scathing rebukes against the Pharisees did not arise from rivalry.  Everything Jesus did was intended to lead people to repent and to find their hope in him.  Some did; others did not.

     Everything Jesus ever did was done intentionally.  His trip to the cross was done according to his own timing, done to fulfill all the prophets, and done as his Father willed it.  So, when Jesus uttered the words, “It is finished,” he stated that every little and last thing was done to perfection.  Not a single jot or tittle of God’s Law was bypassed; rather, every jot and tittle was fulfilled. 

     What this means for you is that there are no extra chores or challenges you must complete to be assured of eternal life.  There are no unpaid debts.  Everything God has demanded, he has received from Jesus. 

     “It is finished!”  This word Jesus uttered just before he died.  It is the word we cling to when we face death.  Because of this word, we do not have to invent virtues that we do not have.  Nor do we have to convince God and ourselves that our sins are excusable.  Are we sinners?  Yes, and Jesus came to save sinners.  Are we perfect?  No, but Jesus applies his holiness to us.  Jesus has removed from us all that condemns, and Jesus gives us all that saves. 

     “It is finished!”  The perfect life has been lived.  The cursed death has been died.  The sins of the world have been paid for.  Everything Jesus ever did was done with willful intention, with careful attention, and complete perfection. 

Sermon -- Good Friday Tenebrae: The Third Word (April 3, 2026)

Good Shepherd celebrated a Tenebrae service in which we heard the seven words from the cross, followed by a brief homily on each word.  

THE THIRD WORD — John 19:25-27

     When God created the world, he also created vocations for us to fill.  The second table of the Law says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Our vocations are the practical ways we do this.

     The first commandment in the second table is “Honor your father and mother.”  The family relationship is the most basic vocation in the world.  No one comes into the world without a father or a mother.  Children are taught to honor, serve, and obey their parents.  While the age of children may alter how they honor, serve, and obey their parents, the 4^th Commandment is never abolished.

     Even while he hung from the cross—weakened from the scourging, in agony from the nails, tormented by divine wrath—Jesus fulfilled his vocation as the firstborn son of Mary.  He kept the Commandment when we might have excused him because of his sufferings.  Nevertheless, he loved his mother.  He assured her that she would be cared for.

     Jesus had brothers, probably step-brothers, who could have taken up the obligation to care for Mary.  Instead, Jesus gave this responsibility to the apostle John.  John took her into his home and cared for her physical well-being. 

     But Jesus’ ultimate desire was for her eternal well-being.  He was dying for her sins.  He entrusted her to the apostle who would preach forgiveness, administer the Lord’s Supper, and absolve her in the stead and by the command of Jesus.  In this way, Jesus fulfilled his vocation as her faithful son and her faithful Savior.

     The Commandment is fulfilled by Jesus’ obedience.  The sins of abusive or negligent parents and the sins of disrespectful or rebellious children are paid for by Jesus’ death.  He reconciles to the heavenly Father.  We are adopted into his holy family.  We are gathered into the communion of saints.

Sermon -- Good Friday Tenebrae: The Second Word (April 3, 2026)

Good Shepherd celebrated a Tenebrae service in which we heard the seven words from the cross, followed by a brief homily on each word.  

THE SECOND WORD: Luke 23:38-43

     When Jesus was suspended upon the cross, “those who passed by ridiculed him…  In the same way, the chief priests along with the experts in the law mocked him among themselves” (Mark 15:29,31).  That does not surprise us.  But then Mark noted, “Those who were crucified with him also insulted him” (Mark 15:32). 

     Some people who sit on death row develop a sense of regret.  Hardened criminals go to the death chamber breathing out obscenities and cursing everyone within ear shot.  One criminal seems to have moved from one camp to the opposite.  He began the day with curses.  At least he could find some camaraderie among those who mocked Jesus, right?  But then came the change.  Why?

     Consider the words by which people mocked Jesus.  “He saved others.  Let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, the Chosen One!  If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” (Luke 23:35,37)!  The mockers considered these claims worthy of scorn.  The criminal considered them worthy of further consideration.  And upon his consideration, he recognized that everything they said about Jesus was true.  He is the Christ.  He is the Son of God.  He is the King who has come to save his people and establish an everlasting kingdom.

     This criminal had given up all pretenses.  He would not pretend to be anything other than what he was—a sinner who was getting what he deserved.  But he saw that Jesus is the Righteous One.  Jesus had saved others.  Would Jesus save such a wretch as he was?  He asked Jesus for one thing: Remember me. 

     Whenever the Lord remembers in Scripture, he acts to save.  And that is exactly what Jesus came to do.  Jesus was mindful of sinners and took the curse of all, no matter what was on their record.  He died for the mockers, malefactors, and all mortals.  Therefore, we pray with the criminal: “Jesus, you have come to establish a kingdom.  That means you will live again to reign over it.  Remember me in your gracious reign.”

     The Lord Jesus would remember him.  The Lord Jesus is mindful of you, too.  You, too, will be with him in Paradise.

Sermon -- TRIDUUM: Maundy Thursday (April 2, 2026)

A CLEANSING FOUNTAIN.

ZECHARIAH 13:1

In the name + of Jesus.

     The first record of public worship in the Old Testament has to do with Cain and Abel.  “Abel tended sheep, but Cain worked the ground.  As time passed, one day Cain brought an offering to the LORD from the fruit of the soil.  Abel also brought some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions.  The LORD looked favorably on Abel and his offering” (Genesis 4:2-4).  Those who are familiar with Old Testament worship probably don’t bat an eye at these verses.  Of course they brought sacrifices to the Lord!  But what gets overlooked is this: There are no instructions recorded about how the Lord is to be worshiped.  But the Lord must have said something.  Why else would Abel take pains to build an altar and slaughter a lamb from his flock?  And not just a lamb, but the firstborn?

     From the very first worship, the principle recorded in the letter to the Hebrews is on display: “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22).  That principle continued with all the patriarchs.  After the Flood, “Noah built an altar to the LORD and took from every clean animal and every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar.  The LORD smelled the pleasant aroma” (Genesis 8:20-21).  There had been no specific instruction about which animals were clean or unclean.  Yet, Noah knew.  So, again, the Lord must have said something.  Blood sacrifices continued with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  It was not until Moses climbed to the top of Mt. Sinai that the Lord spelled out in detail how his people were to worship him.  And what did the Lord desire?  Blood sacrifices of clean animals because “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). 

     Blood sacrifices continued as the tabernacle moved throughout the wilderness for forty years.  Eventually, Solomon constructed a temple in Jerusalem.  The Lord’s altar finally had a fixed location.  There, the blood sacrifices continued.  The Lord had also instructed the Israelites that they were not free to set up altars just anywhere.  The Lord had put his name on the altar at the temple.  It was only from that one place that the Lord accepted sacrifices which atoned for sin and celebrated the restored fellowship with the Lord.

     Day after day, the sacrifices were offered.  Day after day, blood was shed and splashed against the sides of the altar.  Year after year, the high priest bathed in a ceremonial washing before he entered the Holy of Holies.  He carried blood into the Holy of Holies to atone for his own sin and for the sin of the people.  He even made atonement for the altar on which the sacrifices were made.  All this had to be repeated, which showed that no blood sacrifice had made a complete and satisfying atonement for the people. 

     Obviously, our worship has changed since Old Testament days.  There is no blood shed, no animals slaughtered, and no bodies consumed in fire on the altar.  The prophet Zechariah foretold that the days would come when this change would take place.  He declared, “On that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness” (Zechariah 13:1). 

     The final chapters of Zechariah speak repeatedly about the days when the Messiah would come.  A day would come when the sacrifices would no longer need to be repeated.  They would no longer be necessary because they would find their fulfillment, and that fulfillment would be all-sufficient for all people of all time.  The Lord would open a fountain which completely cleanses all who are bathed and covered by it.

     It should not surprise you to learn that “that day” would be the day on which our Lord Jesus Christ was slain at the cross.  He is the fulfillment of every blood sacrifice which had been offered up to that day.  Jesus is the propitiation for our sins.  While “propitiation” is a valid word, it is almost useless unless we understand what it means. 

     When a worshiper brought a bull or a sheep to the temple for a sin offering, he would place his hand on the head of that animal to designate it: “This one dies for me.”  The wrath of God would be transferred from the worship to the sacrificial victim.  Then it would be slaughtered and its blood shed.  Its body would be consumed in fire on the altar.  The worshiper would be pardoned and sent home justified, based on God’s promise.  That is what Jesus Christ is for you.  He presented himself as the sacrificial victim.  God’s wrath was transferred from you to him.  This one dies for you.  He is the perfect Lamb, spotless and clean.  His blood was shed and his body was consumed in God’s holy wrath.  You are sent home justified, based on God’s promises.

     That sacrifice was made for you twenty centuries ago.  That was the payment for your sins.  But now, how does God deliver that payment to you?  And what is the fountain that Zechariah was talking about which was “opened … for sin and for uncleanness” (Zechariah 13:1)? 

     St. John stood at the foot of the cross and witnessed Jesus’ death.  John wrote, “One of the soldiers pierced (Jesus’) side with a spear.  Immediately blood and water came out” (John 19:24).  This not only confirmed the death of Jesus, it also illustrated the way that Jesus provides cleansing for your sins.  St. John wrote in his first epistle, “This is the one who came by water and blood: Jesus Christ.  He did not come by the water alone but by the water and by the blood. The Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.  In fact, there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood, and these three are one” (1 John 5:6-8).

     “On that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness” (Zechariah 13:1).  The fountain that was opened was Jesus’ side.  Water and blood came forth to provide life to his Church.  First, it is by holy baptism that our Lord cleanses you from all sin.  The payment for your sins was made by Jesus through his death on the cross.  The benefits of that payment are given to you in Holy Baptism. 

     The Lord himself tells you what is given in Holy Baptism.  When appeared to Saul who was on his way to Damascus, he snatched Saul from death to life.  But the Lord did not leave Saul to trust his experience, as miraculous as it was.  The risen Savior told him, “Now what are you waiting for?  Get up, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16).  The cleansing fountain which was opened and poured out water from Jesus’ side is applied in Holy Baptism.  It is there that the Lord washes away sin and all uncleanness.

     That fountain also poured out blood from Jesus’ side.  The shedding of Jesus’ blood was necessary, for “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22).  But our Lord does not leave us to merely ponder the shedding of Jesus’ blood, as if forgiveness is determined by how deep or how focused our meditation is.  Rather, our Lord crafted a way to deliver that blood to us.

     Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, “took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples.  He said, ‘Take, eat, this is my body.’  Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it all of you, for this is my blood of the new testament, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins’” (Matthew 26:26-28).  That which he gave into death for you is given here to you.  The blood which was poured forth from Jesus’ side as the payment for your sins is given to you in the cup for the forgiveness of your sins.  The body upon which your sins were laid and which then was consumed in the fire of God’s wrath is given to you under the bread.  Jesus is the propitiation for your sins; for God’s wrath was poured out upon Jesus.  But now, God’s favor is poured out upon you—in fact, into you.

     This new testament is far superior to the old testament.  For, the sacrifices do not need to be repeated day after day, year after year.  Rather, Jesus, the eternal Son of God, made one sacrifice—once for all—to atone for your sins.  The benefits of this sacrifice are eternal.  As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.  We do not repeat the Lord’s death, but we proclaim it.  And we eat and drink to receive the benefits of it.

     There is always a tendency to think that we still have to add something to what Jesus did for us.  In the Old Testament, the sacrifices were not cheap.  To slaughter a bull or a ram involved expense and commitment from the worshiper.  We might also think that there is some sacrifice or some work on our part that should be done to prove that we are worthy of such grace. 

     If sinners could perform the works that appease God’s wrath, then he would have left it in our hands, and those who enter heaven could boast that they earned it.  But no one can earn it.  Even our best works are stained, corrupted, and warped.  Therefore, Jesus established a new testament: He removes your guilt and purifies you from all unrighteousness.  This relieves you of the pressure of endless works, of convincing yourself that you have done enough to please God, and of suffering dread and doubt on your deathbed.  You do not have to question if you will be welcomed into heavenly dwellings.  Jesus removes all debts, drudgery, doubt, and dread.  Zechariah foretold why: “On that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness” (Zechariah 13:1).

     The patriarchs had built altars on which they made their atoning sacrifices.  They followed God’s directions to attain forgiveness.  The blood of an innocent victim was shed.  The body was roasted in the fire on the altar.  And God’s wrath was diverted from the worshiper to the sacrifice.  That was a shadow of the things to come.  The reality is found in Christ.  And it is found here, according to our Lord’s own instruction.

     For here, we have an altar.  On this altar is both body and blood.  It comes from the innocent victim who was slain for you.  God’s wrath was diverted from you to him.  He, in turn, feeds you with the food that provides forgiveness, cleansing, strength, and salvation.  God’s grace still flows from Jesus’ side.  The fountain that was opened never runs dry.  

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