Worship Notes: The Athanasian Creed

This Sunday (June 16) is Trinity Sunday.  On this one Sunday of the church year, we recite one of the ecumenical creeds which often gets overlooked.  Many Christians are not even aware of it.  Join us to make this bold confession regarding the triune nature of God and the dual nature of Jesus. 

An explanation of the Athanasian Creed is here:

THE ATHANASIAN CREED

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Finally, a study of this creed and the history which surrounds it shows how important it is for us to be familiar with the history of the Christian Church.  When we understand how Christians who have gone before us identified error and combated it, then we will better be able to do the same.

Update from Good Shepherd (June 13, 2019)

Greetings!

SUMMER SCHEDULE
Divine Services are Thursdays at 7:00 PM and Sundays at 10:00 AM.
        Sunday School & Sunday's Adult Bible Class will be on hiatus throughout the summer.  They will resume on September 8.

VBS PREPARATION MEETING

In order to get ready for the children's portion of our VBS later this July, we will need to make sure that we have people in place for teachers, assistants, providers of snacks, promotion, and others to support our efforts.  We will meet after church THIS SUNDAY (June 16).  Even if you do not attend the meeting, please help promote both parts of our Family VBS for both adults and children.

FAMILY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

The dates for our Family VBS are Monday-Wednesday (6:30 – 8:00 PM), July 29-31. 

Rather than limit the study of the Bible to our children (and guests), our VBS will include people of all ages.  There will be an adult study going on the same time as the children.

The topic of study and discussion for the adults will be The Canon of Scripture: Why These Books?  “Canon” refers to a stick or a standard (like a “cane”).  We confess the 66 canonical books to be the Holy Scriptures.  But why those books?  And why not others?  And what about the Apocrypha; why not them?  For three nights, we will consider how God gave us the Scriptures and why we regard only the 66 books in our Bible as the word of God.

We encourage you to invite friends to our VBS sessions—both children and adults.  Look for a registration form on our web page to indicate your participation.

IN OUR PRAYERS

>  Fathers' Day (6/16)

>  Thanks for Peter Schroeder's successful surgery (6/12)

OFFICE HOURS
Regular office hours at Good Shepherd will be Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. While there may be some flexibility to this schedule, we will try to keep it as regular as possible. 

DO YOU LIKE US?

Look for Good Shepherd on Facebook.  Then “LIKE” us for updates and other postings.

God bless you.

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder
==============================
DIVINE SERVICES -- Summer Schedule
     Thursdays at 7:00 PM

     Sundays at 10:00 AM

SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS will resume September 8.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE

www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

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

Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church
41415 W. Nine Mile Road
Novi, Michigan  48375-4306
+   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +
Divine Services -- Sundays at 10:00 AM

The history of Novi -- Twelve Oaks Mall & How Novi got its name

Here is something cool about the history of the city of Novi.  Novi celebrates 50 years as a city, but the history goes back much further.

There are a number of videos which tell the history of Novi, and I will link to two vignettes.  The first is about the history of the Twelve Oaks Mall, and how it transformed the city of Novi to the community it is today.

The second is probably the most legendary about the city: How did Novi get its name?  This interesting video ends up not giving the answer, but all the most popular theories are given.

Sermon -- Pentecost (June 9, 2019)

ACTS 1:1-21

THE HOLY SPIRIT

GATHERS IN THE CHURCH.

In the name + of Jesus.

     The Festival of Pentecost was one of the major festivals of the Old Testament.  Three times a year, the Lord commanded all Israel to gather in Jerusalem for a festival.  Pentecost, one of those three festivals, was also known as the Feast of Ingathering.  It was a harvest festival, marking the end of the wheat harvest.  So, fifty days after Jesus' resurrection, there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. (Acts 2:5)  The Lord was gathering in his own harvest—people from all nations to be gathered into the Christian Church.
     A remarkable change was taking place at this Pentecost.  As St. Luke had noted, the crowds in Jerusalem were mainly Jews.  They were one people with one heritage and one language.  God's covenant had been delivered through Moses in Hebrew.  The songs of the temple were sung in Hebrew.  The benediction of the priests was put upon God's people in Hebrew.  God's prophets preached in Hebrew to defend the covenant and to correct the erring people.  But now, the New Testament was proclaimed in the different languages and dialects which were heard in the streets of countries around the world.
     St. Luke described the scene: When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.  And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.  And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4)  
     Only once before had people been given the ability to speak in unlearned languages, but that was a curse.  In our Old Testament lesson, we heard how the people at Babel defied God's word to fill the earth and subdue it.  In order to drive the people apart, the Lord confused their languages.  This caused the people to look at their neighbors with fear and suspicion.  Those with a common language dispersed to their own communities and filled the earth as God had commanded.  But at Pentecost, the Lord blessed the apostles with the ability to speak in the languages of the earth in order to gather the nations into his kingdom.
     The Holy Spirit gathers in the Church.  The Holy Spirit unites us all into one holy church.  We usually find unity with people when we find a common interest or have a common background.  People bond over their favorite sports team or TV show.  Parents bond with others parents because, “My kid goes to school with your kid,” or “My kid is on the same team as your kid.”  If you went to Disney World and saw another person wearing a Detroit Tigers cap, you would be far more likely to greet that person than someone wearing a San Diego Padres cap.  On the other hand, people who look different, act strange, or speak a foreign language are often looked at with suspicion or even derision.  This leads to ignoring others, fearing them, thinking the worst of them, or even attacking them.  The Lord has declared, “Love your neighbor;” but we are all guilty of putting conditions on that—withholding love from those who speak another language, wear a different wardrobe, or even cheer for the rival team.  The default position of our sinful nature is: “If you are like me, then I like you.  If you are not like me, then I don't like you.”  Repent.
     No matter what a person's skin color is, we all have a sinful flesh.  No matter what country someone has come from, we are all children of Adam and, therefore, destined for the grave.  No matter what language we speak, we all must confess our sins.  There is no difference.  All are sinners.  All need a Savior.  And from all of these people, God the Holy Spirit desires to gather people into his Church.
     When the day of Pentecost arrived, … there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind...  At this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. (Acts 2:2,6)  When the crowds had gathered, Peter preached to them.  He did not tell them that being Jewish made them better or worse.  He did not suggest that being religious made them better or worse.  What he did proclaim is that they were accountable for their sins, no matter who they were.  Our reading does not include Peter's entire Pentecost sermon, but Peter declared to these God-fearing Jews: “Hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.  God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.  …Therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” (Acts 2:22-24,36)  
     As great a miracle as the apostles' speaking in tongues was, even greater is the miracle that the people believed Peter's words.  They did not offer excuses.  They did not rely on the fact that they were godly, moral, or decent.  They did not insist that the death of Jesus was not their fault.  Rather, they recognized their sins and their accountability, and they feared the wrath of God.  They were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”  And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (Acts 2:37-39)  And on that day, the Holy Spirit gathered into his Church 3,000 people who believed and were baptized.
     The Holy Spirit still gathers in the Church.  Though the miraculous signs do not continue today and you should not expect to suddenly speak Arabic or some other language, the work of the Holy Spirit does continue.  The Holy Spirit gathers in his Church.  There is no difference in how he works, and there is no difference with people today.  We are not better because we are religious, moral, or American.  No one is worse because of skin color, language, or culture.  We are all accountable to God because of our sins.  All people hold this in common—we need a Savior from sin.  Just the Holy Spirit gathered people in the Church through Peter's preaching, so he does today.
     The crowds themselves testified to what they had heard: “We hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” (Acts 2:11)  The mighty works of God are the sufferings, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  Although we have defied our God, our God devoted himself to saving us.  We have withheld love from our neighbor who is different.  God is clearly different than we are, but he loves us and made himself one with us by becoming a man.  Although we have assumed the worst about our fellow man, God's heart was set on seeking our eternal good.  We have spoken evil of others whose speech we don't even understand.  But God speaks to us in mercy, declaring us forgiven for the sake of Jesus who laid down his life to pay for our sins.  And Jesus rose from the grave to assure us that we will not be cursed, banished, and scattered like the people at Babel.  Rather, the Holy Spirit gathers in the Church which unites in God's praises with diverse languages and varied cultures.
     The world is united in this: All are sinners.  But the Church is united in this: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21)  The Holy Spirit gathers in the Church and unites it in the forgiveness of sins won by Jesus and administered in your baptism.  No matter what culture you come from, it has been sanctified in Christ.  No matter what skin color you have, it has been cleansed in Christ.  No matter what a traditional wardrobe is for you, you are clothed with Christ.  In heaven, St. John saw the saints from every people, tribe, nation, and language there.  They were not forced to learn one dialect.  Instead, each proclaims in his own native language the mighty works of God and confesses Christ.  For the Holy Spirit has converted our tongues to praise our God.
     The Holy Spirit gathers in the Church.  And you, who have been gathered in by him, now get to go forth and declare the praises of God.  God changed sinful hearts and brought life to the dead at Pentecost, and he continues to work the miracle of conversion today.  You get to prophesy, which is today, you get to proclaim the good news of Jesus.  There are plenty of different languages, cultures, and people among us in our city, but there is only one Savior.  We have his word.  It is meant for all.  And you will demonstrate no greater love for your neighbors than to declare the mercies of our redeeming God.

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

A Pastoral Concern -- How to sing hymns

It is no secret to people in the congregation I serve that I am not a fan of large flat screen TVs in the front of church.  They inspire people to watch TV.  I consider their place in the church to be unnecessary, even an intrusion.  The reasons to keep people using their hymnals instead of watching a projection on a screen are plenteous.  The need for screens is minimal at best.

Well, leave it to innovative congregation to come up with a solution.  Hey, this is so crazy, it just might work!

This pastoral concern has been brought to you by the Babylon Bee.

Update from Good Shepherd (June 6, 2019)

Greetings!

SUMMER SCHEDULE
Divine Services are Thursdays at 7:00 PM and Sundays at 10:00 AM.
        Sunday School & Sunday's Adult Bible Class will be on hiatus throughout the summer.  They will resume on September 8.

OFFICE HOURS
Regular office hours at Good Shepherd will be Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. While there may be some flexibility to this schedule, we will try to keep it as regular as possible. 

OPEN FORUM / VOTERS' MEETING

        On Sunday, June 9 after church, we will have an Open Forum and Voters' Meeting.  The main focus of our Open Forum will be long-range planning and discussing the steps we will need to make in the remainder of this year in order to make our congregation as productive as we can in serving our community with the Gospel.  All confirmed members of Good Shepherd are encouraged to join us.  The Voters' Meeting will take place immediately following the Open Forum.

FAMILY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

The dates for our Family VBS are set.  We will meet Monday-Wednesday (6:30 – 8:00 PM), July 29-31.  This is a change from our regular VBS schedule.

Also changed will be the focus of our VBS.  Rather than limit the study of the Bible to our children (and guests), we want people of all ages to join us.  So, there will be an adult study going on the same time as the children.

The topic of study and discussion for the adults will be The Canon of Scripture: Why These Books?  “Canon” refers to a stick or a standard (like a “cane”).  We confess the 66 canonical books to be the Holy Scriptures.  But why those books?  And why not others?  And what about the Apocrypha; why not them?  For three nights, we will consider how God gave us the Scriptures and why we regard only the 66 books in our Bible as the word of God.

While our target audience is our congregation, we encourage you to invite friends to our VBS sessions—both children and adults.  Look for a registration form on our web page to indicate your participation (more necessary for the children's VBS).

DO YOU LIKE US?
Look for Good Shepherd on Facebook.  Then “LIKE” us for updates and other postings.

God bless you.

In Christ,
Pastor Schroeder
==============================
DIVINE SERVICES -- Summer Schedule
     Thursdays at 7:00 PM

     Sundays at 10:00 AM

SUNDAY SCHOOL & ADULT BIBLE CLASS will resume September 8.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S WEBSITE

www.GoodShepherdNovi.org

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

Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church
41415 W. Nine Mile Road
Novi, Michigan  48375-4306
+   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +   +
Divine Services -- Sundays at 10:00 AM

Sermon -- The Ascension of our Lord, transferred (June 2, 2019)

LUKE 24:44-53

OUR ASCENDED KING RULES BY GRACE.

M: Alleluia!  Christ is risen!

Cong:  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

In the name + of Jesus.

     When Jesus was about to ascend into heaven, his apostles asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6)  They had seen Jesus correct the evils of this world by bringing sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf.  He had cleansed lepers and even raised the dead.  It seemed that Jesus was going to make everything right.  Jesus is the Son of David.  So the apostles were hopeful that Jesus would take his place on the throne of David and rule the world.  Was this the time?  In other words, would Jesus bring order and sense to a corrupt and chaotic world?  Would Jesus make everything right? 
     It is an appetizing thought.  Many challenge the Christian faith with it: If God really is all powerful, then why doesn't he put an end to wars and rumors of war, earthquakes, famines, and tornadoes?  If God really is love, then why doesn't he put a stop to broken homes and abusive fathers?  Why doesn't he empty cancer wards, cure Lou Gehrig's disease, and eliminate the need for children's hospitals?  If all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus and if he has established the kingdom of God, then why doesn't Jesus make everything right?  We, too, long for these things.  We pray for them, because we long to be free from sin and every evil.  So, will Jesus bring order and sense to a corrupt and chaotic world?
     In a word, Jesus answers, “No.”  Not as the apostles thought, and not as you might think.  Jesus said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8) 
     Much to our dismay, Jesus is not going to make this world Paradise.  Jesus has established a kingdom, but Jesus' rule is not based on finances, health, or diplomacy.  Jesus does not promise these things either.  These promises come from politicians and advertisers.  We vote for the politicians who offer the biggest prizes, and we throw money at the companies whose product features laughing people on sunny beaches.  Even though we know better, we still think that Paradise can be achieved.  So, our priorities and prayers are devoted to an easier life, a fatter wallet, better health, and a perfect world.  But no matter how many prizes the politicians deliver and no matter how slick the advertisements are, the world is still corrupt and chaotic.  The Scriptures give you this warning: “Do not love the world or the things in the world.  … The world is passing away along with its desires...” (1 John 2:15,17)  God's grace is not given through finances, health, and diplomacy.  Those who trust in them will perish with them.
     Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, he told the Church what its mission is: “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  You are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:46-48)  The apostles were to proclaim what they had witnessed concerning Jesus.  Jesus does establish a kingdom, and our ascended king rules by grace.
     So, what did the apostles witness?  What grace did they see?  They saw that God loved his creation enough to become man and dwell among us.  They saw Jesus fulfill all the promises God had made about the Christ, so that they could attest without doubt that Jesus is the Messiah-King.  They heard Jesus declare that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but shall be raised up on the Last Day for eternal life.  They had witnessed John the Baptist point to Jesus and declare, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)  They had witnessed the public slaying of that Lamb so that no one could deny he had died.  They saw his blood shed as the payment for the sin of the world.  They had witnessed Jesus' resurrection from the dead, just has he had foretold them, proving that all his claims and all his promises are true—particularly his promise that whoever believes in his name will receive forgiveness of sins, new life, and salvation.
     Jesus, therefore, did not tell the apostles, “Go out and make the world a better place.”  He did not send them to be financial planners, to hand out prescriptions, or to negotiate treaties among kings.  Jesus commissioned them: “Repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in (Jesus') name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  You are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:47-48)  Our ascended king rules by grace.
     After Jesus ascended into heaven, his apostles would go forth to declare what they had seen and heard.  They would call people to repent and declare that forgiveness of sins is found in Jesus Christ alone.  They would make the death and resurrection of Jesus known so that people could believe in him, become part of his kingdom, and receive the benefits of his grace.  For, the kingdom of God is founded on Jesus—that he is the Messiah-King, that he is the Savior, that he is the sole source of forgiveness, that he alone is the way to the Father, and that he is the resurrection and the life.  Our ascended king rules by grace. 
     He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. (Apostles' Creed)  This man, Jesus of Nazareth, now rules heaven and earth.  He who became a man to unite himself to you in order to redeem you now dwells in the presence of God and rules over all things for your good.  He lives and reigns for the good of his Church.  Our ascended king rules by grace.  So no matter what you must face in this world, your ascended king is overseeing all of it.  Everything that happens he does for your eternal good.  For the moment, it may not feel good.  It may, in fact, seem to be the evils that you pray to be delivered from.  But if what you endure causes you to pray to the Lord, and if your prayer is that you would finally be delivered out of this world of sin and brought into the glories of heaven, then even the evils you suffer and serving your eternal good.  This is part of your ascended king's gracious rule.
     No matter what evils may come, they do not change that Jesus is in control, that Jesus is merciful, and that Jesus is doing all things for your good.  Once again, what we think of as good and what is actually good for us are often two different things.  Our Lord Jesus teaches you not to trust in wealth.  Riches are easily lost.  Sometimes Jesus has to prove that to you by draining your wealth with expenses.  Wealth cannot be trusted and it should not be loved.  The kingdom of our Lord, however, is unfailing and invaluable.  The Lord Jesus has shown you not to trust in your health.  All men are grass, and all their glory will pass away.  The grace of our Lord, however, endures forever.  And while we are all grateful for a peaceful world, we know that the promises of men are not reliable.  Treaties are often broken, and nations go to war.  But the peace that Jesus has secured cannot be nullified by anything.   Your forgiveness cannot be canceled.  Your new life cannot be killed.  Your salvation cannot be stolen.  These are all based on the death and resurrection or Jesus.  They are given by your ascended Savior who cannot be removed from his throne.  His kingdom endures forever, and the ascended king rules by grace which always brings forgiveness, always delivers from death, and always marks us for heaven. 
     He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. (Apostles' Creed)  Just as we have a man who has conquered death, giving mankind victory over the grave, so now we also have a man who dwells in the very presence of God.  Since he has united us to himself, we will also dwell with him.  There we will finally have our Paradise.  For, in the everlasting kingdom of God, there will be no more wars or rumors of war, no famines, no earthquakes, no tornadoes, no blind, no deaf, no temptation, no sin, and no death.  There, Jesus will make all things right, and will even make sense of whatever it is you had to endure in this world.  But until that day, do not fear.  For, your ascended king lives and reigns.  He rules by grace.  He lives and reigns forever.  For you.

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