+ Baptizatus sum +

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

This day in 1961 I was baptized into the very body of my beloved Lord and only saviour Jesus Christ and into his holy Christian Church for the forgiveness of all my sin, released for good from the power of all evil, death and the devil and to receive eternal life and blessed salvation at the Lutheran Church on the mission station Roodepoort by the hands of the pastor loci my dear father E.A.W.Weber. All this was a gift from the triune God, who did not regard my unworthiness and godlessness, but by his boundless grace and mercy took me as his own for ever. Nothing and nobody can tear me from his caring and merciful hands that were pierced for me on Golgotha, when he died for me too, so that I might live with him in blessed unity and peace now and forever. Hallelujah + My godfathers were my grandfather C.H.W. Weber and my two eldest uncles Karl Weber and Peter Ziegenhagen. I got their names plus that of my deceased grandfather Paul Ziegenhagen. Thank God with me and praise him for this most precious gift and means of grace and salvation his most holy sacrament of Baptism +  

Das ist der seligmachende Glaube der einen heiligen christlichen Kirche

“Baptism unfolds a mighty, eschatological dynamic. As the enduring work of the Holy Spirit, it prevails even through one’s death and resurrection; it has an effect on the new person, as Luther characterizes it when discussing the resurrection of the flesh” (Albrecht Peters, 2012: Baptism & the Lord’s Supper, Pg.115)

Baptized into Your Name Most Holy
By: Johann J. Rambach

Baptized into your name most holy,
O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
I claim a place, though weak and lowly,
Among your seed, your chosen host.
Buried with Christ and dead to sin,
I have your Spirit now within.

My loving Father, here you take me
Hence forth to be your child and heir;
My faithful Savior, here you make me
The fruit of all your sorrows share;
O Holy Ghost, you comfort me
Though threatening clouds around I see.

O faithful God, you never fail me;
Your covenant surely will abide.
Let not eternal death assail me
Should I transgress it on my side!
Have mercy when I come defiled;
Forgive, lift up, restore your child.

All that I am and love most dearly,
Receive it all, O Lord, from me.
Oh, let me make my vows sincerely,
And help me your own child to be!
Let nothing that I am or own
Serve any will but yours alone.

Hymn # 224 from Lutheran Worship
Author: Kornelius Heinrich
Tune: O Dass Ich Tausend Zungen Hatte
1st Published in: 1734

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Lutheran Order of service in isiZulu and seTswana

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Lazarus (1)

The Lutheran Order of Service for the 16th Sunday after Trinity is available here in isiZulu and seTswana. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s Word from the Holy Gospel of St. John in the 11th chapter verses 1 (2) 3.17-24 (41-45) (Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead) written by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN) in both isiZulu (wz1548150920 n. Tr 16) and seTswana (wt1548150920 n Tr. 16).

The readings for the 16th Sunday after Trinity are:

Old Testament:       Ecclesiastes 3:22-26.31-32

The Epistle:            2.Timothy 1:7-10

The Gospel:            St. Luke 7:11-16

Psalm:                   68:5a.5c-6.20-21

The liturgical colour is green.

May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for the 16th Sunday after Trinity: But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (2Ti 1:10 KJV)

A collect for the 16th Sunday after Trinity: O Lord, we implore You, let Your continual pity cleanse and defend Your Church; and because she cannot continue in safety without Your aid, preserve her evermore by Your help and goodness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Lutheran Service Book: Altar Book Pg.926)

If you are called to preach this weekend, may the triune God give you joy and strength, wisdom, knowledge and insight – and the true words and pictures to preach his holy will faithfully according to his most precious revelation of his will and promises in both the Old and New Testament! However if you are not preaching, but listening – then listen as if God is talking to you + His precious gospel is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” (Rom 1:16 NIV)

We thank the Lutheran Heritage Foundation for supporting the distribution of hard-copies of these orders of worship and sermons throughout Southern Africa. If you also want a copy please do not hesitate to subscribe by writing to EAWWeber@bundunet.co.za.

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Confessional address at LTS in Tshwane

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

This mornings confessional address was held by Professor Dr. Werner Klän from the LTH Oberursel i.T. His sermonette can be read here: Devotion on 1 Corinthians 7_2015_09_16

We also sang the hymn by Johann Hermann (1585-1647):

O God, my faithful God,
True fountain ever flowing,
Without whom nothing is,
All perfect gifts bestowing:
Give me a healthy frame,
And may I have within
A conscience free from blame,
A soul unstained by sin.

Give me the strength to do
With ready heart and willing
Whatever you command,
My calling here fulfilling.
Help me do what I should
With all my might, and bless
The outcome for my good,
For you must give success.

Keep me from saying words
That later need recalling;
Guard me lest idle speech
May from my lips be falling;
But when within my place
I must and ought to speak,
Then to my words give grace
Lest I offend the weak.

When dangers gather round,
Oh, keep me calm and fearless;
Help me to bear the cross
When life seems dark and cheerless;
Help me, as you have taught,
To love both great and small
And by your Spirit’s might
To live at peace with all.

Hymn # 371 from Lutheran Worship
Author: Ahasverus Fritsch
Tune: Was Frag Ich Nach Der Welt
1st Published in: 1630

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Morning Prayer with Dr. Böhmer

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Today’s Morning Prayer was led by Dr. Karl Böhmer, who preached on 1.Timothy 6:6-12a. This is available here: 1Ti6,6-12 Matins KB

Student of theology Nkosi Mduduzi (Middleburg, MP) assisted with the reading of the lectionary and intoning Psalm 123.

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Matins on Mondays

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

world map

Here’s this mornings sermonette preached in St.Timothy Matins Proverbs 30,4-9 and you can listen to it too:

We sang the lovely hymn:

Faith and Truth and Life Bestowing

Faith and truth and life bestowing
	open now the Scriptures, Lord,
seed to life eternal sowing,
  	scattered on the wind abroad.
Let not hearts, your word receiving,
  	like a barren field be found,
choked with thorns and unbelieving,
  	shallow earth or stony ground.

May the Spirit's power unceasing
  	bring to life the hidden grain,
daily in our hearts increasing,
  	bearing fruit that shall remain.
So in Scripture, song and story,
  	Saviour, may your voice be heard.
Till our eyes behold your glory
  	give us ears to hear your word.

Timothy Dudley-Smith
Words © 1997 Hope Publishing Company

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Godfather on friendship, family and engagement to marry …

Posted on September 13, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Here’s the address given at yesterday’s engagement celebrations of Matthias & Chantalle: 1Pt5,7 Verlobungsansprache & hymn sheet: Niebuhr & Dedekind Verlobung

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Baptizatus sum

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber
  1. God’s own child, I gladly say it:
    I am baptized into Christ!
    He, because I could not pay it,
    Gave my full redemption price.
    Do I need earth’s treasures many?
    I have one worth more than any
    That brought me salvation free
    Lasting to eternity!
  2. Sin, disturb my soul no longer:
    I am baptized into Christ!
    I have comfort even stronger:
    Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice.
    Should a guilty conscience seize me
    Since my Baptism did release me
    In a dear forgiving flood,
    Sprinkling me with Jesus’ blood!
  3. Satan, hear this proclamation:
    I am baptized into Christ!
    Drop your ugly accusation,
    I am not so soon enticed.
    Now that to the font I’ve traveled,
    All your might has come unraveled,
    And, against your tyranny,
    God, my Lord, unites with me!
  4. Death, you cannot end my gladness:
    I am baptized into Christ!
    When I die, I leave all sadness
    To inherit paradise!
    Though I lie in dust and ashes
    Faith’s assurance brightly flashes:
    Baptism has the strength divine
    To make life immortal mine.
  5. There is nothing worth comparing
    To this lifelong comfort sure!
    Open-eyed my grave is staring:
    Even there I’ll sleep secure.
    Though my flesh awaits its raising,
    Still my soul continues praising:
    I am baptized into Christ;
    I’m a child of paradise!

Erdmann Neumeister 1671-1756

(Translated by Robert Voelker)

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Lutheran Order of service in isiZulu and seTswana

Posted on September 10, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

The Lutheran Order of Service for the 15th Sunday after Trinity is available here in isiZulu and seTswana. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s Word from the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew in the 6th chapter verses 25-34 (“Don’t worry!” ) written by late missionary superintendent Rev. Christoph Johannes + (Salem, MP) in isiZulu (wz1547150913 n. Tr. 15) and translated as usual by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN) into seTswana (wt1547150913 n. Tr. 15).

The readings for the 15th Sunday after Trinity are:

  • Old Testament:       Genesis 2:4b-9 (10-14) 15
  • The Epistle:            1.Peter 5:5c-11
  • The Gospel:            St. Matthew 6:25-34
  • Psalm:                     127:1-2

The liturgical colour is green.

May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for the 15th Sunday after Trinity: Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1Pe 5:7 NIV)

A collect for the 15th Sunday after Trinity: O Lord, we pray that Your grace may always go before and follow after us, that we may continually be given to all good works; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Lutheran Service Book: Altar Book Pg.927)

If you are called to preach this weekend, may the triune God give you joy and strength, wisdom, knowledge and insight – and the true words and pictures to preach his holy will faithfully according to his most precious revelation of his will and promises in both the Old and New Testament! However if you are not preaching, but listening – then listen as if God is talking to you + His precious gospel is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” (Rom 1:16 NIV)

We thank the Lutheran Heritage Foundation for supporting the distribution of hard-copies of these orders of worship and sermons throughout Southern Africa. If you also want a copy please do not hesitate to subscribe by writing to EAWWeber@bundunet.co.za.

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Matins in the morning

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber
St Paul the Lord Jesus Christ's apostle and missionary to all nations.

St Paul the Lord Jesus Christ’s apostle and missionary to all nations.

Here is the sermon for the Morning Prayer at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Tshwane held today by Rev. Dr. Karl Böhmer: Matins 1Ti1,12-17 KB

Peace to you +

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Matins on Mondays

Posted on September 7, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Mk1,40-45 Jesus heals a leper

Here is this mornings sermonette held on the gospel of St. Mark the first chapter verses 40-45: Matins Mk1,40-45. Here you can also listen to the audio file: 

We sang the lovely Hymn by Ludwig Helmbold (1552-1598) in the English translation by Gerald Torsen, Joseph Herl et al:

From God can nothing move me; He will not step aside
But gently will reprove me And be my constant guide.
He stretches out His hand in evening and in morning,
My life with grace adorning wherever I may stand.

When those whom I regarded as trustworthy and sure
Have long from me departed, God’s grace shall still endure,
He rescues me from sin and breaks the chains that bind me.
I leave death’s fear behind me; His peace I have within.

The Lord my life arranges; Who can His work destroy?
In His good time He changes all sorrow into joy.
So let me then be still: My body, soul, and spirit
His tender care inherit according to His will.

Each day at Hhis good pleasure God’s gracious will is done.
He sent His greatest treasure in Jesus Christ, His Son.
He every gift imparts. The bread of earth and heaven
Are by His kindness given.  Praise Him with thankful hearts!

Praise God with acclamation and in His gifts rejoice.
Each day finds its vocation responding to His voice.
Soon years on earth are past; but time we spend expressing
The love of God brings blessing that will forever last!

Yet even thou I suffer the world’s unpleasantness,
And though the days grow rougher and bring me great distress,
That day of bliss divine, which knows no end or measure,
And Christ, who is my pleasure, forever shall be mine.

For thus the Father willed it, who fashioned us from clay;
And His own Son fulfilled it and brought eternal day.
The Spirit now has come, to us true faith has given;
He leads us home to heaven. O praise the Three in One!

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