Lutheran Order of service in isiZulu and seTswana

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Christ_Taking_Leave_of_the_Apostles

The Lutheran Order of Service for the 4th 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. Luke in the 6th chapter verses 36-42 written by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN) into both isiZulu () and seTswana ().

The readings for the 4th Sunday after Trinity are:

  • Old Testament:       Genesis 50:15-21
  • The Epistle:            Romans 14:10-13
  • The Gospel:            St. Luke 6:36-42
  • Psalm:                    22:24a.25-27a

The liturgical colour is green.

May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for the 4th Sunday after Trinity: Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. (Gal 6:2 KJV)

A collect for the 4th Sunday after Trinity: O Lord, grant that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by Your governance that Your Church may joyfully serve You in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Pastoral Companion 593)

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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Herrenhuter readings for Thursday, the 25th June 2015

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Prodigal Son by Eugene Burnand

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you.  (Isa 30:18 NIV) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Rev 3:20 KJV)

It is the image of the Father looking for his lost son combined with the only begotten Son Jesus Christ, who remained at home with the Father, but then went out in the power of the Holy Spirit – left his very own for us and our salvation – and became man like one of us from the holy mother of God, the very blessed Virgin Mary, so that he might seek and save the lost. He and the Father are one and they have the very same mind and approach in this most central mission of theirs: The mission of grace, forgiveness and bringing home, those long gone and away – so that they too will sit at the table with Abraham and all other patriarchs, prophets of old and most holy apostles, martyrs and faithful Christians from across the globe – for they all are children of the heavenly Father and siblings of our most precious brother, saviour and Lord Jesus Christ.

These biblical images of divine longing, waiting, looking forward to and awaiting the return of the children is wonderful and delightful. Perhaps as parent you know the feeling of great expectation when the children are about to return home. Whereas with us there are always some selfish motives and even sinful parts to the deal, the triune God is pure, innocent and truly holy – even as he awaits our eventual return and final homecoming. For him its all about us and our salvation. That’s what he longs for. That’s what he strives for. That is his hearts desire and innermost motivation for inviting to the great banquet and glorious wedding feast, when at last the bridegroom will take home his most beloved bride – the holy Christian Church – to be with her and she with him and nothing will ever separate them again.

That is why he is still sending out his messengers, ambassadors, missionaries, evangelists, teachers, bishops, theologians, envoys and servants out to the streets and byways of the world, the great cities and wayward rural places: Come – for the feast is prepared – the Lord of all and King of kings is calling you: Come and see, how friendly your God is + Come, taste and enjoy the  divine communion prepared for you by him and all his angels + Come home and be at peace in blessed union with God and all his people.  He has done it all and we are called to enjoy it now and forever. Amen.

  1. Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice, With exultation springing, And, with united heart and voice And holy rapture singing, Proclaim the wonders God hath done, How His right arm the victory won; Right dearly it hath cost Him.
  2. Fast bound in Satan’s chains I lay, Death brooded darkly o’er me, Sin was my torment night and day, In sin my mother bore me; Yea, deep and deeper still I fell, Life had become a living hell, So firmly sin possessed me.
  3. My own good works availed me naught, No merit they attaining; Free will against God’s judgment fought, Dead to all good remaining. My fears increased till sheer despair Left naught but death to be my share; The pangs of hell I suffered.
  4. But God beheld my wretched state Before the world’s foundation, And, mindful of His mercies great, He planned my soul’s salvation. A father’s heart He turned to me, Sought my redemption fervently: He gave His dearest Treasure.
  5. He spoke to His beloved Son: ‘Tis time to have compassion. Then go, bright Jewel of My crown, And bring to man salvation; From sin and sorrow set him free, Slay bitter death for him that he May live with Thee forever.
  6. This Son obeyed His Father’s will, Was born of virgin mother, And God’s good pleasure to fulfill, He came to be my Brother. No garb of pomp or power He wore, A servant’s form, like mine, He bore, To lead the devil captive.
  7. To me He spake: Hold fast to Me, I am thy Rock and Castle; Thy Ransom I Myself will be, For thee I strive and wrestle; For I am with thee, I am thine, And evermore thou shalt be Mine; The Foe shall not divide us.
  8. The Foe shall shed My precious blood, Me of My life bereaving. All this I suffer for thy good; Be steadfast and believing. Life shall from death the victory win, My innocence shall bear thy sin; So art thou blest forever.
  9. Now to My Father I depart, The Holy Spirit sending And, heavenly wisdom to impart, My help to thee extending. He shall in trouble comfort thee, Teach thee to know and follow Me, And in all truth shall guide thee.
  10. What I have done and taught, teach thou, My ways forsake thou never; So shall My kingdom flourish now And God be praised forever. Take heed lest men with base alloy The heavenly treasure should destroy; This counsel I bequeath thee.

Hymn 387 The Lutheran Hymnal (TLH) Text: Rom. 3: 28. Dr.  Martin Luther, 1483-1546 translated by: Richard Massie, 1854, alt. Titled: “Nun freut euch, liebe Christen g’mein“

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Herrenhuter readings for Wednesday, the 24th June 2015

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

4164-original

Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: (Jer 3:14 KJV) In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Mat 3:1-2 KJV)

Sounds like fun: “Backsliding”. Awakens memories of sliding down garden embankments as a child and down sandy dunes later. Yet backsliding is something else – and it’s not funny, no child’s play but risky business and even life threatening. Yes, if not stopped and reversed in good time its damning and has deadly outcomes for sure. See, our good and loving God – the heavenly Father – has created us to be his own. In his Son Jesus Christ he has called us to live in his kingdom as his holy people. That’s what the Holy Spirit’s business is about day in day out – calling, enlightening, keeping us in unison with the holy Trinity and in the true faith.   For the living God has not just affiliated us loosely to himself, but rather married to us – and what God has joined together let man not pull asunder. Backsliding in this matter would be like adultery and that’s just another biblical image for the most contemptuous and abominable idolatry. Not fun stuff, but deadly business – even if it looks different in our eyes!

That’s why the living God calls the tempted and even fallen backsliders to turn, to repent and to remain with him and his grace and goodness. It’s this very grace and goodness, that makes him call us back out of sinful lives, faithlessness and deathly unbelief. He’s out to get us back in the good sense of this Sunday’s gospel message – the good shepherd seeking and finding that lost sheep and to return it on his shoulders and in his arms to where it belongs – home and in the sanctuary of the holy Christian Church and divine family. That’s why he sent out apostles and prophets like the saint John the Baptist: “Repent ye: For the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” That’s why even today pastors, evangelists, missionaries, teachers, bishops and other elders carry out that inviting message: “Turn, o backsliding children!”

God’s call is effective. Thanks to it, there are people heeding the divine call throughout the world. They not only listen, but through this very word of invitation, but also reprimand and warning are brought back from the brink and even out of the depths of woe and deaths dark vale into the heavenly realms and blessed sanctuaries of God’s holy presence and blessed activity. They are returned to the city of God – the holy city of Zion – the blessed and beloved Church, the very centre of God’s gracious ministry and saving service: Your sins are forgiven. Depart in peace + Not to leave God’s presence, but to carry on with our daily lives in his healing and saving presence – now and always. Amen.

  1. Jesus sinners doth receive; May they all this saying ponder Who in sin’s delusions live And from God and heaven wander! Here is hope for all who grieve: Jesus sinners doth receive.
  2. We deserve but grief and shame, Yet his words, rich grace revealing, Pardon, peace, and life proclaim. Here our ills have perfect healing; We with humble hearts believe Jesus sinners doth receive.
  3. When their sheep have lost their way, Faithful shepherds go to seek them; Jesus watches all who stray, Faithfully to find and take them In his arms that they may live Jesus sinners doth receive.
  4. Come, O sinners, one and all, Come, accept his invitation; Come, obey his gracious call, Come and take his free salvation! Firmly in these words believe: Jesus sinners doth receive.
  5. Jesus sinners doth receive. Even me he has forgiven; And when I this earth must leave, I shall find an open heaven. Dying, still to him I cleave Jesus sinners doth receive.

Lutheran Worship 229 by: Erdmann Neumeister (1671-1756) Tune: Meinen Jesum lass ich nicht

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Herrenhuter readings for Tuesday, the 23rd June 2015

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Claude_Monet_-_The_Magpie

Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. (Psa 4:7 KJV) Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (Phi 4:11 KJV)

Rejoicing in times of harvest and when the treasures and vaults are filled seems natural and easy. In today’s reading from Psalm 4 a more complex relation is touched on and the various translations try to come to grips with this tension. On the one side is the gladness in the heart of the psalmist and on the other side is the increase of corn and wine of “others” – family, friends or rivals. Whereas the KJV uses this as a plain comparison, Luther puts it in stark contrast: I rejoice even though they have plenty. This reminds of the conflict and temptation to doubt God’s goodness and faithfulness when the godless prosper and flourish as is described in Psalms 37 and 73 for instance.

In any case the psalmist makes it clear that it is God, who puts gladness in my heart. He makes me content, joyful and at peace. The wonderful thing is that God does this often even in the most desperate situations. Even when the faithful live in stressful times as Daniel in the lion’s den, Joseph in the Egyptian slavery and prison, Jacob in exile and hard done by his father-in-law, St. Paul’s in the dungeon of Philippi or the African treasurer in lonely stretches of desert and parched lands – it’s by God’s grace and mercy that they can rejoice and go their way joyfully and with gratitude in their hearts. The gifted songwriter Paul Gerhard puts it into the memorable words: “Gibt schöne rote Wangen oft bei geringem Mahl und die da sind gefangen, die führt er aus der Qual!“ (He gives a delightful complection even with poor meals and the prisoners are relieved from their suffering)

St.Paul summarizes the result of this wonderful doing of our living God with the word “contentment”. This is God’s gift and he creates this in good and in bad times, in times of riches and poverty, in captivity and liberty – always and everywhere he lets all things serve to our best (Rom.8:31ff). Here he phrases it: “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Phi 4:12-13 KJV)

It’s not what we have or don’t have. It’s not about what we have done or still can do. It’s not about our situation past or present, but rather all about Christ Jesus in and with us all the days of our life. Being in him and belonging to him and his life and destination frees us from the contextualities and eventualities of this time and age – lifts us beyond these strictures and human boundaries even as we are still very much bound up in this body and time. He let’s me dwell in safety and at peace. Amen.

We pray with the Psalmist: Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD. There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. (Psa 4:1-8 KJV)

  1. If God Himself be for me, I may a host defy; For when I pray, before me My foes, confounded, fly. If Christ, my Head and Master, Befriend me from above, What foe or what disaster Can drive me from His love?
  2. This I believe, yea, rather, Of this I make my boast, That God is my dear Father, The Friend who loves me most, And that, whate’er betide me, My Saviour is at hand Through stormy seas to guide me And bring me safe to land.
  3. I build on this foundation, That Jesus and His blood Alone are my salvation, The true, eternal good. Without Him all that pleases Is valueless on earth; The gifts I owe to Jesus Alone my love are worth.
  4. My Jesus is my Splendour, My Sun, my Light, alone; Were He not my Defender Before God’s awe-full throne, I never should find favour And mercy in His sight, But be destroyed forever As darkness by the light.
  5. He cancelled my offenses, Delivered me from death; He is the Lord who cleanses My soul from sin through faith. In Him I can be cheerful, Bold, and undaunted aye; In Him I am not fearful Of God’s great Judgment Day.
  6. Naught, naught, can now condemn me Nor set my hope aside; Now hell no more can claim me, Its fury I deride. No sentence e’er reproves me, No ill destroys my peace; For Christ, my Saviour, loves me And shields me with His grace.
  7. His Spirit in me dwelleth, And o’er my mind He reigns. All sorrow He dispelleth And soothes away all pains. He crowns His work with blessing And helpeth me to cry, “My Father!” without ceasing, To Him who dwells on high.
  8. And when my soul is lying Weak, trembling, and opprest, He pleads with groans and sighing That cannot be exprest; But God’s quick eye discerns them, Although they give no sound, And into language turns them E’en in the heart’s deep ground.
  9. To mine His Spirit speaketh Sweet word of holy cheer, How God to him that seeketh For rest is always near And how He hath erected A city fair and new, Where what our faith expected We evermore shall view.
  10. In yonder home doth flourish My heritage, my lot; Though here I die and perish, My heaven shall fail me not. Though care my life oft saddens And causeth tears to flow, The light of Jesus gladdens And sweetens every woe.
  11. Who clings with resolution To Him whom Satan hates Must look for persecution; For him the burden waits Of mockery, shame, and losses, Heaped on his blameless head; A thousand plagues and crosses Will be his daily bread.
  12. From me this is not hidden, Yet I am not afraid; I leave my cares, as bidden, To whom my vows were paid. Though life and limb it cost me And everything I won, Unshaken shall I trust Thee And cleave to Thee alone.
  13. Though earth be rent asunder, Thou’rt mine eternally; Not fire nor sword nor thunder Shall sever me from Thee; Not hunger, thirst, nor danger, Not pain nor poverty Nor mighty princes’ anger Shall ever hinder me.
  14. No angel and no gladness, No throne, no pomp, no show, No love, no hate, no sadness, No pain, no depth of woe, No scheme of man’s contrivance, However small or great, Shall draw me from Thy guidance Nor from Thee separate.
  15. My heart for joy is springing And can no more be sad, ‘Tis full of mirth and singing, Sees naught but sunshine glad. The Sun that cheers my spirit Is Jesus Christ, my King; That which I shall inherit Makes me rejoice and sing.

Hymn #528  The Lutheran Hymnal Rom. 8:31-39 Author: Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676 Translated by  Richard Massie, 1857: Ist Gott für mich, so trete gleich alles hinter…

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Herrenhuter readings for Monday, the 22nd June 2015

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

winterscape_snow

You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way. (2Sa 22:37 NIV) As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. (Mat 9:9 NIV)

Looking back on Father’s Day gives another chance to view the wonderful and miraculous way the triune God has led us throughout our lives. From our very first steps and even before that when we couldn’t even walk yet, but crawled around inquisitively he has already kept his watchful eyes over us so that we would not come to harm. The Holy Scriptures inform us that God did this gracious and merciful work of watching over us and keeping and preserving us even before we started thinking about this and as we just lay helplessly in some cot or in our mother’s arms after having been conceived in hidden places. God makes it clear that from the very beginning, he was focussed on us with loads of love and caring goodness – making sure that we would become who we are – living in trusting and grateful faith all the days of our life. For it is God himself, who provides a broad path for us and our endangered feet, so that our feet don’t slip, stumble or give way in some way or another. Rather by his grace and goodness we are to walk our path safe and sound – his rod and staff comfort me. And even if we should stumble or fall, he’s there to hold and keep us protected and in good care. Nothing can snatch us from his fatherly hands.

This holds true in our daily lives from the very earliest of days and throughout our toil and sojourning here on earth – be it now seventy or eighty years (or only 30 or 20 for that matter!), but especially as we follow his calling into his service and mission. St. Matthew was one of the first, who was called by our Lord Jesus Christ into his fellowship and lifelong discipleship. And although our Lord and saviour’s words hold true for him and us as for St. Peter: “Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” (Joh 21:18 NIV) Even then our Lord provides, granting sure footing and safe passage even as our feet grow feeble, start to falter and stumble along – for he leads and guides us for his very name’s sake. Ensuring that we reach our heavenly destination – our lives goal thanks to his goodness and loving care. Amen.

  1. Jesus, lead Thou on  Till our rest is won;  And although the way be cheerless, We will follow calm and fearless. Guide us by Thy hand  To our fatherland.
  1. If the way be drear, If the foe be near, Let not faithless fears o’ertake us; Let not faith and hope forsake us; For through many a woe To our home we go.
  1. When we seek relief  From a long-felt grief; When temptations come alluring, Make us patient and enduring; Show us that bright shore Where we weep no more.
  1. Jesus, lead Thou on Till our rest is won. Heavenly Leader, still direct us,  Still support, control, protect us, Till we safely stand  In our fatherland.

The Lutheran Hymnal Hymn #410  Text: Luke 5:1 Author: Cento by Christian Gregor, 1778 translated by: Jane Borthwick, 1854, alt.  Titled: “Jesu, geh voran” Composer: Adam Drese, 1697 Tune: “Seelenbräutigam”.

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Vater Wilhelms Rundbrief

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber
eltern-weber
Ganz habe ich die Arbeit: “So verstehen wir die Bibel” noch nicht gelesen. Für das, und über das was ich gelesen habe, danke ich vielmals und freue ich mich gerade zur Beherzigung in Südafrika, nachdem 2009 die NT-kirche ihren Standpunkt zum Verständnis der heiligen Schrift auf ganz andere Weise zu Papier gebracht und veröffentlicht hat.
Doch  möchte ich den Ausdruck der “bedingungslosen Güte” hinterfragen. Warum ist aus Luthers “grundlosen Güte” die “bedingungslose”gemacht worden. Wenn Lutheraner ihr Gebete mit der Kirche aller Zeiten schließt: Die Bitte um Gnade, Liebe, Barmherzigkeit, Hilfe u. s. w. möge erhört werden: “Um Jesu Christi willen.” Berhard Rothen in seiner Kritik an Karl Barth schreibt von der “irreführenden bedingungslosen Gnade.” Dr. Gottfried Hoffmann in seinem: “Bei Gott ist viel mehr Gnade” (2005 3. Auflage 2014) schreibt  von der “unbedingten Gnade” über Walthers rechte Unterscheidung von Gesetz und Evangelium” (1878). Mir ist die Ausgabe von 1893 durch den Wiederdruck (1946) bekannt. Da hat Walther geschrieben: “Wie anders ist das liebliche, süße, trostreiche Evangelium! -Das verheißt uns Gottes Gnade und Seligkeit ohne alle Bedingung. Es ist eine Verheißung freier Gnade. Es begehrt nichts, als ‘Nimm es an, dann hast du es.’ Das ist aber keine Bedingung, sondern nur eine freundliche Einladung.”  Durch Einladung durch Wort und Sakrament ist das “irreführende” von Rothen ausgeschlossen. Gott hat ja viel dafür getan, dass er uns gnädig ist, und lässt es sich noch immer viel kosten, wenn er Prediger schickt und für ihre Ausbildung und ihr Auskommen sorgt.
Ich bin dankbar, dass zur “bedingungslosen Güte” Cat. maj. II,28 angegeben wurde. Ich ging gleich zu Karin und sagte, “auch Luther hätte von der “bedinungslosen Güte”  geschrieben, bevor ich nachprüfte in BSLK (3. Auflage). BSELK soll ja die Sprache hier und da modernisiert haben. Aber auch da BSELK p. 1056, Z. 11 ist die “grundlose Güte” stehen geblieben, und nicht zur “bedingungslosen Güte” geworden.  Beim Nachlesen in der BSELK entdeckte ich, dass darin die Paragraphen nicht nummeriert sind Ich habe nun die Bekenntnisschriften in Englisch, Zulu und Tswana nach der Übersetzung von “grundlose Güte” nachgelesen in Englisch: “in His immeasurable goodness” nach derAusgabe von CPH, St. Louis; die Triglotta wörtlich: ”unfathomable goodness.” Unfathomable steht sogar im English- Zuluwörterbuch. Im English-Tswanawörterbuch habe ich das Wort nicht gefunden. In Setswana Konkordienbuch steht:: “mefutafuta ya molemo”; Zulu: “ngohlobo ngohlobo lobuhle”.
Bei der Laudatio zum BSELK für den Sassepreis am kommenden Sonnabend wird es sicher kaum erwähnt werden, wie durch die Ausgabe ohne Zählung der § uns bei der Benutzung der genannten Übersetzungen der Vergleich mit dem Original wieder mehr Zeit in Anspruch nehmen wird. In all den genannten Übersetzungen war es schnell nach der “Paragraphenangabe” von der Ausgabe von Müller und der BSLK zu finden. In der BSELK musste nun schon zum ersten Mal die Stelle mit einigem Lesen gefunden werden.  Ich bedauere es sehr, dass BSELK zwar die Seitenzahl von BSLK klein am Rand angibt, aber die Zählung nach § gibt es nicht. Die Paragraphen hätten bei der schon immensen Arbeit noch einige Stunden mehr gekostet. Die Zählung der § war für die Arbeit in Zulu, Tswana, Englisch zum Finden im Original der BSLK hilfreich, und nun nicht mehr zu nutzen  Da gilt es jetzt die Seite in BSLK nach der Paragraphenangabe zu finden, und dann mit der angegebenen Seite die Seite in BSELK zu lesen, bis man die Zeilen findet. Schon die Triglotta hatte die Paragraphen vom Müller übernommen. Ich würde mich freuen, wenn man bei der “grundlosen Güte” von Luthers Katechismus bliebe in “So verstehen wir die Bibel” und überhaupt in allem Reden von Gottes Güte, Liebe, Gnade, weil wir selbstverständlich alles das nur aufgrund des “um Christi willen” verstehen, meinen. Deshalb soll bei der Erfüllung und der Inanspruchnahme der Liebe, Gnade, Barmhezigkeit und Güte nicht unerwähnt bleiben dass das alles um Christi willen geschieht, von Gottes Seite nicht ohne das, was Christus getan hat und tun musste, es für uns zu ermöglichen. gewährt. Dazu noch: “Gott liebt uns bedingungslos, wie wir sind.” Wie antinomistisch, reformiert, charismatisch  irreführend? Prof. Klän sagte mir einmal: “Er liebt uns, obwohl wir sind, wie wir sind.”  Was hat es Gott gekostet, dass wir erlöset sind?!  Diese teuer erworbene Gnade soll nicht als billige Gnade verschleudert werden. Die reine Gnade ist immer verbunden mit dem Namen, Wort und dem Werk Jesu Christi. Das sollte man bei allem Singen von pietistischen Liedern und vor allem auch bei unserem Predigen immer bedenken. Wie oft wurde von Gnade, Güte, Barmherzigkeit, Liebe Gottes gesungen und gebetet, ohne den Namen Jesu Christi zu nennen. Wenn Paulus z. B. in der heutigen Epistel von seinem Erleben der Gnade und Barmherzigkeit Gottes schreibt, nennt er den Namen Jesu vier Mal. Das heutige Evangelium erinnert uns an die Freude über einen Sünder der Buße tut, umkehrt, nicht bleibt, wie er ist, und gerade von seinem Gnadenstand bekennt, dass es ganz allein um Christi willen möglich ist und aufgrund seiner Verheißung bleiben wird.
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Lutheran Order of service & sermon in isiZulu and seTswana

Posted on June 18, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Verlorene Sohn

The Lutheran Order of Service for the 3rd 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. Luke in the 15th chapter verses 10,1-3.11b-32 written by retired missionary Rev. K-G Tiedemann (Tarmstedt, Germany) in isiZulu (wz1535150621 n. Tr. 3) and translated by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN) into seTswana (wt1535150621 n. Tr. 3).

The readings for the 3rd Sunday after Trinity are:

  • Old Testament:       Ezekiel 18:1-4.21-24.30-32
  • The Epistle:            1st Timothy 1:12-17
  • The Gospel:            St. Luke 15:1-3.11b-32
  • Psalm:                    103:8.10-12

The liturgical colour is green.

May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for the 3rd Sunday after Trinity: For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luk 19:10 KJV)

A collect for the 3rd Sunday after Trinity: O God, the protector of all who trust in You, without whom nothing is strong and nothing is holy, multiply Your mercy on us that, with You as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Pastoral Companion 593)

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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Lutheran Order of service in isiZulu and seTswana

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Gr Abendmahl

The Lutheran Order of Service for the 2nd 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. Luke in the 14th chapter verses (15) 16-24 written by retired missionary Rev. K-G Tiedemann (Tarmstedt, Germany) in isiZulu (wz1534150628 n. Tr. 2) and translated by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN) into seTswana (wt1534150614 n. Tr 2.wpd).

The readings for the 2nd  Sunday after Trinity are:

  • Old Testament:       Isaiah 55:1-3b (3c-5)
  • The Epistle:            Ephesians 2:17-22
  • The Gospel:            St. Luke 14: (15) 16-24
  • Psalm:                    36:6-7a.8-9

The liturgical colour is green.

May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for the 2nd Sunday after Trinity: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Mat 11:28 KJV)

A collect for the 2nd Sunday after Trinity: O Lord, since You never fail to help and govern those whom You nurture in Your steadfast fear and love, work in us a perpetual fear and love of Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (LSB Altar Book Pg.909)

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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Der reiche Mann und der arme Lazarus

Posted on June 7, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

Meister_des_Codex_Aureus_Epternacensis_001

Hier die heutige Predigt gehalten in St.Paul (Arcadia, SA) ueber Lukas 16:19-31 (Der reiche Mann und der arme Lazarus). Gottes Segen beim Lesen und Hoeren:

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Herrenhuter readings for Friday, the 5th June 2015

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Wilhelm Weber

gemsbok in the desert

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. (Psa 42:1 KJV) In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. (Joh 7:37 KJV)

The imagery is vivid. The thirstlands barren. Man and animals thirsty. And there is no hunger or thirst worse than that for the living word from God for man does not live of bread alone, but from the very Word that comes from God’s mouth. The picture of the rich man suffering in hell with parched lips and sore pain all over – and just no relief in sight.

Our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to the rich reserves and his fonts of living water. Those are not empty promises, but he has shown in the most barren places how he gave flowing streams of fresh water to those suffering so severly in the desert, when he let the cool waters break forth from the cliffs through the striking rod of his servant Moses. Or do you remember when he changed water into wine, making it abundantly clear that his divine abundance by far surpasses are wildest expectations, dreams and hopes even.

He starts off our new life with him through his living waters in Holy Baptism. In Holy Communion with him he grants us the cup of the New Testament – his very blood shed for us on the cross – so that we would be resuscitated and revitalize in the true faith that he is good, merciful and gracious to forgive all our sins and iniquities. He himself is the very source of life and he shares it with us, so that we would be in him and he in us and nothing seperate us forever. For he and the Father are greater than all and everything. He leads us to quite waters by … goodness and mercy shall follow me all my life and I will remain in the house of the Lord forever for he is truly good and his mercy endures forever and ever. Amen.

Therefore come, taste and see, how friendly your Lord is!

Lord's Supper before us

“I Come, O Savior, to Thy Table”
by Friedrich C. Heyder, 1677-1754

1. I come, O Savior, to Thy Table,
For weak and weary is my soul;
Thou, Bread of Life, alone art able
To satisfy and make me whole:

REFRAIN:
Lord, may Thy body and Thy blood
Be for my soul the highest good!

2. Oh, grant that I in manner worthy
May now approach Thy heavenly Board
And, as I lowly bow before Thee,
Look only unto Thee, O Lord!

3. Unworthy though I am, O Savior,
Because I have a sinful heart,
Yet Thou Thy lamb wilt banish never
For Thou my faithful Shepherd art!

4. Oh, let me loathe all sin forever
As death and poison to my soul
That I through wilful sinning never
May see Thy Judgment take its toll!

5. Thy heart is filled with fervent yearning
That sinners may salvation see
Who, Lord, to Thee in faith are turning;
So I, a sinner, come to Thee.

6. Weary am I and heavy laden,
With sin my soul is sore opprest;
Receive me graciously, and gladden
My heart, for I am now Thy guest.

7. Thou here wilt find a heart most lowly
That humbly falls before Thy feet,
That duly weeps o’er sin, yet solely
Thy merit pleads, as it is meet.

8. By faith I call Thy holy Table
The testament of Thy deep love;
For, lo, thereby I now am able
To see how love Thy heart doth move.

9. What higher gift can we inherit?
It is faith’s bond and solid base;
It is the strength of heart and spirit,
The covenant of hope and grace.

10. This feast is manna, wealth abounding
Unto the poor, to weak ones power,
To angels joy, to hell confounding,
And life for us in death’s dark hour.

11. Thy body, given for me, O Savior,
Thy blood which Thou for me didst shed,
These are my life and strength forever,
By them my hungry soul is fed.

12. With Thee, Lord, I am now united;
I live in Thee and Thou in me.
No sorrow fills my soul, delighted
It finds its only joy in Thee.

13. Who can condemn me now? For surely
The Lord is nigh, who justifies.
No hell I fear, and thus securely,
With Jesus I to heaven rise.

14. Though death may threaten with disaster,
It cannot rob me of my cheer;
For He who is of death the Master
With aid and comfort e’er is near.

15. My heart has now become Thy dwelling,
O blessed Holy Trinity.
With angels I, Thy praises telling,
Shall live in joy eternally.

The Lutheran Hymnal Text: 1 Cor. 11:28 Author: Friedrich C. Heyder, 1710
Titled: “Ich komm’ zu deinem Abendmahle”
Tune: “Ich sterbe taeglich” Leipzig, 1756

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