Predigt zum Reformationsfest in both English/German

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Guard Tower Central, Port Arthur, Tasmania300Predigt  ueber Jesaja 62:6-7.10-12 gehalten am Reformationsfest in St. Paul:  and here is a sermon by my brother Rev. Christoph D. Weber held today in Chatsworth Lutheran Church on the same passage from Isaiah, but in English: Sermon Reformation Chatsworth 2013.11.03 (1)

Posted in Sermon | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Löhe on Philippians 3:17a

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

1pieta1Brethren, be followers together of me (Phi 3:17 KJV)

Living apostolically – who would not recognize this as a benchmark of Christian living? Who would not agree that whoever patterns himself according to the apostolic model lives a truly Christian life. This apostolic admonition surely is not a prideful overestimation of St. Paul’s own virtues and gifts, but rather a thankful acknowledgement of God’s grace and mercy that was so powerful in his life and being. However we don’t have such a clear picture of this apostolic lifestyle – even if we would like to follow his example meticulously. Still – and even better – we have the example of Jesus Christ himself – and that of his disciples, who followed him during his wanderings here on earth. Next to the bright Sun of Jesus’ example the apostle’s is but a shining moon. Surely these examples are quite good enough for us to follow. What is the most striking of St. Paul’s life – and that is also that which is most worthy of following and reproducing even – is his consistent glorification and praise of Jesus’ cross and vicarious suffering, dying and victorious resurrection. Let us follow him in that!

Almighty and heavenly Father, we thank your most holy and precious name that you have given your holy apostles to preach forgiveness of sins, righteousness and eternal life through your dear Son Jesus Christ our Lord. We ask you most incessantly rule us by your Holy Spirit, that we follow their apostolic teaching in an ardent and burning faith and persist in this faith all the days of our life. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen. (W.Löhe)

1. Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide, For round us falls the eventide; Nor let Thy Word, that heavenly light, For us be ever veiled in night.

2. In these last days of sore distress Grant us, dear Lord, true steadfastness That pure we keep, till life is spent, Thy holy Word and Sacrament.

3. Lord Jesus, help, Thy Church uphold, For we are sluggish, thoughtless, cold. Oh, prosper well Thy Word of grace And spread its truth in every place!

4. Oh, keep us in Thy Word, we pray; The guile and rage of Satan stay! Oh, may Thy mercy never cease! Give concord, patience, courage, peace.

5. O God, how sin’s dread works abound! Throughout the earth no rest is found, And falsehood’s spirit wide has spread, And error boldly rears its head.

6. The haughty spirits, Lord, restrain Who o’er Thy Church with might would reign And always set forth something new, Devised to change Thy doctrine true.

7. And since the cause and glory, Lord, Are Thine, not ours, to us afford Thy help and strength and constancy. With all our heart we trust in Thee. 

8. A trusty weapon is Thy Word, Thy Church’s buckler, shield and sword. Oh, let us in its power confide That we may seek no other guide!

9. Oh, grant that in Thy holy Word We here may live and die, dear Lord; And when our journey endeth here, Receive us into glory there. (Philipp Melanchton 1497-1560 and Nicolaus Selnecker 1532-1592 tr F. Samuel Janzow 1913-2001)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for the twenty third Sunday after the high holiday of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 376 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

Posted in Meditations by P.Wilhelm Löhe (Translation) | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Herrenhuter readings for Sunday, the 3rd November 2013

Posted on November 3, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Icon of the Lord Jesus ChristHe is near that justifieth me; who will contend with me?  (Isa 50:8 KJV)

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. (Rom 10:4 KJV)

Posted in Losung & Lehrtext | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Löhe on Philippians 1:11

Posted on November 2, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

IX buesteBe filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ– to the glory and praise of God. (Phi 1:11 NIV)

Let’s think of a stone mason. With rough hands and a chisel just as rough he’s working on a statue of Christ. A masterful artist is sculpting one too. There’s a really big difference in the eventual product, yet you might recognize your saviour in both finally. Still the first may be a rather faint remembrance of him, whereas the other is something quite awesome filling you with all sorts of devote emotions and thoughts. In a similar way people reflect their Lord and saviour in various ways. There are those, who in grateful love are motivated by a bright and holy faith in their Lord. They reflect their Lord in even small things of everyday life. They are like those trees, who don’t bear just one or two little fruits, but rather are made up of a whole number of stems, branches and twigs all full of most beautiful fruits for a most holy harvest

Lord – the day and week are drawing to a close. Oh eternal One, we draw all the more closer to your eternity too. Now with you there is no change nor alternation of light and darkness, but just bright glory and joyful clarity. We put this week back into your merciful hands. Forgive all we did wrong, where we failed and sinned. Heal all hurting, illness and corruption. The changing fortunes of our days tire us out. We are longing for home to be with you in your wonderful light. Lord, we thank you for bearing with us so long. You bear us with your longsuffering and mercy just as you lead us to peace everlasting. We are grateful that tomorrow is your day. Let our soul find rest in you. Let us hear your living voice and grant that we faithfully preserve your teachings and promises in a fine, good heart and bring fruit patiently that lasts for eternal life. Amen. (Christian Geyer)

O gladsome light, O grace of our Creator’s face, The eternal splendor wearing; celestial, holy blessed, Our Savior Jesus Christ, joyful in Your appearing!

As fades the day’s last light we see the lamps of night, Our common hymn outpouring, O God of might unknown, You, the incarnate Son, and Spirit blessed adoring.

To You of right belongs all praise of holy songs, O Son of God, life giver. You, therefore, O Most High, The world does glorify and shall exalt forever. (Robert S. Bridges 1844-1930)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Saturday after the twenty second Sunday after the high holiday of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 375 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

Posted in Meditations by P.Wilhelm Löhe (Translation) | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Herrenhuter readings for Saturday, the 2nd November 2013

Posted on November 2, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Jesus Christ weeps over Jerusalem“Not one word has failed of all the good promises the Lord our God gave through his servant Moses.” (1Ki 8:56 NIV)

Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us. (Luk 1:78 KJV)

Posted in Losung & Lehrtext | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lutheran order of service in Zulu/Tswana

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

DSC_0021The Lutheran Order of Service for Reformation Celebrations is available here in isiZulu, seTswana and also in English. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s word from the prophet Isaiah 62, 6-7.10-12 in the sixth chapter the verses 6-8 written by Rev. Kurt Schnackenberg (LC Shelley Beach, KZN) in English (WE1353 131103Reformation) and translated into both isiZulu (wz1353131103 usuku lokukhumbula ukucandulwa kweKerike) and seTswana (wt1353131103 ka moletlo wa go gopola nt_hwafatso ya kereke) by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN).

The readings for this Sunday are:
Old Testament: Isaiah 62, 6-7.10-12
The Epistle: Romans 3:21-28
The Gospel: Matthew 5:2-10 (11-12)
The liturgical colour is red.

May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for the Reformation festival: For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1Co 3:11 NIV) – and if you are called to preach this weekend, may the triune God give you joy and strength, enthusiasm and wisdom, knowledge and insight – and the true words and pictures to preach his holy will purely and his promises faithfully! 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.

Posted in Lutheran Order of service | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Löhe on Philippians 1:10

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

DSC_0081So that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. (Phi 1:10 NIV)

Somebody may have all good intentions to support the truth, yet if he doesn’t have the proper insight and even lacks the feel for what is good in the sight of God, then he will not be able to do the right and appropriate thing. The guidance of the Holy Spirit is a prerequisite to pursue what is best and pure and blameless. This is abundantly clear if we perceive what is going on around us – even in the Christian Church. Two people may be very conscious followers of Christ and yet their conduct may be as different as heaven and earth or as coarseness and smoothness are opposed to each other. Whereas the one finds acclamation everywhere, the other just clashes against rejection and contradiction. The one seems like a pure revelation, while the other seems more like a total eclipse of the divine doings. So much depends on having the right gift of discernment and adjudication. We have to be filled with the Holy Spirit to “discern what is best and that we may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ”.

O Lord, our heart is poor, make it rich. The house of our soul is wrecked, rebuild and refurbish it. The garments of our faith are torn, fix them and dress us with your righteousness. Grant that we fear you above all things and nothing else. That we love you above all else and trust you more than all else too. Keep us in this fear, love and trust always as we are your holy congregation and Church, praising and thanking you for ever. Amen. (Christian Geyer)

Oh, that the Lord would guide my ways To keep his statutes still! Oh, that my God would grant me grace To know and do his will!

Order my footsteps by your Word And make my heart sincere; Let sin have no dominion, Lord, But keep my conscience clear.

Assist my soul, too apt to stray, A stricter watch to keep; If ever I for get your way, Restore your wandering sheep.

Make me to walk in your commands, A most delightful road; Nor let my head or heart or hands Offend against my god. (Isaac Watts, 1674-1748)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Friday after the twenty second Sunday after the high holiday of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 374 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

 

 

Posted in Meditations by P.Wilhelm Löhe (Translation) | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Herrenhuter readings for Friday, the 1st November 2013

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

 Praying hands and cross“For the LORD of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it? And as for His stretched-out hand, who can turn it back?” (Isa 14:27 NAS)

“The Lord’s will be done.” (Act 21:14 NIV)

Posted in Losung & Lehrtext | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Löhe on Philippians 1:8

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

St. Paul writingGod can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. (Phi 1:8 NIV)

Here the apostle St. Paul is attesting his affection for the Philippians with a solemn oath although nobody has charged him to do so. However love has pressed him to do this. Love, which justifies all – even this solemn oath. Yes, it is not really necessary to swear to this deep longing he has for the Philippians. It would have been enough to attest to it. Yet nobody would want to miss this from the witness of the New Testament. It is not forbidden, but rather a holy and sanctified work of love – this deep and inmost longing and affection the apostle has for his congregation and Church in Philippi. It is a love similar – yes, even more than that it is of the same kind and nature as that love Jesus Christ himself holds for his Church. On the one side this shows us the poverty on our own part as we lack this sincere and deep affection and love for Christ’s Church in all the world. On the other side it comforts and strengthens us as we remember the love, with which our Lord loves even us.

Gracious God, loving Father! From the bottom of our heart we give thanks to you for keeping us safe another day and night by your goodness and mercy. We pray that you may cleanse and purify our heart through your holy love and gracious forgiveness. Grant that we too would be ablaze with your holy love as we dedicate our bodies and soul to a living sacrifice in service to your people here on earth and to your holy Church. Grant that we may prosper in good works and readily serve those in need. May we grow in godliness and faithfulness all the days of our lives. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen. (W.Löhe)

May God bestow on us his grace and favour To please him with our behaviour And live together here in love and union Nor repent this blest communion. O Lord, have mercy! Let not your good Spirit forsake us, But that heavenly minded he make us; Give you Church, Lord, to see Days of Peace and unity. O Lord, have mercy! (Martin Luther 1483-1545)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion forThursday after the twenty second Sunday after the high holiday of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 372 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

Posted in Meditations by P.Wilhelm Löhe (Translation) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Herrenhuter readings for Thursday, the 31st October 2013

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

faith lutheranThe LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deu 31:8 NIV)

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (Phi 3:12 NIV)

Posted in Losung & Lehrtext | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment