Herrenhuter readings for Tuesday, the 22nd October 2013

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

creation of adam and eveSo God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Gen 1:27 KJV)

And you have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. (Col 3:10 KJV)

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Löhe on Ephesians 6:11

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Eph 6:11 KJV)

The whole armour of God is a divine gift. We hDavid and Goliathumans don’t have that much power from ourselves. Yet if the most holy God gives us his whole armour, if he is in us and we are in him, then we are well armed and ready for war. Yes, if he guards and keeps us, we are most wonderfully protected and shielded against all evil and onslaughts of the devil. It would be very foolish to attempt to fight this wily foe on our own. Yet it is just as foolhardy and even cowardly and fainthearted if we are well equipped and empowered for combat by the Lord on high and we would still shy away from this calling to war and run away not to face this challenge in the name of the Lord. Who would be so timid and dare to doubt the heavenly victory? We know the promise: “The Lord will fight for you, you however will be still!” Even now this war is really more God’s war than ours. Whoever trusts in the Lord, will not flee. Victory belongs to the faithful. Beware of the cowardice of doubt and unbelief! Beware of the enemy, remember your high calling and responsibility – and take up the full armour of God. He will lead you to victory! “Put on this armour,” admonishes the apostle, “so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” You can’t get by with just any casual clothing. You must wear the godly armour to fight a good battle. The godly power is his and his victory will be yours. All is from God and to his glory. He guarantees our victory and the final destruction of the devil and all evil.

Lord God, heavenly Father! You have sent your only begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ into this world to destroy the works of the devil. We pray you, keep us from pernicious self-security and preserve us in all temptations and afflictions through the mighty power of your Holy Spirit, so that we may fight nobly and even in all assaults of the devil remain in your peace to the very end and come to your eternal salvation. Amen. (Agenda of the old Prussian Union 1931)

Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word; Curb those who by deceit or sword Would wrest the kingdom from your Son And bring to nought all he has done.

Lord Jesus Christ, your power make known, For you are Loud of lords alone; Defend your holy Church that we May sing your praise triumphantly.

O Comforter of priceless worth, Send peace and unity on earth; Support us in our final strife And lead us out of death of life. (Martin Luther 1483-1546 tr Catherine Winkworth 1827-1878)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Monday after the twenty first Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 362 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.

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Herrenhuter readings for Monday, the 21st October 2013

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

And-they-will-come-from-all-directions-and-sit-in-the-Kingdom-of-GodAnd I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. (Eze 36:27 NIV)

He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant– not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2Co 3:6 NIV)

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Löhe on Ephesians 6:10

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

heavenly hostsFinally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (Eph 6:10 KJV)

This life is a struggle. Nobody can deny that. Or is somebody exempt of this struggle? If somebody is not struggling with this world, then he’s in conflict with the heavens. Even the godly angels are warriors and fight as men of war. Our Lord Jesus Christ was in this world like we are and he was involved in the most severe battles until he could finally proclaim victoriously: “It is fulfilled!” Then his hardship was ended, but even now his a warrior of note – the top general and almighty Lord of all battles and wars. It is his future – and he will prove it in the final destruction of the antichrist, all evil enemies and godless foes. This is not just a battle for the Son, but also for the Father and the Holy Spirit. The most holy Trinity is at war against all evil and for his own kingdom and people. This conflict will last till the last day. It is still growing in ferocity, violence and terror. Oh – it is very serious and not to be taken lightly even if we don’t see much of it too clearly. Blow the trumpets! Wake up the lazy sleepers. Do everything to alert everybody to recognize the grim truth of this dire situation. Whoever has ears, let him hear what the apostle writes!

Oh Lord of Hosts, receive our prayers this evening and pour out over us the bounty of your mercy and victories. Guard us with your holy angels, gird us with your powerful weapons, defend us with your power, save us from all calamity and danger, from the persecution and destruction by the evil foe and grant us your most precious grace, that we can peacefully, free from sin, fear and terror pass this night and every day of our life. With you we find mercy and forgiveness. Lord, triune God we praise and magnify your holy name now and forever. Amen. (Wilhelm Löhe)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for the twentyfirst Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 362 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.

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Herrenhuter readings for Sunday, the 20th October 2013

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

ritter_tod_teufe_duerer“I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass.” (Isa 51:12 NIV)

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.” (Luk 12:4 NIV)

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Lutheran Order of service in isiZulu/seTswana

Posted on October 19, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

loveenemyThe Lutheran Order of Service for this 21st Sunday after the high holiday of the most holy Trinity is available here in isiZulu and seTswana. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s word from the gospel of the apostle St. John in the 15th chapter the verses 9-12 (13-17) written and translated in both isiZulu (wz1351131020 n Tr 21) and seTswana (wt1351131020 n Tr 21) by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN).

The readings for this Sunday are:

Old Testament:       Jeremaih 29,1.4-7.10-14

The Epistle:            Ephesians 6,10-17

The Gospel:            Matthew 5,38-48

The liturgical colour is green.

 

May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for the Sunday: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rom 12:21 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.

 

 

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Löhe on Ephesians 5:21

Posted on October 19, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

mountain_city-960x800Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. (Eph 5:21 KJV)

With these words the apostle draws together the most diverse people and their very different situations and contexts including their dependencies, ranks and equalities. It is the apostle’s desire that all Christians would submit themselves one to another in the fear of God. This is a very high and most desirable attitude in the Church. Wherever that becomes reality you have the most lovely picture of holy communion and life together. The entire life appears in the most glorious attire of loving spring. Even just the prospect of such a life together can motivate us to strive for this condition. However this situation is never just the result of suitable arrangements, but rather one of ongoing endeavour and faithful undertaking. We need to be faithful in holy business and focussed on the good of God as on the most delightful expression of Christian virtue and living. God’s eternal mercy is to be glorified amongst us and promote holy passion and zeal in most devout repentance and also most blessed success.

Oh Lord Jesus Christ, you are praised by the songs of the Fathers and confessors, the martyrs and holy servants! Mercifully look on your congregation, that trusts in you – even though its faith is often weak and small, its love poor and its hope too flat. Behold, we are anxious for help and comfort as your word is too often despised and your sacraments rejected. You have been merciful in the past and you have taken care of our souls again and again. You have prayed for your doubting, timid, sleeping and denying  disciples that their faith would not cease. Preserve us in faith too o Lord, so that we may overcome all conflict and strife, disunity and  discord and your congregation be enabled to all goodness and holiness as is pleasing to you. Grant us shepherds according to your good will, pastors to your liking, teachers of your word. Give us faithful guardians without fear, who would stand up against intimidation and overcome all provocation. Grant that your congregation with all its pastors would decorate their faith, hope and love with holy living. Give us truthful confessors, who would stand up for you and your dearest Church and let this Church be consistent in pure doctrine and teaching, enduring in the most holy calling to be the city on the mountain, to which the intimidated may flee and the lost find refuge and mercy. Amen. (Hermann Bezzel)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Saturday after the twentieth Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 361 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.

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Herrenhuter readings for Saturday, the 19th October 2013

Posted on October 19, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

christ-in-the-house-of-his-parentsFor the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you. (Deu 4:31 NIV)

For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. (Heb 2:17 NIV)

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Help our Seminary in Pretoria

Posted on October 18, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Seminary tapistryAs we come to a close of our academic year 2013 and are looking at the new applications to study at the Seminary next year, we urgently request your prayerful support and financial assistance to successfully address the big challenges ahead. If you want to know more, please read here: 131018 Request for help

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Löhe on Ephesians 5:20

Posted on October 18, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

SalvatoreGiving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph 5:20 KJV)

It is the apostle’s wish that the entire life be filled with gratitude, song and praise towards God. If that principle would come to fruition all base coarseness and rudeness that try to prevent things being good, noble and beautiful from thriving amongst us would be set back quite severely. It would also combat the primitive tradition of following the most animalistic passions. Just listen to the daily banter and chit-chat. What’s being discussed? Many get their words and thoughts filled from the dirty gutters and follow even dirtier ways in their mind than what their feet tread on. Some are even ashamed to have elevated thoughts and modes of speech, because they believe that’s a sign of haughty aloofness, whereas wallowing in the mud is to them a sign of being down to earth. It is as if they are rather embarrassed if the Holy Spirit invites them to a holy and heavenly lifestyle.  Meantime they should say thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for liberating them from the derogative bondage and vulgar existence. Who would not be keen to be freed in this way and led to a new and noble way of life.

Oh Lord Jesus Christ, free us from the damned illusion that a Christian should continue sinning as if it is normal and the only way. Sensitize our conscience that we are frightened by godlessness and unfaithfulness in our thoughts, words and deeds. Let us strive for holiness, purity and righteousness to which you have saved and freed us through your most precious blood.   Amen.

God Himself is present: Let us now adore Him And with awe appear before Him. God is in His temple– All within keep silence, Prostrate lie with deepest reverence. Him alone God we own, Him, our God and Savior; Praise His name forever.

God Himself is present: Hear the harps resounding; See the hosts the throne surrounding! “Holy, holy, holy”– Hear the hymn ascending, Songs of saints and angels blending. Bow Thine ear To us here: Hear, O Christ, the praises That Thy Church now raises.

O Thou Fount of blessing, Purify my spirit, Trusting only in Thy merit. Like the holy angels, Who behold Thy glory, May I ceaselessly adore Thee. Let Thy will Ever still Rule Thy Church terrestrial As the hosts celestial. (Gerhard Tersteegen, 169701769 tr Frederick W. Foster 1760-1835)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Friday after the twentieth Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 360 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.

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