What is required ?

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

centurion of capernaumYou need money to go to war (Friedrich of Prussia), patience in missions (Christoph Johannes), humility to be a Christian (John Calvyn), but you need faith in Jesus Christ’s forgiveness of all your sin to be saved now and forever: 

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Löhe on 1. Corinthians 15:8-9

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Saulus auf dem Weg nach DamaskusAnd last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. (1Co 15:8-9 NIV)

St. Paul compares himself with a prematurely born baby when the living Lord Jesus Christ appears to him on the road to Damascus, because he saw him even while he was not believing in him, but rather still rejecting him and his gospel – yes, persecuting him and his followers most severely. So when Saul – that was his name then – when Saul perceived the living Lord – his eyes were still those of an unbeliever and one, who actively resisted and rejected Jesus Christ as Lord and savior of the world. This off course is part of God’s plan. It’s significant for the Christian testimony St. Paul proclaims from this point onward, because he was not one, who would have liked it to be so, who was carried away by wishful speculation, but rather he was converted from his illusion and convinced to know better by the appearance of the living Lord himself. St. Paul confesses his horrible mistake and godless error – this most serious sin against God and his people: I persecuted the Church! This cancels all presumed merit, worthiness and prestige Saul might have had as a blameless Jew and passionate promoter of the pharisaic way of lawful life.

Oh, let this be a warning to all of us: Beware of any self conceited and proud boasting, which so easily permeates our being. Rather perceive your own sinfulness and praise God’s gracious forgiveness and unending mercy. The grace of forgiveness and of sanctification. Learn that this is not cheap grace and that it should not be offered to us in vain. May this grace accompany us on all your ways, in its manifold manifestations and with abundant fruit. This grace is our queen and she gowns us with the most glorious wedding vestment of Christ’s righteousness. Grace expresses all we have, all we need and could never do without in eternity.

Lord God, heavenly Father! You let your Son appear as risen Lord after his victorious resurrection from the dead before the disciples and many more. He brought them his peace that passes all understanding and gave them perfect joy and gladness. We thank you from the bottom of our heart, that you revive us too with your peace and joy and that even today you let your forgiveness of our sins be proclaimed to us time and again. We ask you: Help us, that we will be strengthened and confirmed in the true faith by your amazing grace and that we overcome all sadness and fear by your comfort and care. Hear us for the sake of our risen and almighty Lord Jesus Christ – our savior. Amen.   (Diederici Manuale ecclesiasticum 1700)

I build on this foundation, That Jesus and his blood Alone are my salvation, My true, eternal good. Without him all that pleases Will vain and empty prove. The gifts I have from Jesus  Alone are worth my love. (Paul Gerhard 1607- 1676 tr Richard Masie 1800-1887)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Wednesday after the eleventh Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 295 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 Wednesday, the 14th August 2013

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

JerusalemAs the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore. (Psa 125:2 NIV)

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. (1Th 3:12-13 NIV)

 

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SELK update on the ILC “World Seminaries Conference”

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

ILC Seminaries„Leiden, Verfolgung und Martyrium“
SELK auf ILC-„World Seminaries Conference“ vertreten

Palanga (Litauen), 12.8.2013 – selk – Die Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche in Litauen richtete erstmals die „World Seminaries Conference“ des Internationalen Lutherischen Rates (ILC) aus. Dazu begrüßten Bischof Mindaugas Sabutis (Vilnius | Litauen) und Ortspfarrer Dr. Darius Petkunas (Palanga | Litauen) für die Zeit vom 8. bis zum 11. August Seminardirektoren, Professoren, Präsides und Bischöfe in einem neuen Tagungszentrum mit Kirche in Palanga.

Aus der Selbständigen Evangelisch-Lutherischen Kirche (SELK) nahmen der Rektor der Lutherischen Theologischen Hochschule (LThH) in Oberursel, Prof. Dr. Jorg Christian Salzmann (Oberursel), und der LThH-Lehrbeauftragte Pfarrer Dr. Christian Neddens (Saarbrücken) teil. Teilnehmer aus lutherischen Seminaren und Kirchen aus Afrika (Ghana, Kenia, Nigeria, Südafrika), Australien und Papua Neuguinea, Asien (Hong Kong/China, Japan, Korea, Philippinen, Taiwan), Europa (Belgien, Dänemark, England, Frankreich, Portugal, Russland), Südamerika (Argentinien, Bolivien, Brasilien, Chile, Guatemala, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela), Nordamerika (Kanada, USA) sowie Gäste aus Litauen, Finnland und der Türkei waren in den Ostsee-Badeort gereist. SELK-Bischof Hans-Jörg Voigt (Hannover), ILC-Vorsitzender, und Rev. Dr. Albert Collver (St. Louis/USA), ILC-Exekutivsekretär, begrüßten Teilnehmer und Gäste im Namen des ILC.

„Leiden, Verfolgung und Martyrium als ein Kennzeichen der Kirche“, so lautete das theologische Tagungsthema, das auf eine Aufzählung der Kennzeichen der wahren Kirche durch Dr. Martin Luther zurückgeht. In seiner Schrift „Von der Kirche und Konzilien“ nennt Luther das Wort Gottes, die Taufe, das Abendmahl, das Amt der Kirche, die Vollmacht der Beichte, Gebet und Lobgesang und schließlich „das heilige Kreuz“ für das Leiden. In Referaten zur neutestamentlichen Grundlegung, zu Aspekten des Martyriums in der Kirchengeschichte und aus dem Bereich der Lehre der Kirche (Dogmatik) wurde immer wieder betont, dass es notwendig sei, die Studierenden auch auf diesen Bereich der christlichen Existenz vorzubereiten. Dabei blieb auch nicht unerwähnt, dass auch von Christen selbst immer wieder Verfolgung ausgegangen sei. Die Ausführungen von Vertretern aus Afrika, Osteuropa und Asien machten deutlich, dass das Christentum gegenwärtig die am meisten verfolgte Religion weltweit ist.

Aber auch sehr praktische Fragen wurden intensiv diskutiert – wie die Entwicklung der Fakultäten, Akkreditierungsprozesse an den Seminaren, Finanzfragen, Entwicklung von Bibliotheken, die Versorgung der Studierenden mit Textbüchern und die Fortbildung von Gemeindepfarrern.

Die 5. „World Seminaries Conference“ des ILC wurde am gestrigen Sonntag mit einem Gottesdienst der evangelisch-lutherischen Gemeinde in Palanga abgeschlossen.
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Löhe on 1. Corinthians 15:3-6

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

IX - der AuferstandeneFor what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. (1Co 15:3-6 NIV)

The apostle Paul shared the good tidings and fundamental doctrine of Jesus death and resurrection. These basic facts and tenants of the Christian faith are proclaimed to bring his hearers to saving faith. That is why St. Paul writes that Christ died for our sins, for our redemption and eternal salvation. The holy apostles continues with the assurance that this was in accordance with the ancient scriptures of the Old Testament and very much in line and due to the good and enduring will of the Father, who revealed this over time exposing his gracious providence and care all along and how it all leads up to this hinge of history and the critical juncture for mankind. Finally this grand missionary reminds us of those numerous and decisive appearances of our Lord Jesus Christ as the risen savior and King of kings. The disciples were not limited to an once off appearance of Jesus before those women on Easter morning. No, they themselves saw him personally and on many occasions, when he appeared to them as their Lord and God. This apostolic privilege of seeing the Lord with their very own eyes was not limited to the apostles though. Jesus Christ appeared to more than five hundred brothers at once. This unanimous testimony of so many faithful witnesses excludes all speculation and illusion. It is true and thank God for that! This history is today proclaimed and professed by millions of Christians, who are saved by this very accurate and effective reality  – having been brought out of the clutches of death to the brand new life in Christ by this saving gospel. One of these faithful witnesses, who is especially remarkable and trustworthy is the converted apostle St. Paul himself. He was a passionate, hateful and terrible enemy and persecutor of this very Jesus and his followers – until he was converted by the living Lord himself, who appeared to him and changed not only his mind, but his whole life, faith and theology. Having such an advocate promoting this faithful tradition and theology surely is convincing.

Lord Jesus Christ, you victorious and grand conqueror of death and all evil. You – the most magnificent  vanquisher of the sinister devil. You are the Lord and giver of life. You overcame death for us, so that we may not die, but live eternally with you. You have triumphed over sin, death and devil. Let us rejoice in your glorious victory all the days of our life, so that we live in you and nobody and nothing pulls us from your gracious hands. And when your last day of judgment finally comes, then grant that it will be a joyous Easter celebration for us, where we rise up by your efficacious resurrection to the new life in peace and jubilation with you in heaven. Amen.   (Old Torgau Hymnal)

The world against me rageth Its fury I disdain; Though bitter war it wageth Its work is all in vain. My heart from care is free, No trouble troubles me. Misfortune now is play And night is bright as day.

Now I will cling forever To Christ, my Savior true; My Lord will leave me never, Whate’er He passeth through. He rends Death’s iron chain, He breaks through sin and pain, He shatters hell’s dark thrall, I follow Him through all.

To halls of heavenly splendour With Him I penetrate; And trouble ne’er may hinder Nor make me hesitate. Let tempests rage at will, My Savior shields me still; He grants abiding peace And bids all tumult cease. (Paul Gerhard 1607- 1676 tr John Kelly 1833-1890)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Tuesday after the eleventh Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 294 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 Tuesday, the 13th August 2013

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Word and sacramentThus says the Lord your God: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Jos 1:5 NIV)

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.  (2Co 1:20 NIV)

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Lutheran Order of service in isiZulu/seTswana

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Jesus heilt den Blinden 1The Lutheran Order of Service for the 12th Sunday after Trinity is available here in isiZulu and seTswana. Today it comes with a sermon based on God’s word in the gospel of St. Mark the 8th chapter verses 22-26 by my brother P. Peter Weber (LC Ohlangeni, KZN) in isiZulu (wz1342130818 n Tr 12) and translated as usual into seTswana (wt1342130818 n Tr 12) by my father Rev. E.A.W.Weber DD (Welbedacht, KZN).

The readings for this Sunday are:

Old Testament:   Isaiah 29:17-24

The Epistle:         Acts 9:1-9 (10-20)

The Gospel:         Mark 7:31-37

The liturgical colour is green.

May you have a very blessed weekend and have time to meditate on the watchword for this Sunday: A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. (Isa 42:3 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 1. Corinthians 15:2

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Preaching the wordBy this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. (1Co 15:2 NIV)

Life is serious – und our sojourn through it is plastered with choices. The apostle indicates the troubling possibility that we have accepted his preached word, but still do not retain it, but rather loose it. Then we would have believed in vain.

We can’t therefore be content if we believed earlier on, but rather should strive to keep connected all along. We are to persevere in the Christian faith going through good and bad stretches – even through the troubled last times – until we at last come to see, what we believed and our struggles finally are caught up in ongoing peace and everlasting rest. This only happens by the grace of the living God – and that is good like that. It’s the best that this eternal salvation depends on him. He gives, retains and completes it. Faith and perseverance in it are not such a struggle because of some godly limitations or fault in God, but rather because of our sin and unfaithfulness. Dear Christian friend remember that and fear your own culpability. Flee from yourself into God’s most faithful hands. He will help and he will carry you home – for his own sake!

Lord God heavenly Father! Promote the good work that you have started in us. Let us grow richer in all knowledge and experience, so that we will be more and more competent to test what your will is in all life’s situations and that we will be found blameless when your Son Jesus Christ comes again in glory to judge the living and the dead. Help us in all temptations and afflictions to stand firm and faithful. If we stumble and fall, then catch and support us and let us stand and walk upright once more. You are the God, who helps us. You wait on us and we are fixed on you. Don’t remember our sins and iniquities, but rather remember your great mercy. As we struggle, fight and combat fill us with your mercy and there in victory with joy and happiness. Amen.   

Fight the good fight with all thy might; Christ is thy Strength, and Christ thy Right; Lay hold on life, and it shall be Thy joy and crown eternally.

Run the straight race through God’s good grace, Lift up thine eyes, and seek His face; Life with its way before us lies, Christ is the Path, and Christ the Prize.

Cast care aside, upon thy Guide, Lean, and His mercy will provide; Lean, and the trusting soul shall prove Christ is its Life, and Christ its Love.

Faint not nor fear, His arms are near, He changeth not, and thou art dear. Only believe, and thou shalt see That Christ is all in all to thee. (John S.B. Monsell, 1811-1875)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Monday after the eleventh Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 293 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 12th August 2013

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

namibia-skeleton-pg_666815nThe Lord said to Job: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? … when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt‘? (Job 38:4.11 NIV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. (Joh 1:1.3 NIV)

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Sie fragten sich: “Wer ist dieser, der auch die Sünden vergibt?” (Luk 7:49)

Posted on August 11, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Lk7,36-50Hier eine Aufnahme der Predigt uber Lk.8,36-50, die ich heute in St.Paulus gehalten habe: 

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