Commentary

Luther's Works : Volume 24 - Sermons on the Gospel of St. John Chapters 14 - 16

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Overview: The sermons contained in this volume show how masterfully Luther employed the cardinal principles of effective preaching. The Reformer expounds Scripture wih homespun directness, clarity, and forcefulness. He applies the words of Holy Writ to himself and to his hearers. His sermons abound in vivid and arresting illustrations. Luther gives instruction, reproof, comfort, encouragement, and certainty. His words breathe conviction and intense seriousness. Above all, the great preacher never fails to point to Christ as the one and only Savior from sin and eternal damnation. The Gospel According to St. John was close to Luther's heart. To him this book was a never-failing source of edification, wisdomm and strength. In his preface to the sermons he delivered on the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth chapters of Saint John's Gospel he states that he is "resolved to interpret these chapters for the common man, but especially to defend and preserve the true and pure doctrine of Christ and of the Christian faith against the vile mobs of the devil, whether present or future." The Reformer commends the words written by the evangelist "to pious Christians as their highest and most precious treasure and consolation." These sermons were delivered in Wittenberg. Luther began the series shortly after March 14, 1537, the day on which he had returned from Schmalkalden after his recovery from a serious illness. Caspar Cruciger, whose daughter Elizabeth was married to Luther's son Hans sixteen years later, put the Reformer's words in writing. Unfortunately, Cruciger did not indicate where each of the many sermons begins and where it ends: nor did he give any information whatever as to the dates on which the discourses were delivered. "When Christ was entrusting the ministry to Peter," says Luther, "He asked him three times whether he loved Him (John 21:15-17). For He knew and saw that no one can be a true preacher or a Christian unless he loves Christ with heart and soul. But how can a person have such love for Christ unless he first believes firmly that he has everything in Him, unless he is convinced beyond a doubt that Christ is his Treasure and Savior, his Life and Comfort?" It is by no means amiss to say that these words from one of the sermons on the fourteenth chapter of the Gospel According to St. John give the keynote, so to speak, of the message the Reformer brought to his hearers. Luther's preaching was based on extraordinary theological acumen and on extensive knowledge in other fields, but one date not forget that it sprang from a heart overflowing with love for his Savior and for his fellowmen. Preachers will derive no end of inspiration, edification, and help from the sermons contained in this volume of the AMERICAN EDITION of LUTHER'S WORKS. But this is a book for everybody. Luther's discourses are couched in such clear and simple language that even a child can understand them.

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Ketersediaan

Informasi Detail

Judul Seri

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No. Panggil

R 284.12 L96l v.24

Penerbit

Missouri, USA : Concordia Publishing House., 1961

Deskripsi Fisik

Luther's Works Volume 24

Bahasa

English

ISBN/ISSN

0-570-06424-4

Klasifikasi

284.12

Tipe Isi

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Tipe Media

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Tipe Pembawa

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Edisi

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Subjek

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Info Detail Spesifik

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Pernyataan Tanggungjawab

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