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How to Believe
Basilea Schlink

Basilea Schlink (1904 - 2001). German religious leader, writer, and co-founder of the Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary, born Klara Schlink in Darmstadt to a professor of mechanics. Raised Lutheran, she studied at Fröbelseminar in Kassel (1923) and Berlin’s Inner Mission girls’ school (1924), later earning a doctorate in psychology from Hamburg University in 1934 with a thesis on adolescent faith struggles. From 1933 to 1935, she led the Women’s Division of the German Student Christian Movement, resisting Nazi exclusion of Jewish Christians. In 1947, with Erika Madauss, she founded the Sisterhood in Darmstadt, taking the name Mother Basilea, growing it to 209 sisters across 11 global branches by 2001. Schlink authored over 60 books, including My All for Him, translated into 60 languages, and published tracts in 90. Her radio programs aired in 23 languages, emphasizing repentance and reconciliation, especially between Germans and Jews. Unmarried, she dedicated her life to prayer and ministry, shaping interdenominational Christian communities.
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of believing in God and having faith in His promises. They encourage listeners to proclaim their faith and speak words filled with faith, trusting that God will help them overcome any impossibilities. The speaker also highlights the role of faith in experiencing God's power and victory in our lives. They explain that faith is like a window that allows us to escape from darkness and find freedom in God. The sermon concludes by reminding listeners that even in the face of doubts and lack of faith, God's grace allows Him to work in our lives and build our faith.
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God lives and works today. But perhaps you tell yourself sadly, yes, other people might believe that and experience it too. But me, I don't have enough faith. What can I do? The answer is in today's meditation by Vassalia Schlink called, How to Believe. O faith brings God's almighty power To men so weak and lowly. When tempted, victory we'll share If we but trust God wholly. For nothing can our way oppose. Even iron doors we'll give to those Who trust in God almighty. What grace it is when God places impossibilities in our lives and work Or even in our sinful nature. Why do I call it grace? It's the only way by which God can exact faith from us. For when everything in our lives seems hopeless, There's only one possibility left. This possibility is to believe. Therefore, don't miss this opportunity. Take advantage of it now by beginning to proclaim your faith Over every shattered hope in your life. Don't speak empty words. No, speak words that are filled with faith And hold these words up to the Lord in the face of every impossibility. Such words can truly overcome the enemy And our own unbelieving heart as well. For example, say, The heavenly Father cannot disappoint me. The Father is love. The Father will help me. The Father has a plan for my life. And Jesus, our Savior, is the victor. He will bring everything to victory in my life And in my battle against my sins. God's promises come true Whatever He says, they'll do. My heart, no doubt, can hold About what He has taught. Whoever has never encountered God God is a mysterious, incomprehensible God Doesn't know what it means to believe. And whoever has not held on to God Even as the God who is difficult to understand Hasn't yet really proved his faith in Him. Faith is like a window in a dark prison Through which one can climb out into light and freedom. Yes, faith is a door for us To the land of freedom and redemption. Therefore believe, and you will be helped. The trusting soul inherits all The heavenly kingdom's riches. The Father's hands let blessings fall While bond and duty changes. Though we be told of things you lack In joyous ways we answer back With trust in God almighty. Oh, clearly shines His sacred name Amen and all-affirming. Each promise we can safely claim They need no more confirming. We praise in heartfelt gratefulness His steadfast truth and faithfulness To God be all the glory. We are happy to send you a free inspirational booklet. If you do not have access to the web Please contact this radio station for our postal address. God bless you.
How to Believe
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Basilea Schlink (1904 - 2001). German religious leader, writer, and co-founder of the Evangelical Sisterhood of Mary, born Klara Schlink in Darmstadt to a professor of mechanics. Raised Lutheran, she studied at Fröbelseminar in Kassel (1923) and Berlin’s Inner Mission girls’ school (1924), later earning a doctorate in psychology from Hamburg University in 1934 with a thesis on adolescent faith struggles. From 1933 to 1935, she led the Women’s Division of the German Student Christian Movement, resisting Nazi exclusion of Jewish Christians. In 1947, with Erika Madauss, she founded the Sisterhood in Darmstadt, taking the name Mother Basilea, growing it to 209 sisters across 11 global branches by 2001. Schlink authored over 60 books, including My All for Him, translated into 60 languages, and published tracts in 90. Her radio programs aired in 23 languages, emphasizing repentance and reconciliation, especially between Germans and Jews. Unmarried, she dedicated her life to prayer and ministry, shaping interdenominational Christian communities.