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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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Sermon Summary
In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the reality of death and the judgment that awaits all of us. The grace of Jesus is emphasized as being available to those who humble themselves and repent of their sins. The speaker encourages listeners to turn their lives around and align themselves with God's will. Practical examples are given, such as apologizing for hurtful words and making an effort to be punctual. The importance of showing willingness to change and not losing out on God's grace is emphasized.
Sermon Transcription
God lives and works today. Why do these words bring so little joy to most of our lives? Could it be that our lives have taken paths that aren't in accordance with God's will? Paths that constantly lead us further away from Him? Today's meditation by Vassily Shlink, called Turnabout, is a practical help for all those of us who would like to find our way back to God. Have you ever been shaken up by the words in the Bible, teach us to number our days, or it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment? Have death and eternity ever become a reality for you? It is awaiting us all, as we experienced when two of our friends were instantly killed in a traffic accident. We were deeply moved and were reminded of Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 5, 10. We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive good or evil, according to what he has done in the body. The grace of Jesus is unfathomable and as deep as the ocean. He lets this grace flow down upon all those whose hearts are humble and contrite, who lie at the foot of the cross weeping over their sins. Therefore there is nothing that Jesus longs for so much as to see a real turnabout in our lives. What does this mean in practical terms? We have to turn around and go back the way we came. We have to head in the opposite direction. For example, if a person is very dominating and often hurts other people with his sharp words, to repent would mean to apologize immediately each time and to ask, if possible, to work in a place where he's the humble and lowly one. God is waiting for us to turn about from every sin in our lives. Of course we can't become new people through our own efforts. However, it's important that we show God this little sign of our willingness. We have to say by our actions, I won't stand for this sin in myself any longer. This is the end. The turnabout may only begin in a very small way. For example, the person who is always late because of his self-will and disobedience should now make a point of leaving for his destination five minutes earlier. God wants to give us grace upon grace. Let us not lose this grace because we aren't ready to turn about. Jesus' arms are open for everyone who is willing to turn away from sin. To them he is calling, I will help you. I will complete the work. Behold, I make all things new.
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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.