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Truly Free
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 transcript titled "Truly Free" by Basilia Schlink, the speaker shares her personal struggle with sin and her search for freedom. She finds solace in a Bible verse from John 8:36, where Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will be truly free. The speaker encourages listeners to engage in a battle of faith against their sins, committing themselves to God's chastening and allowing Him to break their rebelliousness. She emphasizes the power of Jesus' name in overcoming sin and encourages listeners to strive in faith, knowing that Christ can conquer every sin.
Sermon Transcription
God lives and works today. Who wouldn't like to experience His reality and redemptive power, especially with respect to one's character faults and sinful bondages? Listen to today's meditation by Basilia Schlink called, Truly Free. Once, when I couldn't get free from the power of certain sins, and was on the verge of despair, I read a Bible word which filled me with joy. It was one of Jesus' words to His disciples from John 8, verse 36. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. In faith, I claimed this verse for myself. Jesus had spoken these words to people like me, who were also bound in the chains of sin, and didn't know how to become free. I was so happy to have found in Jesus my full redemption. And indeed, after several years I experienced, Jesus truly sets us free. But I don't see anything of Jesus' redemption in my life, even though I call Him my Savior. To be completely honest, I've been a Christian for a long time, but in all the years that I've known the Lord, nothing has really changed. Whenever my will is crossed, I still rebel. And as a Christian, I'm so indifferent. How did you become free? I fought with a weapon, the victorious name of Jesus. Before His name, all the powers of sin must flee. But let's not waste time. Let's begin a battle of faith right now with a song. You are the conqueror, for you have ransomed me. I trust in your great victory. You are the conqueror, my fetters breaking, redeeming me with precious blood. You are the conqueror, I joy believing. You have my ransom fully paid. You are the conqueror, who can release me from evil, lying in my blood. You are the conqueror, I'm now a sinner. Rejoice, your triumph is now mine. Pray this way, fighting the battle of faith against your sins. Commit yourself to ways of chastening, allowing God to break your rebelliousness and wake you out of your lukewarmness through His judgments. Then, if you don't become tired in the battle of faith, a transformation will occur. For God's promise is yea and amen. And through His Son, Jesus Christ, He will make you truly free. The battle cry rings round the world. It's challenge even to hell is heard. Jesus, the Lord, is victor. He has subdued the devil's might, for He has won the fateful fight on Calvary's cross so dreadful. So strive in faith that you will win, for Christ can conquer every sin. Christ's help means always victory. He stretches out His strong right hand. Our foes before Him cannot stand, and they are all defeated. Alleluia! Alleluia! If you do not have access to the web, please contact this radio station for our postal address. God bless you.
Truly Free
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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.