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Then I Would Be Happy
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, Basilia Schlink discusses the kingdom of heaven and its characteristics. She emphasizes that the first characteristic of the kingdom is joy, which can only be experienced through contrition and repentance. Repentance is necessary for forgiveness, and where there is forgiveness, there is salvation and joy. The kingdom of heaven is also characterized by love, as Jesus loves and forgives repentant sinners. The sermon highlights the example of Mary Magdalene, who came to Jesus with a repentant heart and left transformed by His love. The message encourages listeners to embrace repentance as the way to experience overflowing love for Jesus and enter the kingdom of heaven.
Sermon Transcription
God lives and works today. He is building a kingdom of love and happiness. How often we hear people say, Oh, if I only had this or that, then I would be happy. But when our hopes are realized, usually our happiness doesn't last. Today's meditation by Basilia Schlenk tells about a wish that can be fulfilled. A way that is guaranteed to bring happiness, lasting and everlasting. The first characteristic of the kingdom of heaven is joy, great joy. And it's kindled only through contrition and repentance. This is because repentance is the prerequisite for attaining forgiveness. And wherever there's forgiveness of sins, there's salvation and joy. People who are repentant are rich. For they who no longer demand anything from God and man, who are the very poorest creatures, they have become rich in grace and gifts. The kingdom of heaven is also the kingdom of love. We are only able to love because He first loved us. And Jesus loves the repentant sinner. He didn't come to save the righteous, but to save sinners. Therefore, He bestows His gifts of love and forgiveness on those who need a Savior, who come to Him filled with remorse and contrition. When we receive forgiveness, our hearts become so filled with joy that we cannot help but love Him, with love that knows no bounds. We cannot help but give our lives to Him who gave His life for us, who saved us from the eternal prison of sin. How many people sigh, if I could only love Jesus with all my heart, life would be rich, and then I would be happy. This is the essence of heaven, when everything centers around Jesus, when everyone loves Him above all else. Love to You, our love we proffer, such as we no other offer, love for all, Your love outpours. What a joyful message we have. Repentance is the way that brings us to an overflowing, wholehearted love for Jesus. It brings with itself a great treasure of grace and mercy. We see this with Mary Magdalene. She came to Jesus with a repentant heart, bringing Him only her sins, and she went away enriched and transformed by His great love. What an example she is for us. Yes, God's command, repent, is truly the gate through which we enter the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of love. There is no other way. Repentance is the elder's law, God's mercy brings them in. You have been listening to a program written by Basile Schlink of the Little Land of Canaan. To learn more about how God lives and works today, visit us at our website, www.canaan.org. That's K-A-N-A-A-N dot org. If you contact us, we would be 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.
Then I Would Be Happy
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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.