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GOOD FRIDAY, 1998
"Thus,
we know how and where the Holy Spirit is to be found, and we need not be in
doubt nor waver, gazing here and there for special revelations or
illuminations. Each one should hold to
the Word, and should know that through it alone, and through no other means,
does the Spirit enlighten hearts and is He ready to dwell in them and to give
true knowledge and comfort through faith in Christ."
Sermons
of Martin Luther, 8 vols., ed., John Nicholas Lenker, Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983, III, p. 300.
"Be
not worried because of this! for even though a man preach and continue in the
Gospel for many years, he must still lament and say: Aye, no one will come, and all continue in their former state. Therefore you must not let that grieve or
terrify you."
Sermons
of Martin Luther, II, p. 305. Easter Tuesday Luke 24:36‑47.
"But
when St. Peter stood up and preached, they made a mockery of it and considered
the apostles drunken fools. When they
had urged the Gospel a long time, they gathered together three thousand men and
women. But what were they among so
many? Yea, no one could discern that
the Gospel had accomplished anything, for all things continued in the same
state as before. No change was seen,
and scarcely anyone knew that there were Christians there. And so it will be at all times."
Sermons
of Martin Luther, II, p. 306. Easter Tuesday Luke 24:36‑47.
"The Word and the gifts of the Holy Spirit are materials with which He builds. Though the dwelling is not altogether completed, yet through His grace and love it is accepted of God."
Sermons
of Martin Luther, III, p. 322.
"Secondly, it is shown here that this Word precedes, or must be spoken beforehand, and that afterwards the Holy Spirit works through the Word. One must not reverse the order and dream of a Holy Spirit who works without the Word and before the Word, but one who comes with and through the Word and goes no farther than the Word goes."
Sermons
of Martin Luther, III, p. 329.