Bernhard Hohl
Guest preacher in the seetal chile
This sermon illuminates the spectrum of the petition «Deliver us from evil!» from the Lord’s Prayer. In these very turbulent times, this outcry can be heard very often in this world. What is happening here is unsettling and fuelling fear. Wars everywhere, almost on every continent. The homelessness of refugees. Hunger, disease, injustice… Lord, deliver us from all this evil in the world! In fact, the petition of the «Our Father» comes very close to us: «Deliver us from evil!» I clarify: «from the…
We observe the different behaviour of two kings who find themselves in an almost hopeless situation. Can we learn something from them? We have probably all experienced moments and situations in which we hardly knew what to do. It was exasperating. For some, such moments only last a short time, but for you they last a long time. You have a bigger problem – and others complain about little things. Some experience God’s help, but you don’t, although you are closer to God…
Waiting for promises – bottomless or with ground under our feet? How do we make ends meet? A warm welcome to all who are back after the holidays! Back in your familiar home! This is where I would like to start my sermon: What is home for you? Is it where you live at the moment? Or is it your parents» house? The other question is: What is home for you? Is it also your home? Or your hometown, where you are naturalised? Maybe you have an adopted country?…
Easter – a joyful drama with extras and leading actors. Good Friday and Easter affect us all. On Good Friday, dramatic events of Jesus» suffering and crucifixion happened and the disciples were frustrated after his death. But on Easter Sunday, a new day dawns as the tomb is empty and Jesus is risen. The disciples are fearful and unbelieving at first, but Jesus appears to them and brings them rest and peace. The story of Jesus with his church was not finished at that time -…
Holiness is a virtue given by God, which does not have its origin in me or my actions! Man wants to optimise himself We live in an atmosphere of self-improvement in our society today! What is good should become better and what is better should become the best! We don’t just want to be fit, we strive to become even fitter! Healthy living, that was once! Now we strive for the healthiest. The current chairs at the dining table are already more comfortable than the last ones;…
A large community experiences many challenges. It takes everyone, young and old, to live well together! Our hope is nourished when we accept the rough training ground in our everyday life and master it in community with others. That was the last sentence of Matthias» sermon last Sunday. I would like to pick up on that sentence this morning. Welcome to the worship service, the important congregational event where fellowship is very important! Jesus Christ’s most precious possession is his church. It is his…
Heart and kidneys are two ingenious wonders of creation! They are also crucial for our spiritual life! I want to announce one thing right at the beginning of the sermon: This sermon will get under your skin! It is essentially based on two biblical passages from the Psalms: «Lord, put me to the test and put my heart to the test!» (Psalm 26:2 NLB) «Lord, I will thank you with all my heart and tell you of your wonders» (Psalm 9:2 NLB) Especially in the OT we encounter ab…
A day of Jesus between jubilation and tears, surrounded by the most diverse people. Rosmarie and I were married at our wedding in the Remigen church. The celebration then took place at the Seehotel Hallwil in Beinwil am See, at the same time as another wedding party upstairs. It was a joyful celebration for us, while it soon became noisy in the other party. There was a heated argument that even the bride ran away. What contrasts: Here joy and laughter, there anger and…
We dare to search for God’s fingerprint on us! My wife received a beautiful wall calendar for Christmas entitled «The Most Beautiful Gardens». I am convinced that the Garden of Eden was even more beautiful than all the gardens in these 12 calendar pictures. Adam and Eve were able to enjoy a splendour of flowers that would put any flower show to shame. During their pleasure walk through paradise, they admired the birds and their singing! They observed the behaviour of the animals with interest. They rejoiced…
The concept of peace strongly characterises the Advent and Christmas season. But what do we mean by peace? A guide to Jesus Christ, the bringer of peace, for a peaceful start to the new year I am dedicating this sermon for the 2nd Advent to a truly Christmassy concept! It is not called a gift, nor a candle, nor a fondue chinoise, but simply peace! It was a night when an angel announced the birth of the Saviour to the shepherds in the field. Suddenly the night was as bright as day and they were…
In faith, we stumble over our own ideas from time to time. In dealing with them, we feel the hand of God changing us. «Such a day, as beautiful as today…such a day, it should never pass.» There was a day in my life when I could have sung that line with all my heart. On the day of my conversion! The counsellor explained to me, using Isaiah 53, that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and He offers forgiveness. This I…
We are knitted differently and yet all ingeniously created by God, no matter whether it is an exhibition piece or a chamber pot! We’ve been seeing a potter’s hands in the countdown and teaser for more than half a year now. What does that do for you? Some people get the urge to try something like that. Others, on the other hand, don’t like to get their hands dirty. We start by listening to the prophet Isaiah, who says of his people before God: «Lord, you are our…
It’s about the power guzzlers of today and the very practical question: How do we Christians recharge our batteries with God? Life needs strength! Children, young people and adults are sometimes stretched to their limits. That’s why at the beginning of July there was a widespread sigh of relief: «Holidays at last!» And isn’t it: We all need times when we can switch off. Times to breathe a sigh of relief, to draw strength, because life challenges us all and every now and then we ask ourselves:…
Doubts can be encouraging, annoying or dangerous – and even used as a weapon. No wonder doubts also appear in the prayer of Francis of Assisi: «Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, that I may bring faith where doubt threatens.» «Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, that I may bring faith where doubt threatens.» The very fact that Francis of Assisi mentions doubt in his profound prayer shows how close doubt often is to us. When you look at…
Where does Jesus want to take me a step further? Where does he want to encourage me to do something in view of him and his kingdom that I have never done before! Is it my turn to take a step in faith and extraordinary love? We were invited to a birthday party 10 days ago. We had a toast on a beautiful sun terrace with a view of the mountains – wonderful! A woman is there who is leaving with her partner in a few days for a three-month sailing trip. A married couple reports on their…
Peter in the «cross-fire» of Jesus» resurrection. A rupture that ends in departure. «Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for in his great mercy he has given us new birth. Now we have a living hope, because Jesus Christ has risen from the dead» (1 Peter 1:3 NL). Easter morning – that was a turbulent morning! Two women want to embalm the body of Jesus, but he is no longer there. The tomb is empty. An angel frightens them, but…
We wonder how Peter’s experiences influenced his metamorphosis. The metamorphosis of Simon Peter begins on the shore of the Sea of Galilee where he is cleaning the fishing nets together with three others. Then Jesus comes. He looks at Simon very long and attentively and says: «You are Simon, the son of John, but you will be called Cephas» – this is the Aramaic word for Peter and means «rock» (Jn 1:40–42). Jesus is soon surrounded by a crowd. He ascends…
Experiencing metamorphosis. Living between «I nimm es wie’s chunnt!» and my wishes for change. «This good news that has reached you is spreading all over the world. Everywhere it is changing people’s lives, just as it changed yours from the moment you heard and knew the truth about the grace of God» (Colossians 1:6 NL). Change – that’s a scary word for some, because they love it when everything continues in the usual style. «Only …
A Christmas message about lights, candlesticks and the illuminated. Today’s motto: «Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord! ( Psalm 144:15). «Behold, I proclaim great joy to you, which shall be to all the people: for unto you is born this day a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord, in the city of David» ( Luke 2:10–11). We are living in a brightly lit Christmas world at the moment. We live in a paradise of lights to rejoice in from the heart. Here and there, thousands of lights shine on us.…
How does it work: waiting for Jesus to come again? We ask Jesus and the two apostles Paul and Peter. Waiting sucks! What happens when you stand on the platform and the train doesn’t come? Already three minutes late, no announcement, no notice on the platform screen! «No, this can’t be happening! It’s always the same». Our dining table lamp, which we bought at the beginning of the year, has given up the ghost. We were told that it would take about 4–6 weeks to repair. At the beginning of the week I…
How do we manage to stand together despite all our idiosyncrasies and differences? In the Bible, we meet two men in the temple who avoid each other. Both have something to say to us! Have you also experienced that Jesus preached to you personally? Through an experience, a person or an image – in a dream or in front of your eyes? Rosmarie and I wanted children soon after we got married, but we had to wait 8 years…
We look at the 12 disciples and ask ourselves what lessons we can learn from them for our togetherness in the congregation. The term «disciple» originally refers to the pupils of a teacher. In the Old Testament world, disciples belonged to a rabbi or a prophet; in the Greek world, they gathered around philosophers. The forerunner of Jesus, John the Baptist, already had his disciples, as did Jesus. We encounter the term disciple only…
We humans are so different, and so are we Christians. We have our days. We have our imprints. We have our preferences. We have our expectations. We have our inclinations… Is a close brotherly and sisterly togetherness in the church possible at all? Comment of Jesus: All things are possible to him who believes! A girl once said: «I am glad that I have my brother, even if some days it gives me the greatest pleasure to wring his neck.…
Fascinating flashes from the lives and faith of others! In two sermons we will look into the lives of three brothers and sisters, first from the OT (today 19 July) and then (2 August) from the NT. I am pursuing two goals: I want to know how their fraternal coexistence worked. I want to know if certain observations can be transferred to our fraternal coexistence in the congregation – which would be a blessing for all of us! Here in the congregation we have the good habit of…
Jesus says, «For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.» » (Matthew 12:48–50). Along with an appreciation for mothers, the sermon looks at how we ourselves can become mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters to one another. The sermon is peppered with experiences and much motivation to live spiritual family togetherness as a congregation! Mother’s Day! I especially welcome you mothers and I sincerely hope that you have the most comfortable seats today! It…
For some, nonsensical, unnecessary, simply a scandal; for others, the basis for their new life with God. In addition, we experience Andreas on his interesting path to faith. Andreas sits on the floor and rolls a cigarette. For almost 3 weeks, the 18-year-old has been on a journey of self-discovery. All by himself, he rode his moped all the way to England and back, 3000 km. Now he is on his way back and is taking a break on a bench; his overalls are dirty, his…
What we can learn from Daniel and his dream team for our everyday life – in good and difficult times! We meet the people of God today at a moment when they could ask themselves: Is this the end of the people of God: we have lost our land, we are defeated by a foreign power; the temple, our sanctuary, is robbed and destroyed; i.e. end of worship! Their last kings led the people to spiritual and historical ruin. And the mighty Babylonian king.…
How does a man of God live under God’s blessing in everyday life? And what if he suddenly gets into a clinch and fear spreads? What we can learn from an Old Testament blessing bearer in the year 2020. Abram is about 70 years old when he leaves Ur in Chaldea with his father Terah and his wife Sarai, who is barren. His nephew Lot is also with him, his father having died young. The destination of the journey is Haran; either the Euphrates or the Tigris…
Did the main participants fall into a spiritual depression after the birth in Bethlehem? Not at all! The experiences of those days and nights continued to move them and they lived on for months and years. And what about us? Does Christmas live on in us into a new year? We have reached the peak of the Christmas celebrations 2019! Some events are already behind us; others we still have ahead of us. We merrily continue to celebrate with relatives, friends and loved ones. This is every year…
God created marriage as a gift for us humans. What are the challenges of marriage? And what do man and woman do to make a marriage last – until death do us part? What is the position of husband and wife in the Christian community? There are marriage courses lasting several weeks. A couple is prepared for marriage in several meetings. And now I am supposed to present a sermon in 25 minutes that appeals to as many as possible and enriches and changes marriages?! To the…
Doing good deeds that Jesus has prepared for us! What does that mean? How do we access these deeds? How active are we in doing good and how active is God? «For we are God’s creation. He created us anew in Christ Jesus to carry out the good deeds he prepared for our lives» (Ephesians 2:10 NL). This text is a firm ground on which we can approach this morning’s theme: Good…
Why is it so difficult for us to talk about Jesus and our faith in a secular environment? What is the best way to do that? What could help me? Not a lecture, but a motivational injection! «But whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and that of the Father and the holy angels» (Luke 9:26 Lu). When our straggler Benjamin had to go to the dentist at the age of 12, he said: «Mum,…
Are frustrations just as much a part of life as moments of happiness? How do we cope with moments of frustration in life? Welcome home – to all those who are back from their holidays. Hopefully you have many happy things to tell. Hopefully everything was just right: the weather, the food, the excursions, the bed, the togetherness as a family, as a couple, or among friends! After the best holidays, coming home is also something very nice for many: the familiar four walls again, the familiar bed again, the familiar…
«There are friends, there is family – and there are friends who become family «Welcome home! Real friends are wanted – because good relationships are worth their weight in gold. Helpful tips for developing friendships. I remember a programme on ARD called «Erlebnis Erde» (Experience Earth) which showed that there are 10 million animal and plant species on earth, none of which can survive on their own. Whether for food or reproduction or other requirements: they are essential for each other’s survival.…
What do others learn from you? What do they hear from you? What do they see in you? Paul is a perfect role model! What do people see in your Christianity? Welcome home! Yes, what does it look like at home? Mum and dad sometimes say «The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree»! «That’s what he or she gets from me» both mum and dad say when they discover something positive about their children, and if it’s something that’s not so good, they also both say:.…
How different we are! Welcome home! That sounds like a pleasant home. It sounds like family. Let’s be honest! Aren’t we a bit too full of words when we really realise how different we are? Back then, when Jesus was with us on this earth, he also looked into the churches. Again and again. It wasn’t in churches, it was in the temple, where the service took place. I warmly welcome you to our service!…
Today we think of Jesus» last journey to the cross and death. The Passion story is always impressive and gets under the skin. What did Jesus take upon himself to open the way back to God for us? Alone, without help? Who stood by him and helped him? I’m not sure if you already know that there are last aid courses in addition to first aid courses. The Sunday newspaper titled its report on these courses «The…
God is a God for all generations. Jesus met people of different generations. And what about us? Don’t we prefer to meet people of our own generation? But since we are usually surrounded by people from different generations, we should somehow be able to deal with it. How do we do that? How do we manage that in the seetal chile? «One day the prophet’s disciples said to Elisha, «As you see, the place where we meet with you is not big enough. Let’s go to the…
Seek peace and pursue it! Peace is the fruit of the Spirit that is in our hearts. What is there to seek and chase?! On the other hand, we are aware that peaceful coexistence does not fall into our laps. But for a cosy home, peace is! Welcome home to our search for peace! Peace is not so easy to define. Many people spontaneously say: Peace is the opposite of war. But is that what war is in…
On behalf of God, he points to the birth of an unprecedented, powerful ruler. Isaiah describes him with four winsome names. A Messiah who also fits 1:1 into our present darkness. Christmas is a unique festival of lights! The lights that shine in gardens and on balconies are impressive; but with sleighs, reindeer and Sami lice, they have little to do with Bethlehem. In Bettwil, we drive past a house with a garden that has been transformed into a world of lights. There you step…
Deliver us from evil! A liberating, indispensable petition for common prayer! In a turbulent world, we need such an address to refuel. God trusts us to reach our goal of faith even under evil circumstances, because we are not travelling alone, but together with Jesus and many other believers.
Grace is the greatest thing for us humans! There is nothing greater! Grace is worth more than gold. Grace is life!
«Nothing is more cowardly than excuses; nothing is greater than admitting guilt» (Friedrich von Bodelschwingh). How do we deal with our guilt? What role does our conscience play? Why does Jesus teach us to pray like this?
«Pray always and in every situation with the power of the Holy Spirit. Keep alert and also pray continually for all who belong to Christ» (Ephesians 6:18). It is remarkable that this verse directly follows the spiritual armour. Therefore: It is indispensable for you to pray! And you cannot do without others praying for you.
When we accept Jesus into our lives, it is neither make-up nor mascot nor guarantee for a problem-free life, but life-changing power. This process of change continues until we reach the goal of our faith.
We don’t have to keep asking, «Jesus, what do you want me to do? What is your will?» And then get angry when we hear nothing! No. We may plan and decide, but it is necessary and good if we are open to God, who may want to tell us what to do or correct us.
This reflection talks about the contrasts that come to light on Good Friday and Easter.
This sermon explores the question of what it means to sanctify the name of our Father in heaven. In addition, the connection to the third commandment «You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain» is shown.
In this sermon you will learn the reason for suffering in this world and how you can act in it.