Women of Reformation - Argula von Grumbach

A "walking bible", Argula von Grumbach was the first woman who publicly campaigned for the Reformation in 1523. A significant and memorable act from Argula was her challenging the faculty of the University of Ingolstadt on the teaching of the Bible.

On a day in the late summer of 1523, a young woman courageously takes hold of quill and paper in her study. With determination, she writes a letter to the faculty of the University of Ingolstadt. Her name is Argula von Grumbach, aged 31, of noble descent, educated, mother of four. Her bold action, with which she wanted to support a follower of Luther, who had got into trouble, did not remain without consequences. Argula von Grumbach makes history as the first female Protestant lay theologian.

With a letter, a single woman challenges the whole faculty of the university of Ingolstadt: Argula von Grumbach requested that the professors ought to enter a public dispute with her about the exegesis of the Holy Scripture. While they rubbed their eyes when faced with this audacity, the sender knows exactly what she wants: to contribute theological arguments to the case of the young follower of Luther, Arsacius Seehofer, and ultimately to the cause of the Reformation itself. She confidently ends her letter with the words: "I  have not written women's gossip to you, but the word of God, as a member of the church."

God gave His people the courage to carry out His Will at appropriate time, and Argula von Grumbach is certainly an instrument of God in this monumental times.

Taken from: http://www.luther2017.de/en/18681/argula-von-grumbach-i-have-not-written-womens-gossip-you

Women of the Reformation - Anna Reinhard Zwingli

Faith, Quiet but Strong as Steel



Ulrich Zwingli, the great forefather of the Reformation, addressed her as his dearest housewife, and such she was, a useful helpmeet in his work. She was a model minister's wife, the foster mother of the poor, and the visitor of the sick. She was called "the apostolic Dorcas." Her care for her husband was greater even than for the parish. She brightened his cares and sympathized with him in his sorrows. When her husband, with the other ministers of Zurich, began translating the Bible (1525) and published it (1529) complete several years before Luther's complete Bible appeared (1534) it was his custom to read to her its proof sheets every evening before retiring. She afterwards spoke of the eager interest she felt in the story of the gospel as it was thus translated into her own Swiss tongue by her husband. When it was published he presented her with a copy of it. The Bible thus became her favorite book.

The most prominent scene in her life, and also the most impressive, is at the time of her husband's death on the battlefield at Cappel. Bullinger says that at the news of that awful defeat there arose in Zurich a loud and horrible cry of lamentation, and tears, bewailing and groaning. But her weeping was greater, her sorrow was deeper. The greater her husband, the greater her grief. She had had sorrows before, but this eclipsed them all. For his death was not her only sorrow then. With her husband there died on the battlefield her bright, beautiful son, Gerold. Nor was this all her sorrow. With her beloved husband and son there lay dead on that battlefield her brother and her brother-in-law, while a son-in-law was wounded unto death. The sadness of death compassed her about in all directions. And then came the news that her husband's body was quartered and burned and its ashes desecrated. Was there ever sorrow like hers? Yes, there was One, of whom the prophet speaks: "Behold and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow." To that Savior from sorrow she went in her sorrow, and He comforted her soul and raised up helpers to her.

Excerpts taken from:
Leban, a Journal of Reformation Life
http://leben.us/index.php/component/content/article/46-issue-01-02/114-anna-reinhard
 

Sunday Sermon - The Duty of the Christian Woman

Rev Quek, 2 September 2012

1 Timothy 2:9-10
"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."

Different roles and functions do not infer the class of the gender. The bible does not teach first or second class but different roles and functions. The modern society is focused on the looks of a person, including artificial modification of photos of a person's looks. Apostle Paul referred to the looks of woman as it is of importance to them. We ought to dressed modestly, one the does not attract the lust of the eyes. Modest dressing must also come with shamefacedness - the demeanour that is also modest, and with self control. Self control in looks, works and conduct.

The reason why woman needs to focus on the looks and conduct is because the lust of the flesh is the key weakness of man. This can be seen in the modem marketing tactics of products, such as pretty woman to sell cars. Throughout the biblical history there were no record of any woman with many husband, but there are uncountable men who had many wives. Man has their own sets of sin and weaknesses that they need to deal with - spirituality, lusts etc; woman also need to deal with their own. Women as mothers also need to take care that their children do not learn the wrong concept and let such action affect their conduct. Do not be a stumbling block to both men and children.

Ladies need to refrain from being controlled or led astray by the modern fashion trends that aimed to lure men. There is nothing wrong in braiding of hair or any fashion so long as it does not cause men to fall and succumb to the sin of the lust of the flesh. Neither should ladies flashes their riches by adorning pearls and gold, for modesty is the key. Ladies need to wear appropriately for the location and occasion, especially for the purpose of the event such as for worship. Dressings should not distract others from the purpose of worship. Modesty must come before comfort and be done with self control. There is also no reason to go to other extreme as to not care about their appearance. Sloppiness and uncaring is unbecoming of a woman. Such dressing does not indicate spirituality.

Instead of outer appearance woman should be adorned with good works, that people would see you as someone that serving God faithfully.

"Be not conform to the world." Romans 12:2, but professing Godliness in all ways. Let modesty, shamefacedness and good works be the characteristics of our lives.

Ladies Fellowship Sermon - Fruitful Christians

Philippians 4:10-19

Our time on earth is limited. Does it matter? Yes - at the time of being called home, will you be found wanting? Will the scale tip to one side? If so, will it tip towards the good or the bad? We must live our life to the fullest and be fruitful. We live not for ourselves but for God's glory. In good times and bad, we must still be able to rejoice in the Lord. We must see God's hand moving in our lives and recognize His leading. All things happen in our lives regardless of good and bad can only happen if God allows them; so that we will bear Him good testimonies at all times under all situations. Godliness with contentment is great gain. Everything we do must be done for His testimonies sake. Learn from Paul: "I can do all things through our Lord Jesus Christ."

In our lives it is impossible to resist the will of God, for if it is His intention for you to do something, you will do it eventually. If you resist you will only suffer in the process, and yet you will still end up doing God's will. If we submit to His will, He will give you the necessary grace and wisdom to carry out His work.Therefore, rejoice! For the Lord our God is merciful to be part of our lives, leading and guiding us for His Glory.