More Dietrich

He taught us that the Bible goes directly into your life, to where your problems are -- Inge Karding


He said that when you read the Bible, you must think that the here and now God is speaking with me... He wasn't as abstract as the Greek teachers and all the others.  Rather, from the very beginning, he taught us that we had to read the Bible as it was directed at us, as the word of God directly to us.  Not something general, not something generally applicable, but rather with a personal relationship to us.  He repeated this to us very early on, that the whole thing comes from that. -- Inge Karding


Bonhoeffer in a sermon after Hitler came to power:  The church has only one altar, the altar of the Almighty.... before which all creatures must kneel... Whoever seeks something other that this must keep away, he cannot join us in the house of God.  The church has only one pulpit, and from that pulpit, faith in God will be preached, and no other faith, and not other will than the will of God, however well intentioned.


D.B.  Do not try to make the Bible relevant.  Its relevance is axiomatic...  Do not defend God's Word, but testify to it... Trust to the Word.


D.B.  Theological work and real pastoral fellowship can only grow in a life which is governed by gathering around the Word morning and evening and by fixed times of prayers.


D.B. Who stands fast?  Only the man whose final standard is not his reason, his principles, his conscience, his freedom, or his virtue, but who is ready to sacrifice all when he is called to obedient and responsible action in faith and in exclusive allegiance to God -- the responsible man, who tries to make his while life an answer to the question and call of God.


D.B. The proclamation of grace has its limits.  Grace may not be proclaimed to anyone who does not recognize or distinguish or desire it... The world upon whom grace is thrust is a bargain will grow tired of it, and it will not only trample upon the Holy, but also will tear apart those who force it on them.


D.B. Only he who cries out for the Jews may sing Gregorian chants.