I'm a 19yr old Anglican theology student who has found himself fallen in love with lutheran theology, but being a in largely reformed university space I've heard some new and interesting critiques of Lutheranism that I think are less popular online.
So my question is about one of those challenges:
What do you make of the claim that 'Lutherans locate the 'main' biblical message as Christ saves sinners vs the Reformed position of 'Christ is Lord'?
Is that a fair account of the Lutheran position? Do you think the Reformed position is wrong? Would love to hear your thoughts
This question arose after a discussion about whether the Lutherans distinction of Law and Gospel is an oversimplification, and lacks reflecting the redemptive history told over the length of the Scriptures.
This may be a bit "insider baseball" but does the sacramental presence remain after the distribution of the elements in Holy Communion, or does it no longer remain? Put another way, is the Corpus Christi procession bread worship, or an abuse of the Sacrament?
I am conflicted about what is biblically correct behavior when it comes to a family member who is living a life mocking God. The person has been raised in Christ but is rejecting His teachings. The bible says not to even sit with someone mocking God. However, as someone who was a prodigal for twenty years, I do not want to go no contact with my relative because I was not abandoned during my prodigal years. I want to keep the door open to plant mustard seeds of the gospel where I can. I pray like St. Stephen for God to forget their sin and welcome them into heaven. My hope is God will answer my prayer like he did with St. Stephen when he converted Saul to Paul and convert my relative as well. What would the correct behavior be?
Isn’t a theology question entirely but why is catechesis so poor among Christians among all traditions. I remember talking to my pastor and he encouraged all of the churchgoers to read the book of Mark for a month. He told me for most of the members it was the first time they read the gospel. I think of the Christians in Syria and Nigeria right now who are putting their lives on the line right now for their faith. But we can’t even read sacred scripture. What can we do to change this ?
Death entered into creation with the Fall. But, was that death for every living thing, or just Man? Seems to me that Death entered and affect all living things. The Lion didn't eat the Lamb. But, flies? Birds? Did the Fall bring those creatures death?
Heard a cool thing on 'marriage' after the resurrection - no need to marry, as Death will be no more, so 'repleneshing' the earth with offspring won't be necessary to perpetuate humanity. Which further shines a brighter light on Marriage and its purpose.
Thanks. Some thoughts with a question or two somewhere in there.
Would you go over what actually is taking place during infant and adult Baptism?
Like you, I did not grow up attending an LCMS church, but was drawn there as an adult. I do NOT believe that Christian baptism is only "symbolic", as my my premillennial, dispensationalist mother did... but, it concerns me when I hear some folks say, "Well, I was baptized when I was two weeks old and 'baptism saves'!" There is an attitude that can accompany this explanation that almost seems to say, "Well, if you weren't baptized as an infant like me, it sucks to be you... but I'm good!" A lack of interest in evangelism or concern for the unsaved usually seems to accompany this viewpoint as well.
The phrase "baptism saves" appears to only be in the Bible once (1 Peter 3:21) where it compares the water of baptism to the water that lifted the ark during the flood. I don't completely understand this comparison. Could you add more explanation and share some additional references about how the Holy Spirit is working in baptism? Thanks!
Why did Christ give us pastors? Do we need pastors who are ordained? Are they really necessary? I'm thinking of these questions from the perspective of a church body (Apostolic Lutheran) that doesn't have ordained pastors in their tradition.
I was listening to the Catholic radio station and they were very emphatic that Sola Scriptura is not biblical. In one sense I can see their point. I mean, we do look at the early Church fathers and see what they did and follow their example. We do recite the creeds which are based on the scriptures, but not directly quoted from the scriptures. How do we as Lutherans answer this argument?
Thank you for all your teaching, Pr. Bryan, which I really appreciate.
Good & blessed morning :) My question is something i have been pondering for a while. i love prayer & pray as often as possible (love conversing with the Father), however i was curious as to why some (not mentioning or criticizing) but some pray to mother Mary & the saints. i have not found any Biblical verses that support this. i do not dishonor Mary or the saints, but do feel uncomfortable as i always thought we make all prayers & supplications through Christ Jesus alone. So is there Biblical documentation for supporting prayer to mother Mary & the saints?
Love all you do, have been listening to you since Colorado & thank you for all you do to help us learn more. tm
I remember you once said that if there’s not a good (LCMS) church nearby, we should attend the ‘next best’ option, but that we should refrain from receiving communion there.
But I have to ask - if Word and Sacrament are the central gifts of the Service, and I consistently hear faithful preaching and teaching online from solid pastors such as yourself, and I’m not supposed to commune at another church anyway, then what is the value in attending that church in person?
Greetings Pastor Wolfmueller! I heard this statement and it intrigued me. The statement is “God always grants forgiveness but doesn’t always grant repentance. Is this true and is it because when it comes to repentance our free will is involved? Also is Pharaoh and his hardened heart and Judas and his suicide examples of this?
I recently received an email from a Reformed tradition with the title "God does not pity you, God loves you." I am particularly sensitive to this subtle pitting or contrasting things that our post-modern sensibilities encourage in us rather than Scripture. The tension is that Love and Truth are never to be pitted and as fallen humans with our false reasoning and "feelings" we inevitably fall into an either-or statement when mystery/paradox of truth is both-and. The same is true with Law and Gospel. Law is often pitted as "bad" and Gospel as "good" in our statements but the reality that it is a very good Law that is perfectly reflective of a very good Gospel - both-and. So the reality is that God both pities and loves us. They are not opposed. The same is true with "motive" discussion I believe. Duty and Love are not opposed. Even when I have no desire to do what the Lord Jesus commands at a particular moment, I still have the duty to do it because I have faith in Him. This is illustrated by the centurion who says to Christ, "say it" and it will be done. The soldier may not "want" to do it at any given time but because of duty he does it. Our motives are internal and always mixed with impurity. Anyway, what of this ongoing tension of those in the one true faith - Law/Gospel, Truth/Love, and my question - Duty/Love. Duty is a dirty word in our current culture - sadly also among Christians because we are polluted by motive/expressive spirituality. It is far too easy to look to the internal to judge the merits of one's external actions. I thank that Lord for daily confession to remind me that I am both a helpless sinful being and a new creation. Both-And again. Paradox. I am pitied. I am loved.
The beauty of Lutheran theology is the delicate balance of holding the mysteries of the Faith as "mysteries" - paradoxes that human reason and human feelings can't resolve.
Luke 17:7 - And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, “Come at once and sit down to eat’?
Luke 17:8 But will he not rather say to him, “Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’?
Luke 17:9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.
Luke 17:10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, “We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ”
I appreciate the distinction between law and gospel, but aren't there some laws that are part of the gospel? E.g., "a new commandment I give to you ..." My pastor distinguished the gospel in a narrow sense from the larger gospel that includes law.
Hi Bryan!
I'm a 19yr old Anglican theology student who has found himself fallen in love with lutheran theology, but being a in largely reformed university space I've heard some new and interesting critiques of Lutheranism that I think are less popular online.
So my question is about one of those challenges:
What do you make of the claim that 'Lutherans locate the 'main' biblical message as Christ saves sinners vs the Reformed position of 'Christ is Lord'?
Is that a fair account of the Lutheran position? Do you think the Reformed position is wrong? Would love to hear your thoughts
This question arose after a discussion about whether the Lutherans distinction of Law and Gospel is an oversimplification, and lacks reflecting the redemptive history told over the length of the Scriptures.
God bless!
This may be a bit "insider baseball" but does the sacramental presence remain after the distribution of the elements in Holy Communion, or does it no longer remain? Put another way, is the Corpus Christi procession bread worship, or an abuse of the Sacrament?
Hello Pastor,
I am conflicted about what is biblically correct behavior when it comes to a family member who is living a life mocking God. The person has been raised in Christ but is rejecting His teachings. The bible says not to even sit with someone mocking God. However, as someone who was a prodigal for twenty years, I do not want to go no contact with my relative because I was not abandoned during my prodigal years. I want to keep the door open to plant mustard seeds of the gospel where I can. I pray like St. Stephen for God to forget their sin and welcome them into heaven. My hope is God will answer my prayer like he did with St. Stephen when he converted Saul to Paul and convert my relative as well. What would the correct behavior be?
Isn’t a theology question entirely but why is catechesis so poor among Christians among all traditions. I remember talking to my pastor and he encouraged all of the churchgoers to read the book of Mark for a month. He told me for most of the members it was the first time they read the gospel. I think of the Christians in Syria and Nigeria right now who are putting their lives on the line right now for their faith. But we can’t even read sacred scripture. What can we do to change this ?
Theology question:
Death entered into creation with the Fall. But, was that death for every living thing, or just Man? Seems to me that Death entered and affect all living things. The Lion didn't eat the Lamb. But, flies? Birds? Did the Fall bring those creatures death?
Heard a cool thing on 'marriage' after the resurrection - no need to marry, as Death will be no more, so 'repleneshing' the earth with offspring won't be necessary to perpetuate humanity. Which further shines a brighter light on Marriage and its purpose.
Thanks. Some thoughts with a question or two somewhere in there.
Tom
Hi Pastor Bryan!
Would you go over what actually is taking place during infant and adult Baptism?
Like you, I did not grow up attending an LCMS church, but was drawn there as an adult. I do NOT believe that Christian baptism is only "symbolic", as my my premillennial, dispensationalist mother did... but, it concerns me when I hear some folks say, "Well, I was baptized when I was two weeks old and 'baptism saves'!" There is an attitude that can accompany this explanation that almost seems to say, "Well, if you weren't baptized as an infant like me, it sucks to be you... but I'm good!" A lack of interest in evangelism or concern for the unsaved usually seems to accompany this viewpoint as well.
The phrase "baptism saves" appears to only be in the Bible once (1 Peter 3:21) where it compares the water of baptism to the water that lifted the ark during the flood. I don't completely understand this comparison. Could you add more explanation and share some additional references about how the Holy Spirit is working in baptism? Thanks!
Why did Christ give us pastors? Do we need pastors who are ordained? Are they really necessary? I'm thinking of these questions from the perspective of a church body (Apostolic Lutheran) that doesn't have ordained pastors in their tradition.
I was listening to the Catholic radio station and they were very emphatic that Sola Scriptura is not biblical. In one sense I can see their point. I mean, we do look at the early Church fathers and see what they did and follow their example. We do recite the creeds which are based on the scriptures, but not directly quoted from the scriptures. How do we as Lutherans answer this argument?
Thank you for all your teaching, Pr. Bryan, which I really appreciate.
Good & blessed morning :) My question is something i have been pondering for a while. i love prayer & pray as often as possible (love conversing with the Father), however i was curious as to why some (not mentioning or criticizing) but some pray to mother Mary & the saints. i have not found any Biblical verses that support this. i do not dishonor Mary or the saints, but do feel uncomfortable as i always thought we make all prayers & supplications through Christ Jesus alone. So is there Biblical documentation for supporting prayer to mother Mary & the saints?
Love all you do, have been listening to you since Colorado & thank you for all you do to help us learn more. tm
I had to verify my email. Incase my message didn't send, round 2.
What theologically is the difference between Lutheran Christianity and Anglican Christianity?
Hey Pastor Wolfmueller,
Thank you for taking these questions.
I remember you once said that if there’s not a good (LCMS) church nearby, we should attend the ‘next best’ option, but that we should refrain from receiving communion there.
But I have to ask - if Word and Sacrament are the central gifts of the Service, and I consistently hear faithful preaching and teaching online from solid pastors such as yourself, and I’m not supposed to commune at another church anyway, then what is the value in attending that church in person?
Greetings Pastor Wolfmueller! I heard this statement and it intrigued me. The statement is “God always grants forgiveness but doesn’t always grant repentance. Is this true and is it because when it comes to repentance our free will is involved? Also is Pharaoh and his hardened heart and Judas and his suicide examples of this?
I recently received an email from a Reformed tradition with the title "God does not pity you, God loves you." I am particularly sensitive to this subtle pitting or contrasting things that our post-modern sensibilities encourage in us rather than Scripture. The tension is that Love and Truth are never to be pitted and as fallen humans with our false reasoning and "feelings" we inevitably fall into an either-or statement when mystery/paradox of truth is both-and. The same is true with Law and Gospel. Law is often pitted as "bad" and Gospel as "good" in our statements but the reality that it is a very good Law that is perfectly reflective of a very good Gospel - both-and. So the reality is that God both pities and loves us. They are not opposed. The same is true with "motive" discussion I believe. Duty and Love are not opposed. Even when I have no desire to do what the Lord Jesus commands at a particular moment, I still have the duty to do it because I have faith in Him. This is illustrated by the centurion who says to Christ, "say it" and it will be done. The soldier may not "want" to do it at any given time but because of duty he does it. Our motives are internal and always mixed with impurity. Anyway, what of this ongoing tension of those in the one true faith - Law/Gospel, Truth/Love, and my question - Duty/Love. Duty is a dirty word in our current culture - sadly also among Christians because we are polluted by motive/expressive spirituality. It is far too easy to look to the internal to judge the merits of one's external actions. I thank that Lord for daily confession to remind me that I am both a helpless sinful being and a new creation. Both-And again. Paradox. I am pitied. I am loved.
The beauty of Lutheran theology is the delicate balance of holding the mysteries of the Faith as "mysteries" - paradoxes that human reason and human feelings can't resolve.
Luke 17:7 - And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, “Come at once and sit down to eat’?
Luke 17:8 But will he not rather say to him, “Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’?
Luke 17:9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.
Luke 17:10 So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, “We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’ ”
Bill
I appreciate the distinction between law and gospel, but aren't there some laws that are part of the gospel? E.g., "a new commandment I give to you ..." My pastor distinguished the gospel in a narrow sense from the larger gospel that includes law.