Thanks for your thoughtfulness in dealing with this issue. Your sincerity and loving concern is evident. I am still on the fence regarding head coverings for women of the church. As a former PenteBaptist I am very sensitive to the dangers of legalism. At the same time, a Christian countercultural stance against the worldliness around us seems exactly what Christ would have us do. Beauty, reverence and virtue as apologetical resources will draw the attention of those whose soul has been quickened by the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you.
I think the struggle you have described is evidence that you are probably right where you need to be on the issue. With a firm reliance on the Gospel your desire is to use every aspect of your life to point the world around you to Christ, in part, through acts of personal piety. Sometimes that balance feels like an unresolved issue. Thank you for your kind words, sharing your love for the Gospel, and your desire to live a godly life for the sake of your neighbor. God bless you!
I posted earlier but had trouble. Maybe if I can shorten it?! 😂 I've observed people "discovering" headcoverings on again, off again for thirty years. My biggest concern is the path of legalism this sets families on. Headcovering never ends up being enough - sleeve length comes into play, no bright colors, etc, etc, etc. I've been the brunt of such families wrath on more than one occasion simply for saying I think it's an ancient symbol of marriage. (I never brought the topic up but was pursued by headcovering enthusiasts.) My experiences with such families are really worse than I can even say. My gravest concern is how they try to earn favor with God. And my gravest doubts are how a headcovering revelation can be seen as good and holy when I've seen it cause people to lash out in anger and exhibit vicious behavior towards others and myself. Such behaviors are not from God. I patiently pray for them to realize, Jesus IS enough.
I am sorry to hear about your bad experiences. We all have an inner legalist that is looking for an opportunity to get out and earn eternal life. This makes Christian piety a challenge. Our neighbor needs our good works to point them to Christ, but the moment we "institute" a practice (personally or corporately) we should be ready to fight back the temptation to justify ourselves by means of those good works. I am thankful for your grace-centered approach and pray that God would heal any divide between you and other brothers and sisters in Christ that may exist over this important issue of Christian piety.
I just saw your other post. You have had quite the experience. I will keep all involved in my prayers. I haven't had any sort of experience like what you have described, but I have learned that even people with the best of intentions cannot be trusted in the same way that God can be trusted. Only God is always loving and always faithful. Do not lose heart and do not give up on the people who let you down. You are shown mercy by the Faithful One so that you can continue to show mercy to your neighbor. Learn from your experience. Set boundaries. Continue to love and by your love, point people to Christ. God's peace!
@@davidwiist4950 It has really taken me time to come around to really, really praying for them. Seriously. Years. My prayers before were just out of duty. My heart was not with them but God is faithful and bringing me around to seeing them - not like Jesus would, but closer to like Jesus would. My heart hurts but my heart now also hurts for them. I do think they are genuine in their good intentions towards walking with God. They want to be as close to being "right with God" as possible but they focus and elevate their efforts to the point of interfering with that hope. And they've shown a willingness to hurt anyone who "gets in their way" (a.k.a. disagrees with them). Their reliance on Jesus is a bit less with every new rule they make for themselves. That's scary to me and when I think about that, my heart breaks for them. Thank you for your advice. I needed some feedback to help stay focused. I've never wanted to convey this to my own Pastor because the families are such good friends with one another. The headcovering family dropped us like rocks and then just focused on the Pastor and his family who happened to be new just after our unfortunate fallout. And I don't want to embarrass the headcovering family (or the Pastor who appointed this man as an Elder). So everyday, I am going to focus on praying for their well-being and total reliance on Jesus. 🙏 Thanks again! 🙂
A very good explanation of the text. I like the point that you made about the wedding ring is our sign of commitment to being faithful in marriage, ie; husbands being prophet, priest and king to their wives and wives submitting and being helpmetes to their husbands. Because we wear the ring, we don't necessarily need to have the head covering to demonstrate that relationship. When my wife wants to make me feel especially honored, she wears a head covering in worship. 💕
I quite like the head covering. I am less enthusiastic about the overly tight jeans and short skirts. I have enough problem dealing with the world’s distractions as it is.
"Be cautious when bringing back old traditions". Head coverings for women in church was the norm until the 1960's. Women choosing NOT to wear head coverings is the new tradition. With respect, Pastor, you are wrong
Thanks for your comment. It's been a while since I put this video together, so it is difficult for me to comment on it without reviewing it and the topic addressed, but I stand by what you have quoted as a fair warning. You can disagree with whether or not head-covering should be treated as a doctrine or a practice. I would contend that it is a practice, even a commendable one, but a good practice from the past (even if it continues to be a commendable practice that points to the relationship between Christ and his Church) should still be introduced into a congregation with care, showing concern for the "weaker faith" and the general good order of the congregation. Concern should also be showed for the congregation's relationship with those whom it has committed to walk together. Traditions from the Church's historical past that served her well and innovations that try to take into consideration the challenges of contemporary culture can both cause disorder and confusion and ultimately distract from the cross and the tomb. My point, I believe, was the change of any kind, should be cautiously considered. Thanks again for your feedback. God bless you!
If your marriage is only dependent on a piece of gold and its presence on yoir finger, that is pretty shallow. The headcovering is commanded, whether a woman is married or not.
Thanks for your comment! I agree. The ring is just a symbol that points to something much more precious. Thanks for your defense of marriage. In regards to whether or not head-coverings are commanded and necessary for both single and married women, Paul emphasizes the relationship between husbands and wives in I Corinthians 11. I spoke of head-coverings and their witness in marriage because that was where Paul directs our attention. In this particular text, I don't see him discussing single women. Again, thanks for your comments, they help keep me looking at the text! God's peace!
@@davidwiist4950 Paul does say that women should cover for prayer, prophesying and because of the angels. Since we are to have a prayerful attitude in life, that would include married as well as single women. It will also signal to the world who we represent. I once had a young man come up to me and say, "I see you are a Christian lady would you please pray for me?". Would he have asked me that if he didn't see me with a head covering? It speaks volumes!
@@ruthgoebel723 I like your example. I'm glad that your personal piety has provided opportunities for you to point others to Christ. I've had the same experience as a pastor when I am wearing my collar. It has provided the opportunity for many good conversations. Dress gives witness. A person/congregation's practice points to their true confession of faith. These things matter.
Thank you for posting this. This is of interest to me... not specifically on it's own topic, but in the more general manner of "how literally do we take Paul?" I find that Paul tends to write in absolutes, without exceptions provided. For example, Romans 13 (obey government), or 1 Corinthians 14 (women keep silent). Paul's absolutes have always bothered me. I'd be very interested to hear your opinion on this topic. I'm unsure if it's a symptom of the time and culture; or a reflection of Paul himself. I'm also unsure if these passages are utilizing his apostolic authority, or if they are personal opinions.
Thanks for your comment. You bring up some excellent questions that are worth serious consideration and would be beneficial for many. I will look to put something together as soon as I can in the New Year. I really appreciate your thoughtful feedback! Merry Christmas! -PDW
@@davidwiist4950Thank you for your response. I very much appreciate it. I hope you don't mind, but I sent you a message via email. I thought it more appropriate than including entirely in a comment reply.
I am so amazed that you can read the bible with some common sense unlike most church people. You took the safe road with your reading as the idea is very clear in the other religions that she is chaste property under her master. Don't try to pretty it up. Some bible traditions will not be viable ever again. It is most important to aim generally and focus individually based on a persons individual needs for growth. Most people never agree on doctrine and don't need to. The greatest is those who center on love through which all other gifts flow.
I agree with much of what you are saying. All of our practices should point to Christ crucified and raised for us. What we do is the first way that our children and the unbeliever learns about what we believe. Christian piety matters but it only matters because it points to Christ.
Greetings from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bristol, Connecticut! I am a little disappointed in your explanation. STOP being afraid of offending Women! Your vibe comes across as slightly Misandrist! That, for example, if it was a duty for men to perform your insistence on them doing it would be quite harsh! Just my thoughts! 🤔 Our culture is wicked and should be resisted by God Fearing men and women with all means at our disposal. I am very much in favor of women choosing to wear Head Coverings! I am not wishy washy about it as you are presenting yourself here. I feel it will grow in the years ahead and Praise God on that!!! If that is one way Good women can resist this Clown World Culture that we are steeped in; then I say HAZZAH! Peace and Blessings! Abel🙏🏼
Thanks for your thoughts. I certainly am not looking to cause offense and try to avoid it at all cost. I appreciate your input. It helps to keep me honest in my study of the Scriptures. In this case, I don't think that my thoughts are motivated by fear so much as a love for the fact that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. God bless your day!
Greetings from Immanuel Lutheran Church LCMS in Bristol, Connecticut! I am a little disappointed in your explanation. STOP being afraid of offending Women! Your vibe comes across as slightly Misandrist! That, for example, if it was a duty for men to perform your insistence on them doing it would be quite harsh! Just my thoughts! 🤔 Our culture is wicked and should be resisted by God Fearing men and women with all means at our disposal. I am very much in favor of women choosing to wear Head Coverings! I am not wishy washy about it as you are presenting yourself here. I feel it will grow in the years ahead and Praise God on that!!! If that is one way Good women can resist this Clown World Culture that we are steeped in; then I say HAZZAH! Peace and Blessings! Abel🙏🏼
Steve, thanks for the comment. I have to admit this isn't the most interesting of topics for me but I was asked to do my best to address it by someone who was struggling. I tried to stick to the text and to show how it points to the love that Christ has for his bride, the Church. It seems like I have managed to offend many on opposing sides. This was not my intent but it doesn't really bother me that much. It is good for us to challenge one another. I would not expect that your wish that the LCMS would lose its voice is likely to be granted; therefore, I would encourage you to pray that our conversations would be guided by the Word and the Holy Spirit so that we can, together, grow in faith and and understanding of God's will..
Thanks for your thoughtfulness in dealing with this issue. Your sincerity and loving concern is evident. I am still on the fence regarding head coverings for women of the church. As a former PenteBaptist I am very sensitive to the dangers of legalism. At the same time, a Christian countercultural stance against the worldliness around us seems exactly what Christ would have us do. Beauty, reverence and virtue as apologetical resources will draw the attention of those whose soul has been quickened by the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you.
I think the struggle you have described is evidence that you are probably right where you need to be on the issue. With a firm reliance on the Gospel your desire is to use every aspect of your life to point the world around you to Christ, in part, through acts of personal piety. Sometimes that balance feels like an unresolved issue.
Thank you for your kind words, sharing your love for the Gospel, and your desire to live a godly life for the sake of your neighbor. God bless you!
I posted earlier but had trouble. Maybe if I can shorten it?! 😂 I've observed people "discovering" headcoverings on again, off again for thirty years. My biggest concern is the path of legalism this sets families on. Headcovering never ends up being enough - sleeve length comes into play, no bright colors, etc, etc, etc. I've been the brunt of such families wrath on more than one occasion simply for saying I think it's an ancient symbol of marriage. (I never brought the topic up but was pursued by headcovering enthusiasts.) My experiences with such families are really worse than I can even say. My gravest concern is how they try to earn favor with God. And my gravest doubts are how a headcovering revelation can be seen as good and holy when I've seen it cause people to lash out in anger and exhibit vicious behavior towards others and myself. Such behaviors are not from God. I patiently pray for them to realize, Jesus IS enough.
I am sorry to hear about your bad experiences. We all have an inner legalist that is looking for an opportunity to get out and earn eternal life. This makes Christian piety a challenge. Our neighbor needs our good works to point them to Christ, but the moment we "institute" a practice (personally or corporately) we should be ready to fight back the temptation to justify ourselves by means of those good works. I am thankful for your grace-centered approach and pray that God would heal any divide between you and other brothers and sisters in Christ that may exist over this important issue of Christian piety.
I just saw your other post. You have had quite the experience. I will keep all involved in my prayers. I haven't had any sort of experience like what you have described, but I have learned that even people with the best of intentions cannot be trusted in the same way that God can be trusted. Only God is always loving and always faithful. Do not lose heart and do not give up on the people who let you down. You are shown mercy by the Faithful One so that you can continue to show mercy to your neighbor. Learn from your experience. Set boundaries. Continue to love and by your love, point people to Christ. God's peace!
@@davidwiist4950 It has really taken me time to come around to really, really praying for them. Seriously. Years. My prayers before were just out of duty. My heart was not with them but God is faithful and bringing me around to seeing them - not like Jesus would, but closer to like Jesus would. My heart hurts but my heart now also hurts for them. I do think they are genuine in their good intentions towards walking with God. They want to be as close to being "right with God" as possible but they focus and elevate their efforts to the point of interfering with that hope. And they've shown a willingness to hurt anyone who "gets in their way" (a.k.a. disagrees with them). Their reliance on Jesus is a bit less with every new rule they make for themselves. That's scary to me and when I think about that, my heart breaks for them. Thank you for your advice. I needed some feedback to help stay focused. I've never wanted to convey this to my own Pastor because the families are such good friends with one another. The headcovering family dropped us like rocks and then just focused on the Pastor and his family who happened to be new just after our unfortunate fallout. And I don't want to embarrass the headcovering family (or the Pastor who appointed this man as an Elder). So everyday, I am going to focus on praying for their well-being and total reliance on Jesus. 🙏 Thanks again! 🙂
A very good explanation of the text. I like the point that you made about the wedding ring is our sign of commitment to being faithful in marriage, ie; husbands being prophet, priest and king to their wives and wives submitting and being helpmetes to their husbands. Because we wear the ring, we don't necessarily need to have the head covering to demonstrate that relationship. When my wife wants to make me feel especially honored, she wears a head covering in worship. 💕
I quite like the head covering. I am less enthusiastic about the overly tight jeans and short skirts. I have enough problem dealing with the world’s distractions as it is.
"Be cautious when bringing back old traditions". Head coverings for women in church was the norm until the 1960's. Women choosing NOT to wear head coverings is the new tradition. With respect, Pastor, you are wrong
Thanks for your comment. It's been a while since I put this video together, so it is difficult for me to comment on it without reviewing it and the topic addressed, but I stand by what you have quoted as a fair warning. You can disagree with whether or not head-covering should be treated as a doctrine or a practice. I would contend that it is a practice, even a commendable one, but a good practice from the past (even if it continues to be a commendable practice that points to the relationship between Christ and his Church) should still be introduced into a congregation with care, showing concern for the "weaker faith" and the general good order of the congregation. Concern should also be showed for the congregation's relationship with those whom it has committed to walk together. Traditions from the Church's historical past that served her well and innovations that try to take into consideration the challenges of contemporary culture can both cause disorder and confusion and ultimately distract from the cross and the tomb. My point, I believe, was the change of any kind, should be cautiously considered.
Thanks again for your feedback. God bless you!
I see head coverings as adiaphora. It is making a comeback in my church but not in my home. Okay by me.
If your marriage is only dependent on a piece of gold and its presence on yoir finger, that is pretty shallow. The headcovering is commanded, whether a woman is married or not.
Thanks for your comment! I agree. The ring is just a symbol that points to something much more precious. Thanks for your defense of marriage. In regards to whether or not head-coverings are commanded and necessary for both single and married women, Paul emphasizes the relationship between husbands and wives in I Corinthians 11. I spoke of head-coverings and their witness in marriage because that was where Paul directs our attention. In this particular text, I don't see him discussing single women. Again, thanks for your comments, they help keep me looking at the text! God's peace!
@@davidwiist4950 Paul does say that women should cover for prayer, prophesying and because of the angels. Since we are to have a prayerful attitude in life, that would include married as well as single women. It will also signal to the world who we represent. I once had a young man come up to me and say, "I see you are a Christian lady would you please pray for me?". Would he have asked me that if he didn't see me with a head covering? It speaks volumes!
@@ruthgoebel723 I like your example. I'm glad that your personal piety has provided opportunities for you to point others to Christ. I've had the same experience as a pastor when I am wearing my collar. It has provided the opportunity for many good conversations. Dress gives witness. A person/congregation's practice points to their true confession of faith. These things matter.
Thank you for posting this. This is of interest to me... not specifically on it's own topic, but in the more general manner of "how literally do we take Paul?" I find that Paul tends to write in absolutes, without exceptions provided. For example, Romans 13 (obey government), or 1 Corinthians 14 (women keep silent). Paul's absolutes have always bothered me. I'd be very interested to hear your opinion on this topic.
I'm unsure if it's a symptom of the time and culture; or a reflection of Paul himself. I'm also unsure if these passages are utilizing his apostolic authority, or if they are personal opinions.
Thanks for your comment. You bring up some excellent questions that are worth serious consideration and would be beneficial for many. I will look to put something together as soon as I can in the New Year. I really appreciate your thoughtful feedback! Merry Christmas! -PDW
@@davidwiist4950Thank you for your response. I very much appreciate it. I hope you don't mind, but I sent you a message via email. I thought it more appropriate than including entirely in a comment reply.
I am so amazed that you can read the bible with some common sense unlike most church people. You took the safe road with your reading as the idea is very clear in the other religions that she is chaste property under her master. Don't try to pretty it up. Some bible traditions will not be viable ever again. It is most important to aim generally and focus individually based on a persons individual needs for growth. Most people never agree on doctrine and don't need to. The greatest is those who center on love through which all other gifts flow.
I agree with much of what you are saying. All of our practices should point to Christ crucified and raised for us. What we do is the first way that our children and the unbeliever learns about what we believe. Christian piety matters but it only matters because it points to Christ.
Greetings from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bristol, Connecticut! I am a little disappointed in your explanation. STOP being afraid of offending Women! Your vibe comes across as slightly Misandrist! That, for example, if it was a duty for men to perform your insistence on them doing it would be quite harsh! Just my thoughts! 🤔
Our culture is wicked and should be resisted by God Fearing men and women with all means at our disposal.
I am very much in favor of women choosing to wear Head Coverings! I am not wishy washy about it as you are presenting yourself here. I feel it will grow in the years ahead and Praise God on that!!!
If that is one way Good women can resist this Clown World Culture that we are steeped in; then I say HAZZAH!
Peace and Blessings! Abel🙏🏼
Thanks for your thoughts. I certainly am not looking to cause offense and try to avoid it at all cost. I appreciate your input. It helps to keep me honest in my study of the Scriptures. In this case, I don't think that my thoughts are motivated by fear so much as a love for the fact that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. God bless your day!
@@davidwiist4950 Thank you for your kind response! It is most definitely appreciated! Peace and blessings! Abel
Greetings from Immanuel Lutheran Church LCMS in Bristol, Connecticut! I am a little disappointed in your explanation. STOP being afraid of offending Women! Your vibe comes across as slightly Misandrist! That, for example, if it was a duty for men to perform your insistence on them doing it would be quite harsh! Just my thoughts! 🤔
Our culture is wicked and should be resisted by God Fearing men and women with all means at our disposal.
I am very much in favor of women choosing to wear Head Coverings! I am not wishy washy about it as you are presenting yourself here. I feel it will grow in the years ahead and Praise God on that!!!
If that is one way Good women can resist this Clown World Culture that we are steeped in; then I say HAZZAH!
Peace and Blessings! Abel🙏🏼
Should male LCMS pastors cover their mouths? Between not allowing female pastors and this crazy idea, they need to be silent .
Steve, thanks for the comment. I have to admit this isn't the most interesting of topics for me but I was asked to do my best to address it by someone who was struggling. I tried to stick to the text and to show how it points to the love that Christ has for his bride, the Church. It seems like I have managed to offend many on opposing sides. This was not my intent but it doesn't really bother me that much. It is good for us to challenge one another. I would not expect that your wish that the LCMS would lose its voice is likely to be granted; therefore, I would encourage you to pray that our conversations would be guided by the Word and the Holy Spirit so that we can, together, grow in faith and and understanding of God's will..