I am a Pastor Emeritus of the LC-MS and a graduate of CTSFW in 2001. I am 78 years old and say AMEN to your analogies. The BIBLE is a never ending source of TRUTH!!
LOVE the marijuana answer. So true that insobriety brings out whatever sin/temptation we naturally lean toward. I never thought about it that way. Thank you!
I’d love to hear more about this pharmacia stuff mentioned in that last second. I saw a video where a guy was claiming Solomon was deeply into witchcraft and I’d never heard anything of the such before. Love the videos. You two have been a huge help to my conversion to Lutheranism.
Hey guys! Thanks for all you do. The answer to the 2nd question reminds me of something my wife and I have talked about. Because of sin we are all but blind. This includes what we "create". Our art, music, inventions and every thought will be without sin. It's kinda exciting! GOD bless you mates
On talking about psychosis: marijuana use generally only results in psychosis for those who are genetically predisposed to developing it (e.g. if a family member has experienced psychosis, then you are more likely to experience psychosis from marijuana use, even if you weren't going to develop it naturally). I haven't researched the evidence of psychosis in long-term users, though. Nevertheless, I found the point on sobriety for Christians and the conscience very helpful. Thank you!
I suffered a severe spine injury. The pain was extraordinary. Doctors wanted to put me on OXY. Not for me. Addiction runs in my family. I judiciously used certain strains of cannabis just to live. It wasn't recreational. It was to prevent me from becoming suicidal.
@@BirdDogey1 Thanks for sharing your story! I don't judge you. I don't judge anyone who uses drugs, whether medically or recreationally. I'm on medication too :)
I have a question to which the easy answer is probably just: "because concupiscence, or fallen nature". In brief: Why must we be told where and how to find grace - *even after and while* - being in the faith. When I eat some fruit and savor it, I know that "the fruit" is where i find the sweetness which i savor. But, when savoring the Gospel by various means of grace, we somehow are easily confused and quick to swap it for Law, or mysticism, or rationalism, etc. Why don't we automatically associate the Gospel with it's correct source? Or, why don't we "see" other means until they are pointed out to us? Especially relevant for me because: Background: I'm a former baptist finally pursuing a Lutheran confession, and I've been reading Christian Dogmatics (Mueller, 1934) on the Means of Grace (p. 443), where he describes various embodiments of the Gospel as all being means of grace. To which i think, yes, i have often "felt comforted" by the sight of a crucifix, yet it is surprising to me I did not realize that it is one such source (or "vector", perhaps). And also, why did I need to be instructed in the Sacrament of the Altar in order to "see" the Gospel in it? I can see precedent for God "hiding the Gospel", in parables for example. But why also would the various means seem to be hidden, even from Christians?
The theology question for a future video. What is the lutheran teaching and view on praying the rosary, and Mary being a eternal virgin as taught by the Catholic Church?. I'm lutheran my wife is Catholic and we've had a lot of strong discussions about this. Thank you always love your guys teaching. God bless you keep up god's work
I have been studying the Lutheran view of baptism, (I’m reformed baptist) and am almost convinced, but am having trouble with Matthew 3:11. John the Baptist says “I baptize you with water for repentance…he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Can you explain in a video how this fits in with a baptismal regeneration view? Because it seems to suggest regeneration to be a Spirit Baptism, and not necessarily associated with water.
There is a distinction of the baptism of John and the Baptism of the church. I would send you to read more on Sacramental Union. It's pretty much the idea that the sign and the thing signified ( in this case the accident[water] and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit) are so united that we can say that Baptism saves. Baptism of the water is connected to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, so when the Bible says Believe and Be Baptized for the remission of sins, we trust it and can use it because the Bible says so. Also Baptists are not reformed 😏 haha greetings and blessings my dear brother.
@@taangpeifong5334 haha, I know it’s a misnomer. It’s easier to say “Reformed Baptist” because everyone knows what that is. I prefer Particular Baptist, but not everyone is as familiar with that label. Thanks for the explanation. Makes sense.
Revelation 19:1-4 kjv 1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: 2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. 3 And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever. 4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
I understand the idea of sober, but sometimes medicine makes us not sober. For instance, in a surgical procedure, a person is knocked out with anasthesia. In addition, after surgery, a person is often given a powerful pain killer to deal with the pain. All of these will make a person not-sober. I understand that these are for medical purposes, but did the Bible say to "be sober, except when it is medically necessary to not be..."? Obviously, the answer is "no". So, why do we make an exception for medical purposes, when the Bible does not seem to make exceptions for medical purposes? Also, sometimes too much caffiene can be used, which can certainly alter someone's conscience and thinking. Is drinking an energy drink making a person not-sober?
"why do we make an exception for medical purposes, when the Bible does not seem to make exceptions for medical purposes".... I'd argue that the call to sobriety arises from the command to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Normally, non sobriety is a breach of that as you choose to enter a state where you can't clearly love God properly and expose yourself to tempation. In the middle of a medical intervention, it's either moot or even beneficial; you're choosing between pain that ruins your love or the medication, and you aren't going to hook up with some floozy in a bar. This is like the animal in the well on the Sabbath; necessity means people do things that would be unloving towards God under most optional circumstances.
Is marijuana sinful? I thought God said all he created was "good." And, never once have I heard of a marijuana plant committing adultery... But they sure do seem to be happy to clap their hands! Perhaps the better question is, "Is marijuana Charismatic Pentecostal"?
Go visit a psych ward on a Saturday morning and see the huge number of psychotic young kids who smoked pot diagnosed with Substance Induced Psychosis. You will not be amused.
Consider that while alchohol is not prohibited, drunkeness is. Even things that have a good purpose may be used sinfully. In my view Marijuana is often used in a way that leads to laziness or what could even could be described as drunkeness.
Romans 13 talks about we should obey the laws of the nation, so yes it is a sin to even speed. I don't like it, but God is righteous! Not me. Pray for submission to God's will. Edit:. I don't personally have an issue with marijuana use.
These guys don't seem to be well informed about marijuana. It sounds like pastor Wolfmueller got his information from "Reefer Madness" and all the propaganda that the pharmaceutical, plastics, etc industries paid to indoctrinate us with. It's true that people keep breeding more potent varieties. Except what is also true is we have been able to research and understand more about the plant. So a person can find really weak marijuana if they want. Plus, just like you could drink 1 beer and may be sober or you could drink 18 and be drunk.. The same can be said about marijuana. Someone could take 1 tiny little puff, of the weakest marijuana, and barely feel any different. It's funny to see Lutherans criticize marijuana, when Luther seemed to be a bit of a drunk himself.
@@bradygregor9137 they made a point to distinguish the difference and chose to focus on recreational usage. Like with other medications, you are dealing with a medical need your conscience shouldn't be troubled. But if it is misused then it can become sinful. My sister-in-law benefits from the pain relief marijuana provides her arthritic pain.
I believe that is a different question, because most marijuana in medical use is chiefly CBD, which is different to THC, the chemical that makes you high. So if marijuana for medical use doesn't make you high, then you are complying with the call for sobriety, and it is not an issue.
@@Cyra_The_Jedi Partially true. I used THC based Cannabis products to combat severe pain from a spinal cord injury. Chose to avoid oxy for obvious reasons. THC was preferable to OXY. My surgeon agreed.
I am going to play the devils advocate today and throw a bible verse your way concerning the use of marijuana and alcohol. first of all, sarcasm is the worst drug know to mankind, yet we partake in laughter. secondly , as it is written, "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." Matthew 15:11. I was saved by grace alone my friends, and still to this day, give not over to the works which I do or not do, but to the grace and glory of our beloved Lord, Jesus Christ. "By grace we have been saved by through faith. and not of yourselves, it is a gift of God. Not of works, lest any man can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9.
I believe the questions are pulled from Pastor Wolfmueller's contact page on his website. They have so many submitted that it's not super likely yours would be put into a video.
@@charliecampbell6851 I know that is how it usually works, but he's commented for a couple months that it doesn't seem to be working and why he mentioned commenting and send to Pastor Packer.
I have tried leaving my email in the comments here several times and it appears to get removed. You may have to go to my church’s website to get it. Sorry about that.
I am a Pastor Emeritus of the LC-MS and a graduate of CTSFW in 2001. I am 78 years old and say AMEN to your analogies. The BIBLE is a never ending source of TRUTH!!
The gifts of salvation are indeed a multitude. We’ll put, Pastor, and Hallelujah!
THANK YOU for this ongoing Q&A series.
LOVE the marijuana answer. So true that insobriety brings out whatever sin/temptation we naturally lean toward. I never thought about it that way. Thank you!
I’d love to hear more about this pharmacia stuff mentioned in that last second. I saw a video where a guy was claiming Solomon was deeply into witchcraft and I’d never heard anything of the such before. Love the videos. You two have been a huge help to my conversion to Lutheranism.
Hey guys! Thanks for all you do. The answer to the 2nd question reminds me of something my wife and I have talked about. Because of sin we are all but blind. This includes what we "create". Our art, music, inventions and every thought will be without sin. It's kinda exciting! GOD bless you mates
"The man that drinks beer goes to sleep, that man that sleeps does not sin, therefore.. " Martin Luther
How many people eat breakfast before communion and how many fast tell after? Or a good question is should you fast before communion
On talking about psychosis: marijuana use generally only results in psychosis for those who are genetically predisposed to developing it (e.g. if a family member has experienced psychosis, then you are more likely to experience psychosis from marijuana use, even if you weren't going to develop it naturally). I haven't researched the evidence of psychosis in long-term users, though.
Nevertheless, I found the point on sobriety for Christians and the conscience very helpful. Thank you!
I suffered a severe spine injury. The pain was extraordinary. Doctors wanted to put me on OXY. Not for me. Addiction runs in my family. I judiciously used certain strains of cannabis just to live. It wasn't recreational. It was to prevent me from becoming suicidal.
@@BirdDogey1 Thanks for sharing your story! I don't judge you. I don't judge anyone who uses drugs, whether medically or recreationally. I'm on medication too :)
Long term heavy use is risky for anyone.
@@SeanusAurelius of course!
So is bed wetting
Beer is a Rocker! Makes me want to rock out to loud music.
I have a question to which the easy answer is probably just: "because concupiscence, or fallen nature".
In brief: Why must we be told where and how to find grace - *even after and while* - being in the faith.
When I eat some fruit and savor it, I know that "the fruit" is where i find the sweetness which i savor. But, when savoring the Gospel by various means of grace, we somehow are easily confused and quick to swap it for Law, or mysticism, or rationalism, etc. Why don't we automatically associate the Gospel with it's correct source? Or, why don't we "see" other means until they are pointed out to us? Especially relevant for me because:
Background: I'm a former baptist finally pursuing a Lutheran confession, and I've been reading Christian Dogmatics (Mueller, 1934) on the Means of Grace (p. 443), where he describes various embodiments of the Gospel as all being means of grace. To which i think, yes, i have often "felt comforted" by the sight of a crucifix, yet it is surprising to me I did not realize that it is one such source (or "vector", perhaps). And also, why did I need to be instructed in the Sacrament of the Altar in order to "see" the Gospel in it? I can see precedent for God "hiding the Gospel", in parables for example. But why also would the various means seem to be hidden, even from Christians?
The theology question for a future video. What is the lutheran teaching and view on praying the rosary, and Mary being a eternal virgin as taught by the Catholic Church?. I'm lutheran my wife is Catholic and we've had a lot of strong discussions about this. Thank you always love your guys teaching. God bless you keep up god's work
As happy as you two appear, I am wondering if you are testing the goods yourselves!
I have been studying the Lutheran view of baptism, (I’m reformed baptist) and am almost convinced, but am having trouble with Matthew 3:11. John the Baptist says “I baptize you with water for repentance…he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Can you explain in a video how this fits in with a baptismal regeneration view? Because it seems to suggest regeneration to be a Spirit Baptism, and not necessarily associated with water.
There is a distinction of the baptism of John and the Baptism of the church. I would send you to read more on Sacramental Union. It's pretty much the idea that the sign and the thing signified ( in this case the accident[water] and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit) are so united that we can say that Baptism saves. Baptism of the water is connected to the baptism of the Holy Spirit, so when the Bible says Believe and Be Baptized for the remission of sins, we trust it and can use it because the Bible says so. Also Baptists are not reformed 😏 haha greetings and blessings my dear brother.
@@taangpeifong5334 haha, I know it’s a misnomer. It’s easier to say “Reformed Baptist” because everyone knows what that is. I prefer Particular Baptist, but not everyone is as familiar with that label. Thanks for the explanation. Makes sense.
Could you please link the article you mentioned you wrote on marijuana? Thank you.
Revelation 19:1-4 kjv
1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.
3 And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.
4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
Luke 11:28 kjv
28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
Which came first Strife or Gluttony.?the prudent called..which ,finding most 15 ¢ short of a dollar ,but that of the church..American way..
I understand the idea of sober, but sometimes medicine makes us not sober. For instance, in a surgical procedure, a person is knocked out with anasthesia. In addition, after surgery, a person is often given a powerful pain killer to deal with the pain. All of these will make a person not-sober. I understand that these are for medical purposes, but did the Bible say to "be sober, except when it is medically necessary to not be..."? Obviously, the answer is "no". So, why do we make an exception for medical purposes, when the Bible does not seem to make exceptions for medical purposes?
Also, sometimes too much caffiene can be used, which can certainly alter someone's conscience and thinking. Is drinking an energy drink making a person not-sober?
"why do we make an exception for medical purposes, when the Bible does not seem to make exceptions for medical purposes"....
I'd argue that the call to sobriety arises from the command to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.
Normally, non sobriety is a breach of that as you choose to enter a state where you can't clearly love God properly and expose yourself to tempation.
In the middle of a medical intervention, it's either moot or even beneficial; you're choosing between pain that ruins your love or the medication, and you aren't going to hook up with some floozy in a bar.
This is like the animal in the well on the Sabbath; necessity means people do things that would be unloving towards God under most optional circumstances.
If you two would have teamed up with Hans, he wouldn't have to cancel his stand up show
Is marijuana sinful? I thought God said all he created was "good." And, never once have I heard of a marijuana plant committing adultery... But they sure do seem to be happy to clap their hands! Perhaps the better question is, "Is marijuana Charismatic Pentecostal"?
A plant can be used for a sinful purpose, even if the plant is good and has useful purposes.
Go visit a psych ward on a Saturday morning and see the huge number of psychotic young kids who smoked pot diagnosed with Substance Induced Psychosis. You will not be amused.
Consider that while alchohol is not prohibited, drunkeness is. Even things that have a good purpose may be used sinfully. In my view Marijuana is often used in a way that leads to laziness or what could even could be described as drunkeness.
Romans 13 talks about we should obey the laws of the nation, so yes it is a sin to even speed. I don't like it, but God is righteous! Not me. Pray for submission to God's will.
Edit:. I don't personally have an issue with marijuana use.
These guys don't seem to be well informed about marijuana. It sounds like pastor Wolfmueller got his information from "Reefer Madness" and all the propaganda that the pharmaceutical, plastics, etc industries paid to indoctrinate us with.
It's true that people keep breeding more potent varieties. Except what is also true is we have been able to research and understand more about the plant. So a person can find really weak marijuana if they want. Plus, just like you could drink 1 beer and may be sober or you could drink 18 and be drunk.. The same can be said about marijuana. Someone could take 1 tiny little puff, of the weakest marijuana, and barely feel any different.
It's funny to see Lutherans criticize marijuana, when Luther seemed to be a bit of a drunk himself.
What if you are taking marijuana for medical relief?
@@bradygregor9137 they made a point to distinguish the difference and chose to focus on recreational usage. Like with other medications, you are dealing with a medical need your conscience shouldn't be troubled. But if it is misused then it can become sinful. My sister-in-law benefits from the pain relief marijuana provides her arthritic pain.
I believe that is a different question, because most marijuana in medical use is chiefly CBD, which is different to THC, the chemical that makes you high. So if marijuana for medical use doesn't make you high, then you are complying with the call for sobriety, and it is not an issue.
@@Cyra_The_Jedi Partially true. I used THC based Cannabis products to combat severe pain from a spinal cord injury. Chose to avoid oxy for obvious reasons. THC was preferable to OXY. My surgeon agreed.
Jesus had no original sin. Thus, original sin only passes from a father to a child, from the SIRE.
His sinlessness
I am going to play the devils advocate today and throw a bible verse your way concerning the use of marijuana and alcohol. first of all, sarcasm is the worst drug know to mankind, yet we partake in laughter. secondly , as it is written, "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." Matthew 15:11. I was saved by grace alone my friends, and still to this day, give not over to the works which I do or not do, but to the grace and glory of our beloved Lord, Jesus Christ. "By grace we have been saved by through faith. and not of yourselves, it is a gift of God. Not of works, lest any man can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9.
What's Pastor Packer's email then. I've submitted two questions over the past month and wouldn't know if they were received.
I believe the questions are pulled from Pastor Wolfmueller's contact page on his website. They have so many submitted that it's not super likely yours would be put into a video.
@@charliecampbell6851 I know that is how it usually works, but he's commented for a couple months that it doesn't seem to be working and why he mentioned commenting and send to Pastor Packer.
I have tried leaving my email in the comments here several times and it appears to get removed. You may have to go to my church’s website to get it. Sorry about that.
@@andrewpacker2592 Thanks for all you do! The church benefits from your service-many blessings to you. May the peace of the Lord be with you.