QnA: Temptation & Concupiscence, Salvation Now and Then, Is Marijuana sinful?

Pastors Bryan Wolfmueller and Andrew Packer answer your theological and Biblical questions. In this episode we take up questions about:
*Temptation & Concupiscence
* Salvation Now and Then
* Is Marijuana sinful?

Pastor Wolfmueller serves St Paul and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Churches in Austin, TX.
Pastor Packer serves Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, IL.

[MichaelWittrock-krgy]

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!!

[caa]

I wish you both a Merry Christmas. I know my faith has grown since tuning in.

[ralf]

THANK YOU for this ongoing Q&A series.

[lisaabler]

The gifts of salvation are indeed a multitude. We’ll put, Pastor, and Hallelujah!

[sharonjanzen]

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!

[bencurry]

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.

[paulparker]

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

[johnlively]

"The man that drinks beer goes to sleep, that man that sleeps does not sin, therefore.. " Martin Luther

[Cyra_The_Jedi]

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!

[andrewkreais]

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

[BOB_EDC]

How many people eat breakfast before communion and how many fast tell after? Or a good question is should you fast before communion

[diastemarex]

Beer is a Rocker! Makes me want to rock out to loud music.

[sidneyloggins]

As happy as you two appear, I am wondering if you are testing the goods yourselves!

[Mr.MattSim]

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?

[AmberMassotti]

Could you please link the article you mentioned you wrote on marijuana? Thank you.

[davidkimball]

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.

[EvanPriston]

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.

[BOB_EDC]

If you two would have teamed up with Hans, he wouldn't have to cancel his stand up show

[guyparker]

Which came first Strife or Gluttony.?the prudent called..which, finding most 15 ¢ short of a dollar, but that of the church..American way..

[Alex-lkj]

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"?