Why I'm a Lutheran

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 มิ.ย. 2024
  • People ask all the time while I'm at Lutheran. In this little video I tell some of the story and give some of the reasons why we ended up in the Lutheran Church, and why I'm so interested in teaching the Lutheran Doctrine.

ความคิดเห็น • 548

  • @johnlange4316
    @johnlange4316 3 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    Eat your heart out guys. I go to Pastor W’s church, I get to sit in his Bible Class and even have lunch with him sometimes. He’s a joy to be with as a friend and as a Pastor.

    • @voidremoved
      @voidremoved 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      bro I don't care. Jesus loves me anyway

    • @Juliana65
      @Juliana65 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      It's not Godly to attempt to inspire the brethren to jealousy ;-)

    • @joebrinson5040
      @joebrinson5040 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      You are tempting me with the sin of envy ;). God bless you.

    • @kelliewonderly6841
      @kelliewonderly6841 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      ​@@Juliana65dude is just teasing goodness

    • @dugood70
      @dugood70 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I got to go to his parish once, it was a great experience

  • @billgrose3730
    @billgrose3730 2 ปีที่แล้ว +105

    I spent 30 years in the wilderness of decision theology and then found the LCMS church. Lutheran doctrine made the most sense out of all the scriptures!

    • @BeCatholicOrBeLost
      @BeCatholicOrBeLost 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      James 2:24 "a man is justified by works and not by faith alone"

    • @THECURBLAYER
      @THECURBLAYER ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@BeCatholicOrBeLost Would the Good Samaritan have been saved by his good works alone? God doesn’t command us to be “good”, he commands us to be “HOLY” which we cannot do as sinners. We are saved by faith alone because our good works don’t atone for the wages of sin. That being said, doing good works should be expected out of those that are also commanded to walk like Christ

    • @BeCatholicOrBeLost
      @BeCatholicOrBeLost ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@@THECURBLAYER I didn't say "good works alone", I said faith and good works (or faith that worketh by charity, see Gal. 5:6). God commands us to be holy/good, they are synonymous.
      John 5:29 "they that have done good things, shall come forth unto the resurrection of life; but they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment."
      God commands us to be good only by participating in HIS infinite goodness, made available by HIS infinite Passion, the merits of which are acquired to man by faith that worketh by charity, not faith alone (James 2:24).
      2 John 1:6 "And this is charity, that we walk according to his commandments."
      Matthew 19:17-19 "if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. [18] He said to him: Which? And Jesus said: Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness. [19] Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
      The merits of that holiness/goodness is from the Passion of Christ and not from dead works of your own strength. A person acquires the merits of Christ's death by cooperating with the grace of God by BOTH faith AND works, not faith alone. You have to do mental gymnastics to even pretend that you agree with James 2:24. You're obviously a heretic departing from the Scriptures.
      Council of Trent, Decree On Justification, Chap. 8. (How One is to Understand the Gratuitous Justification of a Sinner by Faith)
      "But when the Apostle says that man is justified 'by faith' [can. 9] and 'freely' [Rom. 3:22, 24], these words must be understood in that sense in which the uninterrupted consent of the Catholic Church has held and expressed, namely, that we are therefore said to be justified by faith, because 'faith is the beginning of human salvation,' the foundation and root of all justification, 'without which it is impossible to please God' [Heb. 11 :6] and to come to the fellowship of His sons; and are, therefore, said to be justified gratuitously, because none of those things which precede justification, whether faith or works, merit the grace itself of justification; for, 'if it is a grace, it is not now by reason of works; otherwise (as the same Apostle says) grace is no more grace' [Rom.11:6]."

    • @shinzman87
      @shinzman87 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@BeCatholicOrBeLost Good works according to whom? God’s Word or The Pope?

    • @mulkster39
      @mulkster39 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@BeCatholicOrBeLost curious how do you answer Romans 4?
      And James 2:24 is not talking about justification before us and God but between your fellow man. Pretty much the verse used for those who are antinomians (just the same as legalistic but opposite spectrum and still living under a curse) or your basic secular christian who nods with their head but don't truly believe the gospel.

  • @TaterSaled15
    @TaterSaled15 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    I was raised Baptist and Pentecostal, I’ve spent the last year and a half searching through every church denomination I could find (particularly the Catholic Church.) I read Athanasius, Augustine, Luther, Etc. And found that a lot of what I had believed might be wrong, thankfully after a lot of struggle and dismay I found the LCMS, or rather the Lord lead me there. Now I’m in a catechism class and going to be confirmed this year likely. God is good

    • @Nonz.M
      @Nonz.M ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same here, brother. I was raised Pentecostal and non-denominational. I started reading into what the early church fathers taught and how they understood scripture and I noticed how many things I was taught and believed did not align with them. I realized that we should heed to the wisdom of the early church fathers as they are closer to the apostles and a few of them were even taught by the apostles themselves, and therefore have a better understanding of the scriptures. It became evident that the Lutheran Church teaches the fullness of the Christian faith according to the scriptures and supported by the church fathers.
      I started going to an LCMS Church at the beginning of the year and God willing will be confirmed in a few months.

    • @SolSkinn
      @SolSkinn 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      My husband is pentecostal. Our children choose which church any given Sunday. The older they get, the more they go to Lutheran Church and say they love it because of the potlucks and the liturgy.

  • @glof2553
    @glof2553 2 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    Catholic here. I have admiration for many Lutherans. Thank you for sharing

    • @marciamazuryk3918
      @marciamazuryk3918 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      I am Catholic as well and am officially entering the Lutheran Church on 12/11/22. I now understand more at my age, 60, and feel Eternity is more achievable and comforting. Thank you, God and Pastor W.!

    • @romandaigle455
      @romandaigle455 ปีที่แล้ว

      Martin Luther fought against the RCC and was called a heretic and excommunicated! Read about the council of Trent! Rome has resolved nothing about all their unbiblical, crazy ungodly traditions ( I was a Catholic for 40 years, until I read the Bible) the Lutheran’ s are compromising and bowing the knee to Rome!

    • @Nonz.M
      @Nonz.M ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@marciamazuryk3918 Praise God.

    • @colecallies7565
      @colecallies7565 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Salvation is found by trusting in Jesus alone, praise God@@marciamazuryk3918

  • @JeeZwriter64
    @JeeZwriter64 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    God recently has lead me to a Lutheran Church to serve, and I was very very very reluctant at first. I still struggle, but I know it is where God wants me to be. I too have been to many many Churches. I grew up Catholic, left after God gave me a dream to leave, and I went quite a few places. And during COVID when the Churches all shut down, my now husband lived in a sexton house on a Lutheran Church property. And they were the first to open back up, but on the verge of closing permanently. My husband now, stepped in, who grew up Lutheran but left to be pentecostal for a while, he went back to being Lutheran and became President of the Lutheran Church. Before we got engaged, I was reluctant to follow him and was offered a position to be head of evangelism at a Calvinist leaning evangelical Church where I was first saved. And it was a choice to marry my husband and serve the Lutheran Church, or end the relationship and serve the Evangelical Church. After much prayer, God showed me to serve the Lutheran Church and to marry my Husband. However, since I was a Catholic and left, going back to the religiosity of the service was rather difficult, though the theology of the two are worlds apart. I started to become a member, but got nervous to what I was agreeing to, and stopped. God has been pulling me more and more to become a member. I have been searching out Lutheran teachers to try and get a better understanding. And upon reaserching Gregory Scultz who I admire for recent events, I stumbled upon your page. I enjoy what you say about Biblical Simplicity, that is really great. And I am hoping to learn more about what it really means to be Lutheran so I can be equipped to help save our dying Church.

  • @donaldjacobson4184
    @donaldjacobson4184 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Thank God you wound up Lutheran. You’re such a blessing to so many people!

  • @AmericanShia786
    @AmericanShia786 4 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    I was one of those Roman Catholics who left for Bible Churches in the late 1970s, when in my late teens. I had been told Lutheranism was just Catholic lite. So, when Charismania wasn't working anymore for me, I started listening to Dr. R. C. Sproul on the radio. I learned about Reformed Theology and Luther and Calvin. I thought Luther's view of the Communion made more sense, so eventually I read the Book of Concord, which seemed to me to be the most Biblical system of doctrine.
    Thanks for sharing your story.

  • @loweffortstolenmemes4778
    @loweffortstolenmemes4778 4 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    By his divine grace, I too have returned from being a wayward rebel against our creator to a believer. Thanks in large part to a couple of wonderful Presbyterians, Baptists and Methodists and their crazy ideas about the sacraments I was reminded how much of a Lutheran I am.
    Now on the path to seminary.

    • @BibleLovingLutheran
      @BibleLovingLutheran 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Still lutheran? Or did you go Orthodox or Catholic?

    • @loweffortstolenmemes4778
      @loweffortstolenmemes4778 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@BibleLovingLutheran always Catholic, never Roman.

    • @BibleLovingLutheran
      @BibleLovingLutheran 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@loweffortstolenmemes4778 oh. I don't know exactly what you mean by that. Calvinist?

    • @loweffortstolenmemes4778
      @loweffortstolenmemes4778 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@BibleLovingLutheran Lutheran. We are Catholic.

    • @BibleLovingLutheran
      @BibleLovingLutheran 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@loweffortstolenmemes4778 oh, they changed the Apostles Creed in the one I went to LCMS. They say One Holy Christian Church

  • @debbylongenecker3880
    @debbylongenecker3880 5 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    The simplicity of what I am slowly learning from the LCMS is what I keep saying to my dear friend and her husband who are now LCMS Lutherans. I just keep saying, "They keep it simple. They do not complicate it." I am going to be taking a class starting February 10 to learn why I am becoming Lutheran. Thank you Pastor Wolfmueller. Your journey sounds so very familiar to mine.

    • @kelliewonderly6841
      @kelliewonderly6841 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Ah yes catechism classes, ah I remember my confirmation well. At least doing as an adult you won't have to be an acolyte. Ideas always afraid I would knock over the candles or catch the alter cloth on fire.
      That's awesome though, I am thrilled for you truly.

  • @mrjosh5898
    @mrjosh5898 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Thanks to The American Gospel Documentary, Chris Rosebrough, Steven Kozar, and now your channel, my wife and I have left our mega church. We are meeting with a local LCMS pastor next week about steps we can take to join and correct the fact that we didn't have our 3 year old and 6month old baptized. I am so glad there are faithful Pastors helping people discern truth. Thank you.

  • @SenseiFamilyJedi
    @SenseiFamilyJedi 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    I'm thankful I was raised Lutheran. Very well put. I'm glad for all who love God and are filled with his Holy Spirit, but I am a simple man who loves simple facts. Lutheranism is perfect for me.

  • @jgmahurin
    @jgmahurin 3 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    I was raised Pentecostal and after being agnostic most of my adult life I found myself on a similar journey for truth. I landed in the Presbyterian PCA and embraced Reformed theology to make sense of the entirety of Scripture but that said, I absolutely love your videos. Its very interesting to hear about what our Lutheran brothers and sisters believe.

    • @run4cmt
      @run4cmt ปีที่แล้ว +4

      We are indeed brothers and sisters. I am glad you found your way back to faith.

  • @EzekielWise
    @EzekielWise 3 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    I am a Baptist with a lot of questions and i have really been praying about becoming a Lutheran. This channel has helped me understand Lutheranism a lot better

    • @kolab5620
      @kolab5620 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same

    • @Virikel
      @Virikel 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I was raised IFB, had a story very similar to Pr. Bryan's, eventually became 1689 Reformed Baptist, and then went on to visit all kinds of churches. Eventually had kind of a theological smorgasbord, and never thought I'd settle anywhere.
      Finally came to rest as a confirmed Lutheran on Palm Sunday of 2017, year of the quincentennial of the Lutheran Reformation, and have rest. I don't leave church feeling convicted. I leave church every Sunday feeling forgiven. I've gotten a foretaste of heaven. I've just met with Jesus Himself, there in the room, in a special way, giving me full assurance of my salvation, as did all of my church family along with me.

    • @Solideogloria00
      @Solideogloria00 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I was Baptist too. Lutheran is the most Biblical.

    • @kelslo74
      @kelslo74 24 วันที่ผ่านมา

      Sameee

  • @swm1700
    @swm1700 5 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    You are so helpful. I was raised in the LCMS but wondered in the Episcopal wilderness for most of my adult life. I'm back where I belong now and I love learning from your videos.

  • @calebklingerman7902
    @calebklingerman7902 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Thatnk you so much for your videos. I have been in the same boat you were in, trying to discern what tradition/denomination I belong to, but recently I have discovered Lutheran theology and it’s like hearing most of the conclusions I had already reached played back to me. I’m not crazy, I’m Lutheran!

  • @eisbar7354
    @eisbar7354 5 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Thank you for this. I have Lutheran heritage through my parents (born in Germany). Jesus became real to me in the Lutheran church at 15 but I soon left on a journey to Baptist and Pentecostal churches, indeed I meet my wife of 30 years in a Pentecostal church. However after attending bible college I found myself asking similar questions as you. So, 4 years ago my wife and started attending Lutheran church. The surroundings were familiar to me, for my wife and children...well they embraced this new church life wholeheartedly to my surprise. Many of the things you experienced we also did. Thanks.

  • @Mygoalwogel
    @Mygoalwogel 5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    "If this is how You're gonna be, then this is how I'm gonna be." This punched me in the gut.

  • @RomGabe
    @RomGabe 5 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    Thank you for Law & Gospel!

  • @nosharks1
    @nosharks1 5 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Pastor thank you for your wonderful preaching!! Thank you for taking so much time for us... When you could be rocking out to the radio in your truck.

  • @sabrinastolle2265
    @sabrinastolle2265 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    God bless you pastor for your faithfulness to make these videos! I have been in “decision theology” and pietism for most of my Christian life. I just recently began attending an LCMS church and God is rooting out many false doctrines that have been hindering my faith.

  • @charlesmacpherson1591
    @charlesmacpherson1591 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This is the single best video I've ever seen. Clear, concise, factual. Thanks, Pr. Wolfmueller!

  • @user-kg9xi2xk1k
    @user-kg9xi2xk1k 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The level of peace I had when leaving the Charismatic teaching behind for more Reformed teaching is inexpressible. Us Coming into the LCMS, hearing the Liturgy, knowing the theology and joining was like coming home in a foreign land. I never want to leave, I pray this will be where I can grow old and die.

  • @CranyumHipHop
    @CranyumHipHop ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Born and raised in the word of faith movement “Rhema Kenneth Hagin wing” and I’m finally learning about real Christianity. Pray for my Word of Faith PTSD to ease up! 😅 love your channel.

  • @joabthejavelin5119
    @joabthejavelin5119 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I'm a Lutheran because we trust in God with all of our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, but in all of our ways we aknowledge Him, and He makes our path straight. A man's nature is sinful and bent towards wickedness. Man's reason is flawed and can't be trusted fully. God is infallible and can confidently be, whole heartedly trusted.

  • @lasagna3084
    @lasagna3084 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Really good video. The buzzing added to the ambiance 👍🏻

  • @dpd1184
    @dpd1184 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I'll be catechized by spring, and am often being asked the same thing! Thank you!

  • @deveugene7
    @deveugene7 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This is great. Thanks for telling some of your story.

  • @theadventurousprogrammer6449
    @theadventurousprogrammer6449 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    All excellent theology aside.. Your videos are very entertaining to watch. Love the video editing. Thanks for bringing the Word rightly taught to youtube!

  • @rubenxmedina8990
    @rubenxmedina8990 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I'm not Lutheran but i see a lot of humility and truth in the things you say. Though i have my beliefs about Martin Luther, Salvation, etc. I will never claim that Lutherans are wrong.

  • @evilsteve8915
    @evilsteve8915 5 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    I would like to share my testimony. I was raised to be Catholic by my grandparents and in my younger years, I had a good amount of faith(albeit the faith of a child)... When I was in my teens, I lost my faith in God. I became angry with him as I started to persue other Faith's from Buddhism to Paganism and even Satanism. My hate grew and I became blasphemous. I worked against The Lord. I did horrible things against Him and His children.
    At one point.. I started to have a dream where I was met by the Archangel Michael. He would say to me "Alright, that's enough. Our Father wants you to come home." I would tell him no and try to fight him..losing Everytime.
    Eventually, after my stint in the Army; I found myself struggling on a spiritual and mental level. I went for a run at 2 in the morning and for some reason, I decided to pray for the first time in many many years. It was at that moment where I felt an overwhelming and awe inspiring presence of love and forgiveness. I stopped.. I broke down and cried in both shame and gratefulness.
    It's been about 9 years since then and I have not turned my back on God and will never do so again.

    • @sancheznancy4897
      @sancheznancy4897 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I’m in the same rode and I’m 17 please help me Help me love Jesus again.

    • @evilsteve8915
      @evilsteve8915 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@sancheznancy4897 I think, ultimately it's easy to fall into the trap during our hormonal teen years. The best I can tell you is to go out and find a place where you can be alone with God and pray. God loves you. He has loved you from the very first day of Creation and will continue to love until the end of all things and beyond. Remember that, pray and put your faith in him.

    • @prettypleasevideo
      @prettypleasevideo 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Sanchez Nancy
      I'll let God speak to you... through His Word. 📜🙏❤️✝️🕊
      "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
      -‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:8‬‬
      “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.”
      ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51:10-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬
      "“If you love me, keep my commands. "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever-The Spirit of Truth...
      John 14:15-17a
      “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
      ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬
      "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,"
      -‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:1‬‬
      Jesus loves you!❤️
      His ways are always better for you! 🙏✝️🕊

    • @lorenzomurrone2430
      @lorenzomurrone2430 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@sancheznancy4897 Hey, how's it going?

    • @BibleLovingLutheran
      @BibleLovingLutheran 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      So are you lutheran then?

  • @karinlofgren6359
    @karinlofgren6359 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Yea, I am a lutheran to. Thanks for the pepping. Keep up the good work.

  • @joshuabeach4988
    @joshuabeach4988 5 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    Your videos are so helpful. I have been looking into The Lutheran faith. As a United Methodist I'm currently intrigued.

    • @merry-go-roundseekers6337
      @merry-go-roundseekers6337 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Joshua Beach You might be interested to know that the UMC is in full communion with the ELCA Lutheran church

    • @rickpettey8822
      @rickpettey8822 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

      Merry-Go-Round Seekers: The only problem is that the ELCA is neither Lutheran nor Christian. I don’t mean that there are no Christians in that body. But any church that supports murder (abortions), homosexuality and female pastors cannot be Lutheran nor Christian.

    • @mic1240
      @mic1240 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@rickpettey8822 seems pretty judgmental. Has it ever occurred to you the LCMS, by its own very public testimony and choice, is literally not part of the global Lutheran community? That it’s a minority amongst US Lutherans? It will not commune with about 95% of all Lutherans and is not involved with liturgical churches (as are most Lutherans)? Yet ok to judge on who is and isn’t “real” Lutherans or Christians?. The irony is thick. I hope those visiting LCMS churches will find welcome, not criticism and obsession with telling billions of other Christians why they are “wrong”.

    • @rickpettey8822
      @rickpettey8822 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@mic1240 Sorry, but your response is nothing more than sinful human sentimentality with no basis in the Word of God. You, like so many, do not believe in absolute truth. The late Dr. McDaniel (Bishop in the ELCA, pastor, professor) himself in a presentation made at a conference at Concordia Theological Seminary around 1991-1993 said that ELCA was no longer a Lutheran church body and fast departing from the Christian faith. He remained in it to try and bring it back around. You can make all the derogatory statements about confessional Lutheranism you wish but if you read God's Word a Church body cannot advocate open sin and consider itself Lutheran let alone Christian (abortion/murder; homosexuality; false preachers {i.e., women}; Ez. 3:16ff; Jeremiah 23:31ff; 2 Tim. 4:1-4; Matt. 10:34-39; Acts 20:28-31; Rom. 1:18-32; 16:17,18; 1 Tim. 2:11-14, etc.). No sir, it is not I who am judgmental, but yourself. For you judge yourself to stand above the Word of God. To be Lutheran is to preach Christ and Him crucified which means one must faithfully proclaim God's Law without which the Gospel serves no purpose. "It is not only necessary that the pure, wholesome doctrine be rightly presented for the preservation of pure doctrine and for thorough, permanent, godly unity in the Church, but it is necessary that the opponents who teach otherwise be reproved (1 Tim. 3; 2 Tim. 3:16; Titus 1:9). Faithful shepherds, as Luther says, should do both things: (a) feed or nourish the lambs and (b) resist the wolves. Then the sheep may flee from strange voices (Jn. 10:5-12) and may separate the precious from the worthless (Jer. 15:19)" [Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, par.14]

    • @mic1240
      @mic1240 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@rickpettey8822 . You have no idea about me, yet again claim only you know who does and doesn’t know “absolute truth”, again judging and validating exactly what wrote. Have a wonderful day.

  • @keimahane
    @keimahane 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Thank you for the great lesson, and letting us join you as you make your Pastoral rounds :)

  • @brianmeyer101
    @brianmeyer101 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow well put my brother, I really like what you are saying. I will be searching more into this! Thank you!

  • @stpaulphillip
    @stpaulphillip 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    What you said around 7:40 and on about "what the Bible says we let it stand" got me. That's my heart.

    • @bridgefin
      @bridgefin 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Except that 1 Peter suggests that the bible needs interpretation and that it is not for personal interpretation. nd you can get very confused by comparing what the bible says in one place to what the bible says in another.

    • @bridgefin
      @bridgefin ปีที่แล้ว

      @@GingaNinja2013
      You: but also understand that tradition, church history, and the church itself can indeed be wrong.
      Me: Well, history can't be wrong. But church teachings could conceivably be wrong. That is unless the church is the Catholic Church which Jesus promised that the spirit of truth would be with it forever. That church cannot teach error.

  • @jeanzeinert6171
    @jeanzeinert6171 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You make me so thankful to be Lutheran.

  • @samguria6439
    @samguria6439 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I'm Lutheran from India.... Member of "Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church India "..... I'm proud Lutheran and I dream of uniting all Lutheran churches of the world in one and strongly in Christ ....if anyone Lutheran thinks same please let me know here by commenting

    • @11tkohtz
      @11tkohtz 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Let us continue to walk towards that goal together dear brother!

    • @jackblack496
      @jackblack496 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      No we don’t

    • @VoltedSoldier
      @VoltedSoldier 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'd die before agreeing to that. Majority of Lutherans are LGBT affirming, marrying, and women pastors. I've even seen lutheran church websites with rainbow flags on them. They've lost their damn minds.

    • @brendonpremkumar8207
      @brendonpremkumar8207 ปีที่แล้ว

      ​@@VoltedSoldierThose are not true Lutherans. They may appear to be with their traditions and liturgy, but Luther would be outraged if he saw them.

  • @TheVwbich
    @TheVwbich 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    You are charismatic and adorable. I was really enjoyed watching this. I was baptized Lutheran, but do not practice. However, my Grandmother does and she will be 90 this year. I want to understand what she believes the after life to be.

  • @firstnamelastname1823
    @firstnamelastname1823 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Very well said! I wish I could like this video twice :)

  • @scottforesman7968
    @scottforesman7968 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    30 years ministry in the Episcopal Church. Left for Catholicism (10 years) plus a time with the Orthodox. Have now 'landed' in the LCMS. I'm nearly 70, and FINALLY feel at home. Why in the heck did it take so long?

  • @LinNoOne
    @LinNoOne 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Love your joie de vivre Pastor

  • @dnzswithwombats
    @dnzswithwombats 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Refreshing and very encouraging to hear all of these points spoken plainly and without any equivocation. If you want a worldly message or a mystical one that is as clear as mud, drop in at your friendly (unless you question them) Episcopal Church.

  • @krbohn101
    @krbohn101 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Very well said!

  • @Geno7MM
    @Geno7MM 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks Pastor...

  • @jordantsak7683
    @jordantsak7683 5 ปีที่แล้ว +51

    The simplicity of Christ. Yes. Exactly. You nailed it. (Wish I could teach greek to that parrot).

  • @k9builder
    @k9builder 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Got some audio issues going there. However, as a fellow member of the LCMS, just on the west coast, I completely agree with you.

  • @debrahunt5374
    @debrahunt5374 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I grew up as a Nazarene in the Holiness wing of Christianity and then spent some years with the evangelical Southern Baptists and while Jesus was preached and the Bible held as inerrant in both I was left in despair. I never could measure up to the perfection the Nazarenes taught and it was frightening that any slip-up could send you to hell. The Baptist believing that salvation can't be lost was a comfort, but I still couldn't measure up to the person sermons said I should be. Deep theological questions that roiled around in my mind, driving me near crazy at times, couldn't be answered. Because a dear friend of mine was a LCMS Lutheran, I visited a church in my area. I had planned to visit other churches too but never moved on. I had believed for a long time that the Lord's Supper was more than a symbol and when I read on the back of the bulletin what Lutheran's believe I felt relief as it gave words to what I believed. I love that Lutherans take what the Bible says and simply believe it, even the times when they can't see into God's reasoning they still believe. There's no endless hunt for an answer that isn't given to us as if God could be fully understood through reason, nature, and science. It's about trust from what we do understand about God through His word. I love the focus being on Jesus and not on us making ourselves better people; only Jesus can change our hearts in that way. Everything not depending on my heart but on the external work that Jesus did and does for us comforts me. I like that there are tangible things outside of myself that give me salvation and it doesn't all depend on me. I love that we don't just sing, have a prayer, and listen to a sermon. It comforts me that each week we confess what we believe as a congregation, that we pray together, that we confess our sins together. The church is more interactive. I love that we are to live confessing lives and lives of repentance and in this way we don't have to fear losing our salvation at the drop of a hat. Lutheranism comforts me, it sorts all of my deep questions, and it makes sense as a whole theology.

  • @krbohn101
    @krbohn101 5 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Also, I really enjoyed the format as it reminded me of the first Northern Exposure episode.
    I think the music breaks within the talk give it better punch to various points. (allows us to mull)
    Plus it's fun!

  • @OrthodoxEvans
    @OrthodoxEvans 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    You look like a man of joy, truly free of sin and death. Baptized. Wink Wink. God Bless.

  • @judithtaylor6713
    @judithtaylor6713 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Truth. Beauty. Clarity.

  • @lc-mschristian5717
    @lc-mschristian5717 5 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    By the grace of God, I'm a Lutheran too!

    • @bruceschweyer557
      @bruceschweyer557 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Lutheran education and upbringing can be tough. I was brought up Lutheran, and I will remain Lutheran. Lutheran Teaching continues to ring loud and clear, tried and true. Some 80% of what Lutherans teach can be found in our music. Believe it or not, when you sing - you are actually praying twice.

    • @jackblack496
      @jackblack496 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      How do you feel about the stance on woman’s suffrage

    • @sallyklitzke
      @sallyklitzke 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jackblack496 I personally do not have a problem with property owners being the ones to have the right to vote. Freedom requires equal amounts of responsibility. Freedom is the power of choice that individuals have in society, while responsibility is the attitude of the person to respond for the actions he chooses freely.
      Alexis de Tocqueville said, "The American Republic will endure, until politicians realize they can bribe the people with their own money."
      “When the people find that they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic.” - Benjamin Franklin
      "There are two ways to conquer and enslave a country. One is by the sword. The other is by debt." - John Adams

  • @jeanzeinert6171
    @jeanzeinert6171 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love it!

  • @erykpatrykchudy5675
    @erykpatrykchudy5675 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Praise be to God Almaighty!

  • @danberres2133
    @danberres2133 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    great messages

  • @jonsolo4776
    @jonsolo4776 5 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    I loved this video... there was just a little electronic buzz here and there

    • @jupitermadcat
      @jupitermadcat 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Ok i thought it was my phone doing that!

    • @bengel0823
      @bengel0823 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jupitermadcat me too

    • @PastorMikeGibney
      @PastorMikeGibney 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I like the buzz lol

  • @herbertvonsauerkrautunterh2513
    @herbertvonsauerkrautunterh2513 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I was born into it. Family has been Lutheran since.... It took off

  • @TwoCowzBrowze
    @TwoCowzBrowze 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I find unity in chanting, music is a key element as it touches our senses as God should in moments of strength and in weakness. It also creates consistency and that strengthens said faith in God. The entire story of WHY God and your own Quo Vadis is at the root of faith inside each and every one of us. I admire the fundamentalism of sticking to the scripture, but for others (those seeking guidance) to 'gain faith' or to 'strenghten faith' it takes much more.

  • @distractionbeast778
    @distractionbeast778 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wonderful explanation! I am Catholic for all of the reasons you articulate here. Let's pray for reunification of Jesus's Church.

  • @pethalme8950
    @pethalme8950 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I’m a Methodist that found the Lutheran Church and my salvation!

  • @phiberoptik192
    @phiberoptik192 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Lutherans for the Win!!! By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as revealed by Scripture alone, to the glory of God alone!

  • @seanlukearagornseaquist9944
    @seanlukearagornseaquist9944 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Similar situation to you, spent most of my early years as a 'spiritual but not religious type since That's what my parent's are. Came into the church via evangelical/pentecostalism, but for similar reason started searching around. I landed into Anglo-Catholicism not Lutheranism, but I love your videos man!

  • @OwenDavis-tl9iw
    @OwenDavis-tl9iw ปีที่แล้ว +3

    It’s worth noting that not all churches with Lutheran in their names are really Lutheran in what they believe, teach, and confess. The ELCA is perhaps the foremost example of this kind of church. I also believe that the LCMS has it right. Where the Bible speaks we accept it as God’s own truth. Where the Bible is silent, we accept that, however curious we may be, if God hasn’t chosen to reveal it to us, we stop where the Bible stops.

  • @billmiller378
    @billmiller378 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I am a Lutheran as well. I was born into a Lutheran family and raised in a series of Lutheran churches. I was Lutheran for more than 21 years before I gave my life to Christ. I am still in the Lutheran church for the same reasons you describe. I believe of all Christian churches Lutheran doctrine adheres most directly to what the Bible says. I also believe that, like any organization of human beings there are Lutheran doctrines that either overstate or understate the scripture. But in all things directly related to salvation LCMS doctrine is correct.

  • @LisaB_12204
    @LisaB_12204 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    thank you

  • @williamgammeter5113
    @williamgammeter5113 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I miss Denver and enjoy seeing my old haunts at Aurora and CU Denver campus

  • @briancowan4318
    @briancowan4318 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    How could you possibly be Lutheran, with out a single 'Don't'ca know' or a 'you'bet'cha'! I really do love the fact that the ELCA can laugh at itself and keep the traditions without throwing the baby out with the bath water. I know a heavy mix of metaphor there.
    Thanks Pastor Bryan!

    • @SamuelMoerbe
      @SamuelMoerbe ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Pastor Wolfmuller is not part of the ELCA. He preaches in a LCMS Congregation.

  • @justsewit_tk5477
    @justsewit_tk5477 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yep! You got it. I'm a lutheran, hubby is a Lutheran as are the three kids (I have baptism and confirmation photos to prove it😂)

  • @kaliki76
    @kaliki76 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Creative videos!

  • @dougkoehler1151
    @dougkoehler1151 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It sounds like you and I went on similar journies, to all the various congregations and then back to the Lutheran Church. I remember before I went back to the LC-MS, I was with a charismatic individual who got angry when I used the word, "Holy Trinity". I think he was upset because you could not find that term in the Bible. I tried to teach him that we use words that help us understand what is within Scripture. When I mentioned Sola Scriptura, boy was I out of that group fast. :-)

  • @dougbell9543
    @dougbell9543 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It would be very wise for God’s children to realize that God has a faithful believing remnant in every single denomination. ✔️

  • @daithimcbuan5235
    @daithimcbuan5235 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I'm an Anglican. But I attend Lutheran church. The differences are few and miniscule.

  • @railblaze7196
    @railblaze7196 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    well said

  • @mariannehedstrom1281
    @mariannehedstrom1281 4 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    You are marketing the Lutheran Church very well, and your theology is of high quality, but unfortunately many Lutherans are ultra liberal nowadays.

    • @bruceschweyer557
      @bruceschweyer557 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I myself was brought up Lutheran; and I will remain Lutheran. I know what you mean about serpent liberalism, however. I'm liberal about a great number of things. Only politics is NOT one of them! Aside from bioethics being a major trigger for me; the telephone is perhaps my trigger issue of all trigger issues. I myself view a telephone call as an abortion.

    • @jackblack496
      @jackblack496 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      LCMS is now a hub for feminism and soon anti white multi culti

    • @joshuas.986
      @joshuas.986 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@jackblack496 that's the way it seems for most stateside and even European denominations. Methodism is probably in the worst spot though as far as all this politicism goes.

    • @maryodonnell4405
      @maryodonnell4405 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      @@jackblack496 That's not my experience at all. I think you may be thinking of ELCA when it comes to "feminism" and I don't know what you're thinking of when it comes to "anti white." I invite you to attend an LCMS church in your area and talking to the pastor if you are interested in seeing what the church is really like.

    • @jackblack496
      @jackblack496 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Mary O'Donnell self awareness check?
      I was born and raised LCMS and my pastor is afraid to speak out. Most are. I’m not. I’m not a boomer. Simple as.

  • @9101mp
    @9101mp 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yes, me too,

  • @ruthgoebel723
    @ruthgoebel723 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I was raised LCA/ELCA, but for obvious reasons and am now attending a Conservative Mennonite church. They are Bible-based, but there is a lot of legalism and opinion-driven preaching. I so miss the proper observance of the Sacraments and the Church Year. It is very sterile and plain, with only a pulpit in the chancel area. So you go in, sit down and what do you see? An altar, a cross? No. A man, preaching for an hour on the evils of casual clothing. He does preach from the Bible usually, but sometimes gets on these tangents. Sadly these preachers have no clue how anyone else worships, so they paint everyone else heathen. I wish there was an LCMS church somewhere near me, but there is not. Most are ELCA (no way am I going back there!) or NALC. It good to hear Bible-based Lutheran teaching here!!!

  • @christianusacross5084
    @christianusacross5084 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Please we need more Lutherans in Minnesota and the Dakotas please!

  • @jesuseselmasiashijodedios7989
    @jesuseselmasiashijodedios7989 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I'm just born again (christian)and I believe in Christ is the way .can't follow after men.

    • @JaakkoJohannes
      @JaakkoJohannes 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes. Going to a building or belonging to an institution can't save you. Only Jesus can save. Going to church means nothing.
      Many are there who are unsaved and going to church, and many are there who are saved and don't go to church.

    • @jesuseselmasiashijodedios7989
      @jesuseselmasiashijodedios7989 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@JaakkoJohannes its true ,we who believe in Jesus are his Church, Jesus said I will build my church

    • @JaakkoJohannes
      @JaakkoJohannes 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@jesuseselmasiashijodedios7989
      Amen to that my friend

  • @karenmeriwether9131
    @karenmeriwether9131 ปีที่แล้ว

    I wish our Pastor at the Pilgrim Holiness church could talk to you.

  • @catherinesyme901
    @catherinesyme901 ปีที่แล้ว

    Raised as aLutheran, my Grand father was a reverend, I find other churches so foreign and like you I was angry but the lord is leading me back! No Lutheran church in my city but I know the building is not the core of my love for God

  • @setfree2380
    @setfree2380 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    LCMS Lutheran has been my home for 36 years.

  • @harrisonrobbins017
    @harrisonrobbins017 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It sounds to me that all who become Lutheran have a similar journey. Even Luther himself!

  • @m.v.5425
    @m.v.5425 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I’m still recovering from being raised WELS. I can’t even go into any Lutheran church and the memories of abuses flood my mind.

    • @ChristLives
      @ChristLives 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      👀

    • @oswaldrabbit1409
      @oswaldrabbit1409 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I am truly sorry that abuse occurred to you within the bounds of any Christian church, and I simply pray that the Lord may both convict them of their sins and draw you back into forgiveness and release from your trauma. Kyrie eleison.

  • @uncleloof
    @uncleloof 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    ah the olde "Your arms are too short to box with God" moment.... been there done that.

  • @DS-uo5ie
    @DS-uo5ie 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’m very happy to know that you are a Christian and that you believe the word of GOD and that some day you might get to Heaven!

  • @northmeister
    @northmeister 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Lutheran Doctrine makes sense. Years ago being someone who never attended church apart from a play at a Methodist one, or marriages at a Luthern ELCA and Catholic ones - who desired to know the true church to belong I came to the conclusion all were man made toward worshiping the one true God and Father of Mankind and centered on three traditional types - Anglican/Episcopal that seemed to keep the right of catholic and the right of protestant, Catholic for its longstanding nature-Could it not be True?, and Lutheren-MS - the Catechism and open questions called to me, and one outside the Morman or LDS because rightly they focus on Family and being fruitful and multiplying and also on outreach through missionary work but found them wrong on interpretation and doctrine overall and in prohibitions on such things like coffee and alcohol. Something kept bringing me back to Lutheran-MS but had no churches at that time in my area. I left behind that quest and when in the Army decided to attend the Lutheran Church (not sure of what branch) in basic. No I did not join or partake of communion but have always had affinity there for some reason so this series resonates. I want to add I wish Christianity were united under one Truth but man makes that impossible it seems. To me - the orthodox notion of national Patriachs and churchs make sense together with the Latin Mass for the Eucharist facing in the traditional manner, while in the vernacular for bible readings - while the mostly protestant version of Preaching from the pulpit should be there for the word of the week. Keep to tradition unless it violates the Word, in dress church design and living - there is room for progress when it does not violate the Word. I found Churches that violate the Bible on woman Pastors and Priests as the easiest way of avoiding error of course there are others. I then search for standing firm on Faith, Tradition (historic ways), and Reason.

  • @Blaisesongs
    @Blaisesongs ปีที่แล้ว

    Love this video. I need to return. Somehow.

  • @ibperson7765
    @ibperson7765 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love what you said about the pastors not taking the Bible literally.
    Regarding the modern Lutheran Church:
    I love the perfect eschatology of Lutheran church.
    I do not love the fact that they call sprinkling “baptize”, which is a Greek not English word, meaning “submerge”. Sprinkling - by simple word meanings - is by definition not “baptism”.
    Finally, unlike Lutherans, I believe as *Luther* did about the 27 books of the NT.

  • @OrthodoxJourney359
    @OrthodoxJourney359 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I’ve been attending an online service with Pastor Chris Roseborough the last four weeks and this morning a light bulb just lit up. I’m an ordained Baptist and now I see the truth in the Lutheranism and have so many more questions. Is there any way I could call you sometime? I just need a mentor to help me on this journey. May the Lord richly bless you and yours.

    • @Mygoalwogel
      @Mygoalwogel 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Take it slow. Find an LCMS, AALC, or WELS pastor in your area on the internet.

  • @kjs0391
    @kjs0391 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great descriptions. Sorry the audio kept wiggin out.

  • @francesbernard2445
    @francesbernard2445 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am glad that you are a "Lutheran." So be one then. While letting me be me too. By the way I am a Roman Catholic and I am going to stay that way.

  • @imapatching09
    @imapatching09 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    OH THANK YOU for saying we just let the Scripture be SIMPLE - when I was young in my walk with the Lord and someone would ask me a question or debate, I would try to put in MY words my opinion which always leaves open a place for disagreement. FINALLY about 2008, after years of reading His Word, I remembered enough of a verse so that when it came into my mind, I could use a site like biblegate to look up the verse or verses. Then rather than give MY opinion, I posted God's Word - that cut down disagreements like 98% and if there was disagreement, verse for verse - I would just say, Well lets just let the Holy Spirit speak to us. I wish I had learned this decades ago, but it took me decades of reading God's Word for Him to speak to me. Now I like to say - I DIDN"T write it - God did; take it up with Him

  • @lynnerussell1440
    @lynnerussell1440 ปีที่แล้ว

    Baptized in the English District and LCMS for 30 years.

  • @lizanta
    @lizanta 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Many times it depends on who talks to you also. For what I've heard, I think everybody could say the same thing about their "religions": --Yeah, I'm in the right place, because they teach me what the biblia says.
    But after seeking, I realized that if Jesus came 2000 years ago, Lutherans were not there, and I want to be part of the church He established in first place, so I stayed Catholic, and I tell you that I could say the same thing you did 🤷‍♀️. And Yes, I've been having to do my homework to understand the "why's" of many things, just like you, after all, we all are here to learn. God bless you

    • @doriesse824
      @doriesse824 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      There was no Catholic church until 1054AD. How do you feel about the RCC's history through the ages?

  • @grumpyoldman8661
    @grumpyoldman8661 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I'm a practicing RC (which ain't gonna change) with an interest in the Reformation period generally and Martin Luther specifically. In the 21st century it is possible to look back at the issues which fractured the unity of Christendom with a measure of objectivity, whatever one's denomination. Undoubtedly, Pastor Bryan is an engaging presenter of theological dogmas, and explains with clarity the Lutheran insistence on the absolute authority of the Bible. But may I recommend another U-tube video on this subject by a catholic priest (Father Mike Schmitz) entitled "Why be Catholic and not just Christian" which covers much the same ground. (UK)

  • @rbelf001
    @rbelf001 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am Lutheran in a church where I have no friends or fellowship because of it. To them I am tolerated, but not accepted. They don't have real doctrines or need one. They are born agains. They have their testimony..When God says "All Men Are Liars", what am I supposed to do with that? Take their word for it? Well the Pastor tries to teach sound doctrine, and when he does someone else leaves the church..when someone asks me why I am a Lutheran I say, "Luther kept it simple". He said, "make a good shoe and sell it at a fair price." In other words, be productive and have integrity in whatever you. That should be a goal for a lot of Evangelicals

  • @normalsalad3429
    @normalsalad3429 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Amen!

  • @SojournerDidimus
    @SojournerDidimus 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thanks for sharing. I watched the first 2 parts of TMBH on the LCMS, and most of it I think I can agree on. One thing that puzzles me is pedobaptism. When I read the Bible I read people getting baptized on grounds of their faith, but the LCMS baptizes infants. Can you explain to me how I can find that in the Bible?

    • @Mygoalwogel
      @Mygoalwogel 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      In Acts 2, the disciples baptized an assorted crowd of 3000 mothers, fathers, bachelors, young ladies and specifically small *children* (v39). Peter did not exclude anyone.

  • @danielsullivan9251
    @danielsullivan9251 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thx 🙏

  • @doxasnob8137
    @doxasnob8137 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    "This place has cookies" :)

  • @ChristopherWentling
    @ChristopherWentling 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Pastor, I can tell you that there is no “Catholic organization” that watches TH-cam videos to jump in and argue with you. In my case I watch your videos and enjoy them along with gospel simplicity just for their own case. It’s also, in the case of gospel simplicity, interesting to me to see an American evangelical explore Catholicism and orthodoxy and such with what appears to be an open mind. Keep up the interesting videos but don’t take as hostile when Catholics like myself chime in.

    • @adolphCat
      @adolphCat 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Do you believe that there is any substantial difference between modern Roman Catholicism and Traditional Lutheranism?

    • @ChristopherWentling
      @ChristopherWentling 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@adolphCat Yes, I don’t believe traditional Lutheranism preserves apostolic succession and I do not believe their views of the priesthood square with each other. The teachings on the sacraments are different as are the teachings on the defects of the fallen person before god. Popular piety is much different. I could go on but you get the idea. I will say in many ways they are closer to Catholics than any other non-apostolic churches. I respect the belief of confessional Lutherans and accept them as Christian brothers and sisters.