Sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5.1-11 and Matthew 25.1-13 for the Last Sunday of the Church Year

Sermon on Matthew 25.31–46 for the Second to Last Sunday oft he Church Year.

Sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5.13-18 and Matthew 24.15-28 for the Third to Last Sunday of the Church Year (Trinity 25)

What did the early church fathers say about speaking in tongues? Is it a gift they knew of? Was it waning? Had it ceased? Or was was the Spirit still giving the gift? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

The Convergence Movement seeks to blend liturgical, sacrament, and charismatic worship “styles” to varying degrees. What is the movement’s theological basis? What are its goals and does it achieve them? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

When St. Paul writes, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” did he mean the NT as well as the OT books are sufficient for faith and life? Or is the NT unclear and insufficient, so that we need the church’s magisterium to interpret it for us? Check out these videos on Scripture: Scripture, Tradition, and 2 Thessalonians 2:15 https://youtu.be/Z5cP2hfgF64 The Solas (Solae) of the Reformation https://youtu.be/dKufvBLUeuk Why Does Scripture Use Figures of Speech? https://youtu.be/b7YxBrsU41Y Sola Scriptura https://youtu.be/5XVLNGLPuEY Is Believing Biblical Inerrancy Worshiping the Bible Instead of Jesus? https://youtu.be/20QQjvt80Dk If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Why is the Athanasian Creed so much longer than the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds? How is the style and the original purpose of the creed different from the other two ecumenical creeds? Check out these similar videos: Does the Athanasian Creed Teach Works-Righteousness? https://youtu.be/QVqSnQ9-PGw How Do Lutherans Use the Three Ecumenical Creeds? https://youtu.be/T1tipkxX-nE What is the Filioque in the Creeds? https://youtu.be/6qz_7RKPpYw Is the Church 'Catholic' or 'Christian' in the Creeds? https://youtu.be/45IqYepHZ8M How Should Christians Respond to the Sparkle Creed? https://youtu.be/YvHc8SMs3M0 If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Since Mary gave birth to Christ’s body, does this make her the mother of the church, since St. Paul calls the church “the body of Christ” on several occasions? Check out these similar videos: Is Mary Queen of Heaven? https://youtu.be/OtSINe8SWxk When Did Prayers to Mary Begin? https://youtu.be/PydvXylZY98 Did Mary Remain a Virgin? (Semper Virgo) https://youtu.be/92czItnOgwk Did Luther Believe Mary was Sinless? https://youtu.be/QXVL4PHPZCg Church and Sects https://youtu.be/IV3Nwzr-Uzg If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Some thing Sola Scriptura means that Scripture is the chief source and norm for doctrine and life, but creeds, confessions, church fathers, and councils supplement Scripture. Others think Sola Scriptura means "Me alone with my Bible making things up." But what does Sola Scriptura actually mean? Check out these videos on Scripture: The Solas (Solae) of the Reformation https://youtu.be/dKufvBLUeuk Scripture, Tradition, and 2 Thessalonians 2:15 https://youtu.be/Z5cP2hfgF64 How to Read the Church Fathers https://youtu.be/Hk5XEQ-cG2M Sola Scriptura https://youtu.be/5XVLNGLPuEY Why Does Scripture Use Figures of Speech? https://youtu.be/b7YxBrsU41Y Is Believing Biblical Inerrancy Worshiping the Bible Instead of Jesus? https://youtu.be/20QQjvt80Dk If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

How do Lutherans view Pentecostals? What do Lutherans think about the signs and wonders so often ascribed to the Holy Spirit? How can Lutherans best appeal to Pentecostals? Check out these videos on Pentecostalism: Water or Spirit Baptism? https://youtu.be/fPcfQDfrrz8 Speaking in Tongues https://youtu.be/wzyyq22cm3k Does the Gospel Promise Bodily Healing? https://youtu.be/dh1lQWDLmo4 What Does It Mean to be "Filled With the Spirit?" https://youtu.be/MVjpgTN74Qw What is "Pleading the Blood of Jesus?" https://youtu.be/pzFaRK7CYjo What's the Difference between the Church and Sects? https://youtu.be/IV3Nwzr-Uzg If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

In the modern Lutheran church, Vicars are seminary students under a supervising pastor. Does this arrangement align or violate the Scripture and Lutheran Confessions? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What are blessings? Are there different kinds of blessings? Can same-sex couples receive blessings from the church, as the Roman Church allows in its document Fiducia Supplicans? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Does the Bible have anything to say about treating mental illness? Do the church's ministers have any role to play in treating it or is it best left to the mental health professionals? What about medications like anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, and the like? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Why do Lutherans call the main piece of liturgical furniture an altar, especially considering we do not re-sacrifice Christ in the Lord’s Supper as the Roman Church teaches? Why do we call it an altar and not a table?

Andy Stanley is a popular mega-church pastor within American Evangelicalism (as well as some Lutheran circles). What does Stanley think of the Bible, and should Christians (and non-Christians) listen to his preaching? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Peter Waldo, John Wycliffe, and John Huss were all medieval reformers condemned by the medieval Roman Church. As “proto reformers,” can we call these men saints? How should we view them? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Origen of Alexandria was the most influential—and controversial—church father of the third century. What about his person and his teaching made him to controversial? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Franz Pieper was the fourth president of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, a professor, and seminary president. Did he use the Textus Receptus? What did he say about textual criticism and the reliability of the New Testament? Could the Textus Receptus be used to help the Missouri Synod become a confessional Lutheran group? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5.1-11 + Matthew 25.1-13 for the Last Sunday of the Church Year

Many today think the Mark of the Beast from the book of Revelation as a recognizable mark on or in one's body. Is this how the church has historically understood the Mark of the Beast? How do amillennialists understand the Mark? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Sermon on 2 Peter 3.3-14 and Matthew 25.31-46 for the Second to Last Sunday in the Church Year.

Sermon on Matthew 24:15-28 for the Third to Last Sunday in the Church Year.

The Roman Church understands the axiom, “Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus" (Outside the Church there is no Salvation) to mean that one must be a member of the Roman Church to be saved. How is this axiom understood according to Scripture's definition of the Church? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via Paypay: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

The Roman Church understands the axiom, “Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus" (Outside the Church there is no Salvation) to mean that one must be a member of the Roman Church to be saved. How is this axiom understood according to Scripture's definition of the Church? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via Paypay: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Should churches display the American and Christian flags in their buildings, sanctuaries, and even chancels? How did these flags make their way into the church in the first place? ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

How could Luther (and Lutherans) believe in amillennialism and that the papacy is the antichrist? If the saints reign with Christ during the church age (i.e. the millennium), how do we understand Daniel 7:25-27? ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Why do Lutheran versions of the Apostles and Nicene Creed confess "one holy Christian church" rather than "one holy Catholic church?" Did Luther make this change? What does the change mean? Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What should a person do if they live in a country where the gospel isn't preached purely? Luther offered counsel that is still relevant to this question today. Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Were there Christians under the medieval Papacy? How did God preserve a faithful people even though the visible church had become corrupted by numerous false teachings? ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x ATP Coffee Mugs: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 & Matthew 25:1-13

Sermon on Matthew 24:15-23

Since the Church is the congregation of saints in which the Gospel is rightly taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered, are churches that don’t fit that criteria? ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x ATP Coffee Mugs: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Why doesn't the Lutheran Church canonize saints like Rome or glorify them like the Eastern Churches? How do Lutherans honor the saints instead? ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x ATP Coffee Mugs: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Why doesn't the Lutheran Church commune infants and small children, especially since God the Holy Ghost has created faith in their hearts through the word and baptism? ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x ATP Coffee Mugs: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Did Augustine sneak the false teaching of determinism and fate into the church through his teaching of predestination? Was he the first one to teach predestination as it is taught by the church today? ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x ATP Coffee Mugs: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What does it mean that the two shall become one flesh? What does this mean for the Church's relationship with Christ? ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x ATP Coffee Mugs: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Are lay-led small groups compatible with the church's ministry and Scripture? What need do they fill in the local congregation? ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x ATP Coffee Mugs: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Sermon on Matthew 25:31-45

Should laymen read the Divine Service in the Pastor's absence? Pastor explores the history of "Readers/Lectors" in the church and their relationship to the Office of the Ministry. ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x ATP Coffee Mugs: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What did the church fathers have to say about Confirmation, with the laying on of hands and anointing with oil? Check out the ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug

Was the early church Trinitarian or did they teach "Oneness?" What is Oneness? Is it compatible with the believe that God is three persons in one divine essence? Check out the ATP Book Series: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug

When in the church's history did Christians start praying to the saints, especially the Virgin Mary? Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Get the book "Questions on Baptism" here: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug

Although Lutherans condemned the monastic vows of the Roman Church, how did they view the early church monks and desert fathers? Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Get the book "Questions on Baptism" here: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug

How is the doctrine of the Presbyterian Church (USA) different from Lutheran doctrine? Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Get the book "Questions on Baptism" here: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug

What's the difference between the Protestant Episcopal Church and the Lutheran confession of the Faith? Search the Archive: https://atp.holycrosskerrville.com/ Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Get the book "Questions on Baptism" here: https://tinyurl.com/bhp923r8 Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug

How is Wesleyan Arminianism different from the Lutheran confession of the Faith? What are the other differences? And what about the coming "amicable separation" in the United Methodist Church? ***UPDATE*** On March 3, 2022, after recording this episode the UMC has postponed its General Conference which would decide on the "amicable separation." It's not going to happen until at least 2024. Want the script for this episode with all Pastor's sources cited so that you can look them up yourself? Get it by becoming a monthly patron. Go to https://www.patreon.com/askthepastor Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Get the book "Questions on Baptism" here: https://tinyurl.com/bhp923r8 Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug

Can the church require tithing? Why did God command it in the Old Testament? How do Christians approach such OT laws in light of the gospel? Want the script for this episode with all Pastor's sources cited so that you can look them up yourself? Get it by becoming a monthly patron. Go to https://www.patreon.com/askthepastor Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Get the book "Questions on Baptism" here: https://tinyurl.com/bhp923r8 Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug

Is Peter the rock upon which Christ builds His Church? What's the significance between the words Petros (Peter) and Petra (rock)? Is is appropriate to argue from an Aramaic text of St. Matthew's Gospel? Want the script for this episode with all Pastor's sources cited so that you can look them up yourself? Get it by becoming a monthly patron. Go to https://www.patreon.com/askthepastor Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Get the books here: https://tinyurl.com/7y98e69x Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug

What are the distinctive doctrines of Hebert Armstrong? He founded the Worldwide Church of God, which is no longer extant, but his teachings live on in the the United Church of God and the Restored Church of God. Want the script for this episode with all Pastor's sources cited so that you can look them up yourself? Get it by becoming a monthly patron. Go to https://www.patreon.com/askthepastor Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Get the book "Questions on Baptism" here: https://tinyurl.com/bhp923r8 Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug

Why does the Western Church confess that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, while the Eastern Church confesses He proceeds from the Father? Want the script for this episode with all Pastor's sources cited so that you can look them up yourself? Get it by becoming a monthly patron. Go to https://www.patreon.com/askthepastor Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Get the book "Questions on Baptism" here: https://tinyurl.com/bhp923r8 Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug

Sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 and Matthew 25:1-13

Does Roman Catholic doctrine bring certainty of salvation and eternal life? Will Roman Catholics who follow all the Roman Church's dogmas be saved? Get the book "Questions on Baptism" here: https://tinyurl.com/bhp923r8 Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Get the Script for this episode on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/askthepastor Support ATP: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

2 Peter 3:3-14 and Matthew 25:31-46

Sermon on Matthew 24:15-28

Is it acceptable for Christians to pray for the dead? What does the Scripture say? Why did the ancient church allow this practice? Get the book "Questions on Baptism" here: https://tinyurl.com/bhp923r8 Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Listen to ATP as a podcast here: https://anchor.fm/ask-the-pastor Support ATP directly: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Does Francis support gay marriage as many in the media believe? Pastor explains some of Francis's most controversial comments and the Roman church's relationship with homosexuality. Get the book "Questions on Baptism" here: https://tinyurl.com/bhp923r8 Get your ATP coffee mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Listen to ATP as a podcast here: https://anchor.fm/ask-the-pastor Support ATP on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/askthepastor Support ATP directly: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What do Lutherans think of Thomas Aquinas, the medieval scholastic theologian of the Roman Church? Support ATP on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/askthepastor Get your ATP mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Support ATP here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

You're interested in reading the church fathers, but unsure where to start? How do you read the fathers so that you get the most out of your reading? Pastor discusses a Lutheran methodology for reading the church fathers. Support ATP on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/askthepastor Get your ATP mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Support ATP directly: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What's the obejctive standard for whether or not Church Fellowship exists between churches and church bodies? How do things like uniformity in worship, contraception, and a church's view of the apocrypha relate to Church Fellowship? Get your ATP mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Support ATP here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

How did the early church fathers view the Old Testament apocryphal books like Tobit, Wisdom Solomon, and Sirch? Were they part of the canon or not? Get Pastor's book here: https://tinyurl.com/ywjb5r66 Special thanks to my patons on Patreon, especially Lauren and Brandon. You can become a patron by going to https://www.patreon.com/askthepastor.

Do the writings of Cyprian of Carthage, Firmillian of Caesarea, and Julius I of Rome demonstrate papal primacy in the early church, as asserted by the website www.churchfathers.org/authority-of-the-pope? Get your ATP mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Support ATP here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Did the Gallic Confesors, Irenaeus of Lyon's work "Against Heresies" and his work to heal the Quartodeciman Controversy demonstrate papal primacy in the early church, as asserted by the website www.churchfathers.org/authority-of-the-pope? Get your ATP mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Support ATP here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Do the writings of Clement, Hermas, Ignatius of Antioch, and Dionysius of Corinth demonstrate papal primacy in the early church, as asserted by the website www.churchfathers.org/authority-of-the-pope? Get your ATP mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Support ATP here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Unit Concept, Levels of Fellowship, or Altar & Pulpit fellowship? Can we pray with Christians of other denominations? If so, is it always a good idea? Get your ATP mug here: https://teespring.com/ask-the-pastor-mug Support ATP here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What is Gesimatide and why do Lutherans celebrate Christ's Transfiguration at the end of the Epiphany season? What do these Sundays and their arrangement in the Church's year teach us? Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to ATP. And if you'd like to support ATP, go here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What are Christian Reconstructionism and Theonomy? Are they compatible with the apostolic teaching about the church and the law? Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to ATP. And if you'd like to support ATP, go here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Why are other denominations larger than Lutheranism in the world? What does the Scripture teach about the church and its size? Like, Share, & Subscribe! And if you'd like to support ATP, go here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Matthew 25:1-13

Matthew 25:31-46

Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for many. But to whom is the ransom paid? How did the Church Fathers answer? How did Luther and other Lutherans? Like, Share, & Subscribe! And if you'd like to support ATP, go here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Matthew 24:15-28

Are all other versions besides the KJV) satanic forgeries designed to lead the Church into the New Age religion? Did an practicing occultist edit the Greek New Testament used by the RSV? Like, Share, & Subscribe! (And if you'd like to support ATP, go here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Who wrote Hebrews? Was Paul? Barnabas? Apollos? What did the church fathers say? What about Luther and others? If you enjoy ATP here's your to-do list. Give the video a "thumbs up." Share it on social media. And if you want to support ATP, you can do so here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What's the difference between the Lutheran Church and Bible Churches? Is the Heidelberg Catechism a true exposition of the Scriptures? Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to ATP on YoutTube. If you'd like to support the ministry of ATP, donate any amount at https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Did the early church fathers teach justification by faith alone, or did they fall away from St. Paul's teaching? Pastor examines several 2nd century fathers to find out. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to ATP on YoutTube. If you'd like to support the ministry of ATP, donate any amount at https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

If Christians have the Holy Spirit, why aren't they infallible when they speak? Were the Church Fathers infallible as the apostles were? Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to ATP on YoutTube. If you'd like to support the ministry of ATP, donate any amount at https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

The Roman Catholic Church uses 2 Maccabees 12:46 to support its teaching of purgatory and offering prayers for the dead. Pastor examines the passage and its context to see if text teaches prayers for the dead and therefore purgatory. Don't forget to give the video a "Thumbs Up." If you haven't subscribed to ATP on YouTube, click that button and the notification bell to you don't miss future episodes. Finally, if you'd like to support the ministry of ATP, donate any amount at https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

How does one keep the Faith without confusion when so many groups claim to be the true church? Should we be discouraged by the number of factions and sects within Christianity and what does the Scripture say about it? Want to support ATP? Like the video. Subscribe to the Channel. Share the videos on social media. Support ATP at https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Can churches that teach and tolerate false doctrine really be considered "church?" What's the difference between the church and sects? Want to support ATP? Like the video. Subscribe to the Channel. Share the videos on social media. Support ATP at https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What is the Holy Nicolean Catholic Church? Is it catholic (like Lutherans) or Catholic (like Rome), or something else entirely? Want to support ATP? Like the video. Subscribe to the Channel. Share the videos on social media. Support ATP at https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Where is the practice of closed communion found in the Lutheran Confessions? What about in church history? If you have't subscribed to ATP, please do so and click the Bell icon so that you receive notifications of new videos. If you'd like to support ATP you can do so via Paypal at https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Why does the Church celebrate Christ's birth on December 25? Was the date selected to "Christianize" the pagan festival of the Unconquerable Sun (Sol Invictus) or was it the other way around? Make sure to Subscribe to ATP if you haven't already (click the "bell" icon so that you'll be notified when new episodes are available). You can share ATP videos on social media, and if you'd like to support the ministry of ATP, you can do so here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Why baptize infants? What does the Scripture teach? Did the early church baptize infants? Can infants believe the gospel? Pastor explains why the church has, from its beginning, baptized infants. Like ATP? Subscribe to the channel. Share the video. Support the ministry here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Sermon on Matthew 25:1-13

Sermon on Matthew 25:31-46

Sermon on Matthew 24:15-28

What is a good reason to leave the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod? Is there a Biblical reason to leave? Why do so many pastors and laymen remain in the Synod as they acknowledge its blatant errors? Thanks for watching. Give the video and upvote. Subscribe to ATP on Youtube. Share ATP on social media. And if you want to support the ministry of ATP you can do so here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

What are the three ecumenical creeds and when does the Church use them in public worship? How and why did these creeds come about, and are they still necessary for the Church's confession today? Be sure to give the video a "like." Subscribe to ATP, and share our videos on social media! If you'd like to support the ministry of ATP you can do so here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Two topics in this episode. First, is gambling a sin? Second, do the Scriptures teach that male headship applies to the civil estate (secular government) as it does in marriage and the church? Be sure to give the video a "like." Subscribe to ATP, and share our videos on social media! If you'd like to support the ministry of ATP you can do so here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Should Christians still use the distinction between the undisputed books (Homolegumena) and the disputed books (Antilegomena) books of the New Testament? What did it mean that a book was "disputed" in the early church? Can we use a disputed book for doctrine, and most importantly, do the disputed books say the same thing as the undisputed books? Make sure to subscribe to ATP, share it on social media, and support ATP at: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Can laity lead Bible studies in parachurch organizations or even within the church itself? What does Scripture say about who should be teaching the Christian Faith in what settings? Like ATP? Share. Subscribe. Support ATP at: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Is the Roman Catholic Church the original church that Jesus founded? What did He mean when He said "the gates of Hell will not prevail against it?" Does this exclude a reformation? How should the claim of antiquity be evaluated? Make sure to subscribe to ATP, share it on social media, and support ATP at: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Is the church's liturgy an indifferent thing which can be used or refused based on personal preference? What's the difference between Liturgy and Ceremony, and how much uniformity in worship should Lutherans strive for? Make sure to subscribe to ATP, share it on social media, and support ATP at: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Did you know that Lutherans and the Eastern Orthodox communicated in the 1570s? Pastor addresses the theological agreements and disagreements in the correspondence, showing the fundamental disagreement between the Augsburg Confession and the theology of the Eastern Church. Make sure to subscribe to ATP, share it on social media, and support ATP at: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

The Roman Church has many miracles, most of which focus upon an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Why doesn't the Lutheran Church have miracles like this? What do the Scriptures teach us about such miracles? Don't forget to subscribe to ATP, share them on social media, and if you'd like to support ATP, you can do so here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Can women vote in congregational voters' assemblies? Does the Scripture directly address this? How do St. Paul's words guide the local parish in this issue, and how have they guided Lutherans of the last one-hundred years? Don't forget to subscribe to ATP, share them on social media, and if you'd like to support ATP, you can do so here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl

Can Christians depict God the Father, who is unseen and circumscribed, in art? Why don't the Eastern Churches allow it? Why does the Western Church allow it and under what circumstances? If you'd like to support ATP, you can do so here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Don't forget to subscribe to ATP and if you've found this video helpful, share it on social media with your friends!

What's the history of Lent? When did Christians begin celebrating it? What did the Lutheran Reformers keep and discard from Lent? Understanding Lent's history can help Christians better use this season of the Church Year. If you'd like to support ATP, you can do so here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Don't forget to subscribe to ATP and if you've found this video helpful, share it on social media with your friends!

Will Lutherans ever be in communion with the Roman Catholic Church? Didn't Vatican II pave the way for such reconciliation with its adoption of some of Luther's critiques? All this and a bit more in this episode of ATP. If you'd like to support ATP, you can do so here: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl Don't forget to subscribe to ATP and if you've found this video helpful, share it on social media with your friends!

Getting ordained online is becoming more popular each year. Most do it in order to officiate a friend's wedding, while others get ordained online to start their own church. How do Christians understand this phenomena? How do the ordaining churches understand it? What is the Lutheran response to such things? Don't forget to subscribe to ATP on YouTube (clicking the notification bell so you don't miss a new episode). If you'd like to support the ministry of ATP, please go to https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=BG5Q8R7TH5BR4

Pietism was a reaction to the Lutheran Age of Orthodoxy. While it's often difficult to define, its characteristics are easy to spot even in the modern Lutheran church. Even though Pietism began as a Lutheran movement, it influenced all Protestantism and that influence continues today. Don't forget to share ATP's videos and subscribe to ATP so you don't miss a single episode! Email you question to atpholycross@gmail.com and Pastor will answer is as he's able (please be patient, the ATP inbox is in backlog). If you'd like to support the ministry of ATP, please go to https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=BG5Q8R7TH5BR4

It is commonly believed that the church fathers, and early Christianity, was strictly pacifist and did not believe that Christians could serve in the military. It's also commonly held that the church changed her position with the ascension of Constantine to the throne. Pastor examines these claims and makes a contemporary application. Don't forget to Like, Share, and Subscribe to ATP on YouTube so you don't miss an episode of Ask The Pastor. If you'd like to donate to ATP, click the link below: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=BG5Q8R7TH5BR4

Several viewers have asked recently why they should not be Roman Catholic. In this video, Pastor outlines some of the ways the Roman church has departed from the Scriptures and drives sinners to mediators and merits other than those the Gospel teaches. Thanks for watching ATP on YouTube. Don't forget to subscribe to ATP. Send your question to atpholycross@gmail.com. While you wait for your question to be answered, check out Pastor's past videos and playlists.

Moses tells us that the Nephilim (Giants) were the offspring of the "Sons of God" and the "Daughters of Men." Who were these 'sons of God' and 'daughters of men?' Who were these giants and what was their relation to the church, the flood and the Nephilim in Numbers 13? Thanks for watching! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to ATP on YouTube. If you have a question you'd like to Ask The Pastor, email him at atpholycross@gmail.com and he will answer your question as he's able.

How does a Christian read an early church document like the Didache? What did the Fathers say about this document? In this episode, Pastor looks at the similarities and differences between the canonical gospels and this early Christian document. Make sure to like, share, and subscribe to ATP on YouTube! If you've emailed a question to atpholycross@gmail.com and Pastor hasn't answered it yet, please be patient, he will get to it. In the meantime, check our ATP's playlists!

In this episode of ATP, Pastor addresses the concerns of a view in Sweden about the Church of Sweden, as well as answers some questions about how Lutherans compare to Papists (Roman Catholics) and "Protestantism." Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to ATP on YouTube. If there's something you'd like to Ask The Pastor, email him at atpholycross@gmail.com. Please be patient, ATP is in backlog so it may be some time before your question is answered.

What is the source and norm for our faith (what we are to believe) and our life (how we are to conduct ourselves)? Is it scripture alone or is there a tradition within the Church that teaches us faith and life as well? What does Paul mean by "tradition" in 2 Thess. 2:15? All this and a bit more in this episode of Ask The Pastor. Do you have a question that you'd like to Ask The Pastor? Email him at atpholycross@gmail.com. He'll put your question in the queue and answer it as he's able. Also don't forget to like and share this video, and subscribe to ATP on YouTube.

What is the Didache? How do we treat texts which aren't Scripture but witness to the church's teaching and life? In this episode Pastor explains what the Didache is, what its about, and how we approach documents such as this one from church history. Thanks for watching. Don't forget to like share, and subscribe, and of course, email pastor your question, atpholycross@gmail.com

What does one do when he realizes that his church (or church body) teaches false doctrine? Scripture says we are not to have fellowship (communion/participation) with error, but to confess against it and separate from it. What does this look like when there isn't an orthodox church around? What does it look like when you're a leader within the congregation? What does it look like when your kids go to the congregation's school? All this, plus some more in this week's offering of ATP. Send your questions, about this or any other topic, to atpholycross@gmail.com and Pastor will answer as he's able. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!

Is it necessary to confess your sins? Is it necessary to confess your sins to your pastor? What good is the practice of private confession and absolution, and why has the true church retained it? All this and more in this episode of ATP. Send your question(s) to atpholycross@gmail.com. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe.

As we approach the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, a viewer asks several questions about the Lutheran confession of the Christian faith. What is the Lutheran Church? What are its beliefs? Answers to these questions and more in this edition of ATP. Email your question(s) to pastor at atpholycross@gmail.com and he'll answer them as he's able. It may take some time. The mailbag is bursting at the seams! Thanks for watching. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!

What's the difference between the Anglican confession of faith and the Lutheran Confession of faith? They look similar, but are they? Also, will the ACNA (Anglican Church in North America) and the LCMS (Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod) ever be in fellowship? All this in this jam-packed episode of ATP. Email pastor at atpholycross@gmail.com and he'll get to your question as soon as he's able. Thanks for watching and don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and tell a friend about how much you love ATP from Holy Cross Lutheran in Kerrville, TX.

In Part 1 of 2, Pastor answers concerns from a Roman Catholic seeking to understand Protestant friends and family. Pastor gives a Biblical reason for not being Roman, but also outlines the fundamental differences between a Lutheran and Roman understanding of "church." Make sure and stick around for Part 2. Email your question to pastor at atpholycross@gmail.com and he'll answer it as he's able. Thanks for watching. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and help us spread ATP by picking up your own Ask The Pastor T-Shirt here: http://tinyurl.com/knoy2w9

Pastor continues his train of thought regarding the fundamental assumptions of Romanists and Lutherans. In this video Pastor talks more about the assumption that Luther intended to start his own church, so we get to hear about the difference between reformation and revolution. Thanks for watching! Email your question to pastor at atpholycross@gmail.com and he'll answer it as he's able. Thanks for watching. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe, and help us spread ATP by picking up your own Ask The Pastor T-Shirt here: http://tinyurl.com/knoy2w9

How do Lutherans know their ministry if valid if they're not attached to the Roman Church? Can pastors really trace their ordination all the way back to the Twelve Apostles? How do we respond to Rome's claims of Apostolic Succession? All this, plus a little more in this episode of Ask The Pastor. Thanks for watching. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe. Email your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com.

Why does the Roman Church commune their people with only the bread (Christ's body)? Why doesn't Rome commune them with the wine (Christ's blood)? This is an issue near and dear to the Lutheran Confessions so they provide a good answer. Thanks for watching. Don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and tell a friend at ATP. Send your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com and Pastor will answer them as soon as he's able.

Can a Christian who is not part of the Roman church use a rosary? Is such a device a help or a hindrance to true prayer, even if used properly? Find out in this episode of Ask The Pastor. Got questions? Get answers. Email pastor at atpholycross@gmail.com and pastor will answer your question as soon as he's able. Thanks for emailing and don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!

How does the Mormon Church, or Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, stack up against the Scriptures and the historic Christian faith? That's what's on tap in this episode of ATP. Don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and send your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com. If you like ATP and want to help more folks come into contact with it, check out the ATP tshirt at: http://tinyurl.com/zeoahry

A viewer asks what the Scriptures say about how we are to worship God. Specifically he asks if what often (wrongly) called Contemporary Worship is suitable in the church. It's a touchy topic but one that can be addressed very simply. If you'd like to ask a follow up question to today's video, or if you've got a question on another topic, email pastor at atpholycross@gmail.com. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!

Today a view shares the story of his spiritual journey and asks if he can return to the Lutheran church even though he's been rebaptized several times. The answer is of course, "yes!" In this video Pastor talks about how the Christian life does not consist of multiple baptisms, but one baptism which is lived in throughout life. The baptismal life IS the deepest and most personal relationship with Christ one can attain by the grace of God. Send your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com and pastor will answer them as he's able. Don't forget to subscribe, share, and like Ask The Pastor!

Today's episode of Ask The Pastor deals with picking that perfect outfit for church. Well not exactly. Someone asks if God cares what we wear to church and how we ought to dress considering the importance of what we're doing there. What do the Scriptures say about how we dress and what we confess to the world by our raiment? If you've got something you'd like to ask the pastor, send him at email at atpholycross@gmail.com and he'll answer it as he's able. Thanks for watching. Don't forget to share and subscribe!

Are all Christians to make disciples? Who is supposed to be baptizing and teaching the faith, since that's how disciples are made? Today Pastor talks about Matthew 28:16-20, the church and her pastors. If you've got a question you'd like to Ask The Pastor, email him at atpholycross@gmail.com and he'll answer it as he's able. Thanks for watching and don't forget to to subscribe and share ATP's videos on Facebook for others to see!

What does the Bible say about how churches should be governed, on a local level and a national level? What's the difference between congregational polity, episcopal polity, and and synodical polity? How does a Christian navigate through all this, and what role does church history play in the decision? Send your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com and pastor will answer them as he's able. Thanks for watching and don't forget to subscribe!

In this episode I interview Vernon, a former WELS layman. Vernon left his WELS congregation because of the persistent false teaching in that synod. He, along with several other faithful Christians, founded a new congregation in Beaverton, Oregon. If you find yourself in an errant church or church body, you'll not want to miss this interview. Special thanks to Vernon for agreeing to do this. If you've got something you'd like to Ask The Pastor, email me at atpholycross@gmail.com.

Article 28 deals with the power of Bishops and pastors within the church. What power do they have by divine right, that is, what power is given them in the gospel? What powers aren't they given? This video deals with these questions. If you'd like to ask a follow up question on this, or any other topic in the Augsburg Confession Study Series, email me at atpholycross@gmail.com.

It may sound boring, "the distinction of meats" but this article takes what we've already confessed about the righteousness of faith and the proper use of human traditions, and applies them to things like mandatory fasts, fish on Fridays in Lent, days of obligation, basically anything in the church that is deemed "necessary" other than the righteousness of faith. This article also explores WHY we have traditions in the church, which is for the sake of discipline and mortification of the sinful flesh, NOT for the sake of gaining grace, forgiveness, or favor from God.

Article XXIV (24) of the Augsburg Confession deals with the Mass, or as some of us still call it today, the Divine Service, in which God gives the gifts of His Word and the Sacrament to people for the forgiveness of their sins. Sadly, the Roman Church had turned the Mass into something else entirely. We find in this article a pure understanding of Christian worship, the Mass, and the nature of worship in the New Testament. This is a longer article, and a very important one for Christians today, so it will be covered in a few parts.

Mandatory public celibacy had begun to be enforced in the Roman church some 400 years before the Lutheran Reformation. To this day, the church of Rome does not typically allow its clergy to be married. Article 23 of the Augsburg Confession examines the Scriptural reasons why ministers can be married, and how now man-made vow can override what God has ordained in His revealed Word, the Holy Scriptures.

This episode studies article 22 of the Augsburg Confession. With this article we get into the abuses of the Roman church during the medieval period. AC 22 deals with why Lutherans don't withhold the chalice from the laity in Holy Communion as Rome did, and still do in some places.

What does the church do with the saints? On the one side, the Roman church prays to them. On the other side, most of American Protestantism ignores them. As always, the Lutheran position is right in the middle. Thanks for watching. Don't forget to subscribe on Youtube or like us on Facebook!

Every church has ecclesiastical usages, also known as human traditions. Article 15 confesses how we ought to use human traditions in the church and how they are improperly used.

Article 14 is brief but vitally important to the church and Christ's ministry in His church. Who can preach? Can just anybody decide to take on this important task of Christ? How do we tell who is truly called to preach and who is not called by Christ? We'll see how the Scriptures look at the divine call to preach in today's video.

A viewer asks about a saying on a church sign, "God prefers kind atheists over hateful Christians." Is this message the message of Christianity or something else? Today we'll dive into the murky waters of catchy church signage theology. Send your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com

Many folks (even seasoned Lutherans) have been taught to shun confessing their sins to their pastor in order to receive Christ's Absolution. The Lutheran Church retains that practice. Find out why in today's video.

As the 80's band The Clash wonders, "Should I Stay Or Should I Go?" A loyal viewer sees the errors in his current church body and would like to find a confessional Lutheran congregation, except there are none in his area. He's not stuck. He's got options. Pastor outlines them here. If you've got questions, send them to atpholycross@gmail.com and we'll get to them as soon as we can. Please note that we've got several series coming up, so it may take a few weeks to get to your question, but we WILL get to it!

A viewer asks if the ELDONA will ever use German for its liturgy and official documents. The short answer is no but this question is a springboard into a discussion about how language is used in the church and to what end. Send your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com.

AC8 fills in the gaps from AC7. Since the church is revealed wherever the Word is purely taught and the Sacraments rightly administered, what does one do with hypocritical members and ministers? Does the ministry of Word and Sacrament derive its efficacy from the man or from Christ's promise? That's the trajectory of today's video

An astute viewer asks why the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod left the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod in 1967. These two groups had, since 1872, been in official church fellowship. What caused the split? More importantly, what underlying ideas led to the split? We'll survey the territory in today's segment, hitting the high points of that history. Questions (about this or any topic) can be sent to atpholycross@gmail.com

Today's episode covers Article 7 of the Augsburg Confession. We're talking about the Church, what it is and what it isn't and where to find it. This article also talks about unity in rites (i.e. what you do and say on Sunday morning).

Why don't we do children's messages in the Divine Service? To answer this question we have to explore the rationale for introducing this practice into the church in the first place. We also have to see how this practice affects our doctrine of how the Holy Spirit works. Questions (about this or any topic) can be emailed to atpholycross@gmail.com

A viewer asks for pastor's opinion about his recent ordination and study for the holy ministry. Questions (about this or any topic) can be sent to atpholycross@gmail.com

Why has the church throughout the ages chanted the liturgy and the psalms instead of putting them to contemporary music? Questions (and this or any topic) can be sent to atpholycross@gmail.com

Why do we stand when we stand and sit when we sit in the Divine Service? Why does the pastor face one direction now and another direction then? Nothing done in the church is meaningless or frivolous. Everything teaches us something about our relationship with the Lord, even what we do with our body. Questions (about this or any topic) can be sent to apholycross@gmail.com

Many church bodies practice woman's ordination and have a female clergy. Does this jive with the Scriptures? Find out in today's video. Questions are welcome at atpholycross@gmail.com.

Most Lutheran churches have, on their sign or on their cornerstone, the initials U.A.C. What does this mean? Is it a relic of days long past or is it something with practical significance for the church today? Send your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com and we'll answer them as soon as we're able!

Ask The Pastor (ATP) exists to answer YOUR questions about God, the Bible, the Church, and Religion. email your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com. While you wait for your question to be answered, search ATP's videos. Odds are someone has asked a similar question. Also don't forget to share ATP's videos on Social Media and Subscribe you don't miss an single new episode!

This is the fourth and final segment on Objective Justification (OJ). We look at John 3:16 and some random comments/ideas that have floated around around OJ. If you've got a question related to this topic, or anything about the Bible, theology, or the church, email us at atpholycross@gmail.com and we'll answer your question as time allows. Don't forget to subscribe!

Today someone asks if Luther, writing in the preface to the Small Catechism, mixes the kingdom of the Right (the church) with the kingdom of the Left (the State). Here's the Quote: But those who are unwilling to learn it should be told that they deny Christ and are no Christians, neither should they be admitted to the Sacrament, accepted as sponsors at baptism, nor exercise any part of Christian liberty, but should simply be turned back to the Pope and his officials, yea, to the devil himself. Moreover, their parents and employers should refuse them food and drink, and [they would also do well if they were to] notify them that the prince will drive such rude people from the country, etc. And you can find the rest of Luther's Small Catecchism online at http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php Send your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com and we'll answer them as soon as we're able. Thanks!

Great question today about the formation of the NT canon, what distinctions the early church made, and what that distinction can teach us today as we interpret the very same Word of God. To help keep things straight, antilegomena means "spoken against" or "disputed" while homologoumena means "agreed upon." Send your quetions to atpholycross@gmail.com and we'll answer them as we're able!

From where does the church get the liturgy? Is it something the church just made up one day? Does it have any Scriptural or historical backing? (Is it alright for churches to tweak the liturgy, add or subtract parts, or write a new one altogether? That's a different study as we say in these parts. . . but if someone wanted to ask it. . . ) Send your questions to atpholycross@gmail.com and we'll answer them as we're able.

To we tackle the question, "Does the church need to be involved with the State in the matter of marriage?" Who marries people? How does it happen? Does the institution of the estate of marriage (by God) and Natural Law (also from God) preclude some from marriage? Have a watch and see.

Is an infallible interpreter of Scripture (like the pope or Roman church's magisterium) necessary so that everyone knows what to believe? How do Lutherans know that their interpretation of Scripture is correct without such an infallible interpreter? If you like ATP, check out the book series. Each volume contains answers to questions Pastor has answered online, often including more material. You can purchase them on Amazon here: https://tinyurl.com/53h74v3e Do you like the work Pastor is doing on ATP? Would you like to support "Ask The Pastor?" You can donate here via PayPal: https://tinyurl.com/yadhlqfl