Five Reasons I Am Lutheran

[@BoondockBrony]

I am starting my catechesis on becoming Lutheran this Sunday after being a churchless backslider (moved a while back and COVID just crippled my old church). You are one of the big reasons why I decided to look into Lutheranism over Presbyterianism. Others were influential as well as a lot of thought and prayer. Thank you Pastor Cooper.

[@shanekahrs4776]

How did that go? My wife and I are in the process of joining (in my case coming back to) a Lutheran Church. Love the pastor and the congregation. Has it been a good thing for you?

[@RickBarnwell]

This was great. Hit it right on the head for me.

[@mervinchia5074]

Genuinely appreciate the clarification on the 2 Kingdoms. It would seem then that Dietrich Bonhoeffer got at the heart of this as opposed to a deviation from a 2-kingdom reality which some of said was a point of departure from Luther.

[@matheusthomaz1518]

Why are you not anglican?

[@dershogun6396]

well... isn't anglicanism only for english people ? Like it's the "national church" of england, isn't it? So i guess membership is bound to nationality in anglicanism, isn't it ?

[@DrJordanBCooper]

Because I don't support the British monarchy.

[@dershogun6396]

@@shy_guy2814_IndigoLantern "not historicaly proofen"

[@matheusthomaz1518]

@@DrJordanBCooper Thanks brother! I'm from Brazil and I love your work and your humanity. Keep it up!

[@Nnamwerd]

Dr. Jordan B Cooper You Heretic! God Save The Queen! 😂

[@donaldjacobson4184]

Thanks Dr Cooper! I’m transferring from an ELCA church to the LCMS. I feel like I’m returning to the Lutheranism of my youth, the Slovak Zion Synod that was eventually swallowed up by the ELCA

[@MalachiWhite-tw7hl]

When my Lutheran church started talking more about Spring's "Earth Day" (April 22) than about Easter, I knew it was time to leave.

[@jeremyreis8646]

I always found it sad that so many Lutheran identities got lost with the formation of the ELCA along with good doctrine many Lutheran groups also gave up ethnic traditions that made them unique

[@harleywykes4971]

Would love to see five reasons I am a Christian

[@harleywykes4971]

@JEROME BURNETT I dont understand how the churches of christ denomination is any more likely to be the church of the new testament than any other denomination

[@787Earl]

@JEROME BURNETT The word catholic literally means "universal," as in "the universal church.". It originally was applied to all Christians because we are all part of the universal church in the way that we are all members of the Body of Christ.

[@chop0072]

​@JEROME BURNETT he sounds Capitol C Catholic because anyone more sacramental than federal vision looks like a Catholic to a Pentacostal/Baptist/Fundamentalist

[@markhorton3994]

@JEROME BURNETT You must not be listening. He rejects papal authority, Mariology, praying to anyone but God, Purgatory, the idea that the sacraments are something people do for credit with God, indulgences in any form and many other doctrines of the RCC. So do all confessional Lutherans.

[@DrMJS]

Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 1 Cor 15:3-6

[@Outrider74]

You've pretty much summed it up for me with the first point. The gospel isn't just the "ticket in the door" to be forgotten for the sake of "law, law, law," like it is in a great deal of evangelicalism (yes, even in some Calvinism). There's a great deal of truth in the accusation that modern evangelicalism is so works-centered from its overemphasis on law that it really does give the idea at times that one is saved by works in part or whole. Confessional Lutheranism maintains the biblical balance. The gospel continues to be preached and taught for both the saved and the lost. I love the fact that an unbeliever can walk into a Lutheran church and hear the gospel preached in such a way as to facilitate conversion, while a believer can walk into the same service and be strengthened and taught to grow in faith.

[@collinlynch4569]

That was the most awesome summing up of the Lutheran confession I’ve ever heard. I’m 31 and on my church council (LCMS). It’s kind of funny talking to non believers but when I say I’m a Lutheran their tone kind of changes and they usually say Luther was a great man or I wish more Christian’s were like him or something to that effect. So there is a lot to be said about that. That it’s a balanced approach to the Law and Gospel.

[@danielpia7711]

Oh sure no works salvation at all! I mean just get baptized and you're in! Lol. But I mean no offense. I love you all but I fear for you. I mean instead to ask how you reconcile such things?

[@danielpia7711]

Oh also, I'm not sure how familiar you are w so called Calvinism. But Reformed principles, or Calvinists are among the most evangelistic. It's a false narrative I think because of some among our ranks (possibly none at all) who will not share the gospel unless they see signs of the Spirit working in the subject. But for the true Reformed man who knows his roots and the scriptures, that man is aware that there is no "E" on anyone's forehead. So the gospel is shared widely and generously to all who will hear. Some of the most proliferate preachers are Calvinists.

[@danielpia7711]

I think it is necessary as Christians that we not misrepresent our brothers. Often it becomes easy to say this or that about others when we disagree without sufficient cause. But that is a lie nonetheless. We must not lie in anyway.

[@jamesparker1063]

do you believe that an unbeliever can "walk into" a Lutheran church, hear the gospel preached, and be saved, via the hearing of such preaching?

[@mikechoate6741]

"The true Calvinist will be characterized by God-centeredness, humility, penitence, gratitude, and holy living among other things. This is a good litmus test for those of us who follow the Calvinistic tradition." - from What Makes A Calvinist by Phillip Graham Ryken The Calvinist view as presented above gave me such fear and doubt as a believer. I could not find the comfort of the Gospel due to my fear of a Holy, Good God. A God who would send me to hell if He deemed me for destruction and that I would agree that is was good to be in hell because God determined it would be.

[@richardfrerks8712]

5 reasons I am a Christian. 1. I believe the Bible is God's Word 2. I Believe that Jesus is the Son of God 3. I Believe this world is cursed and I am a Sinner. 4. I believe the Finished work on the CROSS is the only way to the Father and out of HELL FIRE 5. Because I have a hole in me that only my CREATOR the Holy Trinity will fill.

[@triggerwarningtruthjustfor5433]

Coming from a non Christian background I have explored most main denominations but I find Lutheranism to be the most agreeable. I find it difficult to believe the the dead can intercede for the living, also in other denominations your do not know whether you are saved and whether you have done enough ‘good works’. Similarly the idea of ‘vocation’ spiritualises all aspects of mundane life, something under appreciated and insufficiently recognised by denominations supposedly more ‘spiritual’. I also love the fact that no individual is held in higher regard than another and we are all equal in the struggle. As well as this it retains some tradition liturgy etc giving the best of both worlds really.

[@richardfrerks8712]

What did you mean by the dead interceding on our behalf? Is that a doctrine in other churches?

[@MadForGames]

@@richardfrerks8712 Hey Richard, what they mean is that in the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church, there is the belief that the dead saints can pray for us on earth, by us praying to them asking for intercession. That's a short summary. God bless.

[@bdff4007]

@@MadForGames to be absent from the ( mortal) body is to be present with the ( living) Lord. Do you believe in the communion of the saints? Peter saw Moses and Elijah conversing with Jesus at the transfiguration.. Were they dead or alive?

[@BibleLovingLutheran]

@G S show me where those in heaven were praying for those on earth by those on earth praying they'd do so.

[@bobaphat3676]

Maccabees -- Intercession of the dead who have life in Christ. Book of Revelations - Intercession of the saints. I appreciate something "may be hard to believe" but know than an atheist may say the same thing about God. The question is, there is evidence in Scripture or Tradition to support our beliefs. I believe as many RCs believe, reason is perfected by faith. Luther is on record for calling reason a "whore". God Bless.

[@lc-mschristian5717]

Thank you Pastor. As a Calvinist studying Lutheranism I appreciated how all the beliefs of the Lutheran Church is written down in one book, The Book of Concord, to be studied, confessed and contended upon. These truths have withstood the test of time and heterodoxy. God's peace be with you.

[@eliasg.2427]

Amen! I'm also very glad to be lutheran. Thanks for the video. God bless.

[@CaesarGB]

Honestly, I’m starting to find Lutheranism highly attractive. I have found Orthodox and Baptist to also be attractive, but right now I am leaning towards Lutheranism. I come from a background in the highly heretical Hebrew Roots/Torahism/Messianic Movement, and works of the Old Testament Law were highly focused on for salvation/sanctification, which goes against the teachings of the Apostle Paul! I thank God I came out of that heresy and am now trying to find where I belong in Christendom.

[@phoult37]

Be Orthodox, if not Catholic

[@Alfredo8059]

Protestantism is not new: "Heresy: That “special” moment when you have greater spiritual insight than the apostles, disciples, apostolic and holy fathers and the entire past and present Church members even though you have a bible, spiritual books and canons that they wrote, compiled and handed down to you.This is deception that despite all this, one believes in one’s thougths and opinions.

[@katie7748]

I'd been wondering for a couple years where that "movement" came from. I stumbled across the answer a while ago. I was right to be skeptical/wary/almost afraid of it. It's wrong and downright dangerous. Dig into its roots if you haven't...😳

[@MrGieschen]

As was explained by one of pastors: The Divine Service is the Divine serving us. He in it offers the means of Grace throigh the Word and Sacraments. We respond to Him in thanks for this.

[@MontoyaBrandy]

I am going to my first Lutheran service next Sunday. I have been looking at which church was closest to biblical understanding. Have friends trying to push me in to Catholicism which I can’t get past the obvious non biblical things they do. So I pray I’m finding my home in the Lutheran church! 🙏🏼

[@rustycrook1363]

Just curious, what non biblical things did you notice in Catholicism?

[@MontoyaBrandy]

@@rustycrook1363 prayers to the saints, perpetual virgin of Mary, status of a Pope and being vicor of Christ, purgatory, priests remaining celibate

[@Theescapist_87]

I'm in the same boat. I've tried RCIA twice and I just can't get past the heavy Mariology they have going on. The parish I had been going to for the past two months probably prays to and praises Mary more, than God himself. It's a no go for me. Back to looking into Lutheranism now.

[@chevyfinn]

We are looking into becoming Lutheran Christians, we start our catechism on Monday night. We are not Roman Catholic, neither eastern orthodox. We tried those and wasn't a good fit with what we believe. But Lutheran church seems to fit us really well 😀 God has answered our prayers and we finally found a very very small Lutheran church. It is a bit of a commute but worth it considering we are no longer being spiritually fed by our current church (it's non denominational evangelical, very very low church). It ticks the boxes but is really not meeting our needs as Christians who want to grow in the faith. Singing cringe jesus is my friend praise music doesn't feel like it is enough in worship. Not enough praising God , and praying, repentance and confession of sin ect... I can go on for days. The sermons are okay but are pitched more like a bible study than preaching the Gospel. Bible study has its place in small groups but does not equal a sermon. Going line by line in Nehemiah stating obvious commentary is mind numbing. I want to see the beauty of the Gospels (and the OT too!!! In relation to applying it to our lives in a sermon)

[@noahmurdock2000]

I'm Nazarene, but I was converted, baptized, and confirmed Lutheran. Due to a whole bunch of circumstances, I backslide, when I rededicated, it was in a Nazarene church. Now I'm in bible school, studying to be a Nazarene pastor, but the more I think through the scriptures, I find that again and again, I'm coming up Lutheran. Quite a big part of that is the Historical Continuity. I'm not sure quite yet, but I may return to the tradition of my youth.

[@doriesse824]

If I may ask, how have things turned out for you? I'm a long-ago Catholic who went through many Protestant denominations, and am now finding an interest in Lutheranism, at least in some respects.

[@DefenderOfChrist_]

@@doriesse824you’re so welcome in the family of Lutheranism💙

[@joshbluhm250]

Fellow Lutheran here, my five reasons are just like these, you practically took the thoughts from my head!

[@richardfrerks8712]

5 reasons I am a Christian. 1. I believe the Bible is God's Word 2. I Believe that Jesus is the Son of God 3. I Believe this world is cursed and I am a Sinner. 4. I believe the Finished work on the CROSS is the only way to the Father and out of HELL FIRE 5. Because I have a hole in me that only my CREATOR the Holy Trinity will fill.

[@gabrielemanuelandingemaaga6576]

Thank you for Law&Gospel!

[@gwenj5419]

From an evangelical background, I was attracted to Lutheranism because of the distinction of Law and Gospel. It gave me a framework to understand the scriptures. Also, I understood what I'd felt for years; that so many evangelical sermons are just Law, "Try harder, Do better." I was tired of feeling beat up on every Sunday.

[@ruthgoebel723]

Exactly! I was baptized Lutheran 64 years ago but left an ELCA church due to the issue of who is being ordained and explaining away biblical truth. I now attend a conservative Mennonite church that has not bent to the 'social gospel' of the day, but they have totally trashed the blessed Sacraments, calling them mere symbols 😖😩. It breaks my heart. They are heavy on Bible reading and fellowship but have a host of rules that are almost cult-like. There is no LCMS church near me, so I am stuck.

[@gwenj5419]

@@ruthgoebel723 I think there are some other conservative Lutheran branches, but they are smaller than LCMS.

[@katie7748]

​@ruthgoebel723 I just moved from a buffet of churches in the Upper Midwest (even the most obscure, unheard-of denominations!) to the South. It's almost nothing but Baptist and Pentecostal here. I can't even find a Catholic church (not Catholic, but since it's quite popular in the US, it's my example of a different church) unless I drive at least 45 minutes!! It's a church desert here :-/

[@gwenj5419]

@@katie7748 Yet a church on every corner. Lol. I'd be surprised if there wasn't an LCMS Lutheran Church somewhere in the vicinity.

[@Leoterio76]

Same here was born evangelical pentecostal (Assmbly of God) became Lutheran at 25 years old (I´m 47)same reason as you.

[@seankennedy4284]

Don't understand how monasticism should be the ideal Christian life. Jesus, for instance, spent only 40 days in the wilderness; as opposed to the entirety of his days. I, for one, would consider such a move as something of a permanent vacation---that is, in many respects, an easy escape from responsibility to others (in some inarticulable way).

[@peacengrease3901]

Love your videos! In part, since watching them over the past 3 years, we (once baptist) now find ourselves as non-calvinistic/ Lutheran (ish) Anglicans. There are no confessional Lutheran churches within an hour of our home. Thank you!

[@charleshappold4637]

Any nearby Lutheran parish will do. All Lutherans agree on doctrine/ Augsburg Confession

[@oskariylonen3574]

@@charleshappold4637 That's not true. Plenty of "Lutheran" churches don't believe in the book of Concord or the Bible, and support female clergy, homosexuality, transgenderism and other heresy. Go to a confessional Lutheran church.

[@adamsmith4195]

@@charleshappold4637 he’s much better off in the ACNA than ELCA

[@jordantsak7683]

1. The gospel ( = God saves us and not ''we save us'' with our ''faith'' as a work and ''good works'') 2. The sacraments as real and effectual means of grace, as Jesus' blood, flesh, divinity for the objective forgiveness of our sins 3. The connection with the historic church 4. The doctrine of vocation 5. Allow scripture to speak by itself.

[@alexandrosmiki]

God died for us te have the possibillity to go to Heaven..so we have to choose the Good, we chose not Jesus otherwise why i will be judged if im not free..this is a bullshit..Jesus said în the Appcalipse "I staied at the door and i knock " so we chose to open or not and after Jesus give us the gift like faith etc

[@marcuswilliams7448]

If you're damned, it is because you thrust the Word aside, judging yourself unworthy of everlasting life, Acts 13:46. If you're eternally saved it is because you've been appointed for eternal life and so were called to faith through the Word, Acts 13:48

[@Edward-ng8oo]

One can equally find verses which seem to say one believes through free will and is thereby saved as one can find verses which seem to suggest that man is free to reject the Word and so be damned e.g. Acts 2:40 Save yourselves from this crooked generation. Mark 1:15 repent and believe in the gospel. John 11:25 Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. So just because you can find verses which seem to suggest that we're damned through our own free will choice to reject the Gospel it doesn't mean anything because one can equally find verses which seem to suggest that we have the ability to believe the Gospel and to save ourselves. In the Bondage of the Will Luther taught on the basis of Scripture that God predestines people to both heaven and hell and he denied that we have the ability to reject the Gospel and bring damnation on ourselves. He taught this in the same way we don't have the ability to believe the Gospel and to save ourselves. This idea that we alone are responsible for our own damnation and that God didn't predestine anyone to hell was introduced mainly by Martin Chemnitz. See my separate comment on this video.

[@marcuswilliams7448]

@@Edward-ng8oo I'd say, in short, all preaching that seems to indicate man has a free choice to make actually produces what it demands. The preaching of repentance and belief produces repentance and belief. Neither grants freedom of the will. Taken together with Eph. 2:1 and 1 Cor. 2:14, I don't think you can come to any other conclusion.

[@Edward-ng8oo]

@@marcuswilliams7448 Of course your position is basically what the Formula teaches namely that the Holy Spirit attempts to regenerate everyone through the Word and that it’s man's fault if he remains an unbeliever. However that wasn’t Luther’s position in The Bondage of the Will (TBOTW) and it isn’t mine. Luther said in TBOTW that only those who are inwardly drawn by the Holy Spirit are regenerated and that it happens irresistibly, and I agree with that. Neither of the verses you mention teach the universal operation of the Holy Spirit in the means of grace - that’s just an assumption which is imported into them by those who reject predestination to hell. However as Luther proved in TBOTW from Romans 9 and other passages God does predestine people to hell, as he does to heaven.

[@marcuswilliams7448]

@@Edward-ng8oo Provide a citation of some kind. A page number would be best so I can read the fuller context. In any case and again, just because Luther held a certain position at a certain point in time it doesn't mean that the Lutheran Church must needs or is expected to hold said view.

[@Edward-ng8oo]

@@marcuswilliams7448 Here's a few quotes from The Bondage of the Will showing that Luther believed in double predestination and rejected human free will with respect to both salvation and damnation: Now take the saying of Christ in John 6 [:44]: "No one comes to me unless my Father draws him." What does this leave to free choice? For he says that everyone needs to hear and learn from the Father himself, and that all must be taught by God. He plainly teaches here, not only that the works and efforts of free choice are fruitless, but that even the message of the gospel itself (which is what this passage is about) is heard in vain unless the Father himself speaks, teaches, and draws inwardly…. But the ungodly does not come even when he hears the Word unless the Father draws and teaches him inwardly, which He does by pouring out the Spirit. There is then another "drawing" than the one that takes place outwardly; for then Christ is set forth by the light of the Spirit, so that a man rapt away to Christ with the sweetest rapture, and rather yields passively to God's speaking, teaching, and drawing than seeks and runs himself. (p.285,286, Vol 33 Luther's Works) Admittedly, it gives the greatest possible offense to common sense or natural reason that God by his own sheer will should abandon, harden, and damn men as if he enjoyed the sins and the vast eternal torments of his wretched creatures, when he is preached as a God of such great mercy and goodness, etc. It has been regarded as unjust, as cruel, as intolerable, to entertain such an idea about God, and this is what has offended so many great men during so many centuries. And who would not be offended? I myself was offended more than once, and brought to the very depth and abyss of despair, so that I wished I had never been created a man, before I realized how salutary that despair was, and how near to grace. That is why there has been such sweating and toiling to excuse the goodness of God and accuse the will of man; (page 190, ibid) But if God is robbed of the power and wisdom to elect, what will he be but the false idol, chance, at whose nod everything happens at random? And in the end it will come to this, that men are saved and damned without God’s knowledge, since he has not determined by his certain election who are to be saved and who damned,... (page 171, ibid) I will here bring this little book to an end, though I am prepared if need be to carry the debate farther. However, I think quite enough has been done here to satisfy the godly and anyone who is willing to admit the truth without being obstinate. For if we believe it to be true that God foreknows and predestines all things, that he can neither be mistaken in his foreknowledge nor hindered in his predestination, and that nothing takes place but as he wills it (as reason itself is forced to admit), then on the testimony of reason itself there can't be any free choice in man or angel or any creature. (page 293, ibid)

[@marcuswilliams7448]

"One Reason I'm a Lutheran": Read the entirety of the Book of Concord.

[@givingbackhope7549]

Just read the forward lol

[@Edward-ng8oo]

The Formula of Concord departed from Luther's teaching on the bondage of the will with respect to damnation. The documents contained in the Book of Concord which were in existence during Luther's lifetime didn't challenge Luther's doctrine of double predestination as taught in The Bondage of the Will. It was only the later Formula of Concord which departed from true Lutheranism and taught only single predestination to heaven. Lutherans are really Chemnitzians not Lutherans. See my main comment under this video.

[@marcuswilliams7448]

@@Edward-ng8oo Even if that were true (which I'm not granting) it wouldn't matter. The Lutheran Church doesn't and has never subscribed the full corpus of Luther's writings, but to our public Confessions contained in the Book of Concord.

[@Edward-ng8oo]

@@marcuswilliams7448 Yes I know that confessional Lutherans don’t subscribe to Luther’s writings as a whole, but what I'm saying is that because the Formula of Concord teaches a different theological position to Luther’s on predestination, Lutherans shouldn’t be named after him, but rather after Chemnitz who was the main author of single predestination.

[@marcuswilliams7448]

@@Edward-ng8oo That doesn't follow whatsoever. If we disagree with Luther on any point of doctrine, we must abandon the name Lutheran? That's silly.

[@JosephNR10]

I appreciate this channel. Im not lutheran, but have seen several videos of yours. You articulate very well, and thoughts make sense.

[@davidstone5595]

As a former non Christian (Atheist/Pagan) I'm between Lutheranism and Orthodoxy. There's stuff I like from both. But for me it's the intercessory prayers and (how do I say...) the soft worship/hard veneration of saints and Mary.

[@swm1700]

Five reasons why I am happily Lutheran! Thank you.

[@here_we_go_again2571]

What is it with these Presbyterian seminary students? So many have joined other denominations! You = Lutheranism Scott Hahn = Catholic Taylor Marshall = Catholic Josiah Trenham = Antiochian Christian Orthodox (R.C. Sproul and D.J. Kennedy, not to mention Calvin, must be rolling in their graves!) :-O :-[

[@Outrider74]

Maybe they understand something. Oh, by the way... I'm a former Calvinist too.

[@here_we_go_again2571]

@@Outrider74 Ha! :)

[@lukemwills]

I also became a Lutheran during my studies at a Presbyterian seminary. By the time I was in my 3rd year internship I realized I wasn't reformed at all. The most important issue for me is I became absolutely convinced that Jesus's true body and blood are present in, with, and under the bread and wine. The liturgy also drew me into Lutheranism. The reformed tradition seems to have thrown out the baby with the bathwater, especially when it comes to worship. Ultimately I found that the Lutheran tradition was the true "via media"--the only tradition that is both Protestant (gospel-centered) and catholic in a way that no other tradition is.

[@JayEhm1517]

It's a big jump from Reformed to Orthodoxy or Catholicism, small skip to Lutheranism.

[@EROPPER]

Exactly the same reasons as why I am now Orthodox/Conservative Anglican, moving away from nebulous theological Evangelicalism- God does it all, not human effort in any way, in baptism/salvation/Eucharist- It's quite comforting, really!

[@abdulhaleem4591]

I love lutheran authentic chridtianity

[@user-cz8gi2om3n]

I was baptized as a Lutheran as a baby and confirmed as a teenager, but for me it was reading St. Augustine of Hippo's "Confessions" that gave me confidence in my convictions.

[@Anonimni7]

Respect my friend. I lean towards Eastern Orthodoxy but appreciate Lutheran doctrine.

[@phoult37]

Curious if any traditional Lutherans like Dr. Cooper can explain the splintering of Lutheranism into quite different synods. I'm Catholic and appreciate Dr. Cooper's approach, though I don't see how it can square with ECLA gay and women clergy, etc.

[@katie7748]

Many Lutherans don't refer to ELCA as Lutheran...I am one of them. They need to drop the L. And the C. And the E.

[@themillersbuiltupontherock3742]

This was very enlightening and easy to ingest. Thank you for your insight!

[@shostycellist]

These are many of the same reasons I joined the LCMS after much time in Evangelicalism and Reformed churches.

[@kylesalmon31]

LCMS? I’m thinking lutheran,confessional? What else? I’ve never heard of that before.

[@katie7748]

​@@kylesalmon31Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 😊

[@comeintotheforest]

Two kingdoms and vocation is what did it for me. It’s such a great framework for Christian living. I also love Lutheranism philosophically, that it’s willing to accept the reality that our rationality is not a starting point to learn divine truths, and accepting what is revealed through the Word of God. It is also truly through the lense of the Gospel, which I didn’t understand before.

[@jamesbarclayfrey8949]

This is an excellent video. I echo each of these points as reasons for becoming a Lutheran. An important layer that I would add to the first point about the centrality of the gospel is that although other denominations also emphasize a gospel message, the Lutheran doctrine of the division between Law and Gospel allows the biblical gospel to be presented in a way that is clear. As Walther and many other Lutheran theologians highlight, to confuse these categories is to cast the believer into insecurity. Thanks for the sharp content.

[@Gio-ce8ob]

I know many of you will ignore this and you won’t look truthfully at history because you don’t want to be wrong but it isn’t about right and wrong. There is only one Church objectively and argue as you might Lutherans left it for an innovative man-made religion of a man who never even had a vision of Christ. And Protestants have been splitting off Ever since. Christ gave a mandate to the Apostles, not Luther. He caused the most division of Christians in history. Virtually all Protestants have let modernism and secularism creep or pour in. There is one UNIVERSAL Church. And let’s say I want to be Lutheran, which denomination? ELCA? LCMC? LCMS? Cause some have very different and liberal beliefs like gays and women in the “clergy”. I know I’ll see hate for this but I can’t conceive calling myself a Christian and Christ promised His Church would not be overcome by Hell itself and then leaving it bc I’m a “Christian” who supposedly believed He was God You b Flesh but I didn’t have enough faith to believe my God and Savior would keep His promise and keep His Church from serious error or being totally dissolved. A Christian who can’t trust Christ but trusts Luther and follows him instead. Hmmm 🤔. Kinda sad. Anyway I know many won’t listen and will probably say something nasty but please remember I am trying to make a point for you to consider. There was a Church, you left it for a man-made innovation. However you try to look Catholic, Please come back to Christ’s true Church and the fullness of truth. God bless you anyways.

[@romasliv]

Pastor Cooper can you do a video about the doctrine of assurance, showing the difference between Lutherans, early calvisnist and puritans? I have much doubt about it

[@danielgeb2752]

oh great! I love the 5 reasons series! 😊📖

[@Virikel]

"The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church" by Rev. G.H. Gerberding is an amazing work. The language aged well, and it was clearly written for lay people, and even though it was written primarily against revivalism, it solidified and ironed out all the issues I still had as I came out of the confessionally Reformed camp.

[@risskitt]

I’m sure we’ve all been in bible studies when asked “what does this text mean TO you?” when rather the question should be “what does the text mean FOR YOU?”

[@Alan-lv9rw]

I grew up in a suburb of New York City that seemed to be 90% Catholic and 10% Jewish. I’m glad I was born Lutheran and I’m happy to still be Lutheran.

[@colewellnitz1470]

Luther's vocation teachings are what should be discipling is. Discipling isn't just teaching bible or theology, it's teaching a whole way of life. Teaching to represent God in everything you do as his imager in Christ. The commandment it not bear Gods name in vain is what this is establishing. The word used for bear is the same word used for picking things up. It's a commandment to not shame God since you(Israel at the time it was given of course) are God's representative to the nations of those who don't know him.

[@minlalvaiphei]

I am confused like, which denominations will please God and what about true believers who don't have denominations 🤔

[@cathywestholt5324]

I thankful had my eyes opened to the false word of faith people I had followed and my old church by such KZbin creators as Chris Riseborough, Steve Kizar, Daniel Long (who are all Lutherans and left those false churches) along with some in other denominations. Chris is a Lutheran pastor in ND. All three of these men have made me interested in the Lutheran church. A couple weeks ago I visited a Lutheran church near me. A woman at the company I just left there has been there her entire life. They gave me a copy of Luther's Shorter Catechism. I am reading it now. I'm a church mutt....baptized as a baby in the Methodist church almost 70 years ago, UCC, Church of Christ (including one of their colleges), Assembly of God, nondenominational charismatic, Southern Baptist, PCA, Southern Baptist, UMC, PCA UMC, then a start up church that started under the UMC and once established became nondenominational charismatic word of faith. Thought to going back to my old PCA, but I don't live anywhere near it anymore. I'm going to sign up for the new membership class at Peace Lutheran that starts in a week and learn more.

[@chrishasse1907]

IS CONVERTING FROM PRESBYTERIAN TO LUTHERAN A GOOD IDEA???

[@Mygoalwogel]

Don't know if I'd call it converting. You wouldn't get re-baptized. You'd just start hearing preaching that focuses on _Christ's gifts to you_ instead of _how you need to bear enough fruit to convince yourself that you're a real Christian._ And you'd get real assurance in the Absolution and the Lord's Supper.

[@erikriza7165]

Lutherans are good people. Growing up, most of my neighbors were Lutheran, some Missouri Synod, some LCA. But it was just that they were not Catholic.

[@thenookpuffmagic3052]

What is ,not my concern...right nor wrong..again what is..what has become...pretty petty...subjection..bent so out of God's reason..so far

[@owlnyc666]

1. Centrality of Gospel. 2. Objectivity(?) of Gospel. 3. Historical Continuity "Early(?)" Church. Catholic Church? 4. Doctrine of Vocation 5. Al!ow Scripture to speak for itself. Lutherans do not grab on to a particular text. Mysteries are non rational. 😇💒

[@Mygoalwogel]

Another commenter is confused about the video. I'm gonna plagiarize you because you're awesome. Thanks.

[@deusx.machinaanime.3072]

Dr. Cooper you say that your 3rd reason is Historical Continuity with Lutheran and yet you have 5 reasons why you are not a Roman Catholic which means you do want to break away from historical continuity. Isn’t that a contradiction? I dont get it your 5 reasons why you are not Reformed as well when I compared the 5 reasons why you are a Lutheran.

[@doctorquestian]

why do i never see an adult baptized during a regular service? and why are there no other "minorities" (blacks, hispanic, eastern Asian, etc.) pastors?

[@elainejan]

Thank you for the beautiful clarity

[@ethangameren4490]

I’m so far from compelled by the articulation of any of these points. Does anyone know a representative that is a little More convincing in becoming Lutheran?

[@MrGTO86]

Much of what you say is also true in the Reformed and Presbyterian churches. The Puritan and Baptist stream of thought may not be the best representative of the Reformed tradition.

[@adamsmith4195]

The problem is that if you believe in the perseverance of the saints then you wind up using law to determine who is in or out.

[@ShepherdMinistry]

@@adamsmith4195 Do Lutherans believe you can lose your faith?

[@gemechushuge4821]

So I'm delightful in Christ to be an Ethiopian Lutheran!

[@SolSkinn]

I'm Lutheran because I'm of norwegian decent in America. I don't know any other way lol! I'm kidding. But I do love that every Lutheran belief is biblical.

[@noahfletcher3019]

It's funny cuz I literally just agreed with everything you said. I guess that makes me Lutheran. I don't really care about denominations though and I don't get the Impression from scripture that denominations matter that much.

[@darkoanton5]

Johann Sebestian Bach - the best reason.

[@rosannecramer1531]

Great video! Very thorough and thought provoking. 🙏🏼

[@blackoutninja]

Thanks for this Dr. Cooper. I know you've already done a video on differences between Anglicanism and Lutheranism but if you're up for returning to the Negative genre, would you be willing to do a "5 reasons Why I am not Anglican" video? Thanks

[@wesmorgan7729]

I was about to post this as well so I second this!

[@blackoutninja]

@Marty Lol you're full of shit. You're a sectarian heretic who idolatrously worships your Church over the person of Christ, thereby adding to the Gospel and incurring the Anathema of Paul as revealed in Galatians 1. Besides this I'm lost as to why you're even bothering to waste time hanging out on the comments section of an intra-Protestant video if you're convinced we're all heretics and damned, you obviously have too much time on your hands

[@blackoutninja]

@Marty Speak for yourself delusional Papist moron

[@gbantock]

You know, concerning Holy Baptism, the Reformed and the Arminian views break with the concept so dear to Lutheranism (and suppposedly by the Reformed, but not really in practice) of the analogy of faith, i.e. that Scripture must be allowed to interpret Scripture. Lutherans practise the analogy by interpreting Holy Scripture in light of itself, by other Scripture. What the Reformed and others do is to DENY some Scripture by interpreting it by other Scripture. Their analogy of faith turns Scripture on its head.

[@marilynmelzian7370]

Doesn’t a gospel-centric faith, especially when it is expressed as what God does for us, make us the center of everything and God our servant? Don’t we need to turn to God in love and appreciation for who he is in himself? there seems to be a need for better balance here.

[@BzyB63]

Satan is attacking viewers through some of the ads that constantly interrupt your teaching. Are the revenues worth it?

[@thorstenmarquardt7274]

The main reason is to keep the faith and bible free and pure from the influence of the vatican corporation

[@elizabethmurphy3931]

Thank You so much for this. Very well said.

[@pinkroses135]

Being the only monergistic denomination that isn't calvinist is a huge draw I think. Such a comfort. Tying in with the objectivity point. I like the corporate confession (both senses of the word) and absolution too.

[@nancymclaughlin8051]

I don't believe 1 choses to be Lutheran, but, God calls us ... 😅

[@trinaeliason5112]

I was baptized in a Lutheran church as a baby. I wanted to learn what that means, to see if I’d like to find a Lutheran church. This is very helpful. Thank you! Now I understand why I’ve inherited my own inner beliefs. I was never a religious person, but I’ve never turned away from God. Regardless of the opinions of others and their religion. I am a sinner, but Jesus died for those sins. I will always be a child of God.

[@bradleytarr2482]

I would love to see you do an in-depth video on how Lutherans interpret James Chapter 2. It always seems to me like Lutherans try to weasel there way out of letting that Chapter speak for itself.

[@kimcass4440]

I’m beginning to wonder whether my Presbyterian church is Lutheran. 😂 I feel like I’ve heard all this from the pulpit, including Luther’s quote on vocation.

[@ericrachut4207]

Maybe your pastor is going down the Jordan Cooper path.

[@jerseyjim9092]

I heard you say on another video that if you had to choose between Orthodoxy and Catholicism, you would pick Orthodoxy. It would be interesting to see a video of your reason(s)

[@michaeldagher1247]

Dr. Cooper, I was hoping you could clarify something for me through a comment or video. Do Lutherans believe that God grants the gift of faith to all people and some choose to resist it or is it given to a particular group of people? If it were the latter, wouldn't that negate the objectivity of the gospel since it is available to everyone but not truly offered to everyone? Thanks for taking the time to read and reply!

[@thescribeknight9952]

Well, I'm not sure how Dr. Cooper will put it, but I'm a confessional Lutheran too. And if i were to answer your question, I would say that faith comes by the Holy Spirit from hearing the Word of God (Gospel). So, faith is a gift (it's not your own doing but the Grace of God), but you can choose to reject it. You can still choose to rebel. You can still choose to sin (and you will), and that's not because you don't have enough faith but because of your sinful nature, the part of you that wants to rebel and reject God at Satan and the world's encouragement. I'm sure Dr. Cooper could explain it better, but that's what I have been taught and that's what I believe. Hope it helps

[@rightsidecrossrev]

@@thescribeknight9952 thank you so much for such a succinct presentation of how faith in Christ comes about. God bless you, brother.

[@jarojaron5015]

I love watching your videos : )

[@lisaburnside2101]

Infant baptism doesn’t save-only when one can accept Christ on our selves the Word is clear in scripture.

[@SuperGreatSphinx]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant_baptism

[@tcrosslinho5565]

If the bible says believe and be baptised, that is a choice isnt it? So how can belief be a gift? If its a gift then why is everyone not given it? If Baptism saves then why aren't you giving it to everyone?

[@ShepherdMinistry]

@VDMA LCMS Explain how the thief on the cross was saved without being baptized

[@ShepherdMinistry]

@VDMA LCMS So basically you’re claiming the thief on the cross was an exception?

[@ShepherdMinistry]

@VDMA LCMS The thief died after Jesus. So the new covenant was in place.

[@johnsiverls116]

❤❤ I like the idea of mystery also.😂

[@abdulhaleem4591]

I ❤ 😍 💖 lutheran Christians the only way to Heaven

[@zealousideal]

So many Christians bashing each others positions on here just prove why Christianity has issues and can’t be true. Just think about it for a moment, if Jesus really founded a church, why is it so confusing and WHY is everyone in disagreement with one another?? YOU would think God would be able to protect “his word” and teachings. There should be ZERO confusion and certainly NOT 50,000 different interpretations of it and methods of worship. Something is definitely very wrong with this.

[@katie7748]

It's no different than people arguing over what diet is best. Everyone has their own ideas, opinions, and experiences. Christianity isn't the only religion that has differences within it, just FYI 😊

[@josephgoodroad5928]

I appreciate the academic thrust of your videos. It helps to have knowledgeable fellows in our episcopacy and the KZbin Lutheran presence like yourself. Keep up the good work, and may God be with you.

[@dan_m7774]

I have more than 5 reasons not to be Lutheran.

[@abdulhaleem4591]

I love lutheran but no one for my guidiance

[@johnradice4235]

I attend a Nazarene church but I identify myself as a Christian

[@richardfrerks8712]

I was baptized as a baby

[@georgefantazia1274]

That's nice I was never baptized a Christian or any religion

[@marekfoolforchrist]

What is your opening song?

[@hansimgluck4965]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/joDSnKmVZpx5iqs

[@MatthewHendren]

I was literally reading through a Gene Veith blog when you brought him up... eerie

[@carlpeterson8182]

I like DR Cooper and after reading the church fathers I think mystery is very important to the faith. I am still Reformed as I think it best explains what scripture says. Al denominations have mysteries. Some more so than others. It matters what was important to the founders and main theologians of that denomination. A lot has to do with which heresies or controversies the denomination had to deal with. For instance the Orthodox have much more to say about the incarnation than justification. They did not really go through the Pelagian heresy like the West. Also the Reformed do believe in a wordwide call or general call. Dr. Cooper did not say that the Reformed do not but I wanted to make this clear. There are general (worldwide) and specific (only elect) calls. The difference is only the ones who receive the specific call are saved. That call is salvific. I see this as one way to explain the worldwide passages. But I can still see this as somewhat of a mystery and still be Reformed. I believe what Reformed teaching states but I do not understand it all and I think in the end we will find that Scripture is much more complex but clearer than we ever dreamed. I am not under the delusion that Reformed teaching has everything figured out even on this point. That is why I like listening to intelligent people from other traditions like Dr. Cooper. Thanks for the video.

[@jessehermann7266]

great beard brother

[@SuperGreatSphinx]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beard

[@jessehermann7266]

@@SuperGreatSphinx thanks for the info

[@fighterofthenightman1057]

Given your Reformed AND New England background, did you ever consider Congregationalism?? I know the UCC is obnoxiously liberal at this point, but aren’t there smaller Congregationalist groups, too? Either way, glad you’re a Lutheran!!

[@johnsiverls116]

I am now Lutheran, its close to the early church in our liturgy. We have Holy Communion and Word preached and reading from old and new books and psalms and confessional readings and to top it all we confess our sins every service. Its a full time of worship with songs also. The Orthodox and Catholics and other Aspotolic Churches follow similar patterns. Blessing to everyone ❤❤😂

[@richardholmes5676]

When are you going to update your anti-Book of Abraham video? The Egyptologists were debunked in 2014, are you going to publish a retraction?

[@fianchettando]

I was expecting more convincing reasons... Really... I don't finally understand why you could change to reformed to lutheran... I would be lutheran if i could not be reformed, but while i can i see a massive abyss beetwen us, paradoxically!

[@borisjessop2352]

The more I listen to you, the more I get the impression that your faith has more in common with Islam than with Christianity. Your faith and Islam have separated from God. In your faith Christ serves to praise Luther and his new teaching. In Islam, Allah is Muhammad's servant and fulfils his personal desires. Your faith consists of Luther, Sola Scriptura and opposition to the Pope. Remove one of those three things and your faith falls apart, it has nothing to stand on. Islam consists of the Koran, Muhammad and the city of Mecca. Also remove one of those three elements and Islam falls apart, it has nothing to stand on. Orthodoxy is Christ-cantered and Christ is the foundation on which everything else is built upon. Christ created the Church that even the gates of hell cannot harm it. Orthodoxy can survive without scripture and tradition, but it cannot survive without the church and Christ.

[@dhat1607]

I don’t think your reasons are particularly Lutheran. Perhaps in North America but not in Europe. UK, Australia or South Africa. In Oz you are describing Sydney Anglicanism or Ypresbyterianism or Some Baptist churches,, in Europe some Free Evangelical churches provided they have the right pastors. Blessings

[@Holy-Heretic]

Dang this really got me wondering if Lutheranism might just be better than anglicanism

[@christinaodegaard]

The lutheran Churches in Norway are overtaken by female "priests" and it is so sad😔💔

[@johnstahlschmidt2367]

So im working through baptismal regeneration do we give children the blood and body of Christ?

[@derjungemensch5902]

I have a message that I’m sharing where I can, some may not want to hear this, but I ask that we stay polite and seek truth together. 😊 Love is an action. Feed the hungry, house the homeless, father the orphan, and protect the defenseless and vulnerable. Read the Word for yourself, not only relying on others for guidance. Pray for guidance.Yahushua/Yeshua - His Hebrew name who is usually called (Jesus) taught to keep the whole Word. Including the Law/Torah. Matthew 5:17 “Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not [g]the smallest letter or stroke of a letter shall pass from the Law, until all is accomplished! 19 Therefore, whoever nullifies one of the least of these commandments, and teaches [h]others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever [i]keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Read 1 John. John tells us that sin is lawlessness, and that we must keep the commandments. Trust in the atonement of Yahushua/Yeshua who is usually called Jesus, and keep God (YHWH)'s whole Word/commandments. Revelation 12:17 So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 14:12 Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. Go to parableofthevineyard youtube channel for information about the bible and good bible studies. I'm in no way paid or sent by him for advertising. I just have learned a lot from his content. He's just a man who is trying to learn as well. :) Yeshua died so we may be resurrected to eternal life..... :)

[@Super-chad]

Dear Mr. Cooper..... As a _Lutheran_ scholar, why do you and your church deny the sacrament of Confirmation? I'd want a Lutheran perspective.....