Does God still exhibit His wrath as He did in Old Testament times? If so, does He exhibit it toward people? If so, does He carry out His wrath upon unbelievers only or sinning believers as well? Has not God's wrath against sin been carried out in full, for all time when He sent His one and only Son to bear the sin of the world on the cross? Finally, is it not true that God allows tragedy (the consequence of sin) to happen for the purpose of bringing about something better, which ultimately shows the world His glory? (e.g. John 9:1-38--The man born blind whom Jesus healed. John 11:1-45--The death of Lazarus and Jesus' raising him to life again. These questions came up at my women's Bible study in light of the recent tsunami disaster in Asia.
A friend of mine claims that, other than being a 4th commandment violation, marijuana smoking is not biblically prohibited. I can't help but feel it's not okay biblically but have not been able to come up with verses to refute him. An obvious implication is that if marijuana were made legal that there would be absolutely no problem in its use. Would you be able to offer me any assistance in disputing his claim?
In times of trouble or when large disasters happen, like the recent tsunami disaster, I refer to the Book of Job regarding the suffering of believers. However, despite years of thinking about this Book, I still do not really understand its message. Job is a strong believer, yet God allows Satan to tempt and torment him in the most horrible ways, and Job never complains. Only after years does he finally protest, and only then does God release him from torment. This would appear to mean that Job should have complained much earlier, then his suffering would have been over sooner! But doesn't this go against the concept of trusting God and his grace? Did Luther address this issue in his writings? Also, I have heard that the book of Job is the oldest book in the Old Testament. Is this correct and how does one actually determine the age of the various books of the Old Testament?
I have always wondered about Leviticus in the Old Testament. I understand the Old Testament is of importance, but does that mean that we should fully agree to what is stated in Leviticus? Some of the stuff in there is completely ridiculous. What is your stance on some of the things mentioned in Leviticus?
I've noticed in most LCMS churches, on the communion registration card, it says that an individual seeking to partake in the Lord's Supper must be baptized. Why is this a requirement prior to receiving Christ's body and blood? I understand Baptism is the means of grace by which we begin our faith in Christ, and the Lord's Supper is the means of grace by which we are fed in Christ and receive strength from the tangible assurance of our salvation. Is this why baptism is a prerequisite to communing with the body of Christ? Or is there another explanation?
Is the LCMS a member of the World Council of Churches or National Council of Churches?
What is the LCMS position on Romans 5-12? Is it referring to physical death or spiritual death or both? Did plant and animal death exist before Adam's sin?
The disaster in Southeast Asia got me wondering if the triune God was trying to get Western Christianity's attention? Many people die each year in that part of the world and most without Jesus. Is this a call to action for those who claim Christ as Savior to reach out to our brethren in Southeast Asia?
