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1/ Behold the Children of God! (1 John 3:1-3)

There are so many wonderful things in this text. Notice, especially, that the likeness with God (given to Adam and Eve in the Garden, lost in the Fall) is back! And that likeness to God is connected to our true seeing of God in the resurrection. Glory!

2/ What a Chimera is Man!

Here’s a great little quotation from Blaise Pascal, Morality and Doctrine.

He wonderfully points out that we can’t be all good or all bad because we know that something is wrong with us. We all have the echo of the garden in the back of our mind and the bottom of our hearts:

What a chimera then is man! What a novelty! What a monster, what a chaos, what a contradiction, what a prodigy! Judge of all things, imbecile worm of the earth; depositary of truth, a sink of uncertainty and error; the pride and refuse of the universe!

Who will unravel this tangle? Nature confutes the sceptics, and reason confutes the dogmatists. What then will you become, O men! who try to find out by your natural reason what is your true condition? You cannot avoid one of these sects, nor adhere to one of them.

Know then, proud man, what a paradox you are to yourself. Humble yourself, weak reason; be silent, foolish nature; learn that man infinitely transcends man, and learn from your Master your true condition, of which you are ignorant. Hear God.

For in fact, if man had never been corrupt, he would enjoy in his innocence both truth and happiness with assurance; and if man had always been corrupt, he would have no idea of truth or bliss. But, wretched as we are, and more so than if there were no greatness in our condition, we have an idea of happiness, and cannot reach it. We perceive an image of truth, and possess only a lie. Incapable of absolute ignorance and of certain knowledge, we have thus been manifestly in a degree of perfection from which we have unhappily fallen.

(https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Page:Blaise_Pascal_works.djvu/155)

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3/ Chesterton on the Bound Will

A few weeks ago we were talking about the optimistic anthropology of the bound will.

If we assume that a person’s will is bound, we come to them to help set them free.
If we assume that a person’s will is free, we come to them to manipulate them to act a certain way.

Caleb sent a great follow-up quotation from Chesterton (Orthodoxy, chapter 5). You can hear echoes of Pascal.

I had found this hole in the world: the fact that one must somehow find a way of loving the world without trusting it; somehow one must love the world without being worldly. I found this projecting feature of Christian theology, like a sort of hard spike, the dogmatic insistence that God was personal, and had made a world separate from Himself. The spike of dogma fitted exactly into the hole in the world--it had evidently been meant to go there-- and then the strange thing began to happen. When once these two parts of the two machines had come together, one after another, all the other parts fitted and fell in with an eerie exactitude…

…The fancy that the cosmos was not vast and void, but small and cosy, had a fulfilled significance now, for anything that is a work of art must be small in the sight of the artist; to God the stars might be only small and dear, like diamonds. And my haunting instinct that somehow good was not merely a tool to be used, but a relic to be guarded, like the goods from Crusoe’s ship-- even that had been the wild whisper of something originally wise, for, according to Christianity, we were indeed the survivors of a wreck, the crew of a golden ship that had gone down before the beginning of the world. But the important matter was this, that it entirely reversed the reason for optimism. And the instant the reversal was made it felt like the abrupt ease when a bone is put back in the socket.

I had often called myself an optimist, to avoid the too evident blasphemy of pessimism. But all the optimism of the age had been false and disheartening for this reason, that it had always been trying to prove that we fit in to the world. The Christian optimism is based on the fact that we do NOT fit in to the world. I had tried to be happy by telling myself that man is an animal, like any other which sought its meat from God.

But now I really was happy, for I had learnt that man is a monstrosity. I had been right in feeling all things as odd, for I myself was at once worse and better than all things. The optimist’s pleasure was prosaic, for it dwelt on the naturalness of everything; the Christian pleasure was poetic, for it dwelt on the unnaturalness of everything in the light of the supernatural. The modern philosopher had told me again and again that I was in the right place, and I had still felt depressed even in acquiescence. But I had heard that I was in the WRONG place, and my soul sang for joy, like a bird in spring. The knowledge found out and illuminated forgotten chambers in the dark house of infancy. I knew now why grass had always seemed to me as queer as the green beard of a giant, and why I could feel homesick at home.

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4/ Trinity Tides

The summer time of the church year is a long Trinity (or Pentecost) season. The old theologians broke the seasons up into different “tides.” Here’s a nice article from President Stuckwisch: https://in.lcms.org/the-tides-of-the-post-pentecost-time-of-the-church/

Robot, could you build me a table of the different “tides” outlined in this article:

5/ The Three Estates: Logia Web Extra

I put together a few notes as a preface for the collection of Martin Luther’s teaching on the three estates, and Logia published it as a web-extra. Looks nice:

Click here of The Three Estates: A Collection of Quotations

6/ A New YouTube Channel to Check Out

First Lutheran Church of El Cajon (LCMS) has been making some nice videos. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstLutheranChurchofElCajon

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7/ Lutheran Mystery & Calvinist Logic (Matthew 10) w/ Pr. Andrew Packer

P/ Paid Subscriber Poll:

A/ Upcoming Speaking Events

I hope to see you in Seattle next week!⁠⁠​

• September 11 and 12, 2026 | Seattle, Washington (Messiah Lutheran Church, 7050 35th Ave. NE) | Messiah Conference: “Basic Evangelism: everything you need to know about evangelism you learned in the Small Catechism” | Two days on catechism-shaped evangelism, beginning Friday with Evening Prayer at 6:30 PM and finishing around noon on Saturday, no cost to attend. | More info: https://wolfmueller.co/event/messiah-conference-seattle-washington/⁠⁠

A2/ Upcoming Travel Opportunities with friends.

• The Holy Land with Pastor Packer (June 15-25, 2027), more information here.

• Iceland with Pr Flamme (June 25-30), more information here.

(I suppose you could do both if you scheduled the flight from Tel Aviv to Reykjavík!)

Please add your own theological recommendations in the comments.

If you are new here, visit the archives for a ton of stuff. (You can even search for your favorite topics.)

Remember to go to your pastor’s Bible Class this week and, read old theology books. (If you don’t have a pastor or congregation, click here. If you don’t have old theology books, click here.)

If you find this helpful, forward it to a friend. If this was forwarded to you, click here to sign-up for yourself.

Thank you, again, for your time and attention, and for your prayers. Please keep in touch.

Christ is Risen! Pastor Wolfmueller

Psalm 27:4

www.wolfmueller.co

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1/ Not Ashamed (Romans 1:16)

If you’re going to pick one thing to not be ashamed of, this is it! We’ll note that one of the devil’s chief plots is to tempt us to be ashamed of Christ and his good gifts for us. (That’s the Psalm for turning our glory into shame business. Lord, help us.)

2/ God Playing with Us

In the Worldwide Biblical Study, we’ve been studying Luther’s commentary on the story of Joseph. When Joseph is disguising himself and playing with his brothers, Luther sees this as an example of how the Lord deals with us. He plays with us with a gentle heart but rough hands. This is a difficult doctrine, but critical for our Christian life.

God’s Mercy Beyond Our Asking

Learn, therefore, that God is merciful, wise, and good, and that for this reason He can, and wants to, give more than I understand and ask. His mercy is far too great for me to be able to fathom its magnitude by reflection.

At the same time one must observe how God exercises, exalts, and plays with His saints. Hence we see how the prophets—Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others—cry out. “Why sleepest Thou, O Lord?” (Ps. 44:23.) “Thou art near in their mouth and far from their heart” (Jer. 12:2). Yet even though they sigh, sob, and cry out, they nonetheless endure in the time of trial and retain faith and hope. We indeed see nothing but the incense which they offer to God when they are in distress. Finally, however, they are freed more gloriously than they could have promised themselves or thought. (LW 7:176)

I’ve collected a number of these Martin Luther quotations here for you to study. I would encourage you to take a look. And join us every Wednesday morning for World Wide Bibleclass, 9a Texas time.

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3/ Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne YouTube Channel

If you’re not subscribed to the Seminaries YouTube channel, it’s a good one.

https://www.youtube.com/@ctsfw

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4/ Early Church Fathers Quotes On Matthew 16:18-19 – The Rock and the Keys to Heaven Was Not About Peter and Papal Primacy - Uncomplicated Christianity

Here is a great article collecting quotations from the early church fathers about Matthew 16. The words of Jesus to Peter, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,” are used to undergird the office of the Pope. These quotations show that the early church did not read these words of Jesus in this way.

https://www.uncomplicatedchristianity.com/uncategorized/early-church-fathers-quotes-on-matthew-1618-19-the-rock-and-the-keys-to-heaven-was-not-about-peter/

Ambrose:

He, then, who before was silent, to teach us that we ought not to repeat the words of the impious, this one, I say, when he heard: ‘But who do you say I am,’ immediately, not unmindful of his station, exercised his primacy, that is, the primacy of confession, not of honor; the primacy of belief, not of rank…This, then, is Peter who has replied for the rest of the Apostles; rather, before the rest of men. And so he is called the foundation, because he knows how to preserve not only his own but the common foundation. Christ agreed with him; the Father revealed it to him. For he who speaks of the true generation of the Father, received it from the Father, did not receive it from the flesh. Faith, then, is the foundation of the Church, for it was not said of Peter’s flesh, but of his faith, that ‘the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’ But his confession of faith conquered hell. And this confession did not shut out one heresy, for, since the Church like a good ship is often buffeted by many waves, the foundation of the Church should prevail against all heresies. The day will fail me sooner than the names of heretics and the different sects, yet against all is this general faith-that Christ is the Son of God, and eternal from the Father, and born of the Virgin Mary.

5/ The Lutheran Missal Project

Tim over at Ad Crucem News, is building apps like crazy man. Here is a great little project and app that pulls together the liturgical calendars and readings:

https://missal.adcrucem.app/calendar

I was today years old when I learned that decollation means beheading.

S/ Subscriber poll: Roman Catholic family?

A/ Upcoming Speaking Events

I hope to see you in Tuscola or Seattle soon!

• August 29, 2026 | Tuscola, Illinois (Immanuel Lutheran Church) | Not Ashamed Conference: “Not Ashamed of the Cross: Speaking the Truth Clearly in a Confused Age” | Three 45 minute sessions with Q&A on confessing Christ with clarity, humility, and joy when the world would rather we soften the Gospel. | More info and registration: https://immanueltuscola.org/not-ashamed-conference/⁠⁠​

• September 11 and 12, 2026 | Seattle, Washington (Messiah Lutheran Church, 7050 35th Ave. NE) | Messiah Conference: “Basic Evangelism: everything you need to know about evangelism you learned in the Small Catechism” | Two days on catechism-shaped evangelism, beginning Friday with Evening Prayer at 6:30 PM and finishing around noon on Saturday, no cost to attend. | More info: https://wolfmueller.co/event/messiah-conference-seattle-washington/⁠⁠

A2/ Upcoming Travel Opportunities with friends.

• The Holy Land with Pastor Packer (June 15-25, 2027), more information here.

• Iceland with Pr Flamme (June 25-30), more information here.

(I suppose you could do both if you scheduled the flight from Tel Aviv to Reykjavík!)

A3/ Recommendations

• Finally Free: Three Lessons in the Parable of the Prodigal Son - Concordia Publishing House,

  /www.cph.org/finally-free-three-lessons-in-the-parable-of-the-prodigal-son

• Rome: Examined (Part 1: Scripture & Gospel), www.wolfmueller.co/rome

Please add your own theological recommendations in the comments.

If you are new here, visit the archives for a ton of stuff. (You can even search for your favorite topics.)

Remember to go to your pastor’s Bible Class this week and, read old theology books. (If you don’t have a pastor or congregation, click here. If you don’t have old theology books, click here.)

If you find this helpful, forward it to a friend. If this was forwarded to you, click here to sign-up for yourself.

Thank you, again, for your time and attention, and for your prayers. Please keep in touch.

Christ is Risen! Pastor Wolfmueller

Psalm 27:4

www.wolfmueller.co

• Support Deaf Missions

• Support Wednesday What-Not

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Reformation in the Alps: Austria & Switzerland

We are pleased to announce the Around the Word 2027 Theological Adventure Tour: Reformation in the Alps: Austria & Switzerland (with little stops in Germany and Liechtenstein). Starting in Vienna and ending in Geneva, we’ll travel through some of the most beautiful places in the world. We’ll consider the theological history of the region, including Calvin and Zwingli. Keri is particularly excited to visit the Sound of Music sites in Salzburg.

We will have Bible Studies, daily devotional services, and in-depth conversation about the locations we will visit. We hope you will consider joining us! -Pastor Bryan & Keri Wolfmueller

All the information, including the link to apply, is here: www.wolfmueller.co/2027austria

(We’re going to be accepting applications July 31-August 15.)

Let us know if you’d like to join us!

Lord’s Blessings,
Pastor & Keri Wolfmueller

*Wednesday What-Not is a free newsletter. Your subscription is a helpful donation. Thanks!

Oh boy, am I behind in the Wednesday What-Not! I’ve been capturing a lot of stuff, but haven’t had a chance to put the newsletter together. Here’s a little catching up. More to come soon.

/ Make Haste! (Psalm 70)

/ If man starts bound, then he must be set free….

…If man starts free, then he must be bound and coerced.

This is a surprising reflection on the doctrine of original sin.

/ Peter Thiel, the Deeper State, and the Antichrist 2.0

If you’re interested in this, here’s a nice article digging in:

Arktos Journal

Peter Thiel, the Deeper State, and the Antichrist 2.0

In this new article by Prof. Alexander Dugin, we find ourselves plunged into one of the most enigmatic labyrinths and high-stakes dilemmas of our times: after the end of liberal globalism, what comes next? If the “Deep State” is uprooted, what will be planted in turn? The question should also include “who.” After all, orders and paradigms are not merely…

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7 months ago · 64 likes · 12 comments · Alexander Dugin and Arktos Journal

/ Comfort for those tending the Lord’s littlest sheep.

On a completely different note, here’s an article that Keri wrote to help families rejoice in bringing their little children to church:

https://wolfmueller.co/littlelambs/

…

Worship is to receive the gifts of God. It took a while to sink into my own head. Worship is receiving the Lord’s gifts. Gifts like the forgiveness of sins. Gifts like the hearing of His Word. Gifts like salvation. See Ephesians 1:7, Romans 10:17, Romans 1:16. There is no age limit for receiving the gifts of our gracious and forgiving Lord. When this becomes clear, taking your children to church becomes part of what a good and loving parent does. Our precious little ones need to receive these gifts, too, and they should not be denied.

In the Words of our Lord,

“Then children were brought to Him that He might lay His hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 19:13-14

The whole article is great. Please share it.

https://wolfmueller.co/littlelambs/

/ Martin Luther on Body, Soul, and Spirit

Since we’re digging into the archives, here’s a really important portion of Luther where he digs into the architecture of the inner life.

https://wolfmueller.co/martin-luther-on-body-soul-spirit/

/ Bach Sunday Cantata

Here’s a podcast from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of England. It combines profound Lutheran spirituality with exquisite music as Pastor Tapani Simojoki introduces a cantata by Bach for each Sunday of the church year. The cantatas of J.S. Bach are one of the most impressive musical achievements in the history of Western music.

Listen here:

• Spotify:

• Apple podcasts:

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/ Martin Luther on God “Playing with Us”

This has been a major theme of the Genesis Commentary, which we’re studying in the Worldwide Bible Class. I’ve collected a bunch of quotations from Luther about how God plays with us roughly. This is for our own comfort.

https://wolfmueller.notion.site/Martin-Luther-on-God-s-Playing-with-Us-37a68162368580bb92e4f2f7529d77be?pvs=74

Accordingly, God is playing a fatherly game with us when He sends plague, famine, diseases, sadness of spirit, misfortune to a son, and all kinds of evils in this whole life for the purpose of melting and purging. But who will bear this? Such a Messiah the Jews were not expecting. No, they were waiting for one who would set them up as kings and lords of the whole world. They will be disappointed, says Malachi, because He will purge sharply and, as it will appear, cruelly. Yet no matter how much our Savior plays with us with this savage purging, He does so to improve us, not to destroy us. (LW 7:231)

Wow.

In the same manner you will also determine that your life is a game played by God, that all you do and suffer is pleasing to Him, provided that it is done in faith, and that finally death itself is precious in the sight of the Lord (Ps. 116:15). For we see that God took delight in the lives and all the actions of the patriarchs. (LW 7:357)

All the quotations are here.

There’s a lot more, so I might try to send out a few more emails next week. There’s a lot of traveling in July, so I’ll try to give you plenty of summer reading before a bit of absence.

As always, thanks for your notes and messages in the comments.

Please add your own theological recommendations in the comments.

If you are new here, visit the archives for a ton of stuff. (You can even search for your favorite topics.)

Remember to go to your pastor’s Bible Class this week and, read old theology books. (If you don’t have a pastor or congregation, click here. If you don’t have old theology books, click here.)

If you find this helpful, forward it to a friend. If this was forwarded to you, click here to sign-up for yourself.

Thank you, again, for your time and attention, and for your prayers. Please keep in touch.

Christ is Risen! Pastor Wolfmueller

Psalm 27:4

www.wolfmueller.co

• Support Deaf Missions

• Support Wednesday What-Not

• Get some YouTube Theologian merch

Books | YouTube | website | certificates | Devotions | Young Adult Groups & Events

The voting started a couple of weeks ago, and I was hoping for and expecting President Harrison to be elected on the first ballot, but this weekend we are going to a third ballot, which looks like a run-off between Harrison and Biermann (a professor at the St Louis seminary).

My general theory regarding synodical presidents that they can do a limited amount of good, but a lot of bad. I’ve been very pleased with the good that President Harrison has accomplished, and particularly pleased with the amount of bad that he has not caused or encouraged. I’ve always appreciated his winsome articulation of our Lutheran doctrine. Pastor Packer and I recently had him on our Q&A podcast, which was a delight. You can view that conversation here:

I don’t know much about Biermann. I’ve interacted with his ideas regarding self-defense, which don’t seem particularly right or helpful. (See

From my perspective, President Harrison’s presidency has been helpful and a service to the Gospel. I’m hoping he’ll be elected in the upcoming ballot, and if you are part of the election, that you’ll consider casting your vote for him.

I’ve been trying to sort out the issues that might be affecting the Harrison vote. One situation that’s discussed a lot online is the selling of the Concordia Ann Arbor campus. I asked President Harrison for his side of the Ann Arbor story, and he sent me the following with permission to publish it.

More than ten years ago AA was on the verge of closure. In fact, The Concordia University Board voted unanimously to close. The school had a long history of indebtedness, and was 10 million in debt. Only my appointee to the CUS Board voted against closure. I inquired of CUS staff about whether Pat Ferry had been approached about Concordia Wisconsin intervening. The response was “Yes. He’s been asked. Dead end.” I nevertheless called President Ferry and inquired if he’d been asked to look into saving AA. He responded “No” and that he would look into the matter. That began what ended as a cooperative effort between Synod, CUW and the Michigan District CEF, coming up with the funding to save the school. The Synod provided 3 million dollars. Ferry courageously convinced his board this could be done. CUW took over AA’s program and property and AA as an independently governed LCMS institution ceased to exist. That’s why the Synod office had no control over the elimination of programs.

Over the years since, the financials of CUW itself had deteriorated largely due to the general pressures on higher education across the U.S. There was turnover on the Board of Regents at CUWAA. There were also rising financial concerns. I conducted a visitation at CUW and confirmed a number of concerns over the issue of homosexuality among some other matters. As one of three members of the prior approval committee, I did NOT choose the new president. I was one of three who, by bylaw, concurred on a slate of candidates proposed by the regents themselves when certain that all on the slate for president were completely in support of the Scriptures and the public confession of the LCMS. The Regents chose a new president without interference, once the slate was agreed upon by both parties.

Over the ensuing years the financials continued to be problematic. In fact, the new board for years did not know the financial impact of operating AA because the costs were not broken out in the financials. We all rejoiced at the increase in enrollment at AA, and the addition of sports programs. Unfortunately it was determined that the costs of bringing on athletes, along with the cost of athletic programs meant it was costing more per new student athlete, than each student athlete was bringing to the institution.

The CUWAA regents resolved that unless CUW took strong financial action, CUW itself might be jeopardized. Prior to announcing this at AA, President Ankerberg informed me. I requested the financials and received them. I then requested the CFO of the Synod choose two university financial people from the CUS system (from neither AA or CUW) to evaluate the financials. The result was reported to me. They determined that the financial problem was very real.

The president of CUWAA informed the AA campus of the imminent need for change. This was not received well. The AA campus responded that they had not been asked to evaluate the situation or offer and participate in solutions. The president of CUWAA has admitted that this process was at best insufficient.

Soon after, I requested Brian Friedrich, and his financial people at Concordia St. Paul, talk with CUW leadership to see if some kind of partnership might be made to prevent closure. That effort did not produce the hoped for results. I also communicated with the CUWAA regents in writing urging them to find a way to keep some programs and the chapel at the south campus. I was assured by the then chair of the board that the board would keep the South campus. Unfortunately, that did not transpire.

I brought the Michigan District leaders, including the District President, the head of the Michigan District CEF together toward reconciliation and an agreement to move forward to find a mutual solution. In the meantime many public accusations of serious nature were flying about, and that effort broke down as the situation soured. I made other efforts.

Because AA was merged into CUW, the Synod President or Board of Directors had no authority over closure or changes to the AA campus. To the end, I was urging CUW to find a way to keep the chapel, and or some portion of the south campus, all to no avail. All I had in this situation was influence, not control.

When the Synod’s Board of Directors was asked to approve the sale of the south campus I voted “No.”

Finally, stripping away the emotion, and online accusations, this was a case of two parties of good will who simply had a disagreement. The outgoing officers of CUWAA believed that with time the profitable health programs etc. of the north campus would grow and finally cover the losses of the south campus. The other side (the new administration and board of regents) reported that the AA campus had been losing some 4 million per year for ten years, and believed the goal of the north campus covering the costs of the south campus was not attainable.

Closure of the AA south campus was the last thing I wanted. I tried everything I could, and I’m deeply saddened over this loss, especially for the Michigan District. It is my sincere desire that CUW begin the education of church workers at the north campus as soon as possible. I made sure that desire was put in resolution and passed by the Synod’s Board. I only hope and pray for reconciliation, and thank President Davis for taking a significant step in that direction.”

-President Matthew Harrison

I’m hopeful that this information will be helpful to all who are troubled by the Concordia Ann Arbor events, and especially for any LCMS voters wrestling through this particular issue. If you can support a vote for Harrison, I would encourage you to do so.

May God give us wisdom, and continued joy in His saving Word.

Christ is risen! PrBW

Here is an interesting project! Scott Ray is mining and translating and publishing and presenting lots of new Luther stuff. He’s using a lot of new tools to get more Luther into English, and get his voice out there.

I subscribed to the sub stack and got a free copy of a new translation of Luther’s against the Heavenly Prophets. It looks phenomenal.

I’d encourage you all to take a look and see if this project is your kind of thing.

LutherVox

The Most Ambitious Luther Project in 500 Years Launches June 15th

For 500 Years, 80% of Luther Has Never Been Heard…

Read more

3 months ago · 1 like · LutherVox

Let me know what you think.

Christ is risen! PrBW

Wednesday What-Not is a \free\ newsletter. Your subscription is a helpful donation. Thanks!*

1/ Salvation’s Joy

2/ Ascension Texts

Ascension Day is tomorrow.

The Ascension of Jesus is one of the most important events in the Scripture. At His Ascension, Jesus takes up the office of King of Kings and rules all things in the universe for the good of His Church. At His Ascension, our High Priest enters into the Holy of Holies to present the evidence of His blood on our behalf. At His Ascension, Jesus completes His exaltation by fully exercising all the attributes of His divine nature, communicating them to His human nature so that the man Jesus fills, knows, and rules over all things.

The Bible has a lot to say about the Ascension of Jesus, not only the history but also the profound implications of His Ascension. (See Psalm 24:7–10, Psalm 68:18, Psalm 110:1, Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50–51, John 6:62, John 14:2–3, John 16:7, John 20:17, Acts 1:9–11, Acts 2:33–34, Romans 8:34, 1 Corinthians 15:20–23, 1 Corinthians 15:25, Ephesians 1:20–22, Ephesians 4:8–10, Philippians 2:9–11, Colossians 3:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:14, 1 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 6:19–20, Hebrews 7:25–26, Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:14, Hebrews 9:24, Hebrews 10:12–13, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Peter 3:22, Revelation 5:6, Revelation 5:12, Revelation 12:7–10.)

I’m thinking about two texts in particular. In Ephesians 1 and in 1st Peter 3, the Apostles remind us that the Ascension of Jesus places Him above the demons.

“…which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,” (Ephesians 1:20–22, NKJV)

“…who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.” (1 Peter 3:22, NKJV)

I’m not sure what to make of it, but I know the apostles want us to know this. The demons are the Lord’s footstool.

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3/ Graff on Ideology

Pastor Graff has pulled together a wonderful little cloud of witnesses on the definition and danger if ideology in this little footnote.

4/ The Bible is history before it’s theology.

I hope you all have often heard me say, “The Bible has to be history before it’s theology.”

This is first a matter of integrity. The Bible presents itself to us, in most places, as a history book. It wants to be dealt with on those terms. If we try to make it something else, some sort of mytho-theological text, or whatever, we’ve already started the dance on the wrong foot. When I put my reason, experience, or anything else above Scripture, it becomes especially hard to get where the Lord wants us to be: under Scripture.

I’m reading Dr. Kurt Marquart’s book Anatomy of an Explosion again. It’s his apologetic history of the Seminex Crisis from 50 years ago.

What should be crystal clear is that any retreat from biblical facts and history is a retreat from the Incarnation itself. Driving wedges between the human and the divine in the Bible, between fact and faith, between history and theology, strikes at the very heart of biblical Christianity. The written Word is about the Incarnate Word and is of a peace with Him. The Gospel is about the life, death, and resurrection of the Word made flesh, and it is forever bound up with even the seemingly minor details of the narrative.: the Lord Himself decrees that the Bethany anointing will be reported “wherever this Gospel is preached throughout the world” (Matthew 26:13). Without the earthy, historical, geographical facts and particulars there would be no Incarnation. To say that the Lake of Gennesaret must be understood not as a geographical place but as a “theological place” is to mock the Incarnate Son of God. To sacrifice facts and history is to sacrifice the Incarnation and change the good news about Jesus into bloodless abstractions. This is the spirit of antichrist, which denies that Jesus has come in the flesh (1 John 4:3). (Anatomy of an Explosion, 125.)

He talks directly about the danger of putting reason over the scriptures and losing the factual or historical basis, especially in regard to Genesis.

A painstaking German monograph on the origin of the concept of “myth” in modern biblical scholarship has shown that the surrender of the factual-historical context of Genesis was not prompted by any textual, literary, or exegetical considerations. Rather, it was simply due to the “incompatibility of biblical proto-history with the newly won scientific and historical understanding regarding the primordial condition of the world and of mankind.” Once it entered Genesis, the mythological virus could not be contained there and relentlessly infected the entire biblical organism. For as Valparaiso University professor Norman Nagel once quipped, in connection with the deteriorations in Anglican Christology, “When the Old Testament springs a leak, the water is soon seeping into the New.”

Brilliant.

5/ the Church Fathers on the Atonement.

I think I mentioned this before, but I shared the link yesterday and was reminded of how great a list Javier has put together: 130 patristic and medieval quotations on the atonement. This is particularly helpful when responding to Orthodox or Roman theologians about the idea that the substitutionary penal atonement was a Reformation innovation.

Javier’s Substack

Christ's Atonement Through Church History

Introduction…

Read more

a year ago · 19 likes · 6 comments

Reminders/Upcoming

• Continuing Education Class: “Welcoming the Unchurched” (Rocklin, CA) — May 19–21, 2026 https://wolfmueller.co/event/continuing-education-class-welcoming-the-unchurched/

• Issues, Etc. “Making the Case” Conference (Chicago area | River Forest, IL at Concordia University Chicago) — June 12–13, 2026 (we’re going to have a worldwide Bible class reunion lunch on Saturday.)

(More here: www.wolfmueller.co/events)

Please add your own theological recommendations in the comments.

If you are new here, visit the archives for a ton of stuff. (You can even search for your favorite topics.)

Remember to go to your pastor’s Bible Class this week and, read old theology books. (If you don’t have a pastor or congregation, click here. If you don’t have old theology books, click here.)

If you find this helpful, forward it to a friend. If this was forwarded to you, click here to sign-up for yourself.

Thank you, again, for your time and attention, and for your prayers. Please keep in touch.

Christ is Risen! Pastor Wolfmueller

Psalm 27:4

www.wolfmueller.co

• Support Deaf Missions

• Support Wednesday What-Not

• Get some YouTube Theologian merch

Books | YouTube | website | certificates | Devotions | Young Adult Groups & Events

*Wednesday What-Not is a free newsletter. Your subscription is a helpful donation. Thanks!

The Energy of God, Colossians 1:29

“To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.”

The Greek behind “working” and “works” is ἐνέργειαν (energeian) and ἐνεργουμένην (energoumenēn)—Paul is literally saying he labors according to the energy of God that is energizing him. It’s a great text for connecting the Spirit’s power to the concrete work of the office.

There are three things I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. I want to outline a few ideas here, and I would really love your thoughts and interactions.

1/ The Spirit of Order

I remember my dear Professor Marquart, who you’ll meet in heaven, telling us, “Every heresy is an unpaid debt of the church.” What he meant was that when the orthodox Church fails to teach and preach the fullness of God’s truth, the heresies and sects jump in with their own overblown version and distorted articulation of that neglected truth.

This is especially true regarding the Holy Spirit. You all have heard me respond to the accusation that the Lutheran Church does not speak enough about the Holy Spirit. I think it is true, and I think it is because, somewhere in our imaginations, the charismatic or Pentecostal error has crept in. That false teaching is that the Holy Spirit brings chaos, that the Holy Spirit works against God’s ordering, and that the Holy Spirit is found in spontaneity and religiosity rather than in the Word and faithful vocation.

This needs to be rejected from the start. When we reject the false dichotomy “Spirit or Order” and replace it with “Spirit AND Order” (or, better still, “the Spirit OF Order”), a whole new realm of joy and peace opens up for us. We can start thinking about what it means to work with the energy of God (See Colossians 1:29). We can also lean into the promise that Jesus gives in Luke 11:13, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

The robot built me a nice chart:

Leave a comment

2/ The Resurrection as the Reversal of Envy

One of the things that drew me into a deep dive into the Parable of the Prodigal Son was the theme of angelic joy Jesus assigns to the recovery of the lost sheep and lost coins. (See Luke 15:7 and 15:10.) The angels were called to rejoice in a salvation they could never have. This joy is not only in something that is not given to them, but in something that cannot be given to them. When Jesus ends the parable with the older brother standing out in the field, He’s testing him with this angelic joy. Will you rejoice in the salvation given to others?

One of the profound problems of this life is the corruption of envy. So deep that St. Paul says he wouldn’t have known that covetousness was a sin if the Scripture hadn’t told him (see Romans 7:7). So deep that the Lord spends two commandments telling us not to covet. We want what we don’t have. We’re jealous when other people have what we want. Our happiness is so often connected to us and not others. And this is part of the great reversal of the new heaven and the new earth.

It started with Jesus, who in Philippians 2 didn’t consider equality with God as something to be grasped. And through Christ we are called into a new life that is rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep (see Romans 12:15). This is the beginning of the angelic joy, which is the expanded delight of God’s gifts to others.

It came up in our Q&A on Wednesday night at church. What do we say about different degrees of glory in heaven? (I think I wrote my second ever church newsletter article answering this question in 2005. You can see that here.) The chief biblical witness is Daniel 12:3. “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.” Just like there’s different degrees of light coming from each star, so in the new heaven and the new earth there’ll be a different radiance that belongs to each person. The old theologians, like Francis Pieper, said there’ll be different degrees of glory, but all the same bliss.

But here’s perhaps the most important thing: that someone shines brighter than me will be part of the joy of the new heaven and the new earth. That someone is more radiant than I am will increase my own bliss. Rather than envying the gifts God has given others, those gifts will become part of the marvelous reversal brought about through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Can you imagine it? How happy we will be when others are blessed, even when they’re more blessed than us. And dear friends, we are called to begin to live this life now. We can rejoice with the angels over the sinner who repents, and we can delight that the Lord gives gifts in different proportions, and that others have greater gifts than we do. After all, the Lord has given them those gifts so that we can be blessed.

Thoughts on this?

Leave a comment

3/ AI Exoskeletons, and a Theological Response

The third thing I’ve been noodling on is the role of AI in theological production and capacity. This is a huge topic, but it continues to feel to me like we’re on the edge of something new, and that that something could be wonderful.

But I’m still working on the framing of AI and trying to answer the question, “What is it?” so that we can have some constraints moving forward. So I’ll really appreciate your feedback, and especially if you have recommendations for people who are thinking about these things.

Here’s what I’ve been thinking about:

1. Our Christian anthropology, that is, our doctrine of man, tells us that a machine cannot be conscience.

   1. On the one hand, this frees us up to use the tools without fear that we’re interacting with a person.

   2. On the other hand, the story of Jesus in Gergesene reminds us that the demons can inhabit the pigs, and that there can be spiritual malevolence creeping into non-conscious beings. To say it clearly, we have to be wary of the demons literally hijacking the machinery.

      1. But it is as always: we’re not authorized to fear the demons. We resist them, and they flee from us, remembering that marvelous promise of James.

2. AI is causing a rethinking of productivity and a reimagining of creativity.

   1. I’m thankful the Lord helped me write books before AI, so people know I can write. From now until the Lord returns, there will be a question mark over every author: how much is their own genius, and how much is prompted?

   2. New media will certainly emerge, and new guardrails will appear soon that will make it clear that what we’re getting is of human origin, not machine-generated. I’m particularly excited about what this means.

   3. The capacity of AI to deliver very specific forms of media to meet the needs of the consumer will have great effects on the search and/or curator economy.

      1. For example, I asked Claude to create a document on the story arc of the city of Cologne, with a focus on its interface with the Lutheran Reformation. I turned that document into a notebook in Notebook LLM, and it generated a 25-minute podcast for me to listen to on the way to work. It packed in all this amazing stuff about Cologne. (I checked the facts, and they lined up beautifully. That was not true of the podcast about Freiburg, where they got the burial place of Erasmus wrong.) I’ve recently listened to podcasts on:

         • the history of the bones of the Three Kings

         • how the anthropology of René Girard interacts with Lutheran orthodoxy

         • the similarities and differences between the third symphonies of Mendelssohn and Schumann

         • the history of the Rhine River as the border between the Roman Empire and the pagan hordes

           

         • the similarities between the early Renewal in Missouri Movement and the Neo-charismatic movement

      2. I asked a couple of LLMs to write a narrative story about the Woman at the Well from the woman’s perspective, in the style of Stephen King (non-horror) and Dostoevsky.

      3. A third use case, since I’m listing it all out here: I asked Claude to curate a reading list for me on Ignatius of Antioch’s anti-Gnostic writings. I wanted: 10 portions to read, a one-paragraph introduction that lets me dive right into the suggested section, and 4 or 5 reflection points on how the teaching in that section interacts with Gnosticism. I’m not sure it picked the ten best portions, but all of them were relevant. It gave me a way to engage with the original text and helped me overcome my hesitation to dive in.

      4. No one else will ever hear these podcasts, read these essays, or see the curated list. They’re just for my own education, but the capacity to create these individualized pieces of media will change things. This also changes how I have to think about Wednesday What-Not. (This newsletter started for three reasons:

         1. I didn’t want to have to finish writing all these blog articles, so I wanted a way to send out shorter pieces.

         2. I wanted to stay in touch and build an email list that would serve you and let you know when we’re doing cool stuff (like the singles cruise).

         3. It’s also a way for me to gather together all the interesting things I’m finding out there. But now there’s a lot less finding and a lot more building.)

3. We are all builders now.

   1. It feels like AI is a pair of binoculars that lets me see a lot more finish lines than I could before. Another way to put it is that it’s like the military exoskeletons the guys in Avatar wore, allowing them to run through the forest and jump over trees. I have capacity for reading, writing, researching, and studying that didn’t exist before. (The other day, the robot did three things in about three minutes:

      1. It made a list of all the adjectives St. Paul uses in Romans to describe the Christian life.

      2. About 30 seconds later, it made a list of all the books of the Bible, noting when they were written, what era they cover, and major themes, using Andrew Steinman’s chronology instead of the typical one.

      3. About 30 seconds after that, it created a chart comparing the different shapes of authority in different Christian denominations, referencing the confessional documents that support the summary claim.

   2. Tim Woods over at Ad Crucem News is an app building maniac. He’s cranking out one helpful app and website after another. He’s ahead of the curve. (Lutheran Missal, LCMS Convention Tracker, Lutheran YouTube Rankings)

   3. It seems like there will be major shifts in the economy of computer science, and the church needs to be ready to support programmers and others whose jobs are changing.

Anyhow, your thoughts and reflections are going to be very valuable to me.

Leave a comment

Upcoming:

• May 2026

  Continuing Education Class: Welcoming the Unchurched

  May 19 · Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 4701 Grove St., Rocklin, CA 95677

• June 2026

  Issues, Etc. Making the Case Conference

  June 12 · Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest, IL

• July 2026

  The Reformation of Worship: Scriptural Background and Key Texts

  July 27 · St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3501 Red River St., Austin, TX

• August 2026

  Not Ashamed Conference

  August 29 · Immanuel Lutheran Church, Tuscola, IL

Share Wednesday What-Not

Please add your own theological recommendations in the comments.

If you are new here, visit the archives for a ton of stuff. (You can even search for your favorite topics.)

Remember to go to your pastor’s Bible Class this week and, read old theology books. (If you don’t have a pastor or congregation, click here. If you don’t have old theology books, click here.)

If you find this helpful, forward it to a friend. If this was forwarded to you, click here to sign-up for yourself.

Thank you, again, for your time and attention, and for your prayers. Please keep in touch.

Christ is Risen! Pastor Wolfmueller

Psalm 27:4

www.wolfmueller.co

• Support Deaf Missions

• Support Wednesday What-Not

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For more theology, upcoming events, and links to video, audio, etc. visit www.wolfmueller.co.

1/ WAS Crucified. IS Risen. Alleluia! (Mark 16)

2/ The Resurrection of Jesus: A harmony of the resurrection accounts

Here’s the most thorough reconstruction I’ve found of the events of Resurrection Day.

https://answering-islam.org/Andy/Resurrection/harmony.html

It really helps to set the stage by showing the different groups of disciples and women in different places, and the gospel accounts are written from those perspectives. Everything fits together beautifully.

Share

3/ Waiting and Holding Fast

4/ Introduction to the Books of the Bible

I’ve got a little project building a ten-week introduction to the Old Testament curriculum. While doing research, I came across this great little book published in 1929 by CPH: Introduction to the Books of the Bible. That publication date means it’s in the public domain this year. Exciting! I’m thinking about republishing it, but in the meantime I brought it onto the website. It’s particularly helpful. Take a look and let me know what you think:

• Introduction to the Books of the Old Testament

• Introduction to the Books of the New Testament.

Leave a comment

5/ Continuing Education Austin

I’m incredibly excited to host Dr. John Bruss for our continuing education class this summer, July 27-29, here at St. Paul Austin. He’ll be discussing the Reformation of worship, its scriptural background, and key texts from 1523 to 1580. It’ll be great to explore how that first generation of Lutherans thought about the divine service.

This is geared for pastors and theologians, but all people are welcome. Here’s the information.

https://wolfmueller.co/event/the-reformation-of-worship-scriptural-background-and-key-texts/

6/ Recommendations

• Theological Adventures in the Steps of Martin Luther (August 2-9, 2026), www.immanuelroswell.org/theological-adventures-in-the-steps-of-luther

• Finally Free: Three Lessons in the Parable of the Prodigal Son - Concordia Publishing House,

  /www.cph.org/finally-free-three-lessons-in-the-parable-of-the-prodigal-son

• Rome: Examined (Part 1: Scripture & Gospel), www.wolfmueller.co/rome

• How The Book of Mormon Was Written: https://wolfmueller.notion.site/How-The-Book-of-Mormon-Was-Written-307681623685807d95e0cbfdbcbbdf35

• CTSFW has a YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ctsfw

• Issues, Etc. Conference, June 12-13, 2026: https://issuesetc.org/2026conference/

Please add your own theological recommendations in the comments.

If you are new here, visit the archives for a ton of stuff. (You can even search for your favorite topics.)

Remember to go to your pastor’s Bible Class this week and, read old theology books. (If you don’t have a pastor or congregation, click here. If you don’t have old theology books, click here.)

If you find this helpful, forward it to a friend. If this was forwarded to you, click here to sign-up for yourself.

Thank you, again, for your time and attention, and for your prayers. Please keep in touch.

Christ is Risen! Pastor Wolfmueller

Psalm 27:4

www.wolfmueller.co

• Support Deaf Missions

• Support Wednesday What-Not

• Get some YouTube Theologian merch

Books | YouTube | website | certificates | Devotions | Young Adult Groups & Events

*Wednesday What-Not is a free newsletter. Your subscription is a helpful donation. Thanks!

/ Many are the LORD’s Wonderful Works (Psalm 40)

/ Holy Week Encouragement

if you have a favorite Bible passage, hymn, or theological quotation regarding Holy Week and the suffering and death of our Lord Jesus, post it up in the comments, and we’ll encourage each other.

Leave a comment

/ Two Ways to Know

Share

/ A Lot Happened on Holy Tuesday!

Matthew spends 366 verses on the events of Holy Week, and 216 of them are handed over to Holy Tuesday! That’s Jesus’ last day of public preaching. Amazing that, included in his Holy Tuesday sermon, is the extended warning of the destruction of Jerusalem and his return in glory.

/ Hold Fast!

Therefore we should know that God hides Himself under the form of the worst devil. This teaches us that the goodness, mercy, and power of God cannot be grasped by speculation but must be understood on the basis of experience. Just endure and wait for the Lord. Hold fast. Be content with His Word, just as Joseph has the Word of faith. He knows that he is the son of Jacob, who received from God the promise concerning the future Seed and blessing. Yet when all things appeared to be the contrary of the promise that was given, he undoubtedly sobbed and complained about his wretched condition. But the Lord said to him: “Wait. Act manfully. Let your heart take courage (Ps. 27:14). Hold fast.” Again he was minded to sigh and to wish: “O how I would like to return to my father! Hold fast.” Or “If only a way out30 of prison would present itself! Hold fast. What if I shall have to perish in prison with the greatest disgrace? Hold fast.” These alternate changes from comfort to distress were observed in Joseph’s heart until at length he looked about and said with wonder: “Ah, I could never have hoped for this liberation or understood this power and goodness of God which He has shown in my case!” Then his heart leaps for sheer joy. Then he exults with his whole heart. He congratulates himself on his disgrace, death, and imprisonment. Thus Joseph is an illustrious example when he sobs and when he exults after the trial has come to an end.

Learn, therefore, that God is merciful, wise, and good, and that for this reason He can, and wants to, give more than I understand and ask. His mercy is far too great for me to be able to fathom its magnitude by reflection.

/ Ignatius to the Ephesians

The immortal has a mortal body. He who is life becomes subject to corruption and death. Glory!

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/ What Day did the Crucifixion Happen?

Friday is the answer, but every year in Holy Week, the question comes up. There are a few minority views that’ll trouble people.

• Some people argue for a Thursday crucifixion in order to get “three days and three nights.” For this, we remember that Jesus rose “on the third day” (See Matthew 16:21, 17:23, 20:19; Luke 9:22, 18:33, 24:47; Acts 10:40; 1st Corinthians 15:1.)

• Some people argue for a Wednesday crucifixion because of John 19:14, “the day of preparation of the Passover.” If that phrase means the day that the Passover is being prepared, then it would be Wednesday. If “The Day of Preparation” is simply understood as a term for Friday, the day of the week that the Jews would prepare for the Sabbath, then the phrase should be understood as the “Friday during the week of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.”

If you see these arguments come up on social media, you can find all my notes here.

Leave a comment

/ Required Thomas Aquinas reading

ST III, q. 46, a. 1, ad 3

This is a beautiful exposition of the necessity and benefit of the substitutionary atonement and sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus. I’m testing the theory that Martin Luther and Thomas Aquinas would have been theological friends. I’ll report back here with the findings.

/ The Image of God according to Chemnitz

Excerpt is from the book “Rome Examined”, which you can download for free here. It is phenomenal.

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/ Gregory of Nazianzus on the mystery of the two natures and our redemption

This is a beautiful passage. I think Christopher Wordsworth must have pointed me to it in his Matthew commentary.

Oration 39, Ch 20: On the Humanity and Divinity of Jesus.

https://ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf207/npnf207.iii.xv.html

XX. He was baptized as Man—but He remitted sins as God —not because He needed purificatory rites Himself, but that He might sanctify the element of water. He was tempted as Man, but He conquered as God; yea, He bids us be of good cheer, for He has overcome the world.

He hungered—but He fed thousands; yea, He is the Bread that giveth life, and That is of heaven. He thirsted—but He cried, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink.

Yea, He promised that fountains should flow from them that believe. He was wearied, but He is the Rest of them that are weary and heavy laden.

He was heavy with sleep, but He walked lightly over the sea. He rebuked the winds, He made Peter light as he began to sink.

He pays tribute, but it is out of a fish; yea, He is the King of those who demanded it.

He is called a Samaritan and a demoniac; —but He saves him that came down from Jerusalem and fell among thieves; the demons acknowledge Him, and He drives out demons and sinks in the sea legions of foul spirits, and sees the Prince of the demons falling like lightning.

He is stoned, but is not taken. He prays, but He hears prayer. He weeps, but He causes tears to cease. He asks where Lazarus was laid, for He was Man; but He raises Lazarus, for He was God.

He is sold, and very cheap, for it is only for thirty pieces of silver; but He redeems the world, and that at a great price, for the Price was His own blood.

As a sheep He is led to the slaughter, but He is the Shepherd of Israel, and now of the whole world also. As a Lamb He is silent, yet He is the Word, and is proclaimed by the Voice of one crying in the wilderness.

He is bruised and wounded, but He healeth every disease and every infirmity.

He is lifted up and nailed to the Tree, but by the Tree of Life He restoreth us; yea, He saveth even the Robber crucified with Him; yea, He wrapped the visible world in darkness. He is given vinegar to drink mingled with gall. Who? He who turned the water into wine, who is the destroyer of the bitter taste, who is Sweetness and altogether desire.

He lays down His life, but He has power to take it again; and the veil is rent, for the mysterious doors of Heaven are opened; the rocks are cleft, the dead arise.

He dies, but He gives life, and by His death destroys death. He is buried, but He rises again; He goes down into Hell, but He brings up the souls; He ascends to Heaven, and shall come again to judge the quick and the dead, and to put to the test such words as yours. If the one give you a starting point for your error, let the others put an end to it.

/ Recommendations

• Theological Adventures in the Steps of Martin Luther (August 2-9, 2026), www.immanuelroswell.org/theological-adventures-in-the-steps-of-luther

• Finally Free: Three Lessons in the Parable of the Prodigal Son - Concordia Publishing House,

  /www.cph.org/finally-free-three-lessons-in-the-parable-of-the-prodigal-son

• Rome: Examined (Part 1: Scripture & Gospel), www.wolfmueller.co/rome

Please add your own theological recommendations in the comments.

If you are new here, visit the archives for a ton of stuff. (You can even search for your favorite topics.)

Remember to go to your pastor’s Bible Class this week and, read old theology books. (If you don’t have a pastor or congregation, click here. If you don’t have old theology books, click here.)

If you find this helpful, forward it to a friend. If this was forwarded to you, click here to sign-up for yourself.

Thank you, again, for your time and attention, and for your prayers. Please keep in touch.

Christ is Risen! Pastor Wolfmueller

Psalm 27:4

www.wolfmueller.co

• Support Deaf Missions

• Support Wednesday What-Not

• Get some YouTube Theologian merch

Books | YouTube | website | certificates | Devotions | Young Adult Groups & Events

Dear Friends,

On this night, 1994 years ago, the feet of our Lord Jesus were being anointed by Mary in preparation for His week of anguish, death, and resurrection. It is a most solemn week of repentance and joy. Here are a few resources to aid your devotion:

• Ride on to Die, A Few Palm Sunday Thoughts

• The Royal Entry Into Jerusalem according to Alfred Edersheim

• The Chronology of Holy Week (and Resurrection week)

• Four Poems for Holy Week (plus nine more)

Two other quick but beautiful things I ran across this morning. First, this definition of original righteousness and the image of God from Chemnitz (Rome: Examined I:92)

Second, this beautiful preaching from Gregory of Nazianzus (Oration 29, Book 20). Wordsworth mentions this in his Matthew 3 commentary (which you can download for free here), which is how I found it.

He was baptized as Man—but He remitted sins as God —not because He needed purificatory rites Himself, but that He might sanctify the element of water. He was tempted as Man, but He conquered as God; yea, He bids us be of good cheer, for He has overcome the world.

He hungered—but He fed thousands; yea, He is the Bread that giveth life, and That is of heaven. He thirsted—but He cried, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink.

Yea, He promised that fountains should flow from them that believe. He was wearied, but He is the Rest of them that are weary and heavy laden.

He was heavy with sleep, but He walked lightly over the sea. He rebuked the winds, He made Peter light as he began to sink.

He pays tribute, but it is out of a fish; yea, He is the King of those who demanded it.

He is called a Samaritan and a demoniac; —but He saves him that came down from Jerusalem and fell among thieves; the demons acknowledge Him, and He drives out demons and sinks in the sea legions of foul spirits, and sees the Prince of the demons falling like lightning.

He is stoned, but is not taken. He prays, but He hears prayer. He weeps, but He causes tears to cease. He asks where Lazarus was laid, for He was Man; but He raises Lazarus, for He was God.

He is sold, and very cheap, for it is only for thirty pieces of silver; but He redeems the world, and that at a great price, for the Price was His own blood.

As a sheep He is led to the slaughter, but He is the Shepherd of Israel, and now of the whole world also. As a Lamb He is silent, yet He is the Word, and is proclaimed by the Voice of one crying in the wilderness.

He is bruised and wounded, but He healeth every disease and every infirmity.

He is lifted up and nailed to the Tree, but by the Tree of Life He restoreth us; yea, He saveth even the Robber crucified with Him; yea, He wrapped the visible world in darkness. He is given vinegar to drink mingled with gall. Who? He who turned the water into wine, who is the destroyer of the bitter taste, who is Sweetness and altogether desire.

He lays down His life, but He has power to take it again; and the veil is rent, for the mysterious doors of Heaven are opened; the rocks are cleft, the dead arise.

He dies, but He gives life, and by His death destroys death. He is buried, but He rises again; He goes down into Hell, but He brings up the souls; He ascends to Heaven, and shall come again to judge the quick and the dead, and to put to the test such words as yours. If the one give you a starting point for your error, let the others put an end to it.

Blessed Holy Week! Christ is Risen!
PrBW

*Wednesday What-Not is a free newsletter. Your subscription is a helpful donation. Thanks!

/ The Word of the Lord is Right (Psalm 34)

/ Lutheran Young Adult and Singles Group Directory

https://waltherleague.notion.site/directory

I’ve added a directory of Lutheran Young Adults and Singles groups to go along with the events directory. You can find links to both of them here. Please check them out and send this information along to all the Lutheran young adults in your life.

/ Finally Free Group Discussion Questions

If you’d like some discussion questions for “Finally Free” or if you’d like to study it together with a group, here you go:

https://wolfmueller.notion.site/finallyfreequestions

/ Is the Pope the Antichrist described in Daniel 7?

I was doing a little research into the early Missouri Synod views on the Pope as the Antichrist and found this very interesting series of four articles published in 1913. The chatbot helped me translate them from German. If you’re interested, you can read the articles here.

(This also has me thinking about a new project, looking back a hundred years to see what the Lutherans in America were talking and writing about in the Lutheran Witness.)

Leave a comment

/ A Simple Order of Prayer for Couples

Begin with conversation.

Adam asks Eve: What are you thankful for from today? What are you worried or anxious about for tomorrow? **

Adam prays for Eve.

First: O Lord, we thank You for… here pray for all the thankful things.
Then: Please help us with… here pray for all the worries and anxieties.

Eve may also ask the same questions and pray similar prayers for Adam.

A little more detail here.

/ The Mirror in the Woods

I’ve been working on this image of original sin and the idea of finding a mirror in the woods that revealed to us our sinful nature, how horrible it would be. A dear member of St. Paul Austin was captivated by the image and wrote this fantastic poem. I hope you enjoy it.

Walking through a forest wood,
one dim and sunless day,
Enveloped by a somber mood
and darkening dismay,

I chanced upon a monolith -
a mirror fashioned by
an ancient master silversmith
t’was roughly ten feet high.

The words engraved upon its frame,
both ominous and bright:
“As you gaze I will proclaim
True Nature, dark or light.”

The image from that looking glass
was hideous and vile.
A dark and bottomless crevasse
of revolting, evil bile.

My heart was full of unclean things
My throat an open grave.
Hands of theft and coveting
A deceitful tongue enslaved.

“This can’t be!” I turned my eyes
from truth I could not face.
The repugnant filth, the wretchedness
The staggering disgrace!

And then I saw the thorn-stained brow
The bloody nail-scarred hands.
And realized my sins somehow
Were cast upon this man.

The Lord had taken all the shame
Of sins from all mankind
The truth reflected in that pane
Included sins of mine.

And there I stood in snow-white robe
That He had given me
With all the folks from around the globe
From sin He had set free.

True nature was indeed confessed
In the mirror in the glen:
Lord Jesus gave His righteousness
In exchange for sins of men.

-Frank Knight
3/17/2026

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/Two Ways:

/ Upcoming Events

• April 17-19, Camp Lone Star, Texas: Texas Men’s Retreat

• April 24-25, Red Deer, Canada, Caring for Those who have Left the Faith

• May 19-21, Rocklin, CA, Continuing Education Class: Welcoming the Unchurched.

• June 12-13, Chicago: Issues, Etc. Conference

• July 27-29, Austin, TX, The Reformation of Worship: Scriptural Background and Key Texts, 1523–1580

Please add your own theological recommendations in the comments.

If you are new here, visit the archives for a ton of stuff. (You can even search for your favorite topics.)

Remember to go to your pastor’s Bible Class this week and, read old theology books. (If you don’t have a pastor or congregation, click here. If you don’t have old theology books, click here.)

If you find this helpful, forward it to a friend. If this was forwarded to you, click here to sign-up for yourself.

Thank you, again, for your time and attention, and for your prayers. Please keep in touch.

Christ is Risen! Pastor Wolfmueller

Psalm 27:4

www.wolfmueller.co

• Support Deaf Missions

• Support Wednesday What-Not

• Get some YouTube Theologian merch

Books | YouTube | website | certificates | Devotions | Young Adult Events

I think I’ve built a directory for confessional Lutheran young adult groups. It is not public yet. I’m still testing it out and could use your help.

If you have a young adult group, or if you know someone who does, could you forward them this link and see if they’d be willing to include their information?

https://waltherleague.notion.site/

If you encounter any difficulties, please let me know in the comments to this post.

Thank you for your help!

Christ is risen! PrBW

*Wednesday What-Not is a free newsletter. Your subscription is a helpful donation. Thanks!

/ Morning Joy (Psalm 30:5)

The Bible has a lot to say about joy. Just about every page will bring us some reminder that gloom is not a part of the kingdom of God.

/ “On Certainty”

This is from Luther’s Genesis Commentary. Here’s the extended quotation, which is well worth a few minutes to read and review.

(You can watch this study here.)

Leave a comment

/ On Dying Well

there was a wonderful convocation last summer in St. Louis about the old art of dying well. I gave two lectures and just found out that they’re posted up on the Concordia Seminary website.

Death as Spiritual Warfare is here.
Seven Myths About Death and Dying is here.

/ Against Roman Memes.

If that’s not enough for you Pastor Flamme and I caused a little stir in our video reacting against Roman memes. You might have fun in the comments section.

(Don’t forget to go to Germany with Pastor Flamme this summer!)

/ Lutheran satire’s been busy.

I like it when someone like Hans agrees with me on the importance of the six days of creation.

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/ Issues Etc. Conference

I hope to see you all in June for the Issues Etc. conference, June 12-13, at Concordia University in Chicago. All the information is here. I’ll be speaking about making the case for Christian courage. There’s also a singles get-together on Friday night. Tell your friends!

Please add your own theological recommendations in the comments.

If you are new here, visit the archives for a ton of stuff. (You can even search for your favorite topics.)

Remember to go to your pastor’s Bible Class this week and, read old theology books. (If you don’t have a pastor or congregation, click here. If you don’t have old theology books, click here.)

If you find this helpful, forward it to a friend. If this was forwarded to you, click here to sign-up for yourself.

Thank you, again, for your time and attention, and for your prayers. Please keep in touch.

Christ is Risen! Pastor Wolfmueller

Psalm 27:4

www.wolfmueller.co

• Support Deaf Missions

• Support Wednesday What-Not

• Get some YouTube Theologian merch

Books | YouTube | website | certificates | Devotions | Young Adult Events

Wednesday What-Not is a free newsletter. Your subscription is a helpful donation. Thanks!

/ The Steadfast, Holy, Free Spirit (Psalm 51:10-12)

/ How the Book of Mormon was Written

St Hayden Abler (1996-2024) was a member of St Paul Austin, and a careful student of Mormon theology. He had a deep desire for Mormons to know the truth and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. A few months before his sudden death he brought a manuscript to completion titles “How It Was Written.” We’ve prepared this text for publication, and I’m very pleased to present it to the world.

Here’s the description:

Was Joseph Smith an uneducated farm boy, miraculously guided by God to produce the Book of Mormon—or a clever storyteller drawing on his surroundings? How the Book of Mormon Was Written takes readers deep into the world of early 19th-century America to explore the historical, cultural, and personal influences that shaped one of the most influential religious texts in modern history. Drawing from contemporary accounts, theological debates, folk practices, and Smith’s own background, Hayden Abler demonstrates how the Book of Mormon bears the fingerprints of its time. From treasure-digging folklore and Methodist preaching styles to the Mound Builder Myth and even Smith’s own family dreams, the evidence points not to divine dictation but to a human creation. Far from being the product of a simple, illiterate man, the Book of Mormon reveals Joseph Smith’s creativity, charisma, and skill at weaving stories that resonated with the spiritual fervor of his age. This book dismantles the claim that Smith was incapable of producing the Book of Mormon on his own and offers a compelling natural explanation for its origin. Scholarly yet accessible, this work is essential reading for anyone interested in Mormon history, the roots of American religion, or the fascinating question of how scripture is made.

This book is available for purchase on Lulu, and is free to download. Click here for the links.

(I’m working on the landing page and a website. We’ll let you know when those are ready.)

If you know anyone interested in Mormonism, or tempted by that theology, this will be a wonderful book for them.

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/ The Promise of Our Afflictions

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/ Happiness is the weather. Joy is the climate.

Thanks to Jesse for reminding me of this Dr. Schultz quotation.

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/ Church History YouTube Series

Bryan Flamme (Immanuel Lutheran Church, Roswell, New Mexico) has created a great little playlist of church history videos. Take a look here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLr0lFSxxz4Wa2zG9kpZs6rQjZKVVGZx1b

today is Martin Luther’s death day. You can watch Pastor Flamme’s Reformation History video here.

(This will help you figure out if you want to go to Germany with him next summer!)

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/ Luther’s Last Sermon

Luther preached his last sermon in Eisleben a couple of days before his death. Here is a beautiful excerpt where he speaks of the faith of the martyr St Agnes:

Christ says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden” [Matt. 11:28], and it is as though He were saying: Just stick to me, hold on to my Word and let everything else go. If you are burned and beheaded for it, then have patience, I will make it so sweet for you that you easily would be able to bear it. It has also been written of St. Agnes that when she was led to prison to be killed, it was to her as if she were going to a dance. Where did she get this? Ah, only from this Christ, from believing this saying, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” That is to say: If things go badly, I will give you the courage even to laugh about it; and if even though you walk on fiery coals, the torment shall nevertheless not be so severe and the devil shall nevertheless not be so bad, and you will rather feel that you are walking on roses. I will give you the heart to laugh even though Turk, pope, emperor, and everybody else be filled with horrible wrath and rage. Only come to me; and if you are facing oppression, death, or torture, because the pope, the Turk, and emperor are attacking you, do not be afraid; it will not be heavy for you, but light and easy to bear, for I give you the Spirit, so that the burden, which for the world would be unbearable, becomes for you a light burden. For when you suffer for my sake, it is my yoke and my burden, which I lay upon you in grace, that you may know that this your suffering is well pleasing to God and to me and that I myself am helping you to carry it and giving you power and strength to do so. (LW 51:391-392)

(You can find a lot of other quotations from Luther about the martyrs in They Our Life: Martin Luther’s Theology of the Martyrs. You can download that book for free here.)

/ Luther on the Two Kinds of Fasting

The Scriptures present to us two kinds of true fasting: one, by which we try to bring the flesh into subjection to the spirit, of which St. Paul speaks in 2 Cor 6:5: “In labors, in watchings, in fastings.” The other is that which we must bear patiently, and yet receive willingly because of our need and poverty, of which St. Paul speaks in 1 Cor 4:11: “Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst,” and Christ in Mt 9:15: “When the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, then will they fast.” This kind of fasting Christ teaches us here while in the wilderness alone without anything to eat, and while he suffers his penury without murmuring. The first kind of fasting, one can end whenever he wills, and can satisfy it by food; but the other kind we must observe and bear until God himself changes it and satisfies us. Hence it is much more precious than the first, because it moves in greater faith.

Read the entire quotation here: https://wolfmueller.co/fasting-two-ways/

Upcoming Events:

How Can We Sing the Lord’s Song in a Strange Land? The Ninth Annual Atonement Lutheran Regional Conference

• February 27 - February 28 Atonement Lutheran, Glendale 4001 West Beardsley Road, Glendale, AZ

2026 Texas Lutheran Men’s Conference 2026 – The Vocations of Man

• April 17 @ 3:00 pm - April 19 @ 10:00 am

Continuing Education Class: Welcoming the Unchurched.

• May 19 - May 21, Holy Cross Lutheran Church 4701 Grove St. Rocklin, CA 95677 4701 Grove St., Rocklin, C

/ Recommendations

• Theological Adventures in the Steps of Martin Luther (August 2-9, 2026), www.immanuelroswell.org/theological-adventures-in-the-steps-of-luther

• Finally Free: Three Lessons in the Parable of the Prodigal Son - Concordia Publishing House,

  /www.cph.org/finally-free-three-lessons-in-the-parable-of-the-prodigal-son

• Rome: Examined (Part 1: Scripture & Gospel), www.wolfmueller.co/rome

Please add your own theological recommendations in the comments.

If you are new here, visit the archives for a ton of stuff. (You can even search for your favorite topics.)

Remember to go to your pastor’s Bible Class this week and, read old theology books. (If you don’t have a pastor or congregation, click here. If you don’t have old theology books, click here.)

If you find this helpful, forward it to a friend. If this was forwarded to you, click here to sign-up for yourself.

Thank you, again, for your time and attention, and for your prayers. Please keep in touch.

Christ is Risen! Pastor Wolfmueller

Psalm 27:4

www.wolfmueller.co

• Support Deaf Missions

• Support Wednesday What-Not

• Get some YouTube Theologian merch

Books | YouTube | website | certificates | Devotions | Young Adult Events

*Wednesday What-Not is a free newsletter. Your subscription is a helpful donation. Thanks!

/ “Rejoice with Me” Luke 15:5-6

We don’t know how the sheep felt about being found, but we do know that the shepherd was exceedingly joyful. And we also know that the shepherd wouldn’t let anyone escape his joy. “Rejoice with me,” he says to his friends and neighbors.

We often think of our own Christian joy about the Lord’s saving work in our lives, but Jesus wants us to reflect on how joyful He is, the Father is, the Spirit is, the angels are, the entire company of heaven!

/ More Where That Came From

There’s a lot on Luke 15 in Finally Free. I got to talk with Todd about it this month. They put all the interviews in one spot. You can listen here: https://issuesetc.org/prodigalson/

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/ The Harvest Schedule

we’re doing a Bible study on the Feast in the Old Testament on Wednesday afternoon at St. Paul Austin. Join us at 4 if you’re hanging around. I found this really cool graphic that outlines the agricultural calendar of ancient Israel, and pairs them up with the feasts.

Leave a comment

/ Five Questions About the Age of the Earth.

Five Questions to Ask about the History of Genesis 1-2

1. How does the text present itself? As history or something else?

2. How does the rest of the Bible treat Genesis 1-2? How does Jesus treat it?

3. What is the relationship of death and sin?

4. Am I willing to be thought a fool?

5. Why are plants, fruit, and seeds created on day three (before the sun)?

Here is the link: https://wolfmueller.co/how-old-is-the-earth/

/ Two Pillars of Religious Thought

This quotation was part of the conversation in this week’s Doxology retreat, from Herman Sasse, The Lonely Way, 1,38.

The task which stands before us in this century is the construction of a theology … in which the problems of modern culture are thought through in a manner consistent with the two pillars of our religious thought: justification by faith and the Lutheran definition of the Church. In the experience of a long and difficult history, we … have seen the limits of human desire and action.

Please add your own theological recommendations in the comments.

If you are new here, visit the archives for a ton of stuff. (You can even search for your favorite topics.)

Remember to go to your pastor’s Bible Class this week and, read old theology books. (If you don’t have a pastor or congregation, click here. If you don’t have old theology books, click here.)

If you find this helpful, forward it to a friend. If this was forwarded to you, click here to sign-up for yourself.

Thank you, again, for your time and attention, and for your prayers. Please keep in touch.

Christ is Risen! Pastor Wolfmueller

Psalm 27:4

www.wolfmueller.co

• Support Deaf Missions

• Support Wednesday What-Not

• Get some YouTube Theologian merch

Books | YouTube | website | certificates | Devotions | Young Adult Events

*Wednesday What-Not is a free newsletter. Your subscription is a helpful donation. Thank you!

/ Joy is Not Optional (Isaiah 65)

/ The Firstfruits of the Resurrection

We are studying the Feast of the Old Testament on our Wednesday afternoon Bible class at St. Paul in Austin, and we found a number of really cool things yesterday.

There are three feasts that form a group in the spring:

1. Passover

2. Unleavened Bread

3. First Fruits

Passover is on the 14th of Nisan (Abib), on which the lamb is slaughtered in the temple and then eaten with your family. Even though the Jewish day ends at sundown, it seems like there’s provision that the Passover meal would be eaten on, before sunrise on the 15th of Nisan. (This accounts for the Pharisees desiring to hand Jesus over to Pilate before the sun came up, so they could hustle home and eat the Passover meal.)

The Feast of Unleavened Bread is a week-long feast beginning on the 15th of Nisan and ending on the 21st. The first day of the week is a Holy Convocation, and there’s a number of offerings that are presented in the Temple, including: two young bulls, one ram, seven lambs, and a goat as a sin offering to make atonement (See Numbers 28:16-22). It’s incredible to think that these offerings were happening in the Temple at the same time that Jesus was being crucified.

Furthermore, and this is really cool, the Feast of First Fruits was a wave offering that was offered the day after the Sabbath during the week of Unleavened Bread (see Leviticus 23:9-13). That means on Easter Sunday, the first day of the week, the day Jesus was raised from the dead and appearing to His disciples, the priests were in the temple waving the first-fruits. How about that!

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. (1 Corinthians 15:20-21)

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/ The Profound Artistry of Nacho Libre

“Don’t you want a taste of the glory? See what it tastes like?”

I have always argued that Nacho Libre is one of the best movies ever made, but I’ll have to admit that I felt a little bit alone with that conviction. Now here’s something I’ve always wanted, but never thought I would see: A video explaining the cinematic nuance and deep meaning of Nacho Libre.

“It’s actually a deeply human film that asks, ‘What does it mean to be a man of faith in a world that doesn’t believe in you?’”

(I’ll be excited about your comments on this one!)

Leave a comment

/ On Persecution and Suffering: Scripture & Luther

I’m presenting to the pastors next week at the Doxology retreat on the topic of encouragement from Luther in the midst of persecution. I gathered up some great Luther quotes, which you can find here: https://wolfmueller.notion.site/persecution

Where the Word Is, the Cross Follows

Therefore we who would be Christians must surely count on having the devil with all his angels and the world as our enemies and must count on their inflicting every possible misfortune and grief upon us. For where God’s Word is preached, accepted or believed, and bears fruit, there the blessed holy cross will not be far away. Let nobody think that he will have peace; he must sacrifice all he has on earth—possessions, honor, house and home, wife and children, body and life. (Luther’s Large Catechism, Lord’s Prayer, III:65)

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/ Upcoming events

If you’re in Arizona or California, I’ll be swinging by in the next few months. Also, all you gentlemen are invited to join us for our men’s retreat in April.

How Can We Sing the Lord’s Song in a Strange Land? The Ninth Annual Atonement Lutheran Regional Conference

• February 27 - February 28, Atonement Lutheran, Glendale 4001 West Beardsley Road, Glendale, AZ, United States

2026 Texas Lutheran Men’s Conference 2026 – The Vocations of Man

• April 17 @ 3:00 pm - April 19 @ 10:00 am, Camp Lone Star, La Grange, TX

Continuing Education Class: Welcoming the Unchurched.

• May 19 - May 21, Holy Cross Lutheran Church 4701 Grove St. Rocklin, CA 95677 4701 Grove St., Rocklin, CA, Unit

Please add your own theological recommendations in the comments.

If you are new here, visit the archives for a ton of stuff. (You can even search for your favorite topics.)

Remember to go to your pastor’s Bible Class this week and, read old theology books. (If you don’t have a pastor or congregation, click here. If you don’t have old theology books, click here.)

If you find this helpful, forward it to a friend. If this was forwarded to you, click here to sign-up for yourself.

Thank you, again, for your time and attention, and for your prayers. Please keep in touch.

Christ is Risen! Pastor Wolfmueller

Psalm 27:4

www.wolfmueller.co

• Support Deaf Missions

• Support Wednesday What-Not

• Get some YouTube Theologian merch

Books | YouTube | website | certificates | Devotions | Young Adult Events

1/ Satan Falls Like Lightening (Luke 10:18ff)

That’s a beautiful lightening storm, caused by the preaching of the gospel!

2/ A Favor: Podcast and YouTube Recommendations

Today is the release day for Finally Free. CPH is giving a bulk discount if you buy 10 or more. The book only costs $5, which is really cool. I’m hoping that this little book is a helpful text to give away to friends and family to encourage them with the compassion of God and the comfort of the Gospel.

Here’s a little video about the book.

here’s where I need your help. I would like to get the word out beyond our Lutheran circles. Could you all send your suggestions about for podcasts or YouTube channels that I should approach and see if they’d be interested in talking about the book? Thank you!

Leave a comment

Also, if you have a chance to read it, I’d love to hear what you think. Your reviews on CPH and Amazon are also really helpful to help get the word out.

3/ Treasures, treasures, treasures.

Pastor Smith has been busy. Not only does he continue to do incredible work translating old treasures of the Lutheran Church in his Substack here:

Treasures from the Lutheran Church

A Weekly Lutheran Devotional

By Dylan Smith

He’s also started a podcast and YouTube channel with its content. You can find those here:

• https://www.youtube.com/@TreasuresfromtheLutheranChurch

AND he started a companion Substack called Treasurers for the Lutheran Church. In this newsletter, he translates devotional material from the Church Fathers. Marvelous.

Treasures for the Lutheran Church

Translated devotional texts from the ancient Church. A companion Substack to Treasures from the Lutheran Church.

By Dylan Smith

Read his year-in-review summary of last year’s work, and I look forward to this year’s work here.

4/ The Rules God Uses to Govern His Saints

...Or, God says, “I am an active God.”

5/ The Book of Concord

This is cool. Concordia Publishing House has put the Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord online.

Find it here: https://bookofconcord.cph.org/

Thank you, CPH. This is a gift to the Church!

Subscribe now

6/ Daily Theology Q&A Videos

Pastor Packer and I are posting up daily theology Q&A videos.

https://www.youtube.com/@PastorBryanWolfmueller/videos

Send in your questions here: https://wolfmueller.co/contact/

Please add your own theological recommendations in the comments.

If you are new here, visit the archives for a ton of stuff. (You can even search for your favorite topics.)

Remember to go to your pastor’s Bible Class this week and, read old theology books. (If you don’t have a pastor or congregation, click here. If you don’t have old theology books, click here.)

If you find this helpful, forward it to a friend. If this was forwarded to you, click here to sign-up for yourself.

Thank you, again, for your time and attention, and for your prayers. Please keep in touch.

Christ is Risen! Pastor Wolfmueller

Psalm 27:4

www.wolfmueller.co

• Support Deaf Missions

• Support Wednesday What-Not

• Get some YouTube Theologian merch

Books | YouTube | website | certificates | Devotions | Young Adult Events

Happy New Year!

Christ is risen! PrBW

Wednesday What-Not is a free newsletter. Your subscription is a helpful donation. Thanks!

/ Glory to God, Comfort to Us

/ A Useless Video in which

I talk about what is included in this Wednesday What-Not

/ That Life Might Die

From Augustine:

The Word of the Father, by Whom all time was created, was made flesh and was born in time for us. He, without whose divine permission no day completes its course, wished to have one day set aside for His human birth. In the bosom of His Father, He existed before all the cycles of ages; born of an earthly mother, He entered upon the course of the years on this day.

The Maker of man became Man that He, Ruler of the stars, might be nourished at His mother’s breast;
that He, the Bread, might hunger;
that He, the Fountain, might thirst;
that He, the Light, might sleep;
that He, the Way, might be wearied by the journey;
that He, the Truth, might be accused by false witnesses;
that He, the Judge of the living and the dead, might be brought to trial by a mortal judge;
that He, Justice, might be condemned by the unjust;
that He, Discipline, might be scourged with whips;
that He, the Foundation, might be suspended upon a cross;
that Courage might be weakened;
that Healer might be wounded;
that Life might die.

To endure these and similar indignities for us, to free us, unworthy creatures, He who existed as the Son of God before all ages, without a beginning, deigned to become the Son of Man in these recent years. He did this although He who submitted to such great evils for our sake had done no evil and although we, who were the recipients of so much good at His hands, had done nothing to merit these benefits.

Begotten by the Father, He was not made by the Father. He was made Man in the mother whom He Himself had made, so that He might exist here for a while, sprung from her who could never and nowhere have existed except through His power.

–Augustine of Hippo, Sermons 191.1.

You can find my collection of quotations about the incarnation here: https://wolfmueller.co/on-the-incarnation-quotation-drop-post/

/ No Movements here

(Imprimus [Hillsdale] Nov 2025, 54:11)

Pastor Graff is always talking about how Christianity is not a movement and the Lutheran Church is not an “ism.” This little note beautifully captures the danger that he’s trying to keep us from.

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/ Luther’s Definition of Faith

This is stunning. Taken from his Preface to the Book of Romans, but quoted here from the Formula of Concord IV.10-12, Luther’s description of faith is stunning, and worth contemplating.

For, as Luther writes in his Preface to the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans,

“Faith is a divine work in us that transforms us and begets us anew from God, kills the Old Adam, makes us entirely different people in heart, spirit, mind, and all our powers, and brings the Holy Spirit with it. Oh, faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing, so that it is impossible for it not to be constantly doing what is good.

Likewise, faith does not ask if good works are to be done, but before one can ask, faith has already done them and is constantly active. Whoever does not perform such good works is a faithless man, blindly tapping around in search of faith and good works without knowing what either faith or good works are, and in the meantime he chatters and jabbers a great deal about faith and good works.

Faith is a vital, deliberate trust in God’s grace, so certain that it would die a thousand times for it. And such confidence and knowledge of divine grace makes us joyous, mettlesome, and merry toward God and all creatures. This the Holy Spirit works by faith, and therefore without any coercion a man is willing and desirous to do good to everyone, to serve everyone, to suffer everything for the love of God and to his glory, who has been so gracious to him. It is therefore as impossible to separate works from faith as it is to separate heat and light from fire.”

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/ What are the Lutheran Doing in Puerto Rico?

I took over the studio and recorded this conversation…

/ Five Critical Questions about Living Together Before Marriage (and Chastity)

These questions are helpful to navigate difficult conversations.

https://wolfmueller.co/livingtogether/

Subscribe now

/ Recommendations

• Theological Adventures in the Steps of Martin Luther (August 2-9, 2026), www.immanuelroswell.org/theological-adventures-in-the-steps-of-luther

• Finally Free: Three Lessons in the Parable of the Prodigal Son - Concordia Publishing House,

  /www.cph.org/finally-free-three-lessons-in-the-parable-of-the-prodigal-son

• Rome: Examined (Part 1: Scripture & Gospel), www.wolfmueller.co/rome

/ Lots and Lots of Media

• Pr Packer and I are trying to release a Theology Q&A Podcast video every day, with accompanying shorts. So there is a lot of activity on the YouTube channel. Check it out. (Your liking and commenting helps boost the videos a bit.)

  

• Issues: How to Resist the Devil

• Today’s Worldwide Bible class, especially the discussion starting at 31:30:

• Somewhere on Tick Tock, Daniel is posting videos of me answering theology questions. I’ve never been on Tick Tock, and I don’t think you should be on there either, but if you are already hooked into it, take a look.

Please add your own theological recommendations in the comments.

If you are new here, visit the archives for a ton of stuff. (You can even search for your favorite topics.)

Remember to go to your pastor’s Bible Class this week and, read old theology books. (If you don’t have a pastor or congregation, click here. If you don’t have old theology books, click here.)

If you find this helpful, forward it to a friend. If this was forwarded to you, click here to sign-up for yourself.

Thank you, again, for your time and attention, and for your prayers. Please keep in touch.

Christ is Risen! Pastor Wolfmueller

Psalm 27:4

www.wolfmueller.co

• Support Deaf Missions

• Support Wednesday What-Not

• Get some YouTube Theologian merch

Books | YouTube | website | certificates | Devotions | Young Adult Events