Issues, Etc. New Year’s Resolutions – Bryan Wolfmueller, 1/1/26 (0011, Encore)
Dec 31, 2025
Bryan Wolfmueller, a Lutheran pastor and theology YouTuber, dives into the nature of New Year's resolutions. He discusses how Lutherans often view resolutions with skepticism due to their ties to works-righteousness. Wolfmueller contrasts resolve with repentance, emphasizing how Christians can approach time as a divine gift. He offers practical steps for making resolutions rooted in faith and reflects on using the world's calendar for Christ's purposes. Ultimately, he champions resolutions as expressions of Christian freedom to serve others.
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Theological Skepticism Of Resolutions
- Lutherans distrust New Year's resolutions because of theological overemphasis on will and decision over Christ's work.
- Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller urges seeing resolve as a gift of time, not a path to salvation.
Time As A Gift To Receive
- Time is a divine gift with created loops (day, month, year) that humans should receive, not despise.
- Observing the year's loop lets Christians thank God and use seasonal structures he provided.
Failed Experiments With The Week
- Pr. Bryan Wolfmueller notes failed attempts at alternate week lengths in history, like Roman ten‑day weeks and Soviet five‑day weeks.
- He points to the persistent biblical seven‑day rhythm as evidence of creation's design.