The Receptive Life: Learning How to Receive All of the Gifts That Only the Triune God Can Give

"eXPlain it": Trinity 10 (Luke 19:41-48)

The teaching is based on the Scripture lessons from Trinity 10.The Gospel reading is Luke 19:41-48.

"eXPlain it": Trinity 11 (Luke 18:9-14)

The teaching is based on the Scripture lessons from Trinity 11.The Gospel reading is Luke 18:9-14.Some quotes in the recording are taken from the Book of Concord (Triglotta - public domain). Please note that different versions of the Book of Concord have different reference and paragraph numbers. I'll provide both references.Reference #1: Johann Gerhard“We should not think of our good works and boast of them but rather think of our sins and repent of them … we have more sins than good works.” (Johann Gerhard, Postilla Volume 2, Eleventh Sunday after Trinity)Reference #2: The Book of Concord… the Law always accuses us.For who loves or fears God sufficiently? Who with sufficient patience bears the afflictions imposed by God? Who does not frequently doubt whether human affairs are ruled by God’s counsel or by chance? Who does not frequently doubt whether he be heard by God? Who is not frequently enraged because the wicked enjoy a better lot than the pious, because the pious are oppressed by the wicked? Who does satisfaction to his own calling? Who loves his neighbor as himself? Who is not tempted by lust?In the Concordia Triglotta the reference is: Apology to the Augsburg Confession, Article III (of love and the fulfilling of the law), paragraph 167.In the Concordia, Reader's Edition the reference is:  Apology, Article V (III) paragraph 46Reference #3:  The Book of ConcordThus the worship and divine service of the Gospel is to receive from God gifts; on the contrary, the worship of the Law is to offer and present our gifts to God. We can, however, offer nothing to God unless we have first been reconciled and born again … the chief worship of the Gospel is to wish to receive remission of sins, grace, and righteousness.In the Concordia Triglotta the reference is: Apology to the Augsburg Confession, Article III (of love and the fulfilling of the law), paragraph 310.In the Concordia, Reader's Edition the reference is:  Apology, Article V (III) paragraph 189

"eXPlain it": Trinity 12 (Mark 7:31-37)

The teaching is based on the Scripture lessons from Trinity 12.The Gospel reading is Mark 7:31-37 (NIV).

The Receptive Life (Introduction and Overview)

Here's a brief introduction and overview of "The Receptive Life"."We are beggars; this is true!" (final written words of Martin Luther)Martin Luther described the life of the Christian as “receptive”. The Latin phrase he used was “vita passiva” – the life that “accepts” or “receives” all of the good gifts of the Triune God. Like beggars, we have nothing but, in and through faith, we open our hands and receive all good and gracious gifts from the pierced hands of Jesus. When it comes to the forgiveness of sins, a clear conscience and reconciliation with God, we offer nothing. No works. No merits. Rather, through the gift of faith, we cling solely to the person and work of Jesus.The Receptive Life online course was created to help you learn how the Triune God gives (and how we receive) all of the gifts that only Jesus can give.

"eXPlain it": Trinity 13 (Luke 10:23-37)

The teaching is based on the Scripture lessons from Trinity 13. 2 Chronicles 28:8-15Psalm 32Galatians 3:15-22Luke 10:23-37Here's the quote I referenced from Martin Luther:Faith is due to God alone; faith receives divine works that God alone can do, and these works of God we can receive alone through faith. Then we should be busy for our neighbors’ sake and direct our works toward them, that these works may serve them. My faith I must bring inwardly and upward to God, but my works I must do outwardly and downward to my neighbor.Martin Luther, Sermon on the Fourth Sunday after Trinity