It was an Experiment… 2.23.14
Last week we tried an experiment. Some of you were having problems trying to post your thoughts here on our blogspot. So we experimented with Facebook, but that seemed to create confusion. Also, the two sites of Facebook and Blogspot.com wouldn’t interface to offer you both options. So I’m glad to be back here with you. If you previously were being timed out here before you finished your post, perhaps the easiest solution would be to compose elsewhere and then paste your post. If you have any problems, please email me (dgarratt@sbcglobal.net) or call me right away (c.773-742-2694). I want to be able to read your good thoughts. Now since several were confused and missed out, I will re-post for all to respond to- by Thursday night please. Remember, your participation in all aspects of this NGL training year is being evaluated. We want you to graduate on stage with everyone else.
What book begins with these famous words?
“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.”
You’re right! “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens.
Alright, more importantly, what book begins with these words?
“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”
You’re right again! It’s the beginning of the gospel of Luke which we’ve been reading through. But skeptics you might meet may question if the author, Luke was just jotting down tall tales, bigger than a tale of two cities. What would you say? Well, first remind them that Luke was a Gentile physician who carefully did his homework before writing his account of the life of Christ and his sequel, the book of Acts. Modern historians rank him as a top notch historian of his era. Now re-read Luke 1:1-4 to discover how Luke explains to a man he was mentoring what he did in preparation for writing and why.
1. How does this give you confidence in reading through the gospel of Luke?
2. Please share about a favorite verse(s) from our daily readings through Luke and what you liked about it.
I look forward to reading your posted responses to those two items.
Announcements!
Sunday March 2nd at Midway from 11:30-12:30 is our next all group meeting. We will be meeting in “the break room” it’s the room at the end of the hallway past the men’s restroom with the vending machines in it. It should be a better setting for us than the cafeteria. Also, please be ready to share at the meeting the name of the Christian friend you picked to be your wealth partner. See you there!
At the end of Luke, Jesus commissioned his disciples to go and set captives free. The Lord gave a similar commission to Moses, but he was quite unwilling to go. Let’s find out why in Exodus 1-4. Since we will finish reading Luke on Monday, please read Exodus 1 on Tuesday the 25th, on the 26th read Ex.2, on the 27th read Ex.3 and on the 28thread Ex.4. Then in March, we will begin an eye opening and heart searching journey through 1& 2 Corinthians. So on Saturday, March 1st read 1 Cor.1 and continue reading a new chapter each day. Perhaps, copy these chapters and dates on a card to put in your Bible as a bookmark reminder. These readings are so essential to help shape our Christlike character. Without such, we cannot please God (1 Cor.10:5) and we ruin our attempts to influence others. Remember, leadership is influence- intentional influence.
As you recall, this month’s character trait has been to grow in is “the fear of the Lord.” O Lord, help us to grow in the fear of You!
God can use you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvUBRukwBZM
As you recall, this month’s character trait has been to grow in is “the fear of the Lord.” O Lord, help us to grow in the fear of You!
God can use you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvUBRukwBZM
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ReplyDelete1.Part of a doctor’s job is to diagnosis problems, pains, suffering. And that takes a lot of studying, experience and hands on application; hence the many years it takes to receive one’s PhD. Many times doctors need to compile the facts and collect all the relevant information in order to make a diagnosis. This involves probing patients and doing numerous experiments or tests. Through the information collected, the doctor should then come up with a conclusion. When we go to a doctor, we go believing that they can resolve our problems and I believe that we continue to go back to a particular doctor, because the doctor is often correct with finding out the problems and prescribing the right remedy. Which in turn is why we go back to him. There is a sense of credibility built into his or her practice where we can believe that what the doctor orders is the right thing. Looking at many of the words used by Luke, it sounds to me that he took his time and did extensive research and investigating to make sure that he had all the facts straight, so that the credibility of his story, or more importantly the Gospel of Jesus, was taught with certainty to his friend and others.
ReplyDelete2. Luke 19: 35-38. I have just been meditating and imagining the Triumphal Entry scene of Jesus. Back in the old days when armies, especially popular amongst the Romans, conquered a large city or town, they would have “a triumph.” It was a public and solemn honor not often granted, but allowing the general or leader of the army to be displayed throughout the city. I would imagine this is very similar to our now-a-day parades. The mayor, or president, or main attraction of the parade rides in the cool car with his or her family. They are usually not the first float or car. There are usually bands, music, and other attractions to build up the suspense. Well, back in these times of triumphs, these leaders that were honored were clad in a rich purple robe, interwoven with figures of gold, setting forth the grandeur of his achievements. They were carried in a magnificent chariot, adorned with all the finest riches, jewelry, stones, and emblems. They are often with their families in this magnificent chariot. Here we see and hear and taste of what is just glimpse of what is to come, when Christ triumphs in His return.
Great thoughts Eddie and great to have you back from your missions trip. Looking forward to hearing all about it.
ReplyDeleteThat video was great!
ReplyDelete1. Luke was a brilliant historian, and I say this because he thought ahead before he wrote and he knew that people were going to doubt that the book of Luke was an actual historical biography. The book of Luke is definitely a book that people can trust simply because it was written at a different time and place from the other Gospels. Therefore, it gives readers more proof that the same biography of the Christ was being recorded. Also, Luke was a gentile. He was socially obligated to not write, let alone, follow, a Jewish King. So, the fact that a historian gentile, who interviewed first hand accounts and who wrote the same story as three other gospels, can be used by God is quite fascinating and truthful. God truly blessed us with such a remarkable account of Jesus!
2. My favorite verse of Luke was in Luke 8:22-25 when Jesus calms the storm:"In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.” This tackles the whole topic of "fearing the Lord" but most importantly, it is comforting just to know that we are sons of the one who can control storms. I am just fascinated because all it took was give a command to calm the storm. I am just infatuated with verses that show how God can make things that are frightening to men look small and simple.
Ah, Ivan, very good. And you made me laugh when you wrote, "I am just infatuated with verses that show how God can make things that are frightening to men look small and simple." It is funny to think about that. Jesus may have yawned and then stilled the storm. Is there anything too difficult for Him?! This was but child's play.
ReplyDelete1. I believe Luke himself knew there were possibly many versions of the truth because he stated "with this in mind, I too decided to make an orderly account". He wanted the man he was mentoring to know the truth so I believe he studied and showed discernment to know what was truth, and what wasn't.
ReplyDelete2. Luke 12: 22-34 on the topic of worry really hit home for me. No matter what day it is, or what season I'm in, God will continue to work on that with me. Just a few days ago I was reminded once again about the same thing. I was not able to make it to work due to a medical issue and I was afraid of the stability of my job. I then worried about my money, and 5 years from now, my insurance, health, and every other thing my mind could think of. And all I got reminded of was "who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Sine you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" God has ultimate control of my life. Take my job, promote me, if I live with seizures, or he blesses me with perfect health, it will all be a part of his perfect plan. So, I liked that part of Luke.
Wow Courtney, very good! I like the way you are so transparent in applying the passage to your life. It's been rightly said, "Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere." :)
ReplyDelete1. It gives me confidence in how Luke not only understood that there were others that had already been working on taking an account of all the things that had come to pass, but that he “carefully investigated” everything that he was going to write, so to make it as accurate as possible. He went out of his way to make sure it was understood that he did as well, mentioning it to remove any remaining doubt.
ReplyDelete2. For my favorite verse, I would have to say that Luke 2:29-32:
"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
I really love this section about the man, Simeon, that is mentioned in Luke 2. Of significance is the fact that the Holy Spirit was upon him. Sometimes we as Christians take for granted that we have the Holy Spirit of God dwelling within us. But prior to the spirit going into all believers in Christ, He would only dwell in certain individuals, for certain times. The fact that it not only dwelled within him, but also lead Simeon to the Temple at the time of Jesus Christ’s presentation, is awesome. The part that I really loved is that in the above proclamation he spoke, you can see a foretelling of what was to come for Christ’s church…..It wasn’t just for the Jews, but God loved the gentiles just as much. Before this, mostly you would hear things like, saving your people from their enemies, raising up your people, etc., but here was the first hints of the soon to come “Revelation of the Gentiles”, bringing the Lord’s message to all mankind!
Thank you Lord, that your message of Salvation was gifted to me, a non-jew, yet your love flowed over me all the same. Thank you that your heart never changes, and just as it it written in John 3:16, you desire that “none should perish”. May we be worthy vessels of the message of hope you have entrusted to us, just as the gentile, Luke, was. Amen!
Just something that caught my attention during the readings of Luke!
So very good William! Good catch re. the foretelling of the gospel to the Gentiles. I like that you applied and concluded it all with a prayer.
DeleteIt gives confidence because Luke states that he gave carful investigation before writing anything down as fact. My favorite verses were Luke 10:38-42. I like how Martha was trying to impress Jesus by working hard and preparing things for him, while her younger sister Mary was actually listening to Jesus. I think it shows that works are not going to get you in good standings with Jesus but listening to him will. Jesus says it best in verses 41-42 "Martha Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
ReplyDeleteGood Lucas. Martha and Mary remind us that life is full of choosing between good and better choice. Choosing time reading God's word as you are doing is a great choice. Keep up the good work!
DeleteRereading through Luke 1:1-4 makes me confident in what Luke is saying because in verse 3 he mentions that he carefully investigated everything from the beginning. It ensures that what Luke is saying is in accordance to the word of the lord, not only because it is in the bible, but because it was carefully investigated.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite verse from Luke would be Luke 1:37, "For no word from God will ever fail." It is one of those verses that instantly reminds me of the power of God and how is word is truth. It strengthens my trust in his promises by reminding me that He never fails. When I read this verse it always reminds of the testimonies I've heard about God coming through for others when they needed Him as well as when he came through for me.
Thank you Socorro! Yes, God's word is true, what He promises He will do!
DeleteBe on the look out for those who seek to claim Old Testament promises to the Jews that He does not make to His people in the New Testament. This will save us much confusion and disappointment. Good job!
Being a historian for his time, Luke opens his book by stating that he has done much research into "the things that have been accomplished among us" (Luke 1:1 ESV). For a historian such as Luke to state this is kind of a big deal. He has the utmost confidence that what he has wrote is what really happened and this confidence can be "rubbed off" onto believers such as myself. To have someone who wasn't part of the Jewish customs, a gentile, to proclaim that everything that Jesus did for us as absolute truth is pretty radical.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite verses would have to be Luke 10:19 (ESV) and the parable of the wicked tenants where Jesus quotes a Psalm in Luke 20:17 (ESV). The first verse really gives me confidence to trust in the Lord because of the power he has given to me. Man, it's really something with what we're capable of through the power God has graciously given us. And in the second verse where Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22 really reiterates that the world may reject us but God has a plan for us and because of him we may become someone vital to God's plan.
Yes, Jesus is the fulfillment of Ps.118:22- the stone the builders rejected has become the capstone. Just as He was rejected by men, yet chosen of God, so are we. see 1 Peter 2:4-10.
DeletePlease give me your thoughts on Luke 10:19 contrasted with 21:16 and Acts 12:1-2. Thanks!
It was great to go through Luke in Feb and now we are ready to jump into 1 & 2Corinthians in March. Luke is very detailed and writes more as a historian/reporter than a participant, although he did serve in the church and went on mission trips with Paul. It's interesting how the Lord uses different personalities, abilities, and styles. A lot of different instruments make up the orchestra. Luke 1:1-4 gives us an intro that acknowledges other people have written (v. 1-2), Luke has done his homework (v. 3), and the person who is receiving this letter is named (v. 3). I underlined many verses in Luke and here is one: "Then Jesus said to Simon, 'Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.' " (5:10) The Lord takes regular people, changes them, and uses them to do his work. What an amazing thing that we not only receive forgiveness but we get to join in the life-changing, destiny-shaping, eternal work of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteYes Mike- "What an amazing thing that we not only receive forgiveness but we get to join in the life-changing, destiny-shaping, eternal work of Jesus." These words of yours brought an "Amen" to my lips. How greatly God has used you in this.
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ReplyDelete1. It gives me confidence to know that Luke is regarded as a “top-notch” historian. The points that stand out to me are 1. Luke was a Gentile, not a Jew. 2. Luke was a doctor. In an age when doctors and scientists are trying refute the existence of God I find this to be very interesting. As a doctor Luke was interested in the details. He was also well-learned and his gospel follows a chronological narrative based on the accounts of eyewitnesses (vs. 2). Scholars are fairly confident about when the gospel of Luke was written, and we know from the preface the reason which was to provide Theophilus with an orderly account (vs. 3). We know who wrote the book and we even know enough about the author to give us reason to believe that his research was thorough. This results in the gospel of Luke fitting all the standards of a strong secondary source according to my research writing class from two semesters.
ReplyDelete2. “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:49 I liked this verse because it shows the closeness between the Son and the Father. He had to be in his father’s house or about his father’s business. Jesus knew who he was from the beginning and he knew his purpose.
-Sarah Heidekrueger
Excellent Sarah! I knew it would be. Glad to have you as an NGL. You will enrich us all.
ReplyDelete1. Luke's historical credibility is validated by Paul. The relationship that they formed was an advantage for Luke to meet and interview intimate people close to Christ and the events surrounding. He is a an excellent historian that checked and compared data from records in and around the life of Christ. Luke's friendship with Paul brought in close evidence with fellow members of the group of Christ and the people that organized against Him since Paul was on both sides of the spectrum. Not only this, but his education in being a physician gives him a more in depth understanding of studying and analyzing. Luke's accountability with Paul and his professional skills enrich the text with sufficient evidence for accurate accounts.
ReplyDelete2. Luke 4:1 and 2. Jesus was lead by the Spirit into the wilderness where he was faced by a TRIAL. He was lead into a situation that was difficult but also able to be defeated. He used scripture to defuse it but it is interesting that this encounter even happened. Why is this included. This text serves as an umbilical cord to us in a reminder of His humanity. The argument of peccabillity and impeccability sits here but the fact remains that He conquered sin. He was tested and triumphant.
Thanks Ken!
ReplyDelete