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The Book of Luke- Introduction

Luke 1:1-4

Luke starts with the Birth of Jesus then he works his way through the life of Jesus and ends with the ascension of Jesus. Much like in our own lives we must be born of Christ, live for Christ and then we will ascend to heaven and be with Christ. This is a thought by thought study of the Book of Luke it will not follow the outline or restrictions of chapter and verse divisions.  Each post will be confined to about 500 words for quick reading.

Luke was written from the perspective of a physician about the great physician himself Jesus. Written around the early to late 60’s B.C.. Christ Jesus is introduced to us here as the Son of Man. The great Christmas story heard so often is found in the second book of this recording of the life of our dear Savior.  Written from the view of a Gentile to a gentile world Luke unravels the gospel through the life of Jesus and introduces us to others as well. The Gospel account of Luke is written to be clear and concise understandable and applicable lessons from Christ. A quick outline of the Book could look as this

I. The Introduction of the Son of Man

II The Ministry of the Son of Man

III. . The rejection of the Son of Man

IV. The Crucifixion and Resurrection of the Son of Man.

 

Luke 1:1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,  2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;  3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,  4 That thou mightiest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

Our first thought is found in the first sentence. Luke recognizes that others have come along and written about the life of Christ but he has concerns that the story may not be right. He will “set forth in order” the “eyewitness” account of the ministry of Christ. This is truer today than ever before. How easy is to start a blog, getting a following and mis-teach and mis-lead people? We can easily read others writings and think that they are Godly when in fact they are not. Everything must be washed through the Word to find the truth. Facebook updates and tweets from a little bird can quickly mislead. We must know the Word to be discerning. “That thou mightiest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.” Oh be careful what is read and heard concerning the things of Christ. One can easily be misled. Eve for example was perfect yet given a choice went the wrong direction with just a few words from a serpent.

Question? How do you chose what you read for daily devotions? 

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Who’s Next?

This week at Grace Baptist Church we held our 67th anniversary revival services. The guest speaker was Dr John N. Hamblin. e is from Detroit, MI. For 32 years he has traveled this country preaching up a storm. I first heard him preach at Open Door Baptist Church three years ago. It was a night I will never forget. He was part of a tag team preaching team with my pastor Dr. Green. Dr Hamblin’s message was “The School of Storms”, and Dr Green preached on “What we find in the upper room”. Both of these are on the top ten best ever sermons I have heard.

I admire both my pastor and Dr Hamblin. They have stood up for the fundamentals of Baptist teaching (Biblical) through all the changes the past 30 years has brought. Just think of the world 30 years ago. I was here then but don’t remember much more than an easy bake oven and snakes in the garden.

I have heard Dr Green tell a story of Dr. Hyman Appleman and how he asked God to carry his mantle after he is gone. In the Bible Joshua shows us this. He took the mantle from Moses and carried the next generation of Israelites into the promise land. It is very Biblical to prepare for the next generation.

I was just talking with my son and he mentioned this. I told him in a year or so from now I pray to be in full-time ministry serving in some capacity. He was excited that he would be the third generation to preach. My father is currently pasturing and the Lord will lead me where he wants me as well. This will be two generations of Mann’s preaching the Word in a dark World.  Pray with me that Micah to be called into full-time ministry. Three generation of preachers would be a great testimony of God’s grace.

My pastor has retirement on his calendar of time, the date is unknown but when it arrives it will not be a surprise. He has faithful served God through Grace for many decades and it soon will be time for new leadership. When he does step down, a pulpit committee will come together and choice a candidate to recommend a man or two or more to the church to be the next pastor. It really isn’t a huge deal, Pastor Green will fade into the background and serve God in a new way and another man will step up to lead Grace. But what committee is there to replace Dr Hamblin and other great revivalist preachers. Where is the group of men that will choose him? While Dr Hamblin isn’t old by any means he is at the top of life age wise and not getting younger. He still has many bicycle kicks left I am sure. But who will travel and stir the saint when he retires?

Who will sacrifice normal for the heavenly? Who will stand and carry the truths of the Word that we fundamentally hold true. I have prayed about missions. I have prayed about pasturing, I haven’t prayed for God to open doors as an evangelist. Maybe I will. Maybe God will. This I do know I would rather hide under a rock and die than not serve Jesus. I have run from God and it was not fun. My path to serve Jesus hasn’t been revealed to me. Now as I pray for direction I will be including a wider range of service. Please pray with me as I complete my schooling this year that the area of service will be made clear to me. In the mean while I will pray for Pastor Green and the next steps God is preparing him for and for the safety of Dr Hamblin as he fly’s around this part of the globe preaching up a storm. And for my generation to stand up grab the flag pole of freedom found only in Christ. That we might wave it high and not lay it down to the political pressures of the world. May Christ be lifted high! May my children have a Fundamental heritage left to care about.