Luke wrote his Gospel to a friend of God to help deepen his faith in Jesus Christ. The goal of this blog is to accomplish the same thing as Luke.
If you prefer to listen to the blog, please go to the Bob Spradling YouTube channel for a daily discussion of the passages. Rudy Ross and I produce an 8-10 minute video on the topic.
Good News for a Friend of God
Ancient communication was written on a parchment scroll. Like a modern book, a quick preview of the book was included in the first lines that would be visible to the reader.
— The author
— The intended reader
— A brief summary of the message
Luke began his Gospel with this in mind.
Luke 1.1-4 – Since many have undertaken to set down an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us,
Just as they were handed on to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word,
I too decided, after investigating everything carefully from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
So that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed.
Luke omitted his name as the writer of the Gospel but gave recognition to other people who had compiled accounts of the life and impact of Jesus Christ.
Theophilus was the intended reader of the Gospel. Theophilus means “friend of God” or “lover of God.” He may have been a single individual or a representative of people who were friends and lovers of God.
Whether Theophilus was a single individual or a representative, millions of people have benefited from Luke’s Gospel over the centuries.
Luke’s goal of providing truth that supports faith has been effective since first-century readers began reading his document.
Meditation and Application
Please consider two questions as you meditate and apply the first four verses of Luke to your life.
(1) Luke wrote to a friend and lover of God (Theophilus) and declared his purpose: “So that you may know the truth concerning the things about which you have been instructed” (Verse 4).
For over 50 years the Bible and prayer have charted the course of my life. I have trusted the record of God’s activity to guide monumental and small decisions.
I am confident that I will enjoy the abundance of heaven when my time on earth is finished, based on what I have read in the Bible.
Please spend some time today and ask yourself this question: “Why do I think the Bible is so reliable that I can trust my life to its message?”
(2) Luke researched and wrote a book to help Theophilus deepen his faith. Please meditate on this question.
“How do my words and actions help other people deepen their faith in Jesus Christ?”
Daily Prayer
Please take a minute and re-read today’s Bible passage.
— Talk to God about what you have read.
— Ask him if there are any adjustments you need to make in your life.
— Turn the passage into a prayer.
My Prayer
My prayer from this passage involved today’s blog and the video Rudy and I produce.
Dear God, please help me speak and act so that other people trust you more. Please use the blog and video to increase the faith of people who come in contact with it.
Your Prayer
If you have a prayer request, please email me at bsprad49@gmail.com or private message me on Facebook. The Maywood prayer team is honored to pray for you.
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