“How would you like to grow spiritually while on the race?”
This was a question that was asked a lot when I first left on the race. After some time of thinking, I decided that I want to leave this race looking and sounding more like Jesus.
I want to see others and immediately view them with the love he has for them.
I want to think thoughts that reflect Philippians 4:8.
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”
I want to be eager to serve those around me without hesitation.
I want to speak life and hope into those around me.
I want him to be able to use me to perform his miracles.
I want to be his hands and feet here on earth.
I want to die to myself so that he may be able to live within me.
I want to think, talk, and act in a manner that best represents Christ.
In John 14:12, Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
Therefore, I have decided to do an in depth study on Jesus’ life. It will highlight passages in the Gospel in chronological order. I would love for you to follow along with me by subscribing to my newest series, “How HE Loved”.
1. Luke’s purpose in writing
– Luke 1:1-4
Luke’s Gospel is concerned with accurately depicting the life of Jesus Christ so that we may be certain that what is written is true. Christianity isn’t focused on closing your eyes and believing. Christianity wants you to examine and investigate the information thoroughly to verify its truth. The foundation of Christianity is truth and love. Luke did not personally meet Jesus but he relied heavily on others eyewitness accounts. Have confidence that Luke’s Gospel was written by a clear and thoughtful researcher.
Luke 1: 3 “Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you…”
God reveals very specific aspects of himself to all of us. Do not simply take what you know about God and store it in your mind; but rather, share it to others so that they may better understand God. Christianity should be personal but never private. Do not let the Devil intimidate you with the lie that you do not know enough about God to share with others. Have a bold faith and share what you do know is true. If Luke never shared the facts that he had gathered, then we would have many less accounts of Jesus’ life. God has gifted you with knowledge about him. Steward this knowledge well by sharing it with those around you. Personally, this verse gives me the confidence to share this devotional series with you.
Luke 1:3-4 “… most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”
Theophilus means “one who loves God”. While Theophilus may have funded the development of Luke’s Gospel, we can also read it as a personal dedication to all of Christ’s followers. Luke wrote his Gospel specifically for you and me to read thousands of years later.
