Looking with Luke

On Sunday we started a new series in Luke's gospel and I've not been this excited about a new series for a while.

It's partly getting back to some systematic exposition where the bible really sets the agenda, where we don't pick and choose the bits we want to expound - we just do the next bit (pastorally that's really helpful because you avoid people saying: "Ahhh, you picked that text because of what I told you last week" - "No, actually it's just the next bit....but funny how God knows you're life....!")

It's also because I know we need to look closely at Jesus so that we might be certain of what we're being called to....which interestingly is the exact same reason that Luke says he's writing his book. He wants Theophilus to be sure that following Jesus is worth all that's it's inevitably going to cost a man of his stature and position. Luke says "I've investigated, I've looked carefully, I've interviewed people I've not just relied on others, I've done the leg work myself, and I've done it so that you can know that Jesus is worth everything." We owe Luke a tremendous amount . This humble, self effacing , intelligent, thorough man has contributed more to the New Testament than any one else (knocking out even more text than Paul!)

I'm excited! Looking forward to part 2 this w/e.

To listen to last Sunday click here: http://lymingtonbaptist.org/sermons.html

Here are some of the points raised and the questions we asked ourselves:

In pain but not in despair (5-7) what’s ultimate for you?
God sees and hears… (8-17) where are you struggling to believe?
I am Old……...I am Gabriel (18-19) I am_________ I am Jesus
God disciplines His children (20-22) how is God trying to get your attention?
God removes our disgrace (23-25) will you reach out to Him in faith?