'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.’ (Luke 1:1-4)
Summary: God wants us to love the gospel and hand it on
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The passion of Luke, born of the Spirit, has caused the gospel story to spread throughout this world. Luke has the heart of a pastor and evangelist. He wants Theophilus and all saints to be strengthened, but he also wants unbelievers to come to faith. The gospel - the story of Jesus - was first handed on by ‘the first eyewitnesses and servants of the word’ and Luke was of the second-generation who were seeking to do the same. Generally, a generation is considered to be about 25-30 years, which means that there have been around 80-100 generations since the time of Jesus; and may we, like the first, be active in passing on the gospel. Our lives are to be like a relay race where we receive the baton of the gospel and pass on the baton. It’s vital that we don’t drop it or just hold on to it.
As followers of Jesus, we should be willing to share the good news of Jesus with others, just as Luke did. Luke used his skills in investigation and writing in order to help others to know about Jesus. How can we use our gifts and opportunities to help people to know Christ? Can we use art, write, music, social media, YouTube… Added to this, we can all share our testimony, invite others to church, and be a witness for Christ in our words and actions.
Response
How can we, like Luke, use the gifts and opportunities that we have to pass on the gospel?
It begins with faithful prayer for people and opportunities.
Secondly, to be effective we must be alert to the opportunities that come our way.
To be effective we should prayerfully consider how each of us can use the gifts and opportunities that we have.
COMMUNITY GROUP NOTES AND STUDY
1. NOTICES
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. ICEBREAKER
What has God been speaking to you about from His Word this week and how has this helped you / affected your life?
3. STUDY AND PRAY TOGETHER
Please read Luke 1:1-9
Did anything strike you or did God speak to you from any particular aspect of Sunday's message?
From today's text, what is the reason given from Luke writing this gospel?
List all the things that today's text tells us about Jesus.
List the various applications and responses one could make to today's text.
How do you plan to respond?
SIV - What does this introduction to Luke say about our mission?
SIV - How and with who are you seeking SIV - Serve, Invest and Invite?
Pray together - Spend some time in prayer together out of today's study or/and in regard to seeking to reach our communities for Christ.