SCRIP-BITS

Luke 1:4.    That thou mighest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
 
Ah mih old Friends, it’s Friday… And there’s an instantaneous shout: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday yes!’ Ah have to laugh, because after all the church going and heavy partying of last weekend, the work week must have been a tad on the rough side, and therefore everybody’s just dying for Friday to come. But it’s also Friday the 13th, Black Friday, you say. So what? We’ve just finished celebrating Good Friday and Easter Sunday, no evil spirit can touch or even come close to us now, cause we’re basking in the glory of a resurrected Christ, our Lord and Saviour! Just the joy and passion in our hearts and souls will send any evil spirit running away in fear! Remember though Friends that the weekend is not all fun and games, it’s also a time for some serious reflection on our lives. And to get us rounded out, let’s chant our Friday Chant like we mean it. I know the physical enthusiasm level is a bit low, but the spiritual zest is high, and combined with the spiritual strength of Jesus, we can surely roust the angels in heaven (smile) All together now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ Well that ought to raise the level of whatever was low and give us the right perspective for the weekend. So let’s turn to our Bit: ‘That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.’ Oh my people, that comes from the introduction of Luke’s gospel, where he sets out his reasons and otherwise for writing it. ‘Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration (narrative) of those things which are most surely believed among us. Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of (accurately followed) all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order (an orderly account), most excellent Theophilus.’ (Luke 1:1-3) Luke was a medical man; ‘the beloved physician,’ as Bruh Paul calls him in Col.4:14. He was not an eyewitness to Christ’s ministry, but associated with some who were, and also had access to written accounts of it and figured there was need to produce a comprehensive account of the whole thing. The scholars explain it best: ‘Luke states his purpose and method. He wants to supplement Theophilus’s knowledge of the grounds of Christian certainty. He also wants to give his own summation of the gospel events which, already in Luke’s time, are being committed to writing by various authors. As to method, Luke combines his knowledge of other writings with the eyewitness testimony of people he knows. He also lays claim to a comprehensive understanding, not only of historical data, but also of its theological significance. Theophilus means ‘Friend of God.’ By the way Luke addresses him he appears to have been a man of high standing.’ Yes Friends, though nobody knows who Theophilus was, luckily for us Luke had the desire to give him a sure foundation, strong groundings in the Word of Christ, which he must have heard of in his daily walk. Luke also mentions Theophilus in Acts 1:1, so he must have thought him worthy enough to pen two books; Luke and Acts, to show Theo that all the talk about Jesus was really real, and also to boost his faith, if he was a believer. Luke must certainly have been close to some of the old disciples and Bruh Paul, if the latter could call him ‘beloved.’ He must have also witnessed some of the stuff he writes in Acts. My purpose to day Friends, is the same as that of Luke to Theo; to tell us of the certainty of the things we’ve heard and been taught about Christ, and to encourage us to read, understand and use the gospels in our daily lives, so that we can back up and verify the teachings and our personal knowledge. That is the only way in which we can truly become knowledgeable about the life and times of Christ, the Saviour who we claim to follow. Thus when asked about our faith, why we believe, we can have a good and sure answer. And we’ll close with some meaningful words from one of the eyewitness to Jesus’ story, the beloved disciple, John. ‘And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through (in) his name.’ (John 20:30-31) And here’s an appropriate note from the scholars: ‘John tells us here he wrote the gospel for purposes of conversion, that ye might believe, and of sanctification, that ye might have life.’ Oh Friends, therefore let’s be wise nuh; let’s read the gospels and believe, so that we might be sanctified and enjoy all the other benefits of being a follower of Christ! Much LOVE!…to believe…to have faith…to hope for that we see not…to truly live for Jesus…is the most worthwhile earthly life we can ever live…