It's hard to believe we're here already. We're starting simply and humbly with a small group of around 8 people in our home on Sunday mornings. No worship through song tomorrow unfortunately, but we will do so next Sunday. We're going to start Luke's Gospel together. I'm excited about it. His unique portrait of Jesus I believe will really help begin to ground us in the good news for the world about God's Son.
One New Testament scholar, Darrell Bock, who is an expert on Luke in particular, noted something interesting about the way Luke approaches showing his readers just who Jesus is and what his mission is. (Note: studying the 'person and work of Christ' is called 'Christology' by theologians.)
'Luke builds his Christology from the earth up... The Gospel starts its portrait of Jesus in categories that are familiar to Luke's readers and then moves into deeper and more elevated aspects as the story unfolds, much as a person experiences Jesus. This allows readers to grow in their understanding of who Jesus is. Luke makes his case for Jesus a step at a time... Luke tells the story in a "seeker-friendly" way. He starts with descriptions of Jesus that reveal him to be a teacher, prophet and king--all categories we understand. Only as the story progresses and deepens does it become obvious that Jesus is more than any of these categories. Hearing or reading the story one step at a time, just as it was written, allows a person to grow gradually in his or her understanding and appreciation of Jesus. Too often we try to tell the story all at once and thereby overwhelm some who are just getting to know Jesus. Luke gently takes us on the journey one step at a time. There are hints of the finish, but he reveals them in such a way that the joy of discovering Jesus resembles that of finding a lost treasure.'
-Darrell L. Bock, Luke (1994), IVP, pp. 21-23
I think this will be really good for us, to sort of 're-discover' Jesus through an inductive narrative that takes us on a step by step journey of growing and deepening in our knowledge of God through Christ. I trust that God's Holy Spirit will meet with us in worship through the exploration of his gracious word and fellowship together.
I am truly encouraged and thankful that God has led you thus far, and from the Gospel He has given you to build your ministry upon from the beginning I can get a glimpse of your vision, and will keep you the fellowship in prayer.
ReplyDeleteHad God not led me back to my home Church in Cumbernauld, this is where I would have loved to have grown.
God bless
Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers, Stuart! Let's get together soon if you can.
ReplyDeleteHey My Guy
ReplyDeleteSo blessed to hear that you are getting things started with the man eating church plant tomorrow, wow it seems to have come round fast. We will be praying for you, especially tomorrow. Excited to hear that you are keeping it roots (Biblical roots that is!). Peace
Thanks, Dave!
ReplyDeleteaweosme...we're going through john with some of your youth...the gospels are amazing at introducing jesus...
ReplyDeleteCool, Jake. Is that at Horizon?
ReplyDeleteYeah, the Gospels are definitely great for that, especially through a dramatic, engrossing narrative full of tension, comedy, tragedy, action, adventure, wonder and joy. If you're not a bit shocked and blown away and gripped by a close look at Jesus, I'm just not sure you're paying attention.
no not at horizon i run a non-profit/church in brazil indiana....called s.o.s. ...we work with at risk troubled youth...be a fan on facebook...yeah man, the gospels....
ReplyDeleteRight, that sounds like a good work, Jake. I 'liked' it on fb.
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