Written to Know the Certainty - Luke 1:4

The Physician Luke wrote, “Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration 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 all things from the very first, to write unto you in order, most excellent Theophilus, ...”, and in chapter one and verse four of his book Luke shares how he wrote these things so “Theophilus” “might know the certainty of those things, where we read:

That you might know the certainty of those things, wherein you have been instructed.

The verse reads, “That you might know the certainty of those things, ...” Luke began with the words, “that you might know” or “so Theophilus could become thoroughly acquainted with and accurately recognize”, “the certainty of those things” which means “the stability, firmness, undoubted truth, security and safety of things declared about Jesus”. Luke shared how he wrote the following account to “Theophilus” so he would “know accurately” concerning the following.

The verse goes on to say, “... wherein you have been instructed.” Luke continued with the words, “wherein you” which means “in which Theophilus” “have been instructed” or “was informed by word of mouth or orally indoctrinated”. Luke shared how he was directing his words toward what “Theophilus” was previously exposed to concerning teachings about Jesus.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we discover more of the reason why Luke wrote these words to “Theophilus”. Luke desired to have “Theophilus” “understand accurately and truthfully” the “information” previously given to him. So as to clear up any questions of “certainty” concerning the events surrounding Jesus, Luke was to share “eyewitness” accounts about His life. God is the true “author” of the scriptures, and as He inspired Luke to write these words, we can be assured that He desires for us to learn about His Son Jesus so we may believe in Him and have a personal relationship with God. As we learn from Luke the “certain” account of Jesus' life, let us look to the Lord Jesus to reveal to us the “truth” of His word by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Next time Luke shares about, “Zacharias” and “Elizabeth”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Written to Theophilus - Luke 1:3

Luke the physician wrote, “Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration 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”, and in chapter one and verse three of his book Luke shares how he wrote these things to, “Theophilus”, where we read:

It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first,

to write unto you in order, most excellent Theophilus,

The verse reads, “It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, ...” Luke began with the words, “it seemed good to me also” or “Luke accounted and judged that is was well and in like manner indeed”, “having had perfect understanding” which means “knowing, understanding, investigating and examining thoroughly accurately, circumspectly and diligently” “of all things from the very first” or “pertaining to each, every, the whole and everything from the origin, beginning and initiation of Jesus' life”. Luke shared how he was convinced that he also, since he knew accurately the events concerning the origin of Jesus, should share the following words.

The verse continues, “... to write unto you in order, most excellent Theophilus,” Luke added the words, “to write unto you” which means “to delineate or form in letters on a tablet, parchment, paper or other material” “in order” or “one after another, successfully and consecutively”, “most excellent Theophilus” which refers to “the mighty, strong, noble, most illustrious and best Theophilus which means friend of God”. Luke shared how he desired to “write” to “Theophilus” whom he deemed as “strong and most illustrious”.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn to whom this book was written. “Theophilus” could have been Luke's master since physicians were usually owned as servants in those days, and there are others who believe “Theophilus” was the church as a whole since his name means “friend of God”. Either way, we are able to read Luke's account of Jesus Christ, and as we discover what he has to say about Jesus, we will learn that God desires to have a personal relationship with every person who will believe and trust in His Son Jesus as their “Savior and Lord”. As we study together, let us enjoy this personal account presented to “Theophilus” by Luke the beloved servant “physician”.

Next time Luke shares how he wrote these things so “Theophilus”, “might know the certainty of those things, wherein you have been instructed”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Eyewitnesses - Luke 1:2

The Beloved Physician Luke wrote, “Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, and in chapter one and verse two of the gospel according to Luke, Luke shared about people who, “from them beginning were eyewitnesses”, where we read:

Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses,

and ministers of the word;

The verse reads, “Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, ...”. Luke began with the words, “even as they delivered them unto us” or “indeed, also and most certainly people committed, commended and gave verbally to Luke and his fellow believers”, “which from the beginning” which means “who from the initial origin and start of the life of Jesus” “were eyewitnesses” or “existed as those who saw with their own eyes and gave detailed examination and testimony of Jesus' life”. Luke shared how he gained the testimony and witness of people who were with Jesus from the initiation of His appearance.

The verse goes on to say, “... and ministers of the word;” Luke continued with the words, “and ministers” which means “and servants, under-rowers and subordinate officers and attendants” “of the word” or “pertaining to the sayings, decrees, mandates and orders of God”. Luke shared how the people from whom Luke gained witness were also “servants and attendants” to God's “mandates and decrees” concerning His Son Jesus.

When we consider Luke's words in this verse, we see how he identifies the people from whom he received testimony about Jesus' life. Those who gave their “eyewitness” accounts were involved in Jesus' life from the beginning and became His “attendants” as He ministered on the earth. God's desire is for all people to know His Son Jesus in a personal way, and by believing and trusting in Him as their personal “Savior and Lord”, they shall not only be a “witness” to His ministry in their lives, but also attend to Him and His word. May all who read these words know and understand what Luke is attempting to convey.

Next time Luke shares how he wrote these things to, “Theophilus”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

The Beginning of the Gospel of Luke - Luke 1:1

Luke was known as the “beloved physician” who recorded the events in Jesus' life according to interviews with people who knew Jesus and saw Him minister. Luke joined Paul the Apostle in his missionary journeys, (See Acts 16:10 since Luke also wrote the book of Acts), and became a follower of Jesus Christ. In chapter one and verse one of the gospel according to Luke, Luke shared how he set out to write, “a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us”, where we read:

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration

of those things which are most surely believed among us,

The verse reads, “Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration ...” Luke began with the word, “forasmuch” or “seeing that, since, indeed and because” “as many have taken in hand” which means “a number of people have undertaken or attempted” “to set forth in order” or “to arrange, compose or put together” “a declaration” which means “a narration or narrative”. Luke shared how he knew other people who “attempted” to present a “narrative” about the following events and people.

The verse continues, “... of those things which are most surely believed among us,” Luke added the words, “of those things” which means “of the deeds, business, matters or affairs” “which are most surely believed” or “that certainly have been persuasive, convicting and assuring” “among us” which refers to “Luke and his companions”. Luke shared how he desired to give an account of the “matters” which had convinced and persuaded he and his fellow companions to “believe”.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we see how this “Beloved Physician Luke” desired to present a record of the events and people in whom they “believed”. The role of a “physician” in those days was not as they are today. Many of them were “servants” and were actually “owned” by someone to provide services which would keep that owner well. Physicians were known to have “studying and writing” skills, and there is no doubt Luke was afforded the opportunities to learn them. Luke, even as God the Father, desires for people to know about Jesus Christ and His purpose and plan for mankind. Those who carefully study Luke's words will find that he not only “believed” in Jesus, but he desired for those who read his “gospel account” to “believe” in Jesus as well.

Next time Luke writes, “even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Disciples Going Forth and Preaching Everywhere - Mark 16:20

Mark wrote how Jesus said, “Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God”, and in chapter sixteen and verse twenty of his book, Mark shared how Jesus' disciples, “went forth, and preached every where”, where we read:

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them,

and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

The verse reads, “And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, ...” Mark began with the words, “And they went forth” or “and Jesus' disciples left and departed”, “and preached every where” which means “and heralded, proclaimed and published openly in all places”, “the Lord” or “the one to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding, master and the title given to God the Messiah” “working with them” which means “helping, partnering and putting forth power together with the disciples”. Mark shared how Jesus' disciples departed and began to “herald” the “gospel” every where they went, and the “Lord” “helped” them as they went.

The verse goes on to say, “... and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.” Mark continued with the words, “and confirming the word” which means “and making sure and establishing the sayings, decrees, mandates and orders of God” “with signs following” or “with marks, tokens and miracles accompanying the disciples”. Mark concluded his book with the word, “Amen” which means “so it is, so be it and may it be fulfilled”. Mark shared how the “Lord” “established” His “word” and accompanied the “preaching” of Jesus' disciples with “miracles”. Mark completed this verse with the word, “Amen” which means “let it be so”.

When we consider Mark's words in this verse, we see how the disciples of Jesus departed from His rising into the “sky” and began to share the “gospel of the Kingdom of God” every where they went. God was with them, and as they went He “established” the “word” with “miracles”. Mark completed His book with the word, “Amen” or “so be it”, and thereby we have completed our study through the Gospel according to Mark. May the Lord Jesus bless all who consider these words and yield their lives to Him as their personal “Savior and Lord”.

Next time we will begin our study in the Gospel of Luke, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Jesus Received Up into Heaven - Mark 16:19

Mark wrote how Jesus said, “Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover”, and in chapter sixteen and verse nineteen of his book, Mark shared how Jesus, “was received up into heaven”, where we read:

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven,

and sat on the right hand of God.

The verse reads, “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, ...” Mark began with the words, “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them” or “therefore and wherefore after Jesus who is the one whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding and the title given to God said what He did to His disciples”, “he was received up” which means “Jesus was taken up” “into heaven” or “into the vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it”. Mark shared how Jesus was “raised up” into the expanse of the sky after He said all these things to His disciples.

The verse continues, “... and sat on the right hand of God.” Mark added the words, “and sat” which means “and was seated” “on the right hand of God” or “on the right hand of authority which belongs to God the Father”. Mark shared how Jesus was “seated” at God's “right hand” of authority after He was “raised up” into the sky.

When we consider Mark's words in this verse, we learn that Jesus went to “heaven” to be seated at the “right side” of His Heavenly after He instructed His disciples and told them about “signs” that would follow those who “believe” in Him. Jesus' mission on the earth was completed, and access to God His Father was provided to mankind through “belief” and “trust” in Him. Those who are wise will consider all the instructions and blessings which were given by Jesus to His disciples and yield their lives to Him to become His disciple as well and have Him as their personal “Savior and Lord”.

Next time Mark shared how Jesus' disciples, “went forth, and preached every where”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Taking Up Serpents and Drinking Deadly Things - Mark 16:18

Mark wrote how Jesus said, “Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues”, and in chapter sixteen and verse eighteen of his book, Mark shared how Jesus said, “they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them”, where we read:

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;

they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

The verse reads, “They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them;” Mark began with the words, “They shall take up serpents” or “those who believe and align themselves with Jesus will raise, elevate and draw up snakes”; “and if they drink” which means “and whether those who believe and align themselves with Jesus imbibe” “any deadly thing” or “certain poisonous drinks”, “it shall not hurt them” which means “the poisonous drinks will in no way harm, injure or hinder them”. Mark shared how Jesus continued to share the “miraculous” preservation which happens to those who “believe” in Him including if they were to “raise up snakes” or “imbibe poisonous drinks”.

The verse goes on to say, “they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Mark continued with the words, “they shall lay hands on the sick” which means “the people who believe and align themselves with Jesus will also be able to put their physical hands upon those who are without strength, weak or infirm”, “and they shall recover” which means “and those who are without strength, weak or infirm” will be “healed and made good”. Mark shared how Jesus said people who “believe” in Him will put their “hands” upon people who are “ill” and the “sick” will be “healed”.

When we meditate upon Mark's words in this verse, we see how Jesus presented three more “miraculous” gifts that will be given to people who “believe” in Him. They will “take up serpents” and “drink deadly things” without harm and shall “lay hands on the sick” who will “recover”. God gives these “gifts” to “believers” in Jesus to demonstrate the power of His Kingdom and the desire for Him to have a personal relationship with every person through His Son Jesus. These manifestations of “believers” in Jesus, though temporary in nature and for the earth, shall extend an invitation to every person to yield their lives to Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord”.

Next time Mark shared how Jesus was, “received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".