Salvation Has Come to All Nations: A Study of Luke’s Gospel

Whether you’re a new or mature Christian, I am sure you have questions about the Christian faith. Maybe you even have doubts about some things you’ve been taught. Well, you’re in good company. Theophilus was likely a gentile Christian who may also have been a Roman official. Luke wrote his gospel to reassure Theophilus that what he had been taught about Jesus and salvation was true. As I said on Sunday, we can be certain concerning what we have been taught from the Bible about Jesus and his salvation. That is the purpose of Luke’s gospel. To reassure us of the truthfulness of the gospel accounts. 
 
The Basis of Our Certainty 
What is the basis of our certainty, according to Luke? Others had already written eyewitness accounts about what had been accomplished among them (1:1). I take Luke to be talking about the apostles, primarily. Jesus promised to give them the Spirit, and he would teach them all truth. The apostles received the revelation from the Father that Jesus is the Christ (Matthew 16:16-20). This is why the early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42).  
 
But these apostles also had companions that traveled with them and assisted them in their ministry. So, for example, John Mark, who wrote the Gospel of Mark, wrote his gospel based on Peter’s eyewitness account. Scholars also agree that there was a collection of Jesus’ sayings written down. These eyewitness accounts were written down and distributed (1:2).  
 
Then, Luke, for his part as a faithful historian, wrote his gospel as an orderly, eyewitness account based on his travels with the apostle Paul, the gospel of Mark, and, likely, eyewitness interviews (1:3). The purpose of his writing was to reassure Theophilus that what he had been taught about Jesus and his salvation was trustworthy and true.  
 
We too can be certain about what we’ve been taught from the Bible concerning Jesus and his salvation because it is based on eyewitness accounts written for us by the apostles and their companions under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:16-21). This is why we also must devote ourselves to the apostles’ teaching: both individually in personal devotions (Bible reading, study, memorization) and corporate gatherings where we sing, read, pray, hear, preach, and see the gospel word. 
 
What questions or doubts do you have concerning what you’ve been taught about Jesus and salvation? Over the next year or so, we will dig deep into Luke’s gospel to answer your questions and address your doubts. This is why Luke wrote his gospel. So, join us! And bring others who also have questions and doubts. 
 
NOTE: Go by the book stall in the foyer and pick up a free Luke Scripture Journal. These journals contain the gospel of Luke and offer a page for notetaking. They will be available until we run out.

Resources of the Week

• Recommended Resources for Studying Luke: 
  • Study Luke: A Conversation with Thomas Schreiner 
  • Book Recommendation: Can We Trust the Gospels by Peter Williams 

 

• How an Australian Church Is Changing Christian Songwriting (A Podcast about CityAlight) 

 

• Missions: A Passion to Win the Lost by Michael A. G. Haykin 

 

• Song of the Month: Who Is This So Weak and Helpless?  

Re:Connecting Around the Gospel Marriage Workshop | Saturday, December 7 | 8:30 AM to 12 PM 
This workshop is for any married couple to attend together. The workshop will present biblical wisdom then provide time for couples to reflect, process and pray together. We are planning to provide childcare. Click here to register.
 
Women’s Ministry Annual Christmas Brunch | Saturday, December 14 from 10 AM to 12 PM
Ladies, please plan to join the women at our annual Christmas brunch! Aimee Barnes will be speaking. Click here to register.
 
Meaningful Membership Class | Sunday, January 12 | 1:15 PM to 4:30 PM in the Old Choir Room
If you’re interested in learning more about High Pointe or pursuing membership with High Pointe, please mark your calendars Membership Class. This class will cover three main questions: What is the church and why should I join, what does High Pointe believe, and what do we expect of church members at High Pointe. Click here to register.
 
Life Classes
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and join us. Childcare is available for ages 8 months through Pre-K. This session, we are offering the following classes from August 25 to December 5:

• THIS WEEK all English-speaking life classes will begin a three-week class focusing on advent 
• Kids Life Class:  For children K–5th grade  
• Spanish Life Class | Discipulado: Principios y Prácticas
   

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:  

• December 1 | Luke 1:5-38 | Nothing is Impossible with God, Pastor Juan 
• December 8 | Luke 1:39-56 | Christmas Praise, Pastor Juan 
• December 15 | Luke 1:57-80 | Christmas Preparations, Pastor Juan 
• December 22 | Luke 2:1-21 | Christmas Joy, Pastor Juan 
• December 29 | Luke 2:22-52 | What Child is This?, Pastor Juan 
• January 5 | Luke 3:1-20 | What Does Repentance Look Like? 

 
Begin praying as you prepare to gather with us this Sunday at 10:00 am.
 
Gospel Partner of the Month: Reaching and Teaching International Ministries – B.M.
Reaching & Teaching International Ministries (RTIM) seeks to advance the gospel by partnering with local churches as they send qualified missionaries to make mature disciples, establish healthy churches, and train local leaders around the world.
 
You may know of RTIM because we sent Davey and Callie Davis and Jonathan and Elizabeth Painter through this sending organization. This month, we want to highlight our support for B.M. B and his wife served for seven years as missionaries in Central Asia, working in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. After returning to the US, B spent six years as a global trainer, traveling around the world to equip international church leaders for ministry. He desires to see the gospel spread and churches established among the nations of Central Asia. B is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife have three children.  
 
On-Call Pastor
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours and on weekends. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.