Investigators of Truth

Reading: Luke 1:1-4
“The book of Luke starts off with Luke giving his friend, Theophilus, a heads up. He advises Theophilus - “Many people have written about the events that took place among us. They used as their source material the reports circulating among us from the early disciples and other eyewitnesses of what God has done in fulfillment of His promises. Having carefully investigated all of these accounts from the beginning, I have decided to write a careful summary for you, to reassure you of the truth of all you were taught.”

Luke is telling Theophilus not to depend on “hearsay” or words of men for Truth, but to go directly to God in prayer and His Word to find Truth for himself. As Luke instructs Theophilus, we as Christ’s followers are also instructed to do this. Whether you here a sermon in church, are discussing spiritual things with a friend, or reading these devotionals I send out, we need to be searching Scripture for ultimate Truth and asking for God to give us wisdom. Make sure what you are hearing and considering lines up with what God says.

I also want to point out that Luke mentioned that he carefully investigated everything (from the beginning) so he could know and discern the certainty of things he was taught. This is a great example to follow! Christianity doesn’t say, “Close your eyes and believe,” but rather, “Check it out for yourself.” The Bible encourages us to investigate its claims throughout (John 1:46; 21:24; Acts 17:11,12) because our conclusions about Jesus is a life-and-death matter. Because the Gospel is founded on historical truth, our spiritual growth must involve careful, disciplined, and thorough investigation of God’s Word so that we can understand how God has acted in history.

I wrote on this topic tonight because I am guilty of just accepting truth as TRUTH even before checking it with Scripture or praying about it. My friends are great at holding me accountable for this! For instance, often they’ll give me their opinion on something in the Bible, but then remind me that it is only their opinion and to go back to God’s Word to check it for myself. It’s so neat to see how God has blessed me with such great friends, as Luke was for Theophilus!! :-D

So if you’re not sure where to start, I recommend going to Luke 1 and starting there! But any of the Gospels are always a great place to start. :)

I pray that the Lord will continue to open your eyes when you read His Word and open your ears as well to help you discern the Truth. May we use the minds God has blessed us with so that we may be investigators of Truth!

Have a great day and God bless!
<3 Shannon

“Get Up and Walk” by Bethany Dillon  Not quite related to today’s message, but it is a great song!!
http://www.myspace.com/bethanydillonmusic
All you have to do is press play on the media player :)