Daily Word - The Gospel Of Luke Introduction

Congratulations! If you've made it through the book of Matthew with us - and thank you for joining us. If you missed some or all of the book of Matthew don't worry because we are going to move right into the gospel of Luke. I often hear statements like "God is nature" and "God is this and God is that" and "I wonder what God thinks about this or that, I wonder what God would think of this or that?" and "I wonder how I can get closer to God?" (run-sentence I know) - Here's the point - Colossians 1:15-20 answers those questions for us. Let's take a look:

15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Did you see it? He (Jesus Christ) is the IMAGE of the invisible God. If He is the image of the invisible God then we can better understand the character and nature of God by studying the life of Jesus. Paul also goes on to explain in verses 19 and 20 that Jesus "reconciled" us to God through the shedding of His blood on the cross. If we pay attention to the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) Christ himself will tell us exactly HOW we can have a closer relationship with the living God. Isn't this awsome? THIS is why I really do enjoy reading and studying the Bible! I now have a relationship with God, the one who made me, the one who created the heavens and the earth! I am not ashamed to tell you that I am excited about this and to invite you to discuss it. LET US NOT WASTE ANY MORE TIME! LET'S TALK ABOUT IT! Tomorrow morning we will get started on the gospel of Luke and we'll probably camp out there until around the middle of June. Be thinking about what you would like to study after that. We can study some other books but I'll give you a hint about what you're going to find.....It all points in one direction.
I love you all and I have enjoyed going through the book of Matthew with you.
Now, let's dive into the book of Luke....I'll see you bright and early in the morning.