Availability of scriptures to early Christians
Today we have an infinite number of Bibles and translations.Before the Gutenberg Bible (1454), only hand-written copiesHandwritten copies cost several years’ salary.Did churches have complete Bibles?Most experienced Scripture through sermons and readings.Application to our study
Early Christians heard the word read.Early Christians would remember the principles taught.Emphasis on “doing it” – Luke 8:21Women / parable of debtors (Luke 7:36-50)
Sinful woman, wash feet with tearsPharisee criticalTwo debtors, small / large amount forgivenDebtor with largest debt loves more.Woman had great sin, great love.Principle: Great love results in great forgiveness.Parable of the sower (Luke 8:4-15)
(Seed is word of God)Road (no root, devil takes away)Rocky (shallow root, believe then fell)Thorny (root, choked by worries, riches, and pleasures of life)Good soil (firm root, held and shared)Principle: The condition of our heart determines the effectiveness of God’s word in our lives.Parable of the lamp (Luke 8:16-21)
Principle: We have a responsibility to let God’s light shine, share the good news.Jesus stills the sea (Luke 8:22-25)
Principle: Have faith in Jesus. He has power over nature.Demonic cured (Luke 8:26-39)
Principle: Have faith in Jesus. He has power over demons.Jairus / woman with hemorrhage (Luke 8:40-56 / Mark 5:21-43)
Principle: Have faith in Jesus. He has power over sickness and death.Summary of principles
Great love results in great forgivenessEffectiveness of God’s word depends on our heartLet God’s light shineJesus has power over natureJesus has power over demonsJesus has power over sickness / deathThese are simple principles. The challenge is incorporating them into our lives.
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