Colossians 4:14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.

 

For some time now, the Holy Spirit has been leading me to do a study of Luke and his writings. We know that Luke was an educated man because the Word of God tells us that he was a physician. While no one knows for sure if Luke was a Jew or a Gentile, if he was a Gentile, he would be the only Gentile whose writings are included in the entire Canon of Scripture. Therefore, I would presume him to be a Jew, but that is only a presumption on my part.

 

Some theologians believe that Luke was related to the Apostle Paul, but that too is presumption on their part. These people believe this because they think Paul was referring to Luke in his letter to the Romans when he wrote: Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you. (Romans 16:21)

 

We absolutely know that Luke wrote the Book of Luke and the Book of Acts. Many refer to this Book as the Acts of the Apostles. The Book of Acts offers a description and history of the first Church after Jesus ascended into Heaven and therefore, is a useful pattern for Church today.

 

For over forty years the Lord has spoken to my spirit about denominations. There is no mention of denominations or church hierarchy in the Book of Acts. Both are the work of pride in the lives of people bringing glory to themselves and not to the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is my opinion that there is no place for either in the Church. As I said, the Lord clearly brought this to my attention over forty years ago and is something that has made a huge impact on my life personally and on my ministry.

 

We do find in the Book of Acts fellowships of people who gather together for worship and teaching of the Word. Due to the Gifts of the Spirit and the Ministerial Callings, people did naturally function in various positions of leadership and responsibility but were never paid positions.

 

Most churches today are not places of worship and ministry. Rather, they are businesses and places of employment. I pray our study through the Book of Acts will bring clarity in regard to how the Holy Spirit directs the workings of the Church and the people of that congregation.

 

God just might……….turn the tide……..in the Church.

 

Seeking Truth and direction, Doreen

 

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