Availability of scriptures to early Christians
- Today we have an infinite number of Bibles and translations.
- Before the Gutenberg Bible (1454), only hand-written copies
- Handwritten 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 8:21
Women / parable of debtors (Luke 7:36-50)
- Sinful woman, wash feet with tears
- Pharisee critical
- Two debtors, small / large amount forgiven
- Debtor 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 forgiveness
- Effectiveness of God’s word depends on our heart
- Let God’s light shine
- Jesus has power over nature
- Jesus has power over demons
- Jesus has power over sickness / death
- These are simple principles. The challenge is incorporating them into our lives.