I’m soaking my soul in the writings of Luke these days. His two-volume theological history amasses more than all the Pauline epistles put together, yet it is Paul who has dominated the minds of Western Evangelicals. In fact, Luke’s writings account for 2/5s of the entire New Testament.
Distorted by the Epistles
Could our theology and faith be distorted by a largely propositional/doctrinal shaped diet of Scripture? Have we lost our imagination, the ability to immerse ourselves into the sights, sounds, smells, and profound stories of Jesus? Reading Luke with an imagination will spark a theological reshaping that will force us to live radical lives that embrace suffering, search out the poor, invite death, hope for the resurrection.
Reshaped by the Gospels
It’s time we abandon our favor of tight arguments and divisive doctrinal debates, and run into the stories of Jesus where we can sit, repent, wonder, rejoice, and join the mission of our messiah. He’s radical but people can’t tell from looking at us. The Gospels invite us to circumscribe our stories into the larger story of Jesus. I’m realizing how distorted I’ve become by being a heavily epistle shaped disciple. The story of Jesus holds so much power for awakening a doctrinal disciple to the majesty and narrative power of the life, work, and ministry of Christ. I look forward to this journey with you Austin City Life.
Resources on Luke
Here are few resources that I’ve found helpful in working through Luke, being shaped by Jesus’ story, and moving forward in my discipleship and pastoring a missional church.