GOOD INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

"Since (as is well known) many have undertaken to put in order and draw up a (thorough) narrative of the surely established deeds which have been accomplished and fulfilled in and among us, Exactly as they were handed down to us by those who from the (official) beginning [of Jesus' ministry] were eye-witnesses and ministers of the Word [that is, of the doctrine concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God], It seeming good and desirable to me, [I have determined] also after having searched out diligently and followed all things closely and traced accurately the course from the highest to the minutest detail from the very first, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus" (Luke 1:1-3 AMP).

This is a challenge to all of us, who would speak for God, whether as an apostle, a prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher, from the pen of Luke:  (1) Be orderly and thorough in your investigation of the Scriptures; (2) be exact in your narration about what has been handed down to us through the Word of God and the testimonies of His followers; (3) search out diligently and follow closely and accurately the Scriptures that you will share with those with whom you speak or write; remember your first responsibility is to please God and, secondly, to care for the spiritual well-being of His sheep and lambs.  James gives us a sure warning:  "Not many [of you] should become teachers [self-constituted censors and reprovers of others], my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people].--Thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation" (James 3:1).  Think about it.



Categories: forgiveness