The Sure and Certain Hope of Christianity. (Luke 1: 1-4)

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Episode Note: "The Sure and Certain Hope of Christianity." (Luke 1:1-4)
Season 1, Episode 1: The Gospel of Luke

Introduction:
Welcome to the first episode of our podcast series delving into the Gospel of Luke. Today, we explore the opening verses of Luke, which not only introduce the Gospel but also provide a foundation for the sure and certain hope of Christianity.

Key Passage: Luke 1:1-4
"Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught." (Luke 1: 1-4)

Three Key Evidences for Christianity:

1. Fulfilled Prophecies: Luke emphasizes the importance of fulfilled prophecies, providing evidence for Christianity. The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies that find fulfillment in Jesus, affirming His identity as the Messiah.
2. Eyewitness Accounts: Luke mentions the existence of eyewitnesses who were present from the beginning and served as ministers of the Word. Their testimonies, both oral and written, contribute to the reliability of the Gospel narratives.
3. Written Record: Luke underscores the value of a written account, emphasizing the significance of documenting historical events. The careful recording of these accounts adds a layer of credibility to the overall narrative.

Historical Context and Challenges:

• Multiplicity of Gospel Accounts: Luke wasn't the first to document these events; others had already undertaken this task. This multiplicity reinforces the historical authenticity of the Gospel narratives.
• Challenge from Gnostic Gospels: The discovery of Gnostic gospels in 1946 raised questions, but it's crucial to contextualize these findings. The acceptance of the four Gospels was established within the early church well before 200 AD.

Response to Scepticism:

• Inspiration of the Holy Spirit: The Gospels were written under divine inspiration, providing assurance to believers.
• Early Church Consensus: The recognition of the four Gospels was affirmed by early Christian leaders, creating a consensus well before the appearance of later writings.

Eyewitness Reliability:

• Comparison with Secular History: Eyewitness reliability over time is not unique to Christianity. Comparisons with secular historical events, like the Kennedy assassination, support the credibility of eyewitness accounts.
• Matthew's Early Gospel: Matthew's Gospel, written just 15 years after Christ's crucifixion, su

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