“It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3).
TEXT — Luke 1:1-4
Message
In an article on ‘Evangelizing the Upper Class’, Ellen White asked the pertinent question, ‘We talk and write much about the neglected poor, should some attention not also be given to the neglected rich?’ Social stratification may create social barriers but the preaching of the gospel is to every creature – nobles and commoners. The upper class in every society is usually composed of men and women of power and influence. They are often neglected in the area of evangelism for personal and social reasons.
Our text educates us on the need to reach out to the people in the upper echelons in society. Luke wrote his epistle primarily to Theophilus, a noble man, an influential personality in that society. The first thing to note is the commonality of the preacher and his audience. The letter was written by Luke, the beloved physician (Colossians 4:14) to ‘most excellent Theophilus’, whose title suggests that he was a member of the upper class or a noble. Luke, judging from his profession, was not a poor man or a nonentity. The first lesson is that members of the upper class should intensify the efforts to reach out to their peers.
The second lesson is the choice of appropriate method of evangelism. Luke wrote an epistle to Theophilus. This strategy is still appropriate to reach the nobles or members of the upper class who mostly live in gated estates and government reserved areas. Many of them also travel frequently. The privilege of letter writing in this digital age is limitless as distance is no longer a barrier.
Our text also outlines the qualities of a good soul-winner. He or she must be soundly converted, well-informed, persuaded and have the competence to present the gospel logically and convincingly.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
1 comment
Dear sir, I will like to draw your attention to the fact that the book of Luke was only written by him but as dictated by the apostle Peter. In your article, some credit should have been given to apostle Peter which would have added extra to the message.
Regards
Dear sir, I will like to draw your attention to the fact that the book of Luke was only written by him but as dictated by the apostle Peter. In your article, some credit should have been given to apostle Peter which would have added extra to the message.
Regards