Read Luke 18:1-8

1. Why is it important to persist in the Christian life especially in prayer?
2. What other things should we persist in as Christians? (eg 2 Timothy 3:14, Hebrews 12:7, Hebrews 10:25.)

Luke reveals several things that he feels are important as he tells the story of the life of Jesus and the birth of the church, and it is suggested that our church should also reflect the importance of these things.

• Healing.
• Welcoming those who do not have their opportunities restricted by poverty, or other things in their life.
• Ministry of women.
• All accepted equally.
• Prayer. (7 of the 9 recorded prayers of Jesus are found in Luke's Gospel.) How do you think we are doing and where do we fall short?

Pray for the witness of our church and for God's guidance about how we should welcome people living in Crosby today.

Short Bible Study as suggested by Canon Raymond Lee.

The sermon was based on Luke's writings in two NT Books: Luke's Gospel, and the Acts of the Apostles.

Questions for discussion

1. There are many parables, incidents, teachings, in Luke's Gospels that are not in the other three. But for Luke we should have no record of these. Give some examples. (eg Luke 10:25-37)

2. Luke takes a special interest in the ministry of healing. As a doctor he describes physical symptoms extremely accurately. Look up some examples in both the Gospel and Acts and discuss them, (eg Acts 3:1-10)

3. Luke remarkably gave a prominent place in his narrative to the ministry of women. He names many women in both the Gospel and the Acts. How many can you name? (eg Luke 8:1-3)

4. Luke's recurring theme is that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is for all people everywhere, irrespective of race or colour. Give some examples of folk who in those days were excluded by their communities. Find some examples and read those passages, (eg Acts 11:1-18)