Good News for All

[Announce text] Greetings, everyone. I am glad you are here. Today marks the third week of our sermon series, Unveiling the Kingdom. In this series, Jesus unveils his identity, mission, and the values of God’s kingdom, inviting us to follow him. Every week, we turn to a fresh scene in the Gospels when Jesus reveals God’s kingdom to those who desire to see it.

[Scripture introduction] Now, if you brought a bible, please open it to the gospel of Luke. We will be reading from Luke 4:14-21 about the occasion when Jesus returns home to Nazareth, and he begins to read the Scriptures of the prophet Isaiah.

[Reannounce and read text] As we begin to read the gospel of Luke, carefully consider what Jesus reveals about himself within Luke’s narrative. It’s in the fine details we glimpse God’s kingdom revealed to you and me. Please read Luke 4:14-21 about Jesus returning to Nazareth on the Sabbath.

[Prayer for illumination] Lord God, we sit before you as the audience, attentively listening to Jesus in the synagogue. Grace us with your Spirit to open our ears to recognize your divine truth and afford each one of us the ability to fix our spiritual sight upon Christ. We thank you, Lord, for what you are to reveal to us, and we pray this in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

[Introduction] What’s the best news you’ve been told lately? For the parents in the room, remember last week when you told your children day after day that they’re having more snow days (more like freeze days)? They burst into joy with praise and dancing.

They shout, “No school!” “Praise the Lord.”

For others, perhaps the best news you’ve heard recently was that your daughter was engaged or your niece is expecting. These once-in-a-lifetime announcements carry a river of joy right to the center of our hearts.

The best news I want to reiterate this morning is that God has given Ubly Christian Church a seventh-year anniversary. Apparently, having church at a bar isn’t a bad idea after all.

You might be thinking the best announcement is coming soon from this pulpit. Perhaps you’re waiting for me to finish the sermon with an “Amen.” And then you delight yourself with delicious homemade cooked food. I’m with you on that, too.

But instead of always focusing on our good news, have you considered what others might be experiencing lately? Are they suffering in this broken world?

Consider our friends in California, who are receiving terrible news that their homes and neighborhoods are gone. Nothing has escaped the flames of the LA fires, and now, for many residents, all that’s left is their memories and the rumble of their communities.

Or our friends in Caro, who heard the news that the Veggies grocery store is closing. The employees, managers, and store owners feel the weight and anxiety of finding a new paycheck.

But what about you and me, who are here in this room? Life is not always unicorns and rainbows in our world. We have difficulties, too. Perhaps some of us struggle financially to pay for the groceries on the table. Or feel captive to unhealthy addictions that steal our joy and peace. Or worse of all, we feel blind and are groping the air just to find where we are going in life.

[FCF] So what should we do for those who identify as the poor, captive, blind, and oppressed? How would God in Christ meet their needs, and how should Christ’s community resolve real-world hurt?

[Scripture bond] Returning to the gospel, Luke knows people's immense trials and difficulties. That’s why it’s in his Scripture that Luke addresses how God and his people meet the world's needs.

It all begins with a common mission. The mission given above from heaven descends on man as a dove. It is the mission of the Spirit.

[Main point 1] The Holy Spirit empowers and drives the mission.

[Explanation] The baptism of Christ and the reception of the Spirit granted him the strength and purpose to endure temptation in the wilderness and then return home.

[Illustration] The Spirit sets the direction (GPS).

[Application] God’s way of addressing the world's needs begins when we seek the empowerment of the spirit that drives us to our kingdom mission.

Prayer and obedience are the Spirit’s indicators leading us to hurt and vulnerability.

Once we are empowered and driven on a mission, we see Christ’s response and imitate his mission statement.

[Main Point 2] Christ’s mission urgently calls you to share the gospel with the poor and oppressed.

[Explanation] Jesus quotes Isaiah 61:1,2, stating that amid all his family and acquaintances, he is the answer to their poverty, captivity, and blindness.

[Illustration] My experience with Charles and William praying for the hurting (super uncomfortable) in Bay City.

[Application] We must leave home by the Spirit and go to those with needs of the gospel. How will they believe unless someone is sent to preach the good news? (Romans 10:15)

As the church, we must be urgent. Go make disciples, not tomorrow, but today, as the Spirit directs and guides you.

Then, we can take hold of how God will change those around us. Because...

[Main Point 3] Today, the Lord’s favor is upon you, and by his grace, you can live on mission.

[Explanation] The year of Jubilee has cleared all debts, restored the land, and brought renewal to the nation. Jesus expresses that he brings Jubilee to us through his sinless life, atoning death, and resurrection.

We are freed by God’s grace to live the mission of Christ wherever we go.

[Illustration] The Apostles, Christ’s messengers, believed this, and look what happened to them and others. People were saved and delivered, and lives were changed forever!

[Application] Live not on vacation, but on mission! Don’t pack the water trucks; get your bible and wallet. Feed the poor, pray for the powerless, and lead the spiritually blind. The year of restoration is here because Jesus has done it!

So I say this to all of you.

[Proposition] Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Christ’s mission urgently calls you to share the gospel with the broken and oppressed, and by His grace, you can live on mission, reflecting His heart for a hurting world.

[Conclusion] Before we leave this building, understand what Christ has done and what he desires to do through you. Good news is available for all people. He is waiting for you to go for his glory by reaching out to the hurting world in faith.

Trust the Spirit. Find the poor. Live on mission.

Christ is counting on you.

Amen.

[Prayer for the Congregation] Heavenly Father, convict us with your Messianic mission statement. We are anointed with the Spirit to change lives, and we declare that through our faith and baptism, you will lead us on the mission. Thank you, O God, for your grace and favor. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.