Friday First - Jesus' Mission is Our Mission

With Sunday being the 4th of July, our minds naturally focus on the celebration of freedom and liberty that we enjoy in this nation. We are so blessed. It is by God’s grace that we have been born here and get to enjoy the experience of living in the greatest (in terms of power and influence), the most affluent, and most comfortable country in the history of the world. It is by God’s grace that we have been blessed with such opportunity; with so many advantages we simply take for granted. Indeed, for those who have been given much, much is expected.

As we reflect on the freedom we enjoy, we also need to be aware of those living here who remain in bondage. Yes, physically and emotionally they may be free, but spiritually they remain captive to sin. As we will see in our examination of Luke 4.14-21 on Sunday, it is our mission to point the way to Jesus so they can be freed by His power and mercy.

Luke 4.18 is a summary of Jesus’ mission. It is offensive in nature, where He is taking the battle to Satan, winning, and setting the captives free. As we think during July about how Jesus felt and the need to imitate that, this passage goes a long way in showing us the emotion that drove Jesus in fulfilling His mission.

Countries may come and go, but because of Jesus’ work and sacrifice, we are part of a kingdom that will never fail.

On Sunday we will:

• Understand the fivefold mission of Christ as described in Luke 4.18-19a.
• Understand Jesus’ mission is our mission.
• Be reminded that today is the day of salvation.

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

• Who empowered Jesus for His mission?
• What does good news typically refer to in the New Testament? Why is it good news?
• According to Isaiah 42.5-7, what does God want to do?
• What does it mean to be oppressed?
• What is the greatest and most loving thing a person can do for someone else?

OPENING / WELCOME
Cain Atkinson

SONG LEADER
Jim Grushon

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Wes Grushon

LORD'S SUPPER
Dave Pennington

SCRIPTURE READING
Nathan Armstrong
Luke 4.14-21

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING COMMENTS & PRAYER
Russ Robins

WELCOME CENTER
Pat Reeder / Kathi Stewart

USHERS (arrive @ 9)
Marvin Lewis / Justin Spargo

Closing the Building
Shane McLaughlin