Dr. Luke has spent the first four chapters describing the credentials of Jesus as the chosen One of Israel and the whole world.

This week, at last, we get to study the first words of Jesus’ public ministry. What do you think Jesus is going to say? Where is He going to focus His audience? How is He going to cast vision?

Without giving away my entire sermon, I’ll just say that it is going to be clear that Jesus’ heart breaks for the vulnerable, the excluded, the outcasts of society. It will be evident that Jesus came to pursue the losers in the competitive race for resources, security, honor and power. The powerful God of the universe has descended and the demographic He is perpetually pursuing includes the poor, the desperate and the outsiders.

I am convinced that Jesus is calling us to join Him in this ministry!

We have already begun praying for this. One of our Breakthrough Prayers this year is: Father, pour out your Spirit on us and move us to serve those in need.

I believe the Holy Spirit has revealed a number of opportunities for us to serve those in need right here in the San Gabriel Valley. 

We are excited to be able to partner with six local organizations that are engaged in meeting needs and investing in people: 

• Azusa Released Time
• City of Hope
• Friends for Life
• Homeless Ministry Support
• McKinley Children’s Center
• Shepherd’s Pantry

I’m eager to share more about these opportunities in the coming months. You can find out more about all of them at the link below.