Bring the Good News (Luke 4:14-21) // January 27, 2019

Bring the Good News (Luke 4:14-21) // January 27, 2019

#ComeSunday#SermonNotes: In the days leading up to Sunday worship, we share a brief sermon summary and questions for devotion and reflection.   Follow us on our website and on facebook to stay up to date!      


Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Ken J. Walden

On Leadership Sunday, we install our 2019 Church Council and welcome our guest preacher, the Rev. Dr. Ken J. Walden, President-Dean of Gammon Theological Seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Walden has earned degrees from The Citadel (BS), Duke Divinity School (M.Div.), Graduate Theological Foundation (D.Min.), and Claremont School of Theology (MA & PhD).  He is a recipient of a Meritorious Service Medal from the United States Air Force. Prior to being named the President of Gammon, Walden served as Director of Supervised Ministry, Director of the Center For Chaplaincy, and Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, NC. 

He is the author of the following three books: 1. “Practical Theology for Church Diversity: A Guide for Clergy and Congregations”, 2. “Challenges Faced by Iraq War Reservists and Their Families: A Soul Care Approach for Chaplains and Pastors”, and 3. “A Pastor’s Poetry: Volume One.” 

Walden and his wife Michelle have been married for over 17 years.  Walden’s extensive experiences within the military, academic community, and congregations have prepared him to become the 16th President of Gammon Theological Seminary.  


Luke 4:14-21 (Common English Bible)

14 Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news about him spread throughout the whole countryside. 15 He taught in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.

16 Jesus went to Nazareth, where he had been raised. On the Sabbath he went to the synagogue as he normally did and stood up to read. 17 The synagogue assistant gave him the scroll from the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
  because the Lord has anointed me.
  He has sent me to preach good news to the poor,
   to proclaim release to the prisoners
   and recovery of sight to the blind,
   to liberate the oppressed,
19     and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

20 He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the synagogue assistant, and sat down. Every eye in the synagogue was fixed on him. 21 He began to explain to them, “Today, this scripture has been fulfilled just as you heard it.”

Summary:  

In the Greater Gifts worship series, our focus is to lift up the gifts God gives the church to work together reach out and encourage others to receive the love of God.

All who follow Jesus have a gift to share with the world. The same spirit that was upon Jesus is with us, so everywhere we go, we bring the gift of the good news with us.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What good news have you heard recently?
  2. What good news have you shared recently?
  3. What good news from Jesus can you share with those you meet?