LOVE IS THE NEW COMMANDMENT (26)/ MATTERS OF LOVING INDIFFERENCE (9)

This Sunday service Pastor (Mrs) Silvia Lia Leigh preached another sermon in the series titled ‘Love is The New Commandment’. Her main scriptures were taken from the books of Romans 14:1-13; Ac 13:6-13).

THE AGAPE LOVE OF GOD

Love is the greatest word in the Bible. In Greek, there are three words for love. Eros refers to sexual love. Philio refers to friendly attachment. Agape means unconditional sacrificial love. In the New Testament, the word Love appears about 200 times, and it is almost always ‘agape’ love. This Love is not just a feeling. It is the highest, most pure form of love, born not out of natural attraction or obligation, but a willful choice and a command to be obeyed.  It is the unselfish, pure, powerful, and sacrificial love that desires the best in another person. This love is best expressed as the Fatherly Love of God for human beings. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (Jn 3:16). This is the Gospel: God the Father sent God the Son to become a Man and die on behalf of sinners. The unbelievers may be religious, but they do not know this agape love. Love is a gift given only to the children of God, who are saved by grace and thru faith in Christ. This love saves and restores humanity in the face of sin and death. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (Jn 15:13). Because we are born sinners, agape love does not come naturally to us. Agape love requires faithfulness, commitment, courage, strength, wisdom, faith, and sacrifice. Agape love is the magnet God uses to attract the world to Jesus! It was so in the early church, and during all the revivals in the history of the Church! To know the measure of Love you must know how much Love gives. Just think of this Love: God the Father gave us His only begotten Son, to save us! God the Son gave up His Live, His Blood, to pay for our sins! There is no greater Love than that!!! “Love thinks no evil… Love never fails” (1 Cor 13:5, 8).

MATTERS OF LOVING INDIFFERENCE (Romans 14:1-13)

The Book of Romans is a masterpiece. It is considered the best Book in the Bible and the greatest piece of literature in the world. It is written by the great Apostle Paul. Many great men of God became born again by studying this Book. It contains the major doctrines of the Gospel. In the first 11 chapters, the Apostle writes about the doctrines of salvation. From chapter 12 to the end, he writes the application of these doctrines. The first two verses in chapter 12 are the basic scriptures on the application of doctrine. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Rom 12:1,2).  We see that the Christian life is a life of sacrifice for the sake of Christ, to give glory to God! By faith in God’s Word, our minds are renewed and transformed. From starting as ‘babies’ in Christ, we become strong in the faith. Becoming spiritually mature is the aim for every believer. Agape Love is the engine of this transformation. The New Law of Love takes over obedience of the Law as found in the Old Testament.

In chapters 14 and 15 we find the practical application of the Gospel especially in the relationships between believers. Theologians call these principles ‘matters of indifference’ or ‘grey areas’. These are important teachings, but they are not essential to our salvation. They apply to the type of food Christians eat, the mode of dressing, the type of entertainment, the types of baptism, the type of prophecies, the importance of days and how we celebrate our faith. The major doctrines of the Bible cannot be argued about.  As Christians, we all must agree on the major doctrines in the Bible, but we can lovingly disagree on these matters of indifference. If something is forbidden, it is sin. There is no need to discuss it. For example, the Bible says that adultery is sin. We cannot debate that. We now study things that are not clearly forbidden in God’s Word and our attitude to them. Over the years these things have bought much confusion, pain, and division in the Body. The church is made of many believers; some are spiritually strong, and others are spiritually weak in the faith. The first lesson we must learn is that the Body is One!!! The strong ones are commanded not to despise. Not to look down on the weak ones. The weak are commanded not to judge the spiritually strong. Lesson: Matters of indifference should never become central doctrines. Any form of division and segregation based on your Bible knowledge is wrong. We study these teachings so that we behave better, we love without quarreling or causing division in the Body. Selah!

Knowing that each believer will stand before the Bema seat of Christ, we must practice agape Love among us. These are some lessons:

*Examine yourself! Be sure that you are born again! Humble yourself! The Holy Spirit, by God’s Word, prepares us for the final judgment.

*Life is a journey and a testing ground. The Christians are the only people who walk in the consciousness of their eternal destiny!

*Let us pay the price for spiritual maturity. Let us study the Bible, fast, pray, help the needy, and serve God in the local church.

*It does not matter what other men think of us or what we think about others. What matters is what Christ thinks of us! Selah!

*Church discipline is not ruled out. The Word of God tells us how to discipline unrepentant brethren. The Church must be kept pure. But observe that Church discipline applies to sins committed that affects the church in general and not to matters of indifference.

*Do not take God’s kindness, grace, mercy, love, and patience for granted. It is clear that God’s patience with men has a limit.

*By judging others, you trespass into God’s domain and His sovereign authority to judge. Be careful!

*Jesus is our Savior, Lord, and Judge. In every battle, there is a winer and a loser. God can never lose. In His own time, God gives His people the victory by destroying their enemies. We submit to His authority. Rebellion is a terrible sin in the church.

*When Jesus died, He made us His brethren. Do not despise or judge one another. Our opinions in matters of indifference are less important than keeping the unity of the Spirit in all our relationships in the assembly. We are to love, help, and pray for other brethren.

NO STUMBLING BLOCKS!

“So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. 13 Then let us not criticize one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block or a source of temptation in another believer’s way. 14 I know and am convinced [as one] in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean [ritually defiled, and unholy] in itself; but [nonetheless] it is unclean to anyone who thinks it is unclean. 15 If your brother is being hurt or offended because of food [that you insist on eating], you are no longer walking in love [toward him]. Do not let what you eat destroy and spiritually harm one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what is a good thing for you [because of your freedom to choose] be spoken of as evil [by someone else] … 21 It is good [to do the right thing and] not eat meat or drink wine or do anything that offends your brother and weakens him spiritually” (Rom 14:12-16; 21; AMP).

“Then let us not criticize one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block or a source of temptation in another believer’s way” (Rom 14:13; AMP). In this sentence, the word ‘criticize’ and the word ‘determine’ are the same in Greek. Apostle Paul puts them side by side. They both mean to try or judge another, to condemn, or to punish. In other words, Paul is saying: ‘Don’t judge your brother. But if you feel like judging, then judge yourself to make sure that your attitude is not an obstacle, a stumbling-block, or a source of temptation to another, to make him fall. Be wise and redirect your judging’.

In Greek, the word ‘stumbling-block’ is ‘skandalon’. It means an offence, a hidden snare, a trap-stick to catch animals in the bush. The animal is unaware of the trap because it is covered with leaves and grass. There is a bait hanging there. The animal makes one step towards the bait and touches a stick that moves the trap. The animal is caught alive in the snare. Except a man comes to free it, the animal will be killed and eaten by the hunter. Spiritually, by falling into such a snare, the weak in the faith goes astray or backslides. This Greek word is the origin of the English word ‘scandal’. The word ‘stumbling-block’ has two meanings: the first, is an obstacle on the way, like a tree that fell on the road, and blocking it. The second meaning is deception that leads you away from the road of faithfulness and truth. Both these meanings manifest as ‘verbal traps’ to lure someone in an argument that will end in defeat and destruction. For example, a Lawyer starts an argument with an illiterate man. The lawyer is setting a trap, building a stronghold in the man’s path. The lawyer has no love for the man! Another example of evil is when a pastor starts an argument with a baby Christian. Selah!!!

Stumbling blocks always delay the progress of a believer. The strong in the faith is warned not to use his freedom in becoming a wicked hindrance towards the weak. Knowing that we shall all be judged by Christ, we should be careful that we do not offend others with our words and deeds. Do not discourage, intimidate, or manipulate the weak to act in doubt, fear, or against his conscience. Lesson: Do not think only of yourself. Think of others and the effect your words and deeds have on them. As they say, ‘no man is an island’. No man lives or dies to himself. We are all God’s property, and He will judge all we say and do! Selah!

One of the characteristics of Christianity is its gentleness towards the weak. These are warnings not to set stumbling blocks to make others fall: “You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind, but shall fear your God: I am the LORD” (Lev 19:14). “Cursed is the one who makes the blind to wander off the road.’ “And all the people shall say, ‘Amen!” (Deut 27:18). “Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He himself will fall into his own pit; But the blameless will inherit good” (PV28:10). Selah!

“Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble” (Ps 119:165). The same word ‘stumbling bock’ is used here. What is the solution to avoid and defeat stumbling blocks? It is to Love God’s Law! By studying God’s Word and applying it daily, you shall have ‘great peace’. In Hebrew it is the word ‘shalom’ which means peace, prosperity, health, wealth, favor, and friends. The believers who pay the price to study and preach God’s Word, will be blessed in two ways: they have an overflowing peace with God and man, and they have the wisdom to avoid stumbling blocks. In other words, loving God and His Word is the way to make fast and sure, spiritual and physical progress in life. Selah!

“For the Lord has driven out from before you great and strong nations; but as for you, no one has been able to stand against you to this day. 10 One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you. 11 Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God. 12 Or else, if indeed you do go back, and cling to the remnant of these nations—these that remain among you—and make marriages with them, and go in to them and they to you, 13 know for certain that the Lord your God will no longer drive out these nations from before you. But they shall be snares and traps to you, and scourges on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land which the Lord your God has given you” (Joshua 23:9-13). The words translated ‘snares and traps’ are the same as stumbling blocks. Joshua tells the people that God has driven away great and strong Canaanites from the Promised Land so that they can occupy it. But they should be careful to stay spiritually pure. They should not marry or become over friendly with the remnant of the pagan nations. That leads to idolatry. If they yoke themselves with the pagans, God will not defend for them again. The pagans will become stumbling blocks to torment them until they perish from the good land. Lesson: pay the price to be holy as God is holy. Don’t become emotionally intimate with unbelievers, even if they are your relatives! Do not marry unbelievers! If you do that, you will suffer, you will punish yourself. God cannot help you the way He wants to. Ask for wisdom and mercy. You should marry a mature believer! “Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the LORD” (PV19:14). When a man wants to marry, his parents can give him money, wisdom, and prayers. But God alone gives a man the gift of a prudent wife. To be prudent is a type of wisdom that detects dangers ahead and avoids them. A godly wife sees dangers ahead and helps the husband to avoid making mistakes. Praise the Lord!

“Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on things of God, but on things of man” (Matt 16:23; AMP). When Jesus told His disciples that He will die on the Cross, Peter rebuked Him. But Jesus rebuked Peter, hearing the words of Satan in Peter’s mouth. To avoid the Cross was a total failure for Christ’ ministry. He came to die for the sinners, to set them free. Jesus commanded this evil religious spirit of man’s ideas of salvation, to go ‘behind’. Lesson: devil’s agents are specialists in building strongholds on the way to our progress. By dying to the flesh and to the religious ideas of men, by trusting the Gospel of Christ crucified and resurrected, by carrying our cross daily, following Jesus, we defeat all strongholds on our way to heaven.

“Should we pay them, or shouldn’t we?” Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you trying to trap me? Show me a Roman coin, and I’ll tell you” (Mk 12:15; NLT). The hypocrites are religious people who do not practice what they preach. They look good to men but are an offence to God. Hypocrisy is a stronghold in the path of many. Be careful! Trust only the genuine Christians!

Jesus warned against wicked acts against children who are a type of the Christians who are weak in the faith. He said: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! 8-If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire” (Matt 18:6-9).

God punishes those who give others alcohol to drink, to disgrace and corrupt them. This crime is especially wicked when the victims are young people. Pedophiles give alcohol to children so that they get drunk and naked themselves. It is also a great sin to give alcohol to a lawyer, a judge, a doctor, or a driver, to corrupt his good judgment. “Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbor, Pressing him to your bottle, Even to make him drunk, That you may look on his nakedness!” (Hab 2:15). “Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks, 23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice to the innocent” (Is 5:22, 23).

THE PARABLE OF THE WEEDS (Matt 13:24-30; 36-43)

“The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matt 13:41-43).  At the end of time, Jesus will send His angels who will uproot and gather together all spiritual offenders, those who not only sin, but who set stumbling blocks for others to fall into sin. These are called ‘the sons of the devil’. They will be cast in the lake of fire. There is no mercy for those who make Christians to fall. Jesus Christ is the Judge of all. He will punish the wicked and reward the faithful who will ‘shine forth as the sun’. Lesson: this is a strong warning! Never spread sin! Never deceive others to make them backslide. Selah!

ELYMAS THE SORCERER – THE STUMBLING BLOCK (Ac 13:6-12).

“Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him 10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.” And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord” (Ac 13:6-12).

Apostle Paul and Barnabas went on their first missionary trip to Paphos, a port in Cyprus. They wanted to preach the Gospel to Sergius Paulus, the Roman proconsul in that area. But a man called Bar Jesus, or Elymas, ‘withstood’ them. He was a Jewish false prophet and wizard who became a mentor to the proconsul. The name Bar Jesus means the Son of Jesus (or the son of salvation, healing, prosperity, or victory). He was a false prophet who deceived the proconsul that he is able to save, heal, and bless him. The word ‘withstood’ means to stand against, to oppose, or resist.

Generally, there are three types of sins: 1- The sins of the ignorant, of the childish. For example: a child enters the house with mud on his shoes. This is a childish sin. 2- The sins of the religious hypocrites. For example, a man comes to church with his wife, but he is involved in adultery. He hears the Word of God, but he ignores it. He fears God but not enough to stop the affair. 3- The sins of the wicked. This is a Biblical fool that says there is not God (Psalm 14:1). He believes that there is God, but he does not fear God. He actively mocks God, The Bible, and the Church. Jesus said about Judas: “The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born” (Matt 26:24). Elymas belonged to the third group. He was a Jew. He clearly knew about Jehovah God. But he opened up an evil spirit. He was using witchcraft to make the proconsul his spiritual slave. Though Sergius Paulus was an intelligent man, spiritually he became foolish. Elymas placed a veil of darkness upon the mind of the proconsul. In other words, a spell is a stronghold! But the grace of God manifested in that room. The proconsul became attracted to the Word of God and wanted to hear it. The devil in Elymas panicked. He became jealous on the influence of Paul over his student. He knew that if he does not stop Paul from preaching God’s Word, he will soon lose his victim.

Sensing the opposition, Paul confronted Elymas and declared spiritual warfare against him. Paul did not lose his temper. He did not insult Elymas. He was calm and full of faith. He called him one ‘full of deceit and fraud, a son of the devil, and an enemy of righteousness’. He exposed him as one who constantly perverts the truth and sets stumbling blocks on the straight ways of God. Becoming angry against the devil, Paul placed a temporary spell of blindness to restrain Elymas. Paul remembered how on the road to Damasus, Jesus made him blind for a season, to humble him, so that he becomes converted. In other words, using the authority of Christ, the Judge of all, Paul removed the spell of darkness Elymas has placed upon the proconsul and placed it upon Elymas. Blind and confused, Elymas declared defeat before the true God of Paul. This was Paul’s first miracle. He lost his influence over the proconsul and over the city. This blindness was not only a punishment, but also a form of mercy because Elymas could have died on the spot. The Old Testament says that no wizard should live. “A man or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them” (Lev 20:27; KJ). The blindness was a warning sign from Christ the Judge, that Elymas has a window of mercy to repent of his wickedness. We are not told is he did. What Satan lost in the external battle he succeeded in the internal battle. John Mark, a younger believer who came along to assist Paul and Barnabas, left them, and went back to Jerusalem (Ac 13:13). Why? It is possible that he became afraid seeing ministry as dangerous.   

Lessons: As Christians, we don’t hunt demons, but we confront them. When you sense an evil spirit, you need to stand in the power of God’s might. Like David faced Goliath, you must rise to the moment! Fear not! Lift your shield of faith. Don’t be emotional. Trust God for the miracle of deliverance. Trust God’s promise that no one can oppose you successfully (Josh 1:5). Remember to Give God all the glory!

HOW TO DESTROY THE STRONGHOLD OF WITCHCRAFT

A witch is defined as a woman who has magical powers and claims to use them for good or for bad. The male witch is called a wizard. Genuine witches are able to contact the spirits of the dead, or evil spirits in general, who give them information from the spirit’ world. Fake witches are entertainers and make money out of that. Some are ‘professional’ witches and are known for exercising their gift on behalf of others. Not all witches are known to the public and not all are practicing their skill. Witchcraft (or sorcery) is one of the works of the flesh, the part of man that is not under the influence of the Holy Spirit. “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal 5:19-21). We are all born sinners and have the capacity to behave wickedly, to manipulate and deceive others for our selfish desires. Investing time and energy in this work of the flesh will attract the demon of witchcraft. In Christ, we are commanded to crucify the flesh that we might live. “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Rom 8:13). Selah!

How do you know someone is involved with the spirit of witchcraft?

*Wickedness- she rejoices when others fail or fall; gossip to bring down people; speaks foul, rude, or negative language.

*Manipulation (controlling someone or something to your own advantage, often without no one knowing it). Desire to control and oppress others; getting angry when challenged. Manipulative behavior occurs when a person uses controlling and harmful behaviors to avoid responsibility, conceal their true intentions, or cause doubt and confusion. Manipulation manifests as emotional abuse, lying, blaming, criticizing, and shaming.

*Jealousy, selfish ambition; Rebellion against true authority in the church. Emotionally cold. “Jealousy is as cruel as the grave” (SS 8:6).

*Religious hypocrisy (the witch comes to church, but her character never changes. God’s Word has no influence over her).

*Pride (the witch thinks highly of herself- makes friends and serves only the leaders or the wealthy people).

*Hatred of the light of God, truth, God’s Word, the living churches, and the genuine pastors.

*The witches hate repentance. They are getting worse. “But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Tim 3:13).

A witch cannot kill a true Christian, but can place a spell, especially on the weak in the faith and the backsliding Christians. The spell is a stronghold against progress in life. Spiritually and physically the victim becomes slow. These are some of the signs of a possible spell:

*A sudden strange and medically incurable sickness

*Losing money or possessions

*Experiencing accidents in the home

*Poverty that goes on and on despite hard work and prayers.

*Depression, loneliness (even in a crowd), suicidal thoughts. Things are getting worse…

“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?” (Gal 3:1-4). Bewitching is another word for setting a spell. Apostle Paul is warning the believers, not the unbelievers. It is possible to be born again and be under a bewitching spell. The effect is spiritual blindness (you can’t see Christ Crucified and the price paid for you on the Cross), foolishness (making unnecessary mistakes), suffering in vain with no progress in life.  

What is the solution? Give your life to Christ. Fast! Pray in English and in tongues. Confess and repent of all known sin. Submit to God and the devil will flee from you (James 4:7). Submit to the delegated authority in the church. Ask your pastors to pray deliverance for you. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Serve God in your local church, with humility and faithfulness. Then do spiritual warfare! “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Cor 10:3-6).

LESSONS

There are many wicked people in this world, some of them are ‘famous men’ and others are attending to them. The devil sends his agents to keep men in spiritual darkness. That is why many political leaders, champions, and wealthy men are resistant to the Gospel. The devil and his victims hate the light of God. As Haman looked good to King Xerxes and became his prime minister, so Elymas looked like a good religious counselor to the proconsul. It was the anointing of the Holy Spirit as God’s Word was preached that exposed him to be a wizard. It is only the power of the Gospel that is able destroy the power of the devil! Sergius Paulus was astonished at the power of God’s Word working in his own heart and at the authority that Jesus gave to Paul to restrain evil. This astonishment led to faith in Jesus. A witch or a wizard are ‘full of deceit and fraud’. In other words, the man who lies habitually, who rejoices at the success of evil in this world, opposes the Truth, and hates the preachers of the Gospel, he is an agent of the devil. Preaching God’s Word attracts opposition. We are to expect it and prepare for it. In Christ, we are not afraid of the devil. In Christ, we always win!

Repent of every known sin. God’s Word brings light into the soul. Study the Bible and pray. Do not make friends with haters. These are spiritually blind, wicked, and dangerous.  Never be the reason why another Christian stumbles and falls. Do not rejoice when Christians fall into sin. Behind that sin, there may be another Christian who contributed to it. Be careful with your words. Never speak in anger. Do not judge (criticize) another brother (sister) in Christ, especially in these matters of indifference. In the Church, Grace rules like King and Love rules like Queen. Even if your opinion is right, if the spirit behind it is anger, selfish ambition, jealousy, greed, or any other fleshly desire, then you are wrong. Personal opinions must bow to the greater Law of Agape Love. The unity of the Spirit is by far more important than our personal opinions. Worship the Lord!

“And He (Jesus) was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written:

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor;

He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind,

To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

20 Then He closed the book and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Lk 4:17-21).

May the Gospel work salvation and deliverance in you! Have faith 100% in Jesus Christ, the Lord and Judge of all! Worship the Lord!