Read Luke 4:14-21
In verse 14, Luke once again makes sure we know that Jesus is proceeding by the power of the Spirit. Why do you think this was important? In the opening verses (14-15), where did Jesus go, what was He doing, and what did people think about Him? In verse 16, Jesus went back to His hometown in the region of Galilee. What happened next in verses 17-21?
Look back to Jesus’ baptism in Luke 3:21-22. Why could Jesus say about Himself, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me” in 4:18? What did the Spirit do in Luke 4:18-19? What was Jesus to do in response? Notice the repeated word “proclaim” in verses 18-19. What was Jesus to proclaim? Make a list of Jesus’ responsibilities. Now read the original job description in Isaiah 61:1-2a; 58:6. In these verses, we have a synopsis of Jesus’ duties. Jesus will continue to accomplish these things in His ministry.
Does this list match up with your expectations of how Jesus should have spent His time? Do you think it describes the activities of Northland Church? Is there a ministry you could support with your time or finances to further Jesus’ goals? Might there be a way for you to volunteer your time to help achieve the mission of God in the world? Text “Northland” to 97000, and someone will contact you to help you take your next steps.
We are now in our second week of the Lenten season. Our goal is to follow Jesus on His journey to the cross and learn from the Holy Spirit along the way. Last week we saw how the Spirit can help us when we are tempted by leading us to the truth of the Bible. Now we will think about the Spirit’s role in our mission and purpose. When we declare our faith in Jesus, His Spirit comes to live in us. The Holy Spirit then stays with us until we go to heaven. But, we can also experience the Spirit in new and unexpected ways throughout our Christian lives. This is why we sometimes ask the Spirit to come near or come upon us in songs. Write down your thoughts about the Holy Spirit and ask Him to be your Guide and Sustainer. For more information on the Holy Spirit, you can view archived Bible studies for the book of Acts at NorthlandChurch.net/DiggingDeeper.
In our passage today, the Bible uses the word “anointed” to show how the Spirit came upon Jesus. To be anointed is to be set apart for special service under divine direction. At Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit descended and set Jesus apart for His God-given mission to the world. Christians are also anointed by the Spirit. In 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, the apostle Paul says that God “anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” This means that God has chosen you and me for a purpose and mission. What is your purpose? What is your mission?
When did God first come into your life? Perhaps you responded to an altar call for salvation or were baptized and felt a special calling from God. Some people have dramatic conversion experiences, while others who perhaps grew up in the church can’t point to a specific time or place but know that they are God’s. Regardless of how it happened, those who follow Jesus are on a mission. This is no secret mission. Our job description is laid out for us in the Bible and in how Jesus led His life. We also know that this mission will be accomplished, but only through the power of the Holy Spirit of God. If you are not sure where to start, check out Northland’s website and contact someone in these ministries: 121Hope, LifeHope, and Access Ministries. These folks are in the business of bringing good news to people who are poor or in bondage. They help the blind see the truth about Jesus and helped those oppressed in mind and spirit.
Have you personally experienced any of the promises in Luke 4:18? Who told you the good news that Jesus is the one who saves us from the sin in our hearts that keeps us from a holy God? Now, who can you tell?
*All Scripture quotations are taken from the New International Version of the Bible.
Lent is a season on the Christian calendar that helps us prepare for Easter when we will celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection. The word Lent means “Fortieth.” This is why the Lenten season begins 40 days before Easter. The number 40 is significant in that it parallels the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert where He was tempted by the devil. Luke tells us that Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led about by the Spirit in the wilderness (see also Matthew 4:1; Mark 1:12; Luke 4:1). During Lent, Christians replicate the self-sacrifice and withdrawal that Jesus endured in the desert. We then follow Jesus on His journey to the cross.
Lent is a season on the Christian calendar that helps us prepare for Easter when we will celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection. The word Lent means “Fortieth.” This is why the Lenten season begins 40 days before Easter. The number 40 is significant in that it parallels the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert where He was tempted by the devil. Luke tells us that Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led about by the Spirit in the wilderness (see also Matthew 4:1; Mark 1:12; Luke 4:1). During Lent, Christians replicate the self-sacrifice and withdrawal that Jesus endured in the desert. We then follow Jesus on His journey to the cross.
During this Lenten season, we’ll be focusing on some of the things we believe the Spirit is saying to Northland as a church. You’ll be hearing about these topics in our weekend sermons and in the accompanying Bible studies. But, we also want those who desire a more personal Lenten experience to hear from the Spirit and follow Jesus in new ways during this time. Our prayer is that you’ll attend a service each weekend during Lent and also engage with the Bible every day. If you commit to doing this, you will meet the Holy Spirit as your Guide and Sustainer and you will grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior.
» March 19-20
JOURNEY | Religion vs. Relationships | Student Ministries Pastor Rob Hemphill
» March 26-27
JOURNEY | Seeking and Saving the Lost | Lead Pastor Josh Laxton
» March 19-20
JOURNEY | Religion vs. Relationships | Student Ministries Pastor Rob Hemphill
» March 26-27
JOURNEY | Seeking and Saving the Lost | Lead Pastor Josh Laxton
Send your letter by next Sunday, March 20
Write a note for Pastor Josh to welcome him to Northland! Email your note and a photo of your family to Hello@NorthlandChurch.net. Be sure to include your name in your email!
Wednesday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Do you know someone who is far from God? Did you know that, if you are a Christian, you are an ambassador of Jesus Christ? You may not feel qualified to do this because you feel you lack certain character traits or the right personality. This class will give you confidence and practical tools to share your hope with others in a simple, conversational, and effective way.
Sunday, April 10 after the 11 a.m. worship service
Baptism is an outward expression of our inward faith and a declaration to the world that we've chosen to follow Jesus Christ. It signifies the washing away of the old life and helps solidify our commitment as followers of Jesus Christ. If you have never been baptized before this is your chance to take this step of obedience in Christ!
