Message Notes

(I) IMPORTANCE OF THE MINISTRY OF PROCLAMING THE GOSPEL

1. Important enough to have it recorded in the prophetic Scriptures

“It was written…” Luke 4:17

2. Important enough to describe the involvement of the Spirit of God

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me…” Luke 4:18

3. Important enough to make a specific mention of preaching the Gospel

“To preach the Gospel to the poor” Luke 4:18

(II) A VITAL THEOLOGICAL WORD OF CONFIRMATION

“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the Gospel…” 1 Corinthians 1:17

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…” 1 Corinthians 1:18

(III) APPROPRIATE RESPONSES

1. Understanding of the Ministry

a) Nature of Ministry

b) Scope of Ministry

c) Challenges of Ministry

2. Unique Challenges of the Ministry

a) To reach out to the poor

b) To minister to the broken-hearted

c) To reach out to the captives

d) To open blind eyes

e) To minister to those who are oppressed

f) To “proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord”

(IV) PREPARATION FOR MINISTRY

1. Equipping for ministry

a) Prayer

b) Knowledge

c) Readying heart/mind/spirit

2. Embracing the Ministry

a) Heartfelt

b) Commitment

c) Consuming passion for soul-winning work