"The Spirit of the Sovereign
LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to
the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim
the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort
all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion -- to bestow on
them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of
mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the
display of His splendor." (verses 1-3)
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They will rebuild
the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew
the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
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Preaching the gospel to
the poor, meek, and afflicted.
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Healing the spiritually
sick, physically sick, and brokenhearted.
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Breaking the bonds of evil
and proclaiming freedom from sin and satanic influence.
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Opening the spiritual eyes
of the lost that they might see the light of the gospel and be saved.
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This fourfold purpose characterized
Jesus Christ's entire ministry, and will continue to be fulfilled by the
church as long as it is on earth. Jesus ministered the Father's heart
throughout His ministry as He said, "I only do what
I see the Father doing."' (John 5:19)
And we the church minister
the Father's Heart through the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit which
were outpoured on the day of Pentecost for all believers.
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