Confirmation and Admission of Elders to Leadership at ACK Thumaita Church

Bishop’s Sermon
Scripture: Luke 4:1-14
Theme: Epiphany Period – Lessons from Nazareth

The Bishop focused on Nazareth, a town with a profound biblical significance, particularly in the life of Jesus. He expounded on why Nazareth was unique and how it shaped Jesus’ ministry and identity.

Significance of Nazareth

1. A Place of Annunciation
   • It was here that God called a young Mary and announced that she would bring forth the Messiah.
2. A Place of Surrender
   • Mary fully surrendered to God’s will, saying, “Let it be to me according to your word.”
3. A Place of Formation
   • Jesus grew up in Nazareth, learning both formally and informally.
   • He worked as a carpenter, experiencing humanity in its fullness.
4. A Place of Great Confession
   • In Nazareth, Jesus boldly declared His divine mission by reading from Isaiah 61, proclaiming His purpose:
     • The Spirit is upon Him.
     • The proclamation of the year of the Lord’s favor.
     • Healing and deliverance for the broken.

Three Lessons to Learn

1. Jesus is the Son of God
   • He declared that the Spirit of God was upon Him, fulfilling the words of the prophets.
2. Anointed by the Holy Spirit
   • Jesus’ life and ministry were always under the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
3. Prophets Are Never Welcome in Their Hometown
   • The people of Nazareth struggled to accept His divinity, reducing Him to merely “Joseph’s son” and a carpenter.
4. God Can Save Anyone
   • The Bishop emphasized that no one is beyond the reach of God’s saving grace, regardless of their background.

Call to Action

The sermon concluded with a call for surrender, just as Mary and Jesus surrendered to God’s will. The Bishop invited the congregation to repent and submit their lives to God. Four individuals responded to the altar call and gave their lives to Christ.