“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
—Luke 4:18-19
God’s “Plan A” for Blessing our City
By Bart Johnson
Early in His ministry, Our Lord read these words from the Old Testament book of Isaiah, to Jewish worshippers in the synagogue in His hometown. Over the course of his ministry, He made it plain that this passage was written about Him, describing His mission.
Jesus’ Church, including its local expression at LBC, is called to follow Him in His mission, empowered by the same Spirit Who anointed and sent Him. LBC is called to proclaim and perform this good news in Orlando, by word and deed to “the poor,” “the captives,” “the blind,” and “the oppressed”— which in the fullest sense includes everyone.
I’m so gratified that at LBC we do this, and we aspire to do it more! One of the key strategies we pursue is the planting of more churches all around our city. Can you imagine (and pray for!) dozens more gospel-centered churches started in every corner of Orlando, blessing our city with the Good News that enriches, rescues, heals, ennobles and favors forever?
How to pray today:
- LBC financially supports the Florida Church Planting Network, planting new gospel-centered churches where most needed in central Florida and around our state. Pray for the continued growth of this network.
- Pray specifically for pastors who are dear to us who have been part of our church: Dave Abney, Christ Church Intown in Jacksonville; and Michael Aitcheson, Christ United Fellowship in Orlando.
- LBC partners with a network of churches in Europe called International Christian Community (ICC). The network supports front-lines pastors and new churches in the cities of Europe. Pray for the upcoming retreat for pastors and families in late October. Pray for the long-term goal of vibrant churches in the top 100 cities of Europe.