Foundational Verses

The Spirit of the Lord is on me because He has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, and recover sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. I was a stranger and you did not invite me into your home. I needed clothes and you did not clothe me. I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me. They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick in prison, and did not help you?’ And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these you did not do or me.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners freed. He will give you a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.

Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fights for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.