On Sunday, February 19, 2023, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Pastor Stuart Nice continued our series “A Closer Walk with Jesus.” Today, we learn about Jesus’ first miracle in Luke’s gospel. This miracle introduces Jesus’ power through his message, his person, and his purpose. We are encouraged to rely on and receive Jesus’ power to bring freedom from the devil’s influence and align us with Jesus’ purpose to bring salvation, healing, and renewal.

Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.
In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an impure spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, “Go away! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are —the Holy One of God!”
“Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.
All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What words these are! With authority and power he gives orders to impure spirits and they come out!” And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.
Luke 4:31-37 (NIV)