In this powerful MLK Sunday guest sermon, we welcome Dr. Lisa Tunstall from McCarty Memorial Christian Church in Los Angeles. Preaching from Luke 4:16–21, Dr. Tunstall connects the prophetic mission of Jesus—to bring good news to the poor and freedom to the oppressed—with the urgent need for social justice and resistance in our current political climate.

Drawing from her own childhood experiences in the segregated South and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., she challenges us to reject apathetic amnesia and embrace our assignment of holistic liberation. She reminds us that the "Spirit of the Lord" empowers us not just for spiritual salvation, but to confront systemic injustice, heal the brokenhearted, and build a beloved community that stands together against fear and hatred.

Key Takeaways

• Holistic Liberation: Jesus’s ministry manifesto in Luke 4 was a direct challenge to the systems of his day, addressing both spiritual needs and physical realities.

• The God Response: In times of political turmoil, our response must be grounded in the Spirit—bringing hope, healing, and Jubilee.

• The Power of Community: We cannot do this work alone; we must pray, hope, and work together.

• Faith in Action: True belief requires speaking out against injustice, lying, and the sowing of discord.

Memorable Quotes

• "The Spirit of the Lord is upon you to be witnesses... God is resting not only upon you, but He's moving in you."

• "In a world bent on division, the Spirit of the Lord is calling us to unity."

Resources Mentioned

• Scripture: Luke 4:16-21, Isaiah 58

• Guest Speaker: Dr. Lisa Tunstall, McCarty Memorial Christian Church, and president of the non-profit Broken, Mended, and Restored

• (00:00:00) - Social Justice Church Podcast
• (00:02:55) - The Spirit of the Lord is On Me
• (00:09:57) - God's Response to the Violence
• (00:13:34) - Jesus' Mission Statement
• (00:20:07) - Why Aren't More People Outraged About Pedophiles?
• (00:24:48) - The Spirit of the Lord Is Upon Us