Chris Sheppard

Opening the disciples' request "teach us to pray" in Luke 11, the message argues that even the most privileged disciples still lacked a prayer life, and calls the church into the new year with a renewed, simple pattern of prayer rather than

Lord's PrayerSchool of PrayerNew Year Resolve

Paul's ministry in Corinth gives a new-year pattern for faithful gospel work: engaging people, devoting oneself to the Word, enduring rejection, and trusting God's open doors.

Corinth MinistryGospel WorkOpen DoorMissionary Perseverance

Luke 1 presents Mary as a simple servant who submits to God's Word with purity, faith, and obedience. Her response to Gabriel shows a life surrendered to the Lord's ownership, role, and will despite costly circumstances.

Mary's SubmissionServanthoodAnnunciation

Matthew 1 and Philippians 2 present Immanuel as the eternal Son who humbled himself, took true humanity, and was exalted by the Father. Believers are called to share Christ's humble submission to the Father, to one another, and to the work

Christ's HumilityKenosisSubmission in the Church

Matthew's genealogy displays God's grace through Abraham, David, outcast women, and the humble family into which Christ was born. The line of Jesus magnifies God's faithfulness to save sinners and keep His promises.

Genealogy of GraceDavidic PromiseOutcast WomenChrist's Lineage

Continuing in John 15:21-25, this message shows that hatred toward the disciples is really hatred toward Christ and the Father because of their perfect unity, and that true persecution comes only from declaring God's Word and doing

Gospel OppositionUnity of Father and SonSovereign Purpose

From John 15:17-21, Jesus prepares His disciples for coming persecution by reminding them that a servant is not greater than his master, calling them to humility in the face of hatred from the world. The message warns that the cultural

Gospel OppositionServant HumilityComing Persecution

John 15 shows that abiding in Christ brings a new relationship of friendship, a sovereign choosing, lasting fruit, and a repeated command to love one another. The passage calls believers to examine whether Christ is truly abiding in them.

Friendship With ChristSovereign ChoosingLove One Another

John 15 moves from abiding in Christ to abiding in his love. Jesus teaches that obedience, joy, and sacrificial love flow from communion with him and from receiving his love for his disciples.

Abiding in Christ's LoveObedience and JoySacrificial Love

The willingness of ordinary families to leave settled lives and resettle an empty Jerusalem by casting lots is preached as a pattern for the sacrifices God's people must be ready to make for the sake of kingdom work, even when a

Resettling JerusalemEconomic Sacrifice