Our church family welcomed the New Year with renewed focus as we prepared for our upcoming Gospel of Luke study series. Our preaching minister, Chris Parker encouraged us to enter 2026 with clear goals, steady faith, and a desire to grow spiritually. His sermon is summarized below.

Setting Goals That Matter

Many people think about resolutions in January. Personally, I prefer setting realistic, attainable goals rather than resolutions that fade quickly. Goals help us grow, especially when we consider our personal, physical, professional, and spiritual lives.

One helpful spiritual goal involves joining our daily Bible reading plan. We began reading Matthew and Psalms last week, and this plan will lead us through the entire New Testament twice.

Why We’re Studying the Gospel of Luke

This year’s sermons will center around lessons from the Gospel of Luke. Instead of a strict chapter‑by‑chapter approach, we will explore around forty key themes found throughout the book. When Luke concludes, we will continue naturally into Acts, which completes the story Luke began.

To start, let’s look at Luke’s opening paragraph in chapter one. These first four verses outline the author, the purpose, the method, and the audience of this gospel.

Recognizing Luke as the Author

There is overwhelming support that Luke wrote both Luke and Acts. Early manuscripts identify him clearly, and ancient Christian teachers confirm his authorship. Internal evidence within Acts also supports this through “we” passages that appear while traveling with Paul.

Luke’s background as a physician and his close relationship with Paul give his writing both credibility and depth.

Luke’s Purpose in Writing

Luke states his purpose immediately. He gathers eyewitness accounts, organizes them carefully, and writes so his reader “may have certainty” about the teachings of Jesus. His gospel serves a growing Gentile audience and provides a comprehensive story that reaches back further than any other gospel narrative.

During the early years of the church, many teachings were preserved verbally. Written accounts became essential for accuracy and long‑term preservation. Luke’s purpose continues to bless the church today by strengthening our understanding and confidence.

How Luke Collected His Information

Luke writes as a careful historian and dedicated observer. His method relies on firsthand testimonies rather than distant summaries. He interviews Mary, Zechariah, eyewitnesses at the cross, and many others. His professional training as a physician is visible in his detailed and precise descriptions.

This careful approach assures us that his gospel is trustworthy, grounded in real experiences and guided by the Holy Spirit.

Understanding Luke’s Audience

Luke addresses his work to “most excellent Theophilus.” While little is known about this figure, the title suggests someone of status, possibly a Roman official or a benefactor. Another meaningful possibility is that Theophilus represents every “friend of God,” symbolizing that the message is for all believers.

Regardless of the exact identity, Luke’s message reaches every reader seeking truth.

What This Means for Us Today

After exploring Luke’s authorship, purpose, method, and audience, the question becomes: What should we take away? Luke writes so believers can be certain about their faith. When doubts arise, or when confusing voices challenge what we believe, certainty becomes essential.

Faith requires trust—much like stepping off a platform while bungee jumping. Confidence grows when we trust the structure beneath us. Scripture provides that structure. Through Luke’s writing, we gain a foundation strong enough to step out daily with assurance and courage.

Our journey through the Gospel of Luke study series will help reinforce that confidence as we grow together this year.

A Call to Steadfast Faith

As we embrace this new year, we do so with confidence rooted in Scripture. Luke’s gospel stands as a carefully preserved and Spirit‑guided record. It strengthens believers and calls us to live with clarity, boldness, and purpose.

May we walk into 2026 with certainty, devotion, and deeper commitment to the Lord!