As we step into a new year, Mike Phillips opens Luke 3:1–20 to remind us that God has always been at work preparing the way for His people. Luke begins this chapter with historical detail, grounding the story of John the Baptist in real time and real places. Mike helps us see why that matters: the gospel is not myth or imagination, but God’s unfolding plan in human history.

From there, we follow John the Baptist as he calls God’s people to repentance, preparing their hearts for the arrival of Jesus. Mike explores what true repentance looks like, why John’s message was so urgent, and how it still speaks powerfully to us today.

As we look ahead to 2026, Mike invites us to reflect honestly on the sin that entangles us and consider what patterns, temptations, and habits we want to turn from as we follow Jesus more faithfully.