Preaching Point: Staying connected to Jesus is the only way to experience the meaningful, fruitful, and joy-filled year you hope for in 2025.

Main Text: John 15:1–11 (ESV) 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Teaching Points:

1. Expect God to Get His Hands Dirty vv1-3
2. Anticipate Your Full Participation in the Work vv4-6
3. Reap the Benefits of Faithful Cooperation with God vv7-11

Preaching Point: God's promise of a “Conquering Seed”, initiated in Eden and echoed throughout Israel's history, assures us that His plan for salvation is unfailing and ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

Main Texts: Genesis 3:1–19, Genesis 4:25, Genesis 6:9–10, Genesis 9:20–29, Genesis 12:1–3, Genesis 17:1–21, Genesis 21:12, Genesis 28:10–14, Genesis 49:8–10

Teaching Points:

1. God’s Justice Demands Judgment, But His Mercy Provides Hope.
2. God’s Judgment is Also the Means of His Salvation.
3. God Doesn’t Need Help Fulfilling His Promises.
4. God’s Promises Are Not Impacted by Human Limitations.
5. God is Looking for Faithfulness to His Promises.
6. God’s Promises Are Still True in Captivity.

Preaching Point: Your relationship with Christ is defined by how you respond to His identity, which should be evident through your obedience to the Father’s will.

Main Text: Matthew 12:46–50 (ESV) 46 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 48But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Teaching Points:

1. Redefine How Someone Rightly Relates to Jesus vv46-48
2. Does Jesus call you family? V49
3. Identify if You Posses the Family Trait v50

We also look at chapter three of our Small Group Book, Keeping the Church Small: Small Group Strategies for Growing Churches.