Sometimes God’s promises feel delayed, even forgotten. We pray, wait, and wonder if He still remembers our names. But in the opening chapter of Luke’s Gospel, we meet three ordinary people, Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary, and a very busy angel named Gabriel. Their stories remind us that God is still faithful, still sovereign, and still in the business of redemption. He is, and always will be, a Redeemer who redeems.

What really fuels gospel ministry?
Is it talent? Charisma? Credentials?

The Apostle Paul makes it clear in 2 Corinthians 12:11–21: true ministry flows from love. Without love, even the most gifted or respected leader will eventually harm the church. With love, ministry becomes sacrificial, authentic, and transformative.

I want you to see how Paul’s example shows us four essential marks of gospel-shaped love: sacrifice, integrity, edification, and confrontation.

Every good story begins with a preface. It sets the stage, tells us why the story matters, and prepares us for what’s ahead. Without it, the book feels random. It’s like a cookbook with no explanation of a bizarre title. Odd biographies and niche titles need to have a preface. The same is true of Gospel accounts too! Luke begins his Gospel with such a preface, and it’s worth lingering over his opening words before we rush into the birth of Christ or the parables or the cross.

Luke tells us three things in these opening verses: