Life on the West Side

Christians love their neighbors as themselves. One way is by respecting bodies and commitments, seen in the Christian covenant of purity, fidelity, and monogamy. Join us as we consider the fourth of 5 defining characteristics of the early church that made them distinct and definable.

The sermon today is titled "Honoring Our Union." This sermon is the fourth installment in our sub-series "How Will They Know Us" and the twelfth in our larger series "First Things First." The Scripture reading is from John 13:35 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy...

Christians love their neighbors as themselves. One way is by promoting the peace, loving our enemies as ourselves. Join us as we consider the third of 5 defining characteristics of the early church that made them distinct and definable.

The sermon today is titled "Practicing The Peace." This sermon is the third installment in our sub-series "How Will They Know Us" and the eleventh in our larger series "First Things First." The Scripture reading is from John 13:35 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on July 12, 2026. All lessons fit...

Christians love their neighbors as themselves. One way is by welcoming the stranger, which makes the church the society of equal outsiders. Join us as we consider the second of 5 defining characteristics of the early church that made them distinct and definable.

The sermon today is titled "Welcoming The Stranger." This sermon is the second installment in our sub-series "How Will They Know Us" and the tenth in our larger series "First Things First." The Scripture reading is from John 13:35 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on...

Christians love their neighbors as themselves. One way is by valuing the vulnerable, which means Christians value life from womb to tomb. Join us as we consider the first of 5 defining characteristics of the early church that made them distinct and definable.

The sermon today is titled "Valuing The Vulnerable." This sermon is the first installment in our sub-series "How Will They Know Us" and the ninth in our larger series "First Things First." The Scripture reading is from John 13:35 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on June 28, 2026. All...

He will come again to judge the living and the dead. We believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Join us as we consider the sixth of 7 core beliefs of the Christian faith.

The sermon today is titled "Called To One Hope." This sermon is the eighth installment in our series "First Things First." The Scripture reading is from 1 Peter 1:3 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on June 21, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed...

We believe in one Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. Join us as we consider the sixth of 7 core beliefs of the Christian faith.

The sermon today is titled "Indwelled By One Spirit." This sermon is the seventh installment in our series "First Things First." The Scripture reading is from Romans 8:9-11 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on June 14, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Faithful Presence, INSTILL: Core Texts and LEARN...

The church universal affirms one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. Join us as we consider the fifth of 7 core beliefs of the Christian faith.

The sermon today is titled "Sharing In One Baptism." This sermon is the sixth installment in our series "First Things First." The Scripture reading is from 1 Peter 3:21 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on June 7, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Joyful Response,  INSTILL: Core Texts and LEARN: Introduction to T...

What do Christians mean when they affirm one, holy, universal, apostolic church, and the communion of saints? Join us as we consider the fourth of 7 core beliefs of the Christian faith.

The sermon today is titled "Belonging to One Body." This sermon is the fifth installment in our series "First Things First." The Scripture reading is from 1 Corinthians 1:2 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on May 31, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under  INSTILL: Core Texts, DISCOVER: A N...

We share one faith. What is that one faith? How do we articulate the gospel? Join us as we consider the third of 7 core beliefs of the Christian faith.

The sermon today is titled "Rooted In One Faith." This sermon is the fourth installment in our series "First Things First." The Scripture reading is from 1 Corinthians  (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on Memorial Day and Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A G...

"I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only son, our Lord." What does this mean? Join us as we consider the second of 7 core beliefs of the Christian faith.

The sermon today is titled "Following One Lord." This sermon is the third installment in our series "First Things First." The Scripture reading is from Philippians 2:5-11 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on Mother's Day, May 17, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Loving Christ, INSTILL: Core...

"I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth." What does this mean? Join us as we consider the first of 7 core beliefs of the Christian faith.

The sermon today is titled "Loving One God." This sermon is the second installment in our series "First Things First." The Scripture reading is from Mark 12:28-34 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on Mother's Day, May 10, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Good God...

In a world full of competing messages, and with a church divided over competing claims, how do I know what matters most? What are the right hills to die on?

The sermon today is titled "Finding The Right Hills To Die On." This sermon is the first installment in our series "First Things First." The Scripture reading is from Ephesians 4:1-6 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on May 3, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under...

My story is not glamorous. But how can my simple, personal, Christ-centered testimony make any difference? Join us as we wrap up exploring the main topics of the Alpha Course.

The sermon today is titled "How And Why Should I Tell Others?" This sermon is the tenth installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 3:1-10 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on April 26, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover...

How does ChatGPT read the Bible? In this lesson, I ask AI to read Acts, and find a very similar reading to how I have understood the book all of my life. Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.

The sermon today is titled "How Can I Become A Jesus Follower?" This sermon is the ninth installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from Acts 16:25-34 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on Sunday...

How can my future be better? What does repentance bring? How can the Spirit of God give me a brand new life? Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.

The sermon today is titled "How Can I Make The Most of the Rest of My Life?" This sermon is the eighth installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from Romans 12:1-2 and Titus 2:11-14 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2026...

Christians believe in the Resurrection. But did it happen? Let us assess 6 historical claims and reason to the best explanation. Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.

The sermon today is titled "Did Jesus Rise?" This sermon is the seventh installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from John 20:1-9 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin...

Evil is real. But what can be done about it? How can I resist it? Does it make a difference that the Holy Spirit lives within me? Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.

The sermon today is titled "How Can I Resist Evil?" This sermon is the sixth installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from James 4:7-8 and 1 Peter 5:6-11 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on March 29, 2026. All lessons...

Does God really lead me? How do I know the Spirit is guiding me? Will He show me where to go, or will He go with me wherever I go? Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.

The sermon today is titled "How Can God Guide Me?" This sermon is the fifth installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from Romans 8:14 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on March 22, 2026. All lessons fit...

How can a normal person feel assurance? How can I know Jesus is my Savior, I am one with him, and the abundant life is truly mine? Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.

The sermon today is titled "How Can I Have Faith?" This sermon is the fourth installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on March 8, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6...

Who would anyone want to kill Jesus? What is the historical answer? What is the theological answer? Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.

The sermon today is titled "Why Did Jesus Die?" This sermon is the third installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from Galatians 2:20 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on February 22, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon...

Who Is Jesus Christ? Who is the Jesus of history? Who is the Jesus of the Gospels? Who is Jesus...to you? Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.

The sermon today is titled "Who Is Jesus?" This sermon is the second installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from John 6:35 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on February 15, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn...

Is this all there is? What if I told you the God I see in Jesus Christ offers the answers to your deepest longings? Join us as we explore the main topics of the Alpha Course.

The sermon today is titled "Is There More To Life Than This?" This sermon is the first installment in our series "Asking For A Friend: Finding Answers To Big Questions." The Scripture reading is from John 14:6 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on February 8, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad...

Are we ready for when outsiders start coming in? This is part of a year-long focus on the heart of the Christian faith so that we can share with our neighbors the faith of a Christian heart.

The sermon today is titled "What Outsiders Need To Hear." This sermon is the third and final installment in our series "Back To The Basics." The Scripture reading is from 1 Corinthians 14:22-25 and Acts 15:19 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on January 18, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories...

Compassion, Civility, Conviction, and Courage. Then...start to speak! This is part of a year-long focus on the heart of the Christian faith so that we can share with our neighbors the faith of a Christian heart.

The sermon today is titled "What Insiders Need To Know." This sermon is the second installment in our series "Back To The Basics." The Scripture reading is from John 4:27-39 and John 9:25 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on January 11, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill...

What if we went about "gospeling" as a way of life--the Jesus way? This is part of a year-long focus on the heart of the Christian faith so that we can share with our neighbors the faith of a Christian heart.

The sermon today is titled "Evangelism And The Jesus Method." This sermon is the first installment in our series "Back To The Basics." The Scripture reading is from Matthew 4:23-25. Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on January 4, 2026. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin...

Our King has come, is coming, and will come again. What does it mean to think of Jesus as "our coming King"? In this first lesson of the series, I ask us to consider the conversations before creation.

The sermon today is titled "The Return of the King." This sermon is the third installment in our series "The Coming King." The Scripture reading is from Daniel 7:9-14 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on December 21, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow...

Our King has come, is coming, and will come again. What does it mean to think of Jesus as "our coming King"? In this first lesson of the series, I ask us to consider the conversations before creation.

The sermon today is titled "Old Testament Promises." This sermon is the second installment in our series "The Coming King." The Scripture reading is from Isaiah 11:1-10. Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on December 14, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve...

Our King has come, is coming, and will come again. What does it mean to think of Jesus as "our coming King"? In this first lesson of the series, I ask us to consider the conversations before creation.

The sermon today is titled "Before All Worlds." This sermon is the first installment in our series "The Coming King." The Scripture reading is from John 17:4-5 & Ephesians 1:4-5. Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on December 7, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn...

What can I learn from the story of Joseph? That God gives hope, wisdom, forgiveness, and family.

The sermon today is titled "God Gives Family." This sermon is the fourth installment in the series "Joseph's Journey." The Scripture reading is from Genesis 46-50. Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on August 17, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under LEARN: Biblical Studies.

Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read...

What can I learn from the story of Joseph? That God gives hope, wisdom, forgiveness, and family.

The sermon today is titled "God Gives Forgiveness." This sermon is the third installment in the series "Joseph's Journey." The Scripture reading is from Genesis 42:6-44:34. Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on August 3, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under LEARN: Biblical Studies.

Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read...

What can I learn from the story of Joseph? That God gives hope, wisdom, forgiveness, and family.

The sermon today is titled "God Gives Wisdom." This sermon is the second installment in the series "Joseph's Journey." The Scripture reading is from Genesis 41:1-57. Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on July 27, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under LEARN: Biblical Studies.

Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read...

What can I learn from the story of Joseph? That God gives hope, wisdom, forgiveness, and family.

The sermon today is titled "God Gives Hope." This sermon is the first installment in the series "Joseph's Journey." The Scripture reading is from Genesis 39:20-40:23. Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on July 20, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under LEARN: Biblical Studies.

Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read...

How do I come alongside a loved one who is deconstructing their faith? Is breaking down a faith system all bad, or always bad? Is there hope through it all?

The sermon today is titled "Deconstructing Faith." This sermon is the fifth installment in our recurring series "The Struggles We Face." The Scripture reading is from Jude 21-22. Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on November 30, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Dealing...

How do I face bitterness and resentment? Can bitterness be replaced with blessing? The author of Hebrews answers "yes," and points us to the grace of God.

The sermon today is titled "Bitterness & Resentment." This sermon is the fourth installment in our recurring series "The Struggles We Face." The Scripture reading is from Hebrews 12:14-15. Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on November 23, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Dealing with Struggles and...

How do I face pain and suffering? What does a Christian say when confronted with the problem of evil? It seems to me that the problem of pain, evil, and suffering is a problem for everyone; but the Christian has a story that allows the glory of God to be revealed through it all. It is called the cross.

The sermon today is titled "Pain & Suffering." This sermon is the third installment in our recurring series "The Struggles We Face." (Part 1 and Part 2 deal with estranged children). The Scripture reading is from 1 Peter 4:12...

If your religious heritage is associated with the American Restoration Movement, have you ever wondered what makes us who we are? Our DNA betrays us. In this final of a 3-part series, we examine the freedom fount in the restoration movement, as expressed in Churches of Christ.

The sermon today is titled "The Freedom Fount." This sermon is the last installment in our series "Churches of Christ: Understanding Our Story." Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on April 13, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill...

If your religious heritage is associated with the American Restoration Movement, have you ever wondered what makes us who we are? Our DNA betrays us. In this second of a 3-part series, we examine the purity stream of the restoration movement, as expressed in Churches of Christ.

The sermon today is titled "The Purity Stream." This sermon is the second installment in our series "Churches of Christ: Understanding Our Story." Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on April 6, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill...

If your religious heritage is associated with the American Restoration Movement, have you ever wondered what makes us who we are? Our DNA betrays us. In this first of a 3-part series, we examine the unity stream of the restoration movement, as expressed in Churches of Christ.

The sermon today is titled "The Unity Stream." This sermon is the first installment in our series "Churches of Christ: Understanding Our Story." Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on March 30, 2025. All lessons fit under one of 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill...

Unity. It was the prayer of Jesus. It is the sign of our identity. It is the proof of our Savior's presence. All will know we are Christ's disciples by how we treat one another. For we are one in Christ Jesus. In this three-part series, we explore the blessings, basis, and barriers to maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

The sermon today is titled "Barriers To Unity." This sermon is the third and last installment in our series "One In Christ." The Scripture reading is from Galatians 3:26...

Unity. It was the prayer of Jesus. It is the sign of our identity. It is the proof of our Savior's presence. All will know we are Christ's disciples by how we treat one another. For we are one in Christ Jesus. In this three-part series, we explore the blessings, basis, and barriers to maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

The sermon today is titled "The Basis For Unity." This sermon is the second installment in our series "One In Christ." The Scripture reading is from Galatians 3:2-28...