Life on the West Side

Go back before time. Before all galaxies. There He is. The spoken word creates all things. Can you see him?

That word became flesh. The incarnate one. The express image of gods glory. Can you see him?

Beyond presents and trees. Beyond ribbons and reindeers.is the true reason for the season. God in the flesh, Majesty in a manger, who came for you.

The sermon today is titled "Exact Representation." It is the third installment in our series "Cosmic Christ." The Scripture reading is from Hebrews 1:1-4 (CEV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on December 17, 2023. All lessons fit under one of 5 broad categories: Begin, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Loving Christ.

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

Sources of Inspiration for the Lesson Used in Today's Podcast:

• The famous trilemma ("Lunatic, Liar, or Lord") is drawn from C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, Book 2, Chapter 3: "The Shocking Alternative." 
• For the organization of passages, I am indebted to William Lane Craig's Defender's podcast (Series 3): "Doctrine of God: Trinity (Part 3): The Deity of Christ."
• For the language of "in having to do with Jesus, we are having to do with God," I credit my Oxford tutor, Robert Morgan. For the claim that early Christians developed Trinitarian language as an outgrowth of their experience of God in Jesus Christ, I am grateful to readings and dialogue with my Cambridge supervisor, Janet Martin Soskice.

I'd love to connect with you!

• Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.
• Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide and even kids notes on the sermon notes page.
• Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)
• Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Go back before time. Before all galaxies. There He is. The spoken word creates all things. Can you see him?

That word became flesh. The incarnate one. The express image of gods glory. Can you see him?

Beyond presents and trees. Beyond ribbons and reindeers.is the true reason for the season. God in the flesh, Majesty in a manger, who came for you.

The sermon today is titled "Radiance of God's Glory." It is the second installment in our series "Cosmic Christ." The Scripture reading is from Hebrews 1:1-4 (CEV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on December 10, 2023. All lessons fit under one of 5 broad categories: Begin, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Loving Christ.

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

Sources of Inspiration for the Lesson Used in Today's Podcast:

• The opening quote ("I believe in God as I believe in the sun") is from C. S. Lewis.
• On the wonder of light, I summarize findings here: Astrum, “The Attribute of Light Science Still Can’t Explain.” 
• For exegesis of Hebrews 1:3, see Alan C. Mitchell, Hebrews (Sacra Pagina).
• On the Transfiguration, see Tim Keller, "Jesus the King."
• The concluding observations--that light is the basic source of life, truth, and joy, but also what can take all these away--are from Tim Keller, "I Am The Light."

I'd love to connect with you!

• Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.
• Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide and even kids notes on the sermon notes page.
• Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)
• Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Go back before time. Before all galaxies. There He is. The spoken word creates all things. Can you see him?

That word became flesh. The incarnate one. The express image of gods glory. Can you see him?

Beyond presents and trees. Beyond ribbons and reindeers.is the true reason for the season. God in the flesh, Majesty in a manger, who came for you.

The sermon today is titled "Before All Galaxies." It is the first installment in our series "Cosmic Christ." The Scripture reading is from Hebrews 1:1-4 (CEV) and John 1:1-14 (CEV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on December 3, 2023. All lessons fit under one of 5 broad categories: Begin, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Loving Christ.

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

Sources of Inspiration for the Lesson Used in Today's Podcast:

• Video Montage from three sources:
  • Source 1: Rocket lift-off. (0:45-1:17)
  • Source 2: Rocket leaving earth. (0:00-0:37)
  • Source 3: Space loop.
• Earendel from various sources.
• Alan C. Mitchell, Hebrews (Sacra Pagina).
• Craig Keener, The Gospel of John: A Commentary.

I'd love to connect with you!

• Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.
• Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide and even kids notes on the sermon notes page.
• Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)
• Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

There are days we wish to remember forever, and there are days we hope to forget. This is a story about loss and gain, and a God who never forgets the good stuff.

The sermon today is titled "A Thanksgiving To Remember." It is a stand-alone sermon for Thanksgiving and a reflection on the death of my father-in-law and the birth of my son in the same week. The Scripture reading is from Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV) and John 16:20-22 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on November 26, 2023.

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

Sources of Inspiration for the Lesson Used in Today's Podcast:

• "A preacher learns the song in your heart." Revd. Dr. Sam Wells, final sermon at Duke University Divinity Chapel (May 6, 2012). 
• Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address (Nov 19, 1863)

I'd love to connect with you!

• Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.
• Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide and even kids notes on the sermon notes page.
• Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)
• Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Beyond rules and moral ideals. Read the Sermon on the Mount as every day, in every way, learning to practice the presence of God.

The sermon today is titled "Practice Makes Perfect." It is the thirteenth and last installment in our series "One Sermon That Changed The World." The Scripture reading is from Matthew 7:24-29 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on November 12, 2023. All lessons fit under one of 5 broad categories: Begin, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under DISCOVER: A New Lifestyle.

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

Click here if you would like to download "Living the Sermon on the Mount," a free teachers guide and workbook resource for class and small groups.

Click here for the "Outside the Walls" podcast discussion of this sermon.

Sources of Inspiration for the Lesson Used in Today's Podcast:

• James Bryan Smith, The Good & Beautiful Life.
• James Clear, Atomic Habits
• Christianity Today article: 26 million Americans stopped reading the Bible…
• American Bible Society 2002 Report: The State of the Bible.
• Brother Lawrence, Practice of the Presence of God.
• Lee Daniel's The Butler "Sit In" scene.
• Craig Keener, Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary.
• Stanley Hauerwas, Matthew (Brazos).
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Cost of Discipleship.

I'd love to connect with you!

• Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.
• Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide and even kids notes on the sermon notes page.
• Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)
• Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

If you want to know who the hurting trust, find out who heals them, feeds them, and welcomes them.

The sermon today is titled "Who Do You Trust?" It is the twelfth installment in our series "One Sermon That Changed The World." The Scripture reading is from Matthew 7:6-23 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on November 5, 2023. All lessons fit under one of 5 broad categories: Begin, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under DISCOVER: A New Lifestyle.

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

Click here if you would like to download "Living the Sermon on the Mount," a free teachers guide and workbook resource for class and small groups.

Click here for the "Outside the Walls" podcast discussion of this sermon.

Sources of Inspiration for the Lesson Used in Today's Podcast:

• David Garland, Mark (NIV Life Application Commentary)
• LaGard Smith, Who Is My Brother?
• Stanley Hauerwas, Matthew  (Brazos).
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Cost of Discipleship.
• James Bryan Smith, The Good & Beautiful Life.

I'd love to connect with you!

• Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.
• Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide and even kids notes on the sermon notes page.
• Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)
• Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Yes we are called to discern and assess. But Jesus challenges the hypercritical, the hypocritical, and all of us who desire a critical spirit.

The sermon today is titled "Judgy McJudgerson." It is the eleventh installment in our series "One Sermon That Changed The World." The Scripture reading is from Matthew 7:1-5 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on October 29, 2023. All lessons fit under one of 5 broad categories: Begin, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under DISCOVER: A New Lifestyle.

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

Click here if you would like to download "Living the Sermon on the Mount," a free teachers guide and workbook resource for class and small groups.

Click here for the "Outside the Walls" podcast discussion of this sermon.

Sources of Inspiration for the Lesson Used in Today's Podcast:

• Mike Cope, “Speck Inspectors.” Sermon preached at College Church of Christ (Searcy, AR), 1987.
• Craig Keener, Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary.
• Stanley Hauerwas, Matthew  (Brazos).
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Cost of Discipleship.
• James Bryan Smith, The Good & Beautiful Life.
• Tim Mackie, “To Judge or Not To Judge.” Sermon.

I'd love to connect with you!

• Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.
• Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide and even kids notes on the sermon notes page.
• Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)
• Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

When you don't have the words. When there are no words. There is a still a word of hope for us. Join us as we rediscover the prayer the Lord taught his disciples to pray.

The sermon today is titled "When You Haven't Got A Prayer." It is the tenth installment in our series "One Sermon That Changed The World." The Scripture reading is from Matthew 6:7-13 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on October 22, 2023. All lessons fit under one of 5 broad categories: Begin, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under DISCOVER: A New Lifestyle.

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

Click here if you would like to download "Living the Sermon on the Mount," a free teachers guide and workbook resource for class and small groups.

Click here for the "Outside the Walls" podcast discussion of this sermon.

Sources of Inspiration for the Lesson Used in Today's Podcast:

• Sam Wells, "When You Haven't Got A Prayer," Duke University Chapel (2007)
• Sam Wells, "The Forgiveness of sins, The Resurrection of the body, and The Life everlasting. Amen," Chapter 10 in The God We Proclaim (ed. Hughes & Davison, 2014).

I'd love to connect with you!

• Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.
• Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide and even kids notes on the sermon notes page.
• Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)
• Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

In the dark. Behind the scenes. That's where the magic happens. That is where Christ will meet us. There is power when God takes notice, and only God is the focus of attention when our deeds are done in secret.

The sermon today is titled "Our God Who Sees In Secret." I was honored to be joined by Casey McDonald, Associate Minister at West Side in Searcy. It is the ninth installment in our series "One Sermon That Changed The World." The Scripture reading is from Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on October 15, 2023. All lessons fit under one of 5 broad categories: Begin, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under DISCOVER: A New Lifestyle.

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

Click here if you would like to download "Living the Sermon on the Mount," a free teachers guide and workbook resource for class and small groups.

Click here for the "Outside the Walls" podcast discussion of the sermon.

Footnotes (Sources and References Used In Today's Podcast):

• Craig S. Keener, The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary.
• For more on Enneagram 3's, see Sean Palmer, Fourty Days on Being A Three.
• For ostentatious practicing of righteousness, see Josephus, The Life 290-91.
• For receipt saying "paid in full," see G. E. Ladd, The New Testament and Criticism, p. 91.
• For more on spiritual disciplines, see Donald S. Whitney, Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life.

I'd love to connect with you!

• Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.
• Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide and even kids notes on the sermon notes page.
• Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)
• Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

A perfect love is one that includes our enemies. The only way for this is to remove any desire for revenge or even self-preservation. It is, after all, the way of the cross.

The sermon today is titled "A Perfect Love." It is the eighth installment in our series "One Sermon That Changed The World." The Scripture reading is from Matthew 5:38-48 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on October 8, 2023. All lessons fit under one of 5 broad categories: Begin, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under DISCOVER: A New Lifestyle.

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

Click here if you would like to download "Living the Sermon on the Mount," a free teachers guide and workbook resource for class and small groups.

Click here for the "Outside the Walls" podcast discussion of this sermon.

Footnotes (Sources and References Used In Today's Podcast):

• Craig S. Keener, The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary.
• Talbert, Matthew (Paideia Commentaries)
• John Piper, "Love Your Enemies."

I'd love to connect with you!

• Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.
• Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide and even kids notes on the sermon notes page.
• Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)
• Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.