Life on the West Side

You Are Too Restrictive: Christian Prohibitions

Christians seem odd. Our odd views are counter culture. However, let us respond to our critics in a way that counters their own cultural narrative about Christianity. What if the very thing you find concerning ends up offering you far more hope than you ever dared dream? How can answers to the challenge of critics counter the cultural narrative about us, and offer hope to all? The sermon today is titled "You Are Too Restrictive," dealing with the claim that Christianity is a straightjacket, restricting our freedom. This sermon is the second installment in our series "Counter/Culture." The Scripture reading is from Romans 6:17-18 & 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on August 23, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Satisfying Faith. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Tim Keller, The Reason For God. Sam Wells, "You Are Not Your Own." Sermon. Allan Noble. You Are Not Your Own. 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

• Chapters

You Are Too Closed-Minded: Christian Exclusivism

Christians seem odd. Our odd views are counter culture. However, let us respond to our critics in a way that counters their own cultural narrative about Christianity. What if the very thing you find concerning ends up offering you far more hope than you ever dared dream? How can answers to the challenge of critics counter the cultural narrative about us, and offer hope to all? The sermon today is titled "You Are Too Closed-Minded," dealing with the claim that Jesus is the only way to God. This sermon is the first installment in our series "Counter/Culture." Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on August 16, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Satisfying Faith. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Tim Keller, The Reason For God. Tim Keller, “One Way or Many?" Sermon, Redeemer Presbyterian Church (Dec 14, 1997). William Lane Craig, "Is Jesus the Only Way To God?" Youtube video. Philip Ryken, How Can Jesus Be The Only Way? Modern Reformation (Aug 2, 2007). 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

• Chapters

Proposing A Model

As a Christian, I believe God makes sense. I start with beauty and goodness. What I find most interesting and lovely, what I find most good and pleasing, is the story in which God is the center. Could it also possibly be true? Join me as I share why our deepest longings connect us with the heart of the story of God. The sermon today is titled "Proposing A Model." This sermon is the eleventh installment in our series "Why God Makes Sense." Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on July 26, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Satisfying Faith. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Thank you for listening! 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

The Jesus Question

As a Christian, I believe God makes sense. I start with beauty and goodness. What I find most interesting and lovely, what I find most good and pleasing, is the story in which God is the center. Could it also possibly be true? Join me as I share why our deepest longings connect us with the heart of the story of God. The sermon today is titled "The Jesus Question." This sermon is the tenth installment in our series "Why God Makes Sense." Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on July 19, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Satisfying Faith. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Thank you for listening! 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Echoes

As a Christian, I believe God makes sense. I start with beauty and goodness. What I find most interesting and lovely, what I find most good and pleasing, is the story in which God is the center. Could it also possibly be true? Join me as I share why our deepest longings connect us with the heart of the story of God. The sermon today is titled "Echoes." This sermon is the ninth installment in our series "Why God Makes Sense." This lesson is based on the book of Ecclesiastes. Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on July 12, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Satisfying Faith. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Thank you for listening! 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Music and Love

As a Christian, I believe God makes sense. I start with beauty and goodness. What I find most interesting and lovely, what I find most good and pleasing, is the story in which God is the center. Could it also possibly be true? Join me as I share why our deepest longings connect us with the heart of the story of God. The sermon today is titled "Music and Love." This sermon is the eighth installment in our series "Why God Makes Sense." Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on July 5, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Satisfying Faith. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Glen Scrivener, The Air We Breathe. 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Borrowed Values, Part 2

As a Christian, I believe God makes sense. I start with beauty and goodness. What I find most interesting and lovely, what I find most good and pleasing, is the story in which God is the center. Could it also possibly be true? Join me as I share why our deepest longings connect us with the heart of the story of God. The sermon today is titled "Borrowed Values (Part 2)." This sermon is the seventh installment in our series "Why God Makes Sense." Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on June 28, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Satisfying Faith. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Glen Scrivener, The Air We Breathe. 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Borrowed Values, Part 1

As a Christian, I believe God makes sense. I start with beauty and goodness. What I find most interesting and lovely, what I find most good and pleasing, is the story in which God is the center. Could it also possibly be true? Join me as I share why our deepest longings connect us with the heart of the story of God. The sermon today is titled "Borrowed Values (Part 1)." This sermon is the sixth installment in our series "Why God Makes Sense." 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 under BEGIN: A Satisfying Faith. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Glen Scrivener, The Air We Breathe. 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Right And Wrong

As a Christian, I believe God makes sense. I start with beauty and goodness. What I find most interesting and lovely, what I find most good and pleasing, is the story in which God is the center. Could it also possibly be true? Join me as I share why our deepest longings connect us with the heart of the story of God. The sermon today is titled "Right And Wrong." This sermon is the fifth installment in our series "Why God Makes Sense." The Scripture reading is from Deuteronomy 32:4. 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 Satisfying Faith. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Thank you for listening! 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

What Are The Odds?

As a Christian, I believe God makes sense. I start with beauty and goodness. What I find most interesting and lovely, what I find most good and pleasing, is the story in which God is the center. Could it also possibly be true? Join me as I share why our deepest longings connect us with the heart of the story of God. The sermon today is titled "What Are The Odds?" This sermon is the fourth installment in our series "Why God Makes Sense." The Scripture reading is from Genesis 1:1. 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 Satisfying Faith. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Thank you for listening! 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?

As a Christian, I believe God makes sense. I start with beauty and goodness. What I find most interesting and lovely, what I find most good and pleasing, is the story in which God is the center. Could it also possibly be true? Join me as I share why our deepest longings connect us with the heart of the story of God. The sermon today is titled "Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?" This sermon is the third installment in our series "Why God Makes Sense." The Scripture reading is from Genesis 1:1. Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on May 27, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Satisfying Faith. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Gavin Ortlund, Why God Makes Sense in a World That Doesn't. Robert Jastrow, God & The Astronomers. 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Comparing Gods

As a Christian, I believe God makes sense. I start with beauty and goodness. What I find most interesting and lovely, what I find most good and pleasing, is the story in which God is the center. Could it also possibly be true? Join me as I share why our deepest longings connect us with the heart of the story of God. The sermon today is titled "Comparing Gods." This sermon is the second installment in our series "Why God Makes Sense." Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on May 17, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Satisfying Faith. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Gavin Ortlund, Why God Makes Sense in a World That Doesn't. C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity. Anselm, Proslogion. Blaise Pascal, Pensees. 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Why God Makes Sense

As a Christian, I believe God makes sense. I start with beauty and goodness. What I find most interesting and lovely, what I find most good and pleasing, is the story in which God is the center. Could it also possibly be true? Join me as I share why our deepest longings connect us with the heart of the story of God. The sermon today is titled "Why God Makes Sense." This sermon is the first installment in our series "Why God Makes Sense." Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on May 10, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under BEGIN: A Satisfying Faith. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Gavin Ortlund, Why God Makes Sense in a World That Doesn't. Glen Scrivener, The Air We Breathe. Anselm, Proslogion. Blaise Pascal, Pensees. 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Christ Above All: Nor Right

Christ Is All. But if Christ is all, he must be above all. The Hebrews had a phrase for this: "walking straight, turning neither to the left nor the right." But what does that mean? Join us as we consider ways West Side must avoid the ditches and keep it "between the hedges." The sermon today is titled "Christ Above All (Part 2): Nor Right." This sermon is the second and final installment in our series "Christ Above All." The Scripture reading is from Colossians 3:11 and 1 Timothy 4:3-5 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on August 9, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Relinquishing Our idols. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Thank you for listening! 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

• Chapters

Christ Above All: Neither Left

Christ Is All. But if Christ is all, he must be above all. The Hebrews had a phrase for this: "walking straight, turning neither to the left nor the right." But what does that mean? Join us as we consider ways West Side must avoid the ditches and keep it "between the hedges." The sermon today is titled "Christ Above All (Part 1): Neither Left." This sermon is the first installment in our series "Christ Above All." The Scripture reading is from Colossians 3:11 and 1 Timothy 4:1-2 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on August 2, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Relinquishing Our idols. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Tim Keller, The Decline and Renewal of the American Church (Gospel in Life, 2022). Dean Kelley, Why Conservative Churches Are Growing. H. Richard Niebuhr, The Kingdom of God in America. David F. Strauss, The Life of Jesus Critically Examined. Carl Trueman, What is the Church of England For? First Things, June 18, 2026. 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

• Chapters

Lust

The 7 Deadly Sins. Why are they so tempting? Why are these 7 listed so prominently in Christian history? Join us as we discuss the capital vices and learn how to turn from sin. The sermon today is titled "Lust." This sermon is the eighth installment in our series "Turning From Sin." The Scripture reading is from Matthew 5:27-30 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on February 8, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Relinquishing Our idols and GROW: Spiritual Formation. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Rebecca DeYoung, Glittering Vices. 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Greed

The 7 Deadly Sins. Why are they so tempting? Why are these 7 listed so prominently in Christian history? Join us as we discuss the capital vices and learn how to turn from sin. The sermon today is titled "Greed." This sermon is the seventh installment in our series "Turning From Sin." The Scripture reading is from Ephesians 5:5 & Colossians 3:5 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on January 18, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Relinquishing Our idols and GROW: Spiritual Formation. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Rebecca DeYoung, Glittering Vices. 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Gluttony

The 7 Deadly Sins. Why are they so tempting? Why are these 7 listed so prominently in Christian history? Join us as we discuss the capital vices and learn how to turn from sin. The sermon today is titled "Gluttony." This sermon is the sixth installment in our series "Turning From Sin." The Scripture reading is from Proverbs 23:2 & Philippians 3:19 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on January 11, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Relinquishing Our idols and GROW: Spiritual Formation. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Rebecca DeYoung, Glittering Vices. 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Wrath

The 7 Deadly Sins. Why are they so tempting? Why are these 7 listed so prominently in Christian history? Join us as we discuss the capital vices and learn how to turn from sin. The sermon today is titled "Wrath." This sermon is the fifth installment in our series "Turning From Sin." The Scripture reading is from James 1:19-20 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on January 4, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Relinquishing Our idols and GROW: Spiritual Formation. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Rebecca DeYoung, Glittering Vices. 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

Sloth

The 7 Deadly Sins. Why are they so tempting? Why are these 7 listed so prominently in Christian history? Join us as we discuss the capital vices and learn how to turn from sin. The sermon today is titled "Sloth." This sermon is the fourth installment in our series "Turning From Sin." The Scripture reading is from Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on December 21, 2025. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under GROW: Relinquishing Our idols and GROW: Spiritual Formation. Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript. Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced): Rebecca DeYoung, Glittering Vices. 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 on the sermon notes page. Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter) Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.