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, AR) on July 19, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under LEARN: Introduction to Theology.

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

Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):

Mary Harrington, “Normophobia,” First Things (April 2024).
Suetonius, Life of Nero, 26-31.
Maggie Gallagher, “Why Marriage Is Good For You,” City Journal (Autumn 2000).
Wesley Hill, Washed & Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness & Homosexuality (Zondervan, 2010).
Luke Timothy Johnson, "Homosexuality and the Church: Scripture & Experience," Commonweal, June 11, 2007.
Preston Sprinkle, Living in a Gray World: A Christian Teen’s Guide to Understanding Homosexuality (Zondervan, 2015).
Preston Sprinkle, Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church & What the Bible Has To Say (David C Cook, 2021).
Keith D. Stanglin, “Christian Moral Reasoning and the Question of Homosexual Practice,” Journal of Christian Studies 1/2: “Sexuality and Marriage” (May 2022): 65-80.
Louise Perry, "We Are Repaganizing," First Things, Oct 1, 2023.

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