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 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 July 5, 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):

Tim Keller, "Hospitality," Series: Practicing The Christian Life. Sermon, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, June 8, 2008.
Tim Keller, "Why Does Anyone Become A Christian?" Bog post, Nov 11, 2016.
Tim Keller, "Multi-Ethnicity and Mission," The Ministry Collaborative, May 3, 2016.
Tim Keller, "Redeemer Report: The Early Christian 'Social Project.'" 2017.
Sam Wells, "The Naked Truth," Sermon Duke Divinity Chapel. Nov 23, 2008.
Jan Johnson, "Welcoming The Stranger: Living Out God's Soul Stretching Love." Conversatio.
Matt Heerema, "Welcoming The Stranger." Sermon. Stonebrook Church.
Brookings Institute and US Census Bureau Projections.
Foy E. Wallace, Jr., "Negro Meetings for White People." Bible Banner, March 1941.
Ezra Lazarus, "The New Colossus" (1883).
Commentaries include Keener (Acts), Painter (3rd John; Sacra Pagina), Jobes (3rd John; Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament)

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.