Description

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 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):

• Michael Gorman, "Ahead to our Past: Abortion and Christian Texts," in On Moral Medicine.
• Tim Keller, "5 Features That Made The Early Church Unique," Gospel Coalition.
• Richard Hays, The Moral Vision of the New Testament.
• Larry Hurtado, "Why On Earth Did Anyone Become A Christian In The First Three Centuries?" Marquette Lecture in Theology, 2016.
• Brad East, "Why Christians Oppose Euthanasia," Christianity Today.
• Stanley Hauerwas, "Try Some Courage," The Table Podcast.
• Louise Perry, "We Are Repaganizing," First Things.

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