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 tenth 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!
