West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky Podcast By Doug Gregory cover art

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

By: Doug Gregory
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This podcast includes Sermons and other content for the West Side Church of Christ located at 725 W. Main St, Elkton KY. We hope that you can join us for services. We have bible class on Sunday mornings at 9 am and Worship at 10 am. We meet again at 5:30 pm Sunday Evenings, and Wednesday at 6:30 pm. If you are not able to join us then please enjoy our content. :-)© 2026 Doug Gregory Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Spirituality
Episodes
  • God's Providence (From our 2-8-26 Worship)

    God's Providence (From our 2-8-26 Worship)
    Feb 13 2026
    Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/Mz4psHL_FfcIntroduction: The Airbnb AnalogyThe sermon opens with the origin story of Airbnb, explaining its name: "Air" from air mattresses rented out during events, plus "Bed and Breakfast."Founders faced ridicule and rejection; told their idea was crazy.In 2008 recession, they sold custom Cheerio boxes (political themes) to raise $30,000 and keep the company afloat.Today, Airbnb is valued at ~$74 billion, a global leader in property rentals.Key takeaway: Founders persisted because they saw potential others couldn't; they moved pieces, proved critics wrong, and were ultimately right.Analogy to God: God sees what others can't, moves pieces sovereignly, and is always right.God's SovereigntyDefined: God's ability to make plans and the authority/capability to execute them without hindrance.Biblical reference: Isaiah 46:8-11 God contrasts Himself with false idols: "I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning... My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose." God calls events and people into being; what He speaks, He brings to pass. God's ProvidenceTied to sovereignty: Providence is "sovereignty in motion"—God actively working things according to His will.Biblical reference: Ephesians 1:11-14 "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." God seals believers with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of inheritance. Example: Israelites repeatedly messed up, but God's plan wasn't thwarted—He worked through it without removing free will.Providence in action: God isn't passive; He's actively shaping events.The Story of Jonah: Lessons on ProvidenceThe sermon uses the Book of Jonah (chapters 1-4) to illustrate providence. Familiar elements like the "big fish" are highlighted, but emphasis is on deeper themes, including chapter 4's intrigue.Providence Knows (Eternal Intelligence - "EI") Jonah 1:1-2: God commands Jonah (a Hebrew prophet) to go to Nineveh—a Gentile city, capital of Assyria, Israel's arch-enemy—and preach against its evil. Why send an unwilling preacher who hates them? Because God knows it will work: The entire city repents. Parallels: God sends a boy (David) to fight Goliath, or stutterer Moses to lead Israel—because He knows the outcome. Application: When opportunities or challenges keep arising that we feel unqualified for, consider God's greater knowledge. "Maybe I know something you don't... Maybe you have more talent than you think." Providence isn't always a clear roadmap; some events stem from our or others' decisions, but God may be guiding. Providence Pursues Jonah 1:3-17: Jonah flees to Tarshish (opposite direction), boards a ship. God sends a storm; mariners pray to false gods (ineffective), cast lots (falls on Jonah). Jonah admits fleeing God; tells them to throw him overboard. They try to row back but can't; pray to God, throw Jonah in—storm stops instantly. Mariners fear and worship the true God. Not accidents: Storm, lots, calm sea—all providence pursuing Jonah. Why pursue? God cares, even when we're stubborn. He's not frustrated like humans; He has backups but values each person. Application: What if recurring "bad" circumstances are God chasing you back to His path? Providence is Misunderstood Jonah 1:17-2:10: God appoints a great fish to swallow Jonah for 3 days/nights. Jonah prays from the belly: Acknowledges distress, God's salvation; vows thanksgiving (Jonah 2:1-9). Fish wasn't punishment but salvation: Jonah expected to drown (no rescue available); fish saved him from certain death. Though uncomfortable (smelly, dark), it preserved life. Parallels: Acts 8—persecution scatters Christians from Jerusalem, but they preach everywhere, spreading the Gospel (disaster becomes blessing). Application: What seems like the "worst thing ever" may be a hidden blessing. Use wisdom: Learn from past experiences to "fight what I feel with what I know to be true." Providence Positions (Right Place, Right Time) Jonah 3:1-4: God commands Jonah again; he obeys, preaches to Nineveh (a massive city, 3 days' journey across). Speculation: Fish (likely air-breathing whale) swam for 3 days, possibly carrying Jonah 300-600 miles closer to Nineveh (from Mediterranean toward east), shortening his overland journey from ~600 miles. God doesn't specify, but providence likely positioned him advantageously, not further away. Application: God can redirect us efficiently, even through detours. Providence Exposes Your Heart Jonah 3:5-10 & 4:1-11: Nineveh repents fully (from king to animals); God relents from destruction. Jonah angry: Prays for death, admits he fled because he knew God is gracious, merciful, slow to anger (Jonah 4:2). Pouts outside city, hoping for destruction. God appoints: Plant for shade (Jonah glad), worm to kill it, scorching wind/sun (Jonah faints, ...
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    28 mins
  • The Power of One Word (From our 2-1-26 Worship)

    The Power of One Word (From our 2-1-26 Worship)
    Feb 11 2026

    Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/nghLyyTp6q8

    Sermon Summary: The Power of a Single Word

    In this sermon, Pastor explores the profound impact of words, drawing parallels between historical inventions like the printing press and modern AI revolutions. He highlights how one misplaced or omitted word can alter history, lives, and even eternal destinies, using biblical wisdom to urge listeners to guard their speech.

    Key Highlights:

    • Historical Anecdote: The Printing Press Revolution The invention of the printing press obsoleted scribes, who painstakingly copied texts by hand. In 1631, a printing error in the King James Bible omitted "not" from Exodus 20:14, resulting in "Thou shalt commit adultery." This tiny mistake—missing one word out of over 783,000—led to fines, recalls, and the company's downfall. Lesson: Words are precious and powerful; one error can change everything.
    • Biblical Examples of Dangerous Words:
      • The Word That Doesn't Belong (Genesis 3): The serpent twists God's command by adding doubt ("You will not surely die"), leading to humanity's fall. Modern parallels include false doctrines built on subtle additions like "don't" in "You don't have to obey." Challenge: Ask who benefits from such ideas—God, you, or someone else?
      • The Quiet Word (Proverbs 16:28): Whisperers (gossips) spread strife and separate friends. Gossip can be true but shared with wrong intentions. Test: If you'd be mortified if it went public, it's likely harmful. Satan tempts with what we desire, making it "fun" but destructive.
      • The Harsh Word (Proverbs 15:1): A soft answer calms anger, but harsh tones escalate it. You can be right but deliver it wrongly (e.g., responding to an apology with sarcasm). Real-life tip: Harshness often stems from personal stress—don't "kick the dog" when mad at the cat.
      • The Worthless Word (Matthew 12:33-37): Out of the heart's abundance, the mouth speaks. We'll account for every careless (empty or lazy) word on judgment day. Examples: Inappropriate jokes or persistent bad language. Grace covers struggles, but the tongue is like a fire (James 3)—hard to tame but worth the effort.
      • The Unreliable Word (Matthew 5:33-37): Let your "yes" be yes and "no" be no; avoid oaths or evasive promises. It's tempting to lie politely (e.g., faking interest in an event), but honesty builds trust. If prone to forgetting, act immediately (e.g., pray on the spot instead of promising later).
    • The Ultimate Word: Jesus (John 1:1-5) Jesus is "the Word" through whom all was made, bringing light that darkness can't overcome. His love shines into our hearts (2 Corinthians 4:7), helping us combat our slips in speech.

    Closing Invitation:

    The pastor admits no one's perfect with words but encourages growth together. If you need encouragement, prayer, or to respond—whether for baptism, repentance, or support—reach out during the invitation or to elders. Don't leave without the word you need today.

    This message reminds us: Words shape realities—use them wisely to build, not break. Perfect for discussions on communication, integrity, and biblical living!
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    20 mins
  • Find More Joy In More Moments(Snow Day Devo 1-25-26)

    Find More Joy In More Moments(Snow Day Devo 1-25-26)
    Jan 25 2026
    Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/fl527UPlHYkI. Introduction: The Disruption of PlansThe Reality of Disruption: Life often goes according to plan, which lulls us into a false sense of security. We get used to the routine.The Question: How do we react when the "normal plan" is impossible? (e.g., A snowstorm preventing worship, a project stalled).The Thesis: Life doesn't always go to plan, but we choose how we react to the disruption. We can either be overcome by the "evil" of the day, or we can find the "good portion" in the unexpected.II. The Danger of Despising "Small Things" (Old Testament)Context: The Israelites return from captivity to rebuild the Temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel.The Mixed Reaction:The Joy: The foundation is laid, and the younger generation rejoices.The Disappointment: The older generation, who saw Solomon’s Temple, weeps because the new work seems small and insignificant by comparison.Scripture: Ezra 3:11–12"And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, 'For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.' And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers' houses, old men who had seen the first house, wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation of this house being laid, though many shouted aloud for joy..."The Consequence of Comparison: Because the people felt the new temple "wasn't good enough," they became discouraged, and construction stopped for 16 years.God’s Correction: God speaks through the prophet Zechariah to encourage them not to look down on humble beginnings.Scripture: Zechariah 4:10"For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel."Application: When our big plans fail, we often feel "gypped" by the smaller reality in front of us. We despise the small thing because it isn't the big thing we planned.III. Redeeming the Time (The Theology of Reaction)The Command: Paul instructs us to walk wisely and make the best use of our time.Scripture: Ephesians 5:15–16"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."The Definition of "Evil Days": What makes a day evil? It is often our reaction to the circumstances.The Strategy: We answer the "evil" of a bad day (or cancelled plans) with good actions.Scripture: Romans 12:21"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."Synthesis: Are the days only "evil" if we allow them to be? We have the agency to redeem a bad situation by choosing a good reaction.IV. Choosing the "Good Portion" (Gospel Example)The Narrative: Jesus visits Mary and Martha.Martha: Represents the "Plan." She is distracted by serving, anxious, and troubled because things (presumably) aren't going smoothly or she lacks help.Mary: Represents "The Moment." She stops to appreciate what is right in front of her (Jesus).The Rebuke and Invitation:Scripture: Luke 10:41–42"But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'"Application: The difference between a good day and a bad day is often what we choose to focus on.You can focus on the snowstorm and the cancelled plans (Martha).Or you can focus on the unique opportunity to slow down and sit with family (Mary).V. Conclusion: Embracing the UnexpectedPersonal Reflection: The speaker admits the struggle of wanting to be productive/busy but being forced to stop.Reframing the Negative:Negative: We cannot meet for church today.Positive: We get to eat breakfast with family (a rarity), and the absence of church today will make the gathering next Sunday even sweeter.Final Challenge: Pay attention to what is in front of you. Do not be so focused on what you don't have (the failed plan) that you miss the joy of what you do have (the present moment).
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    15 mins
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