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
Listen for free

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
  • 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).
    Show more Show less
    15 mins
  • Does Love Really Hurt (From Our 11-18-26 Worship)

    Does Love Really Hurt (From Our 11-18-26 Worship)
    Jan 25 2026

    Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/nLSwWiVGIv4

    Introduction: The "Anti-Love" Song

    • The Hook: The speaker references the song "Love Hurts" (famously covered by Nazareth in 1975).

    • The Lyrics: Quotes the cynical lyrics: "Love is just a lie made to make you blue... Love hurts."

    • The Rebuttal: The speaker validates the feeling—pain is often tied to love—but rejects the song’s conclusion.

      • If love were truly bad, the solution would be to build walls and never connect with anyone.

      • The Truth: We cannot do that because we are designed to crave love; we need it more than air.

    • The Goal: Since there is no "magic wand" to remove pain, the speaker aims to make sense of it. Pain is not needless torture; it is the price of something crucial.

    I. Pain is a Signal of Love (Jesus at Lazarus’ Tomb)

    • Scripture: John 11:32-36

    • The Scene: Jesus arrives at the funeral of Lazarus. Despite knowing He would raise him, Jesus weeps ("Jesus wept" - v.35).

    • The Observation: The Jews watching didn't just see tears; they saw the relationship behind them.

      • Verse 36: "See how he loved him!"

    • The Connection: The depth of our grief is directly tied to the depth of our love.

      • We do not grieve for strangers because we do not have a relationship with them.

      • Key Takeaway: Pain is not worthless; it is a signal of the love we had and still have. Love does not disappear when a life ends.

    II. The Value Added by Love (The Death of Dorcas)

    • Scripture: Acts 9:36-39

    • The Scene: Peter arrives after the death of Dorcas (Tabitha). The widows surround him, weeping and holding up the tunics and garments she had made.

    • The Symbolism: Why show the clothes?

      • It wasn't about the monetary value (e.g., a $20 coat).

      • It was about the investment. The clothes represented Dorcas’s time, talent, and care.

    • The Connection: Love hurts because we recognize the immense value that person added to our lives.

      • Reference to 1 John 4:16: God is love, and because we are made in His image, love adds essential value to our existence.

    III. The Pain of Lost Opportunity (Paul and the Ephesian Elders)

    • Scripture: Acts 20:35-38

    • The Scene: Paul says his final goodbye to the Ephesian elders before boarding a ship.

    • The Sorrow: The group weeps and embraces Paul.

    • The Root of Pain: The text notes they sorrowed "most of all" because they would "not see his face again."

    • The Connection: A major part of grief is the realization that we lose the earthly opportunity to give and receive love from that person.

    Conclusion: Love Gives Even When It Hurts

    • The Trade-off: To remove the pain, you would have to remove the love. The speaker concludes that the love is worth the pain.

    • The Ultimate Example: John 15:12-14

      • "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

    • Final Charge:

      • Jesus demonstrated that love gives even when it causes pain (laying down His life).

      • Call to Action: We cannot quit loving. Even in grief, we must continue to love one another.

      • Invitation: An offer for prayer, support in the "Shepherd's Room," or simply finding comfort in the community.
    Show more Show less
    11 mins
  • Being Rich Towards God (From our 1-11-26 Worship)

    Being Rich Towards God (From our 1-11-26 Worship)
    Jan 25 2026

    Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/KPlp4TgIZlg

    Structure of the Message

    I. Beyond the First Day (Opening Thought) The message opens with a reflection on the transition from the "first day of the week" (Sunday) to the rest of our lives. While we gather specifically on this day, the speaker reminds us that:

    • We have the privilege of Jesus Christ’s presence with us all the time, not just during the service.
    • We should look forward to that continuous communion with Him.

    II. The Call to Action: "Be Rich Toward God" The core encouragement is to take the energy of the gathering and apply it daily.

    • The Challenge: Do not let your service end when the church doors close.
    • The Application: Use every single day to "do something for God," actively seeking ways to be rich in spirit and service toward Him throughout the week.

    III. Congregational Updates & Scripture Study The speaker highlights the upcoming "Bible Bowl" event, directing the congregation's attention to specific chapters for study.

    • Scripture Reference: John Chapters 9, 10, and 11
    • Key Theme: Within these chapters, the focus is drawn specifically to Jesus as the Good Shepherd (found in John 10).

    IV. The Invitation (Closing) The message concludes with an open invitation based on the character of the Good Shepherd.

    • Accessibility: Jesus is described as being "here" and "reached" easily by those in need.
    • The Call: If anyone needs the Good Shepherd or needs to "come forward," they are invited to do so as the congregation stands to sing.

    Scripture References

    • John 9, 10, 11 (Context for the upcoming Bible Bowl)
    • Note: The speaker specifically highlights the "Good Shepherd" passage found in this text.
    Show more Show less
    14 mins
No reviews yet