Episode 75 is a special one - not only because it marks another milestone in the Sermons on the Side journey, but because it features an incredibly encouraging conversation with Mike Gunter.

Mike, his wife Amber, and their three children call the Columbus, Georgia area home. He is the owner of Energy Savers in Columbus, GA, and has faithfully attended and served as a Sunday School teacher at North Highland Church for decades.

From the outside, Mike appeared to be living the American dream. But everything changed when he received a life-altering diagnosis of IgA nephropathy.

What followed was a journey through anxiety, declining kidney function, dialysis, the transplant waiting list, kidney transplant surgery, and even post-surgical complications. Throughout it all, Mike was continually faced with the choice that every believer eventually encounters: Would he run from God into fear, insecurity, and anxiety - or run to God, his hiding place, his Shield, and his Great Reward?

In this powerful episode, Mike shares his story with honesty, humility, and unwavering faith. One of the most moving moments comes as he reflects on Genesis 15 that describes God as our "shield and exceedingly great reward." That truth became an anchor for his soul and provides a perspective that every follower of Christ needs to hear.

Whether you or someone you love has been diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, chronic kidney disease, is navigating dialysis or a transplant, or is simply walking through an unexpected season of suffering, this conversation offers hope, biblical encouragement, and a reminder that Christ is enough.

As a special encouragement, Mike extends a heartfelt invitation to anyone facing kidney disease or a similar medical journey: You're not alone. If connecting with someone who's been there would be an encouragement, he would love to hear from you.

Mikegunter@energysaversair.com

This is one of those conversations that will stay with you long after it ends!

Send us Fan Mail

Sermons on the Side Bible Readings

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK page

Connect with us on INSTAGRAM @sermons_on_the_side_podcast

Check out our website HERE

Love the show? If you’re enjoying the stories, laughs, and conversations we share here, we’d be so grateful if you’d consider “buying us a cup of coffee” to help keep things brewing. It’s a simple way to show your support and keep the podcast going strong!

Here’s the link: buymeacoffee.com/sermonsontheside

Thank you for being part of the journey with us!

A quiet afternoon on a park bench overlooking the Hudson River became an unforgettable lesson about the power of our choices.

In this episode, Richard takes us back to his days in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he watched one of the largest barges he'd ever seen make its way down the Hudson River. Within minutes, it had disappeared around the bend and out of sight. But the story wasn't over.

Long after the barge was gone, the shoreline began to change. Small ripples became rolling waves. Calm water became restless. The greatest impact came after the vessel could no longer be seen.

It's a powerful picture of our own lives. Every decision we make - whether rooted in faith or selfishness, obedience or compromise - creates a wake that extends far beyond what we can see. Our actions influence our families, our friendships, our churches, and generations to come, often in ways we'll never fully realize this side of eternity.

Together, Brad and Richard explore the lasting consequences of everyday choices, the invitation to faithfully obey God regardless of immediate results, and the challenge found in Revelation 3:2 to "strengthen what remains." Whether you're walking through a season of discouragement, wondering if your faithfulness matters, or reflecting on the legacy you're leaving behind, this conversation is a reminder that God is at work - even in the wakes we cannot see.

Send us Fan Mail

Sermons on the Side Bible Readings

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK page

Connect with us on INSTAGRAM @sermons_on_the_side_podcast

Check out our website HERE

Love the show? If you’re enjoying the stories, laughs, and conversations we share here, we’d be so grateful if you’d consider “buying us a cup of coffee” to help keep things brewing. It’s a simple way to show your support and keep the podcast going strong!

Here’s the link: buymeacoffee.com/sermonsontheside

Thank you for being part of the journey with us!

The gospel is a story of transformation.

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly reminds His people of who they once were compared to who they have now become because of His grace. Once dead... but now alive. Once slaves... but now free. Once far away... but now brought near. Once in darkness... but now in the Light in the Lord.

In this episode of Sermons on the Side, Richard and Brad explore one of the Bible's most beautiful recurring themes: the "once... but now" passages that reveal the transforming power of Christ. Walking through passages like Ephesians 2, Romans 6 and 7, Galatians 4, and Ephesians 5, they unpack how our identity has fundamentally changed - not because of our effort, but because of God's redeeming work.

The conversation culminates in the powerful imagery of Ezekiel 36, where God promises to restore what was once desolate until people can only marvel at what He has done. It's a fitting picture of every believer's testimony.

No matter your past, your failures, or your present struggles, the gospel declares that God is still in the business of writing "once... but now" stories.

Scripture Referenced:

• Ephesians 2:19
• Romans 6:13
• Romans 6:17-18
• Romans 7:5-6
• Galatians 4:7
• Ephesians 5:8
• Ezekiel 36:33-35

Send us Fan Mail

Sermons on the Side Bible Readings

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK page

Connect with us on INSTAGRAM @sermons_on_the_side_podcast

Check out our website HERE

Love the show? If you’re enjoying the stories, laughs, and conversations we share here, we’d be so grateful if you’d consider “buying us a cup of coffee” to help keep things brewing. It’s a simple way to show your support and keep the podcast going strong!

Here’s the link: buymeacoffee.com/sermonsontheside

Thank you for being part of the journey with us!