What does it look like to follow God… when you don’t know how the story ends?

In this powerful first part of a two-part conversation, we sit down with one of Richard’s dearest friends, Elliott, and his wife, Emily, as they share their journey into the world of fostering and adoption - a path filled with uncertainty, surrender, and deep trust in God.

This isn’t just a conversation about outcomes. It’s about obedience. It’s about choosing to keep the gospel at the center, even when the road ahead feels unclear. And it’s about treating people with the kind of selfless love that Jesus calls us to - regardless of how the story unfolds.

Elliott has been a mega-supporter of Sermons on the Side from the early days (firmly on the Mount Rushmore of fans), and this conversation is one you won’t want to miss!

Part 2 drops next week - make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss the rest of this incredible story.

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What if the way you describe your life… isn’t actually yours to define?

This week on Sermons on the Side, Richard shares a simple but profound moment with a friend named Jamal. When asked how his day was going, Jamal responded, “It’s not for me to call.” That phrase sparks a deeper conversation about who truly has the authority to name our circumstances - and ultimately, our identity.

We journey back to Genesis, where tragedy and truth collide. As Rachel gives birth to her son in her final moments, she names him Ben-Oni - “son of my sorrow.” But in the very next breath of Scripture, Jacob steps in and renames him Benjamin - “son of my right hand.” In that culture, the father held the right to name the child.

So what does that mean for us?

If God is our Father, then He alone has the authority to name who we are - not our pain, not our past, not our circumstances. We don’t get the final word… He does.

And why does He have that right?

Because He paid for it.

Just like Truist Park bears its name because of a financial transaction, our lives carry God’s name because of a far greater price. Scripture reminds us: we were bought with a price. Our identity isn’t self-assigned - it’s divinely given.

This episode is an invitation to release the labels you’ve been carrying… and receive the name your Father speaks over you!

Song Credit: This episode includes a brief acoustic portion of "Before the Throne of God Above" performed by Shane & Shane. Used here for devotional and illustrative purposes.

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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!

What happens when a simple trip to the store turns into a moment you never forget?

In this episode, Brad shares the now-legendary Bed, Bath & Beyond story - from a wedding with hundreds of people, to stacks of gift cards, to a checkout moment that didn’t make sense on paper… but made perfect sense in real life.

What started as a routine shopping trip with a plan quickly became something much deeper and picture of something much greater: the beauty of community and the overwhelming nature of grace. When people show up - really show up - it changes things. It lifts burdens. It fills gaps. It reminds us that we were never meant to do life alone.

This conversation leans into the truth that biblical community has the amazing opportunity to show the very grace of God to people - and when we do, it has a way of leaving us speechless.

If you’ve ever experienced a moment where provision, generosity, or your very own five-loaves-and-two-fish experience… this one’s for you!

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!