Sermons on the Side

68 | The Spurs of Service with Special Guest: Jacob P. Kelly

This week on Sermons on the Side, we sit down with Jacob P. Kelly - a career military serviceman stationed at Ft Benning, a man of deep faith, and the author of The Spurs of Service [https://sawdustpublishing.com/product/the-spurs-of-service/?v=0b3b97fa6688]. In this powerful and honest conversation, Jake shares his journey through military service, fatherhood, faith, and the inspiration behind his collection of poetry and writings that explore the raw emotions many men carry but rarely talk about.  Raised in Texas and shaped by both the cowboy way and the warrior’s heart, Jake opens up about courage, vulnerability, purpose, and what it means to lead with both strength and humility. From stories of service and sacrifice to reflections on identity, manhood, and trusting God through life’s hardest moments, this episode is filled with wisdom, grit, and encouragement for anyone walking through life’s battles.  As Memorial Day weekend reminds us of the sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces, we’re honored to highlight Jake's story and celebrate those who faithfully serve this country. And by the end of this episode, you’ll hear the moving testimony of Jake and Ashley’s daughter - a beautiful story of perseverance, faith, healing, and the incredible bond between a father and his little girl.  Whether you love stories of faith, military life, Christian encouragement, poetry, resilience, or conversations about authentic masculinity and emotional  honesty, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2372827/fan_mail/new] Sermons on the Side Bible Readings [https://gmail.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=274c7054c3468fdeba876877a&id=2d41226b65] Connect with us on our FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573067220837] page Connect with us on INSTAGRAM @sermons_on_the_side_podcast Check out our website HERE [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2372827] 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!

67 | Fixed Point of Reference

What happens when life goes dark, direction feels lost, and the path forward seems impossible to navigate?  In this episode of Sermons on the Side, Richard shares how a recent viewing of Apollo 13 sparked a powerful spiritual realization that neither of us could shake. As the crew of Apollo 13 fought to survive after catastrophic damage in space, there was one unforgettable moment during their journey home: a manual “slow burn” navigation maneuver where the astronauts had to keep Earth centered in a tiny window in order to stay on course. Lose sight of Earth… and they’d drift into darkness forever.  That image quickly became the heartbeat of this conversation.  Because in so many ways, life can feel the same. Unexpected pain. Uncertainty. Fear. Distraction. Loss. Seasons where it feels like we’re drifting without direction. But through it all, God remains our fixed point of reference - steady, unchanging, trustworthy, and true.  In Episode 67, “Fixed Point of Reference,” we talk about finding clarity in chaos, anchoring your life to truth when emotions are loud, and why keeping in step with a biblical community that loves the Lord changes everything. This is a conversation about faith, perspective, hope, spiritual stability, and learning to trust God even when you can’t fully see the path ahead.  If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, spiritually disoriented, or simply in need of encouragement, we truly believe this episode will meet you right where you are. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2372827/fan_mail/new] Sermons on the Side Bible Readings [https://gmail.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=274c7054c3468fdeba876877a&id=2d41226b65] Connect with us on our FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573067220837] page Connect with us on INSTAGRAM @sermons_on_the_side_podcast Check out our website HERE [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2372827] 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!

66 | The True and Only Name with Special Guests: Elliott & Emily Yancey | Part 2

What happens when the story doesn’t get easier - but God is still just as present?  In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Elliott and Emily Yancey share the rest of their adoption journey with Jojo - walking through the tension, the unknowns, and the moments that tested everything they thought they could handle. But through it all, one truth remained: their calling wasn’t to control the outcome… it was to live out the gospel right in front of them. And what a story it was, and continues to be!  We also step into another deeply impactful chapter - the closing of First Baptist Church Forest Park in Atlanta. What could have been a story marked by loss instead became a testimony of faith, obedience, and trusting God when the path forward isn’t clear.  This episode is a reminder that God’s faithfulness isn’t dependent on our circumstances. Whether you’re facing uncertainty, walking through a difficult season, or simply trying to follow Jesus in the everyday moments - this conversation will encourage you to keep going. If Part 1 resonated with you, this is the conclusion you’ve been waiting for. Thank you Elliott & Emily! Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2372827/fan_mail/new] Sermons on the Side Bible Readings [https://gmail.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=274c7054c3468fdeba876877a&id=2d41226b65] Connect with us on our FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573067220837] page Connect with us on INSTAGRAM @sermons_on_the_side_podcast Check out our website HERE [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2372827] 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!

65 | JoJo's Psalm with Special Guests: Elliott & Emily Yancey | Part 1

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. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2372827/fan_mail/new] Sermons on the Side Bible Readings [https://gmail.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=274c7054c3468fdeba876877a&id=2d41226b65] Connect with us on our FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573067220837] page Connect with us on INSTAGRAM @sermons_on_the_side_podcast Check out our website HERE [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2372827] 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!

64 | Naming Rights

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.  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2372827/fan_mail/new] Sermons on the Side Bible Readings [https://gmail.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=274c7054c3468fdeba876877a&id=2d41226b65] Connect with us on our FACEBOOK [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573067220837] page Connect with us on INSTAGRAM @sermons_on_the_side_podcast Check out our website HERE [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2372827] 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!