This is Part 5 of a special 5-part bonus series celebrating one year of Sermons on the Side.

In the final moments of John chapter 21, after Peter has been restored and recommissioned, something subtle - but familiar - happens. Peter looks over at John and begins to compare his story to someone else’s. Even after a mountaintop encounter with Jesus, the comparison game creeps in - and just like that, the joy of the moment starts to unravel.

Jesus’ response is both gentle and freeing: follow Me.

It’s a reminder that each of us has a sacred story being written by God - one that doesn’t need comparison, competition, or qualification. Just faithfulness.

That truth brings us to our final birthday invitation.

Friday’s challenge: give us your story.
Not your rating. Not your money. Your story.

Whether you’ve been listening since episode one or you just found the podcast this week, we would love to hear how God has met you in the everyday. Send us a DM, an email, or a message through the text feature. We want to sit around a charcoal fire with you and celebrate what God is doing in your life.

This podcast started as two friends sharing stories about finding meaning in ordinary moments - and the more stories we hear, the more we’re reminded that none of us are alone.

That’s worth celebrating.

Thank you for an incredible first year. We can’t wait to hear your story!

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Sermons on the Side Bible Readings

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Connect with us on INSTAGRAM @sermons_on_the_side_podcast

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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!

This is Part 4 of a special 5-part bonus series celebrating one year of Sermons on the Side.

In John chapter 21, Peter finds himself in what could have been one of the most painful conversations of his life. Face to face with Jesus, carrying the weight of past failure and deep shame, he’s asked a simple question - three different times: “Do you love me?”

There’s no shaming. No condemnation. Only love.

With each response, Jesus doesn’t just forgive Peter - He restores him, reaffirming his calling and inviting him back into the work of the Kingdom: feed my sheep. It’s a powerful reminder that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, and that redemption doesn’t disqualify us - it recommissions us.

That’s the moment we reflect on today.

And since it’s our birthday week, we also want to say this:

Thursday’s challenge: if you’ve ever wanted to support the show financially, you can do so by heading to our Buy Me a Coffee page and literally buying the birthday boys a coffee. There’s no pressure and no expectation - just a simple way to help cover hosting costs, equipment, and support the future of this podcast as we continue to dream about what’s next.

Every dollar given goes directly toward Sermons on the Side. (link below)

Thank you for listening, for supporting, and for being part of this community.
Part 5 drops tomorrow.

Send a text

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!

This is Part 3 of a special 5-part bonus series celebrating one year of Sermons on the Side.

In John chapter 21, Jesus invites the disciples to come ashore - and before a word is spoken, before anything is explained, breakfast is already waiting for them. There’s a fire. There’s food. And there’s something deeply intentional about that moment that can’t be rushed or overlooked.

It’s one of the most tender, redemptive scenes in all of Scripture - and to fully understand why, you’ll have to lean in and listen.

That’s the moment we sit with today.

And since it’s our birthday week, we’ve got another way to celebrate.

Wednesday’s challenge: blow out the algorithm candles.
Scroll back into the archive and revisit an older episode - the one that made you pull over in a parking lot, set your coffee down, or grab your Bible. Download it. Re-listen to it. Share it. Leave a comment if your platform allows.

Every time someone interacts with an older episode, it tells the algorithm world, “This still has life.”

And that’s been the heartbeat of this podcast from the beginning - believing that ordinary moments can still carry meaning, hope, and redemption.

Thanks for celebrating with us, for revisiting the story, and for helping breathe fresh life into the journey.
Part 4 drops tomorrow.

Send a text

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!