Donelson First Podcast

Jeffrey Dean Smith
  • 4.7 (13)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Donelson First podcast with pastor and author, Jeffrey Dean Smith. Each week discover how to experience the best life God intended for you. Check out donelsonfirst.com for additional ways to connect + grow.

  1. 1D AGO

    Belonging - Part 16: Build

    In the final message of Belonging: The Doctrine of Becoming Like Christ, we confront a defining question: What are we building - and why? James closes his letter by painting a picture of a healthy, thriving church - not perfect, but purposeful. A church that is: • Praying — where prayer is not a last resort, but a first instinct in both suffering and celebration • Honest — where confession replaces performance and healing begins through real community • Pursuing — where believers actively go after those who drift, restoring them with grace and truth This message is both a celebration and a challenge. It calls the Church beyond comfort and preference into eternal impact. As you listen, you will be invited to ask three personal, transformative prayers: Build in me. Build with me. Build through me. Because when God builds something in you, and you build something with others, He will build something through you that will outlast you.In the final message of Belonging: The Doctrine of Becoming Like Christ, we confront a defining question: What are we building - and why? James closes his letter by painting a picture of a healthy, thriving church - not perfect, but purposeful. A church that is: • Praying — where prayer is not a last resort, but a first instinct in both suffering and celebration • Honest — where confession replaces performance and healing begins through real community • Pursuing — where believers actively go after those who drift, restoring them with grace and truth This message is both a celebration and a challenge. It calls the Church beyond comfort and preference into eternal impact. As you listen, you will be invited to ask three personal, transformative prayers: Build in me. Build with me. Build through me. Because when God builds something in you, and you build something with others, He will build something through you that will outlast you.

    47 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Belonging - Part 15: Shine

    Part 15, "Shine," centers on Epistle of James 2:8 and the "royal law" of love, emphasizing that true belonging in Christ is never abstract but visibly lived out. This message challenges believers to treat love not as a suggestion, but as a binding decree from the King - authoritative, public, and without exception. It confronts the tendency to edit or limit love based on preference, comfort, or bias, calling the Church instead to embody impartial, obedient, and unwavering love. When lived this way, the Church becomes a radiant witness, shining the light of Christ through a culture shaped by heavenly wisdom and visible righteousness. Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith Donelson First Part 15 - Shine April 26, 2026

    47 min

  3. APR 25

    Belonging - Part 14: Love

    The Doctrine of Becoming Like Christ draws from Epistle of James chapter 3 to confront the power of our words as a true measure of spiritual transformation. This message explores how the tongue, though small, can either ignite destruction or become an instrument of Christlike love within the Church. Listeners are challenged to move beyond passive faith and intentionally use their speech to build others up, reflect the heart of Jesus Christ, and create a culture of belonging marked by love. Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith Donelson First Belonging Part 14: Love April 19, 2026

    49 min

  4. APR 13

    Belonging - Part 13: Hope

    This week's message explores the kind of deep, enduring hope described in James 5- a hope that does not remove waiting but transforms it. In seasons of suffering, uncertainty, and delay, you are reminded that true hope is rooted in confidence in Christ, not in quick answers or easy outcomes. Like a farmer trusting the unseen growth beneath the soil, you learn to trust God's timing even when nothing seems to be changing. Because your belonging is in Christ, you can stand firm with steady hope, knowing He is near and faithful to fulfill His promises. "Real hope is built on the nearness, presence, and certainty of Jesus Christ." Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith Donelson First Belonging Part 13: Hope April 12, 2026

    44 min

  5. MAR 31

    Belonging - Part 11: Serve

    In our formation journey through the letter of James, Pastor Jeffrey challenges us to examine whether our faith is truly alive - because real faith doesn't stay still, it serves. When we understand our belonging in Christ, serving shifts from obligation to a natural response of a transformed heart.

    44 min

  6. MAR 17

    Belonging - Part 9: Grow

    In part 9 of our series through James Pastor Jeffrey teaches on perseverance leading to maturity. In James 1:2-4 we learn that trials strengthen faith and produce Christlike character.   "God is not merely trying to help you survive your trials. God is forming you through them!"   Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith Donelson First Belonging Part 9: Grow March 15, 2026

    47 min

  7. MAR 9

    Belonging - Part 8: Pray

    In part 8 of our series through James Pastor Jeffrey teaches on prayer. Our attitude surrounding prayer directly correlates to our true dependance on God.   "Prayer is belonging lived out loud."   Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith Donelson First Belonging Part 8: Pray March 8, 2026

    44 min

  8. MAR 8

    Belonging - Part 7: Forgive

    In Part 7 of our series through James Pastor Jeffrey echos the call of James to put aside favoritism and prejudice. To take up the call of God to show mercy. "Unforgiveness does not imprison the offender. It imprisons the soul." Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith Donelson First Belonging Part 7: Forgive March 1, 2026

    39 min
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4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Donelson First podcast with pastor and author, Jeffrey Dean Smith. Each week discover how to experience the best life God intended for you. Check out donelsonfirst.com for additional ways to connect + grow.

Information

  • Creator
    Jeffrey Dean Smith
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    173
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    Donelson First Podcast