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Donelson First Podcast

Jeffrey Dean Smith

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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.
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In Part 6 of our series The Joy of Pain, Pastor Jeffrey explores the powerful contrast between the brilliance of God’s glory and the reality of our human limitations. Through Paul’s testimony of the thorn in his flesh, we’re reminded that even in weakness, the strength of Christ prevails. Discover how God reveals His power not in spite of our pain—…
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Part 3 of Pastor Jeffrey's series, The Joy of Pain. This week's message centers around the beginnings of suffering, and God's ever present promise of hope and redemption. God's redemption plan began in the very moments after the fall, a plan that He knows will involve the suffering and death of His son for our sake. This is the foundation of findin…
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This week in Part 4 of our series on The Divine Place, Pastor Jeffrey looks at what it means to seek the Lord. Through the practice of communion God is seeking after us and pursuing us, while affording us the opportunity to in the same moment seek Him. Pastor Jeffrey encourages the church to seek the mystery and majesty of the supper.…
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As we continue our series on The Divine Place, Pastor Jeffrey explores the profound biblical images that define who we are as God's people. As the Body of Christ, the Church is called to unity and faithful service. As His Bride, she is called to purity and joyful anticipation. Through these powerful metaphors, we uncover the Church’s true nature, i…
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From Pentecost to today, the Church has weathered persecution, embraced reformation, and encountered powerful renewal. Through every century of trial and triumph, one truth remains—God is faithful. In the latest message of The Divine Place, we explore the enduring story of the Church and the unshakable promise of Jesus: the gates of hell will not p…
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In the first message of our new series, The Divine Place, Pastor Jeffrey explores how the Church is not a building or a weekly service, but a divine mystery revealed through Christ. Discover how God’s purpose has always been to create a people for Himself—set apart to reflect His wisdom, not just to the world, but to the spiritual realm as well. Jo…
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Easter isn’t just a story to be remembered—it’s a reality that calls for a response. In the final message of our series, The Philosophy of Life, Pastor Jeffrey shares how the risen Christ extends His nail-scarred hands—not just as symbols of sacrifice, but as a powerful invitation to transformation. How will you respond?…
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The Christian who has surrendered to a life philosophy of true allegiance to God, whether or not attaining worldly success, is called to assume a posture of humility and descend into a life of devoted servanthood. In this powerful message, Pastor Jeffrey unpacks three profound ways to live with humility and dives deep into four truths that reveal i…
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How can compassion shape your life philosophy in a way that transforms your life and the lives around you? Scripture is filled with examples of compassion, but Jesus lived it at every turn. In this message, we’ll explore powerful moments that reveal His heart for the broken, the messy, and the hurting—and how embracing His way of compassion can cha…
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In our latest message of The Philosophy of Life, Pastor Jeffrey explores what it truly means to experience a depth of intimacy with the Lord that transcends the surface-level faith of which many settle. Discover how sin distorts this divine closeness and how we can walk back into the sacred nearness that God desires for us.…
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In the latest message of The Philosophy of Life, Pastor Jeffrey discusses how holiness is a divine calling that reaches beyond mere behavior for all who belong to Christ. As we reflect on God’s character, we explore what it means to actively pursue holiness, through reverence for Christ and surrender of worldly attachments, in every aspect of our l…
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In this powerful sermon, Pastor Jeffrey teaches on the divine act of forgiveness and shares the profound impact of Jesus' ultimate act of forgiveness on the Cross—an act of love, grace, and mercy that bridges the gap between a broken world and a holy God. Through this message, we learn not only the importance of embracing forgiveness but also the c…
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In our latest message of The Philosophy of Life, Pastor Jeffrey unpacks the profound difference between the peace the world offers and the peace Jesus gives. While worldly peace is dependent on ever-changing circumstances, the peace of Christ is enduring. Through Scripture, Pastor Jeffrey reveals the two key actions we must take repeatedly to exper…
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To know Scripture is to know God. And while many Christians recognize the power of the Bible, a majority of Christians never read it outside of church. Discover how spending consistent, intentional time in Scripture shapes your life philosophy and receive three practical takeaways from Pastor Jeffrey to enhance your personal time in the Word.…
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In the latest message of The Philosophy of Life, Pastor Jeffrey teaches us that, while family is important, the ultimate goal is to honor God both within and through your family by placing Him first. Pastor Jeffrey shares practical ways to live this out, from loving and encouraging each other to praying together, as part of a lifelong pursuit of gl…
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In this episode of The Philosophy of Life, we explore Attribute #4: Call—a decision so unique and essential that without it, all other habits and attributes discussed in this series lose their eternal significance. Through Romans 10:13, we uncover the transformative power of calling on the name of the Lord. Join us as we unpack this life-altering t…
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In the latest message of our series, “The Philosophy of Life", Pastor Jeffrey focuses on purpose as we explore two of life’s biggest questions: Why am I here? and What am I supposed to do with my life? While they may seem similar, understanding the difference between the “why” (your mission) and the “what” (how you fulfill that mission) is the key …
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In Part 2 of Pastor Jeffrey's sermon series "The Philosophy of Life", we explore one of the most significant responsibilities of a Christ follower: stewarding time well. Time is a precious and fleeting gift, and the life of a believer should reflect intentionality and purpose. Take a listen to discover how to become a proficient manager of time and…
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As we kick off the new year, we're diving into The Philosophy of Life, a series that explores 15 habits that sets the Christian apart from the world. In part 1 of this series, Pastor Jeffrey challenges us to act urgently, obey loyally, and surrender completely to God's will as we live today. Take a listen to study what it means to, through the lens…
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In our fourth message of It’s Christmas, Y’all, Pastor Jeffrey dives into the significance of God sending His Son at the perfect moment in history—born of a woman, under the law, to redeem humanity. Take a listen as we study and celebrate this spectacular moment in history and the events surrounding the birth of the Christ-child.…
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In Pastor Jeffrey’s latest message, we explore four powerful moments in Scripture where angels interact with humans. While not all of these encounters take place during the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, they each point to the heart of Christmas and the hope we celebrate during this season. As you listen, expect to hear how each angelic enc…
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It's Christmas, Y'all! As we kick off our Christmas series, we turn to Psalm 46:10, a powerful reminder for us all as we enter this season of Advent. In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, this verse invites us to pause, reflect, and find peace in God’s presence. Join us as we explore how this timeless scripture speaks to our hearts and…
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In all the disappointments Moses faces in his journey, we see that none are as heart-wrenching as the moment when Moses forfeits being able to take this final step out of the wilderness and into the land promised to the people of God. Listen as we reflect on the weight of this pivotal moment and see that, with God, it is never too late to become th…
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Everyone has a “thing”. And those who eventually admit their “thing” are those who find freedom on the other side of surrender. After eleven months in our From Fear To Freedom series, we unpack Moses’ “thing” that is the veracity that prohibits him from ever stepping foot into the land God promised to Abraham under the stars so very many years ago.…
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What does God mean when He speaks these words in Exodus 20:15, “Do not give false testimony against your neighbor?” In Part 31 of our From Fear To Freedom series, we turn to the original translation of these words to seal the deal in our minds as to what God is saying to His people then... and to His Church today!…
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When God tells Moses to tell his people, “You shall not steal”, we see that God is actually commanding these two things: Number 1, do not deceive; and Number 2, do not be deceived. Though stealing takes on so very many forms and faces, we see that at the core of the actions by the thief is evidence of a heart deceived.…
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To fully grasp the magnitude of Commandment #7, you shall not commit adultery, we must clearly understand how God ordained the first marriage relationship between Adam and Eve. Take a listen as Pastor Jeffrey offers a biblical perspective on God’s design for marriage and unpacks common questions that often surface as it relates to adultery.…
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We often think of Moses as the great deliver, the great emancipator. He, too, was the great law giver. Deliverance from fear, bondage and slavery was obviously a life-changing trajectory for the nation of Israel. But, on the other side of their freedom, a nation without laws, really isn’t a nation free. A nation without laws is a nation still in bo…
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