Donelson First Podcast

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

Belonging - Part 4: Listen 02/10/2026

Belonging - Part 4: Listen Pastor Jeffrey continues our series through James with part 4: Listen. He discusses the constant noise of our culture, as compared with James' call to humility and wisdom through listening. "Sometimes your greatest ministry to someone is not what you say but how you listen." Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith Donelson First Belonging Part 4: Listen February 8th, 2026 /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/40061590

Belonging - Part 3: Surrender 02/03/2026

Belonging - Part 3: Surrender Pastor Jeffrey continues our series through James with part 3: Surrender. Surrendering our pain to God and trusting that He will do what He has already promised. " Your trials are not signs of God’s absence. Rather, they are tools of God’s formation." Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith Donelson First Belonging Part 3: Surrender February 1st, 2026 /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/39968185

Belonging - Part 2: Belong 01/19/2026

Belonging - Part 2: Belong In this the second part of our series through James Pastor Jeffrey unpacks the importance of the believers identity as belonging to Christ and how this informs our lives as a whole. "Exile is not the evidence of God’s absence. It is often the environment of His deepest work." Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith Donelson First Belonging Series, Part 2: Belong January 18th, 2026 /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/39929245

Belonging - Part 1: Believe 01/13/2026

Belonging - Part 1: Believe This is part one of a sixteen week study through the book of James. Pastor Jeffrey begins this verse by verse study with James 1:1-12. "James is not writing as an outsider. He is not writing as an academic. He is not writing as a detached observer. He is writing as a brother who once doubted, a disciple who encountered the risen Christ, a pastor who shepherded suffering believers, and a servant who belonged wholly to Jesus! And now, believing, he speaks to us!" "It is about discovering that before you ever do anything for God, you already belong to Him. And from this belonging flows a life of transformation." /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/39713795

Christ Is Here: Part 5 - The King Revealed: Christ for the World 12/30/2025

Christ Is Here: Part 5 - The King Revealed: Christ for the World In this the final part of Pastor Jeffrey's Advent series he teaches on the final components of God's provision and plan for Christ's birth: the magi. They recognized the star because God had been preparing them for years, through Daniel's teachings in Babylon. Every step of the advent story was a part of God's pre orchestrated plan. "The same God who guided the Magi… The same God who warned Joseph… The same God who protected the Christ-child… …is the God who sees your tomorrow before you ever get there." /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/39561445

Christ Is Here: Part 4 - The Promise Fulfilled: Christ in Us 12/23/2025

Christ Is Here: Part 4 - The Promise Fulfilled: Christ in Us In Part 4 of our Advent series Pastor Jeffrey begins by a look into the person Luke. The one who wrote the story of Jesus's birth, without having met Jesus during His earthly ministry. The story of Jesus was related in order that all of us could hear of it and be blessed by it. It is the very promise of God fulfilled. "The Christian faith is not built on legend nor myth. It is grounded and authenticated through carefully examined truth." /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/39514265

Christ is Here: Part 3 - The Peace: Christ for Us 12/17/2025

Christ is Here: Part 3 - The Peace: Christ for Us In Part 3 of our Advent series Pastor Jeffrey explores the cultural context and significance of the details surrounding our saviors birth. From the task of these particular shepherds to the language utilized throughout Luke God was writing a story that was understood to the Hebrews even as it was being written. "Is this not just like the Lord? He takes the vocabulary of the culture - the words normally used to exalt earthly power - and He turns them toward a far greater truth." /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/39436540

Christ is Here: Part 2 - The Presence: Christ Among Us 12/10/2025

Christ is Here: Part 2 - The Presence: Christ Among Us Part 2 of our Advent series looks closer at the prophetic details perfectly fulfilled by the birth of Christ. Pastor Jeffrey details the historic context of Jesus's birth place, and the beautiful prophetic fulfillment found in it. " Every detail was divine. Every detail was anointed. Every detail precisely as God wanted it to be." /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/39352075

Christ is Here: Part 1 - The Promise: Christ Foretold 12/10/2025

Christ is Here: Part 1 - The Promise: Christ Foretold Pastor Jeffrey opened the Advent season with part 1 of Christ is Here: Christ Foretold. This message centers around the character of God that is revealed through His promise fulfilled. The beauty of God's plan is revealed through prophecy made and fulfilled. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/39352065

Gratitude - Part 4: Rejoice 12/10/2025

Gratitude - Part 4: Rejoice Pastor Jeffrey concludes our series on Gratitude with part 4: Rejoice. This week focuses on the beauty and necessity of gratefulness in the life of believers. We are called in every circumstance and season to give thanks to God. Gratitude in the easy moments is appreciation. Gratitude in the hard moments is adoration. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/39352040

Gratitude - Part 3: Return 11/11/2025

Gratitude - Part 3: Return Pastor Jeffrey continues our series on Gratitude this week with part 3: Return. This week focuses on the call of God to return to Himself. Gratitude calls us to return to the Father who all our blessings come from. This does not only apply to those who have run away in rebellion, but those who wish to walk more closely with God. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/38997515

Gratitude - Part 2: Remember 11/05/2025

Gratitude - Part 2: Remember Pastor Jeffrey continues our series on Gratitude this week with part 2: Remember. This week focuses on the act of worship that is remembering what God has done. Gratitude grows when memories are tended to. When you remember what God has done, you rest in who God is. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/38925535

Gratitude - Part 1: Return 10/28/2025

Gratitude - Part 1: Return Pastor Jeffrey begins our new series, Gratitude. He details the natural human tendency to seek God out of need, and then forgetting gratitude while in the state of blessing. Gratitude is a way to live, independent of circumstances. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/38810725

The Joy of Pain - Part 11: The Eternal Joy 10/14/2025

The Joy of Pain - Part 11: The Eternal Joy Pastor Jeffrey concludes our 11 week series The Joy of Pain with this week's message: The Eternal Joy. We are encouraged to hope in the knowledge of the eternal reality of joy in spite of present circumstances. The source of eternal joy is the very presence of God. "The joy of pain is not that pain is easy, but that pain does not win. The joy of pain is not that suffering disappears, but that suffering does not last. The joy of pain is not that sorrow avoids you, but that sorrow cannot hold you." /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/38573595

The Joy of Pain - Part 10: The Power of Resurrection 10/07/2025

The Joy of Pain - Part 10: The Power of Resurrection /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/38491955

The Joy of Pain - Part 9: Joy In Lamenting 09/29/2025

The Joy of Pain - Part 9: Joy In Lamenting /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/38396615

The Joy of Pain - Part 8: The House of Healing 09/29/2025

The Joy of Pain - Part 8: The House of Healing In Part 8 of our series, The Joy of Pain, Pastor Jeffrey unpacks God's assurance of comfort in the midst of our difficult circumstances. Not as the absence of adversity but as His unwavering presence within it. His strength given to us to sustain and heal us. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/38396575

The Joy of Pain - Part 7: Suffering That Speaks 09/17/2025

The Joy of Pain - Part 7: Suffering That Speaks /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/38255140

The Joy of Pain - Part 6: More Than a Thorn 09/08/2025

The Joy of Pain - Part 6: More Than a Thorn 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—but through it. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/38136005

The Joy of Pain - Part 5: Your Valley Is Not The End 09/02/2025

The Joy of Pain - Part 5: Your Valley Is Not The End Part 5 of Pastor Jeffrey's series, The Joy of Pain. This week we look at the reality of valleys, and the fear that these places are the new normal. This is not the truth, the truth is that God is just as present with us there. He is our Good Shepherd regardless of circumstances. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/38062680

The Joy of Pain - Part 4: The Comfort of His Scars 08/26/2025

The Joy of Pain - Part 4: The Comfort of His Scars Part 4 of Pastor Jeffrey's series, The Joy of Pain. Scars are the evidence of previous pain, but we are not alone in our pain or our scars. Our Savior carries scars of His own, the result of His sacrifice for us. Jesus takes the endless replay of your pain and interrupts it with His presence. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/37967520

The Joy of Pain - Part 3: Glory in the Grief 08/18/2025

The Joy of Pain - Part 3: Glory in the Grief 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 finding God's glory in our grief. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/37870420

The Joy of Pain - Part 2: The God Who Suffers with You 08/12/2025

The Joy of Pain - Part 2: The God Who Suffers with You The second part in Pastor Jeffrey's new series, The Joy of Pain. This week visits Isaiah and his suffering, and how even in the midst of that suffering came prophesies of our Messiah. He explores Jesus's redemption of our earthly pain, and God's presence in it. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/37778960

The Joy of Pain - Part 1: Hope in Your Heart 08/05/2025

The Joy of Pain - Part 1: Hope in Your Heart The first in Pastor Jeffrey's new series, The Joy of Pain. This week opens with laying a groundwork of hope that may be found in the very midst of tragedy and pain. God is always present in spite of pain, and His plan and promise is for redemption. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/37673935

The Divine Place - Part 10:The Glorious Future 07/14/2025

The Divine Place - Part 10:The Glorious Future The conclusion of Pastor Jeffrey's series, The Divine Place. The Church's story ends in glory. Christ will return, and we will dwell with Him forever in a new heaven and new earth. Until then, we live in hope. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/37402165

The Divine Place - Part 9: The Mission 07/07/2025

The Divine Place - Part 9: The Mission The Church is called to go - to make disciples, proclaim the Gospel, and serve the world. Evangelism and justice are both central to the Church's mission. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/37326130

The Divine Place - Part 8: A House of Prayer and Power 07/02/2025

The Divine Place - Part 8: A House of Prayer and Power The Church is God's dwelling place. Worship and prayer are vital to our identity and mission. When the Church prays, things shift -- within us and in the world. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/37263375

The Divine Place - Part 7: The Shepherd Servant 06/24/2025

The Divine Place - Part 7: The Shepherd Servant This Sunday, Pastor Jeffrey taught us what it means to be a shepherd of God's people and what this sacred calling demands. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/37139235

The Divine Place - Part 6: One Church, Many Members 06/16/2025

The Divine Place - Part 6: One Church, Many Members This week Pastor Jeffrey Smith explores the church as a collective made up of many members. The church is a blend of unity and diversity. Though different in background and gifts, we are united by one Spirit. Our differences are strengths when we honor and serve one another. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/37033795

The Divine Place - Part 5: Called to Belong 06/09/2025

The Divine Place - Part 5: Called to Belong This week Pastor Jeffrey's sermon focuses on church not just as a place to attend-- but as a people to belong to. Biblical membership is about connection, mutual responsibility, and shared spiritual growth. God places us in the body to serve, be known, and grow in Christ together. /episode/index/show/bd5b2e90-b0ec-4ac6-9a05-8cfbc6d40af6/id/36929360

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