All for the Kingdom with Ben Smith

John the Baptist had one message for the crowds: "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" In this sermon on John 1:19-34, Pastor Ben Smith examines John's testimony of who Jesus is. John pointed to Jesus and declared two essential truths: Jesus is the Lamb of God, and Jesus takes away your sin. From Adam and Eve to the cross, an unbroken chain of animal sacrifices reminded God...

THE JOY OF SALVATION John 1:14-18 "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." — John 1:14 ABOUT THIS EPISODE In this powerful Christmas sermon, Pastor Ben Smith explores one of the most profound truths in all of Scripture: the eternal God became flesh to save sinful man. This exposition of John 1:14-18 c...

Episode Description: In this powerful exposition of John 1:6-13, Pastor Ben Smith unpacks the profound truth that salvation is through faith alone in Jesus Christ—a faith that is itself a gift from God. Continuing through the prologue of John's Gospel, this sermon reveals how God has graciously provided both the testimony to and the way of salvation. In this message, you'll discover: God Provides...

Episode Notes: The Hope of Christ (John 1:1-5) In this message, Pastor Ben Smith explores the opening verses of John's gospel to reveal the foundation of Christian hope: the person and work of Jesus Christ. Introduction: How does knowing who Jesus is give hope? In a world marked by suffering, sin, and uncertainty, the assurance of the gospel is not found in human philosophy, religious effort, or p...

In this episode, pastor Ben Smith explains the biblical meaning of thanksgiving through Psalm 106. Unlike secular gratitude, which often focuses on personal blessings or accomplishments, true thanksgiving is a worshipful response to God’s character, mercy, and faithfulness. The sermon unfolds in three parts: A thankful heart is focused on who God is – God’s goodness, His inexhaustible praise, and...

In this episode, Pastor Ben Smith explores the story of Cain’s descendants and reveals how it’s possible to achieve success, build a legacy, and experience prosperity—yet remain entirely outside the presence and blessing of God. Genesis 4:17–24 presents a striking contrast between remarkable human advancement and deep spiritual emptiness, showing how worldly accomplishments can distract us from wh...

In this week’s sermon podcast, “Sin’s Ruinous Rule” (Genesis 4:8–16) , Pastor Ben Smith examines the tragic story of Cain and Abel to reveal the devastating consequences of unrepentant sin. Through careful exposition, he highlights three warning signs of sin’s growing destruction: 1. The Mastery of Sin – Without repentance, sin gains control over the heart, leading to escalating rebellion. 2. Spir...

Episode Title: The Story of Elijah: Faith and Obedience (1 Kings 17:1–16) Episode Description: In this episode, Pastor Ben Smith dives into the story of Elijah, exploring faith and obedience in the face of hardship. From confronting King Ahab’s sin to experiencing God’s miraculous provision through nature and the unlikely generosity of a widow, this sermon reveals how God works through faithful ob...

What makes a person right with God ? In this sermon, Pastor Ben Smith preaches from Genesis 4:1–7 , exploring the testimony of Cain and Abel to reveal what true acceptance before God requires. Through this powerful passage, we learn that being right with God depends not on human desire or opinion but on obedience, faith, and submission to His will. Pastor Smith addresses the modern idol of self—th...

Pastor Ben Smith shares a sermon from the archives titled “It Is Good to Be Near God” from Psalm 73. This message explores what the “good life” truly is—not in wealth, comfort, or success, but in the nearness of God. Through the psalmist’s honest struggle and renewed faith, we’re reminded that real peace, hope, and refuge are found only in His presence. Find Out More: Ben Smith is the pastor of Ce...

Episode Title: Death for Life (Genesis 3:20–24) Speaker: Ben Smith, Sr. Episode Notes: In this sermon, Pastor Ben Smith, Sr. examines the first act of redemption in Genesis 3:20–24. When Adam named his wife Eve and God clothed them with garments of sacrifice, He revealed that true redemption comes not by ignoring sin, but through the death of a righteous substitute. This message explores the doctr...

Episode Title: “Created Male and Female: A Biblical View of Gender from Genesis Scripture: Genesis 1:27–31; 2:18–25 Episode Notes: In this message, Pastor Ben Smith explores what it means to see gender through a biblical lens—rooted not in culture or emotion, but in the timeless truth of God’s Word. From the very first chapters of Genesis, God reveals that humanity was created male and female —by...

In this sermon, Pastor Ben Smith preaches from Genesis 3:8-19 on “The Curse of Sin.” He explains how Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden shattered God’s good creation and brought devastating consequences. Sin, at its core, is rebellion against God’s will, and it disrupts every part of life. The sermon highlights three main truths: Sin breaks fellowship — separating people from God, s...

The Fall of Man (Genesis 2:25–3:7) Genesis 3 is a pivotal moment in Scripture when Adam and Eve chose to believe the lies of Satan rather than trust the will of God. Satan's work has always been to draw us away from God—through doubt, half-truths, and deception. Adam and Eve's choice in the garden was not just their story; it's ours too. As Romans 3:23 reminds us, "all have sinned and fall short o...

Today, marriage is under attack. It is under attack by those who hate God. It is under attack by those who are living in rebellious sin. And it has even suffered friendly fire from those in the church who do not fully grasp the significance and biblical foundation of marriage. Genesis 2:18-25 is the most fundamental scripture for understanding the Bible’s view of marriage. The Bible will say much...

All for the Kingdom Podcast – Episode #232: "Breath of Life, Genesis 2:4-17" Subtitle: Man's unique creative purpose to glorify God, dwell with God, and love God. Join Pastor Ben in this insightful expository sermon as he delves into Genesis Chapter 2:4-17 , exploring the profound theological depths of man's unique creation, his intended purpose, and the transformative power of Christ's redemption...

Work and rest are both good and part of God’s created order. Rest is inseparably related to work, as is work to rest, and must be understood and enjoyed according to God’s design. Work is often perceived negatively as a requirement, and not something good, desirable, or pleasant. This, of course, is the consequence of sin that caused work to become a burden and rest to be a snare. Likewise, though...

Man’s nature and purpose are not according to the autonomous will of man but determined, ordained, and commanded by the sovereignty of God. A biblical worldview affirms the sovereignty of God over all of creation, including man, but the world claims that each person has total autonomy, independent of any authority. Genesis 1:26-31 testifies to the creation of man and man’s nature and purpose. In t...

Genesis chapter one is the testimony of creation. By God’s authority, out of His will, and according to His command, He created all things. As with all of scripture, Genesis chapter one is a testimony of God that reveals His authority, will, and nature. It is not a story about men but a testimony to who God is and how He is working. Genesis chapter one does not answer every detail you may wish wer...

From the archives. Originally preached in September 2020, this sermon is from James 5:12-20 titled “Confess and pray.”

Pastor Ben Smith preaches expositionally from Psalm 16 on how the power, providence, and salvation of God give hope to Christians in the present and for eternity. Psalm 16 is a Psalm of David. God would make a way for David to be king, but there would be a long period where he was a fugitive on the run from an enraged and unhinged monarch. Psalm 16 may have been written during this chaotic period...

When God saves you, He transforms you, and your life will bear the evidence of His holiness. David begins Psalm 15 with a question. Who can sojourn or abide with God, and who can dwell or remain in the presence of God? The simple answer to this is no one, unless they have been redeemed and made righteous through saving faith. David answers his opening question with six characteristics of a life th...

In this expositional sermon from 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18, pastor Ben Smith makes clear that being saved through faith in Jesus Christ is the only source of peace and the only hope of grace. Although simple and brief, these concluding words to the Thessalonian church testify to the hope and blessing of salvation, encouraging the church to continue in the faith. These are Paul’s last recorded words...

The cost of faithful obedience does not negate the worthiness and value of Scripture’s commands. The difficulty or unpleasantness of a task does not mean that the task is unnecessary or a worthless pursuit. Church discipline is hard, relationally taxing, and requires significant attention and energy from the church. This level of investment and cost was causing the Thessalonian church to grow wear...