Jeffrey Dean Smith

Donelson First Podcast

Religion EN ↓ 181 episodes

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.

Author

Jeffrey Dean Smith

Category

Religion

Podcast website

sites.libsyn.com

Latest episode

Jul 7, 2026

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Episodes

The Divine Place - Part 3: The Body and the Bride 12.05.2025

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, identity, and purpose in the world today.

The Divine Place - Part 2: The Church Through the Ages 05.05.2025

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 prevail against it.

The Divine Place - Part 1: The Divine Design 28.04.2025

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. Join us as we unpack what it means to be part of thi...

The Philosophy of Life - Part 15: Surrender 21.04.2025

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?

The Philosophy of Life - Part 14: Prayer 14.04.2025

In the latest message of The Philosophy of Life, Pastor Jeffrey shares how a strong prayer life is not a suggestion for the spiritually elite, nor the ones who find themselves in the mire. Instead, a life of incessant prayer is a necessity for all – and truly for the spiritually alive!

The Philosophy of Life - Part 13: Humility 07.04.2025

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 its transformative role in our lives.

The Philosophy of Life - Part 12: Compassion 31.03.2025

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 change everything.

The Philosophy of Life - Part 11: Intimacy 24.03.2025

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.

The Philosophy Of Life - Part 10: Holiness 10.03.2025

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 lives.

The Philosophy of Life - Part 9: Forgiveness 04.03.2025

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 challenges of seeking such. Pastor Jeffrey offers i...

The Philosophy of Life - Part 8: Peace 24.02.2025

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 experience and possess the true peace of God.

The Philosophy Of Life - Part 7: Joy 17.02.2025

In part 7 of "The Philosophy of Life",  Pastor Jeffrey unpacks why so many Christians are unhappy despite the promise of joy — the emotion of salvation — and shares how it is necessary to possess true joy as a reflection of the Christian's eternal perspective.

The Philosophy of Life - Part 6: Scripture 10.02.2025

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.

The Philosophy of Life - Part 5: Family 03.02.2025

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 glorifying God in all things.

The Philosophy of Life - Part 4: Call 27.01.2025

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 truth and consider the eternal promise of salvation...

The Philosophy of Life - Part 3: Purpose 20.01.2025

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 to not just discovering the reason for which you l...

The Philosophy of Life - Part 2: Time 13.01.2025

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 embrace the brevity of life with eternal perspect...

The Philosophy of Life - Part 1: Today 06.01.2025

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 of Scripture, live today in 2025.

It's Christmas Y'all - Part 4: The Child is Here 23.12.2024

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.

It's Christmas Y'all - Part 3: The Star is Here 17.12.2024

In our latest message of, "It's Christmas, Y'all!", Pastor Jeffrey leads us in a study of the supernatural, unexplainable, and awe-inspiring story of a star hung in the sky, guiding a convoy of wise men on a voyage to see the newborn Savior. 

It's Christmas Y'all - Part 2: The Angel is Here 10.12.2024

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 encounter offers a specific, life-changing hope to in...

It's Christmas Y'all - Part 1: The Time is Here 03.12.2024

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 prepares us to celebrate the hope, joy, and peace...

From Fear to Freedom - Part 35: The Death of God's Friend 25.11.2024

As Pastor Jeffrey brings to a close what has been a most remarkable journey From Fear To Freedom, we study Moses' final moments on earth and unpack scripture to truly understand how he shall be remembered.

From Fear to Freedom - Part 34: The Final Look 19.11.2024

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 the person He has made you to be.

From Fear to Freedom - Part 33: The Most Horrific Fall of a Mostly Holy Man 11.11.2024

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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