Wordsmith with Clay Smith

In this episode of WordSmith, Clay Smith and guest Shane Bruce discuss Christian freedom as they unpack Romans 14. They explore how believers with different convictions can coexist, highlighting the difference between the "strong in faith" and the "weak in faith" within the early church. The conversation emphasizes that Christian unity is about coming together under the lordship of Christ, not abo...

In this episode, Clay welcomes back special guest Meredith Beatty to delve into the practical wisdom found in the second half of Romans 13. They discuss the powerful connection between love and the fulfillment of the law, exploring how a genuine love for our neighbor embodies the heart of God's commands.   Drawing on the metaphor of a doomsday clock, Clay and Meredith examine how being mindful of...

In this special episode of the Wordsmith Podcast, Pastor Clay Smith dives into the question: What is an Elder? Drawing from his own experience, Clay explains the biblical role of an elder, clarifying the qualities and responsibilities of these leaders. He discusses the difference between elders and deacons, the biblical call for a plurality of elders, and the four key responsibilities of an elder:...

Join Pastor Clay Smith and a special guest, Nels Peterson, Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, for a fascinating and timely conversation on the Christian's relationship with governing authority, as they dive deep into Romans 13:1-7. Peterson shares his unique perspective on what it's like to navigate the legal system with a biblical worldview, highlighting the concepts of working hard, tel...

Clay and his long-time guest, John Farish, dive into Romans 12:14-21. They discuss how to handle personal conflict with both Christians and non-believers, examining Paul's powerful advice to bless those who persecute you and resist the urge to seek revenge. Clay and John provide practical insights on living out biblical commands in a modern world, from dealing with road rage to understanding that...

In this episode, Clay sits down with his long-time friend Mitch Verdell, pastor to Johnson Ferry's 60+ ministry, to delve into Romans 12:9-13. The discussion explores how these verses provide a roadmap for authentic Christian living, emphasizing that true love must be "free of hypocrisy." Clay and Mitch discuss the challenge of consumerism in the church, encouraging listeners to move from a mindse...

Following a summary of Paul's call in the first two verses to present ourselves as a "living sacrifice" and be transformed by a renewed mind, they examine how this thinking is to be lived out within the church community. They discuss the importance of moving beyond a consumeristic view of church to one of mutual service and dependency, where each person's unique spiritual gift contributes to the "...

Join us for the season two premiere of Wordsmith, where Pastor Clay Smith sits down with special guest, Pastor Bobby Smith. After a sabbatical, Clay shares his experiences and the profound themes he uncovered this summer. This discussion leads to a deep dive into Romans 12:1-2, where Paul's words challenge us to present ourselves as living sacrifices. Clay and Bobby explore the interplay between o...

In this special bonus episode, Pastor Clay examines the vital topic of rest and Sabbath as he prepares for his summer sabbatical. Drawing inspiration from the biblical account of Elijah in 1 Kings 19, Clay asks a poignant question: "Are you running on empty?" He then offers four crucial "gauges" for listeners to assess their own lives. These include examining the people in your life and the authen...

In this season finale of the Wordsmith podcast, Pastor Clay Smith welcomes Bryant Wright, founding pastor of Johnson Ferry, for a deep dive into the often-debated Romans 11. They tackle “replacement theology” and affirm that God has not rejected Israel. Their conversation explores the future salvation of Israel, drawing on Bryant’s books Seeds of Turmoil and The Stage is Set. They discuss the mean...

Join Pastor Clay and special guest Adrian Coetzer, the Executive Pastor for Disciple-Making at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. On Episode 27 of the Wordsmith podcast, they dive into Romans 9:30–10:21.  They turn to the deep theological truths in Paul’s letter, focusing on faith as central to righteousness. Adrian shares his foundational Bible study approach of asking, "What does this tell me about G...

In this bonus episode of "Wordsmith," Pastor Clay tackles a frequently asked question: "What is a Baptist?" Moving beyond the trend of de-emphasizing theological specifics, the episode aims to provide clarity for a generation curious about denominational convictions. Clay shares his personal journey from being a "Baptist by convenience" to a "Baptist by conviction," explaining his decision to embr...

In this episode, Pastor Clay welcomes back John Farish, a beloved elder of Johnson Ferry. Their conversation immediately delves into a deep dive into Romans chapter 9, a complex and often debated passage of the Bible. Before tackling this theological heavyweight, John shares his current reading obsession: Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov, which he's re-reading for the third time and cons...

Join Pastor Clay this week on the WordSmith Podcast as he welcomes first-time guest Steven Bonham! Steven, a long-time staff member at Johnson Ferry, shares his journey from children's ministry to adult ministries and his current role in pastoral care. He also opens up about his love for the Atlanta Hawks and what it's like to be a "utility player" on staff. Clay and Steven then dive into one of t...

This week, Pastor Clay welcomes Bryan Hanson, a key leader on the Johnson Ferry team overseeing global missions and a familiar voice to many. Bryan shares insightful perspectives on the Holy Spirit's role in our weaknesses and interceding for us with prayers beyond our own understanding. We explore the immense comfort and sometimes misapplication of Romans 8:28, emphasizing that while God works al...

This week, Pastor Clay welcomes back a familiar voice, David Anderson, for a deep dive into a powerful section of scripture: Romans 8. Often called the "Mount Everest of the Bible," this passage explores the incredible transformation believers experience through the Holy Spirit. David and Pastor Clay unpack the profound shift in identity we receive as adopted children of God, granting us an intima...

Episode 21 features a conversation between Pastor Clay and Johnson Ferry Member Susan Goodwin about the foundational importance of studying the Torah (the first five books of the Bible) for understanding the entire Bible and Jesus. They then discuss Romans 8:1-11, focusing on the freedom from condemnation believers have through the Holy Spirit. Susan highlights the contrast between the life-giving...

This episode features a conversation between host Pastor Clay and guest TJ Hyer about the challenging passage of Romans 7:14-25. TJ, who is relatively new to Johnson Ferry and involved in their residency program focusing on disciple-making and worship arts. The discussion delves into the complexities of Paul's internal struggle described in the passage – the desire to do good versus the reality of...

Dive deep into the complex and often debated territory of Romans 7:1-13 with Pastor Clay and guest host Matthew Beaver. Join us as we unpack Paul's challenging words about the law, sin, and our relationship with Christ. We'll explore the controversial marriage metaphor, the nature of coveting, and the enduring relevance of the law in a grace-filled world. Discover how Paul's message of being "put...

This podcast episode features a conversation between Pastor Clay and Meredith Beatty, a Bible teacher at Johnston Ferry. Meredith shares her personal journey, including her 29 years at the church, her family life, and her transition from music ministry to Bible teaching. She discusses her passion for studying and teaching the Bible, which was influenced by her experiences with Simeon Trust and her...

This episode of Word Smith features a conversation with Dr. Ron Hughes, a pastoral care leader at Johnson Ferry. They discuss his 20 years of service, his family, and the realities of pastoral care, including counseling, support groups, and financial assistance. The main focus then shifts to a deep dive into Romans 6:1-14. Dr. Hughes and the host analyze Paul's argument against using grace as an e...

Ever wrestled with 'What's God's will for my life?' In this bonus episode, Pastor Clay tackles the age-old question of discerning God's direction. Drawing from his own experiences and scripture, Clay offers five practical questions to help you navigate life's big decisions, from career choices to church planning. He emphasizes the importance of aligning with God's Word, exalting Christ, and seekin...

He's back! Bobby Smith, executive pastor of worship, rejoins the Wordsmith podcast. He and Clay dive into the dense and powerful text of Romans 5:12-21, exploring the contrast between Adam's sin and Christ's grace. Bobby also shares insights into his songwriting, including the new podcast intro, and his work with the Johnson Ferry worship team. Join us for a deep dive into scripture, the gift of g...

Join Pastor Clay for a powerful and insightful conversation with Tom Goodwin, a seasoned ministry leader, businessman, and devoted family man, to explore the depths of Romans 5:1-11. Tom shares his incredible journey from over 30 years with Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) to running a business, all while maintaining a heart for ministry in every aspect of life. In this episode, we delve i...

Join Pastor Clay for a deep dive into Romans 4:18-25 as he explores the incredible faith of Abraham with special guest John Farish. John, a long-time elder at Johnson Ferry and seasoned Bible teacher, brings his wisdom and experience to the table. In this episode, we unpack Paul's powerful message about justification by faith, examining how Abraham's unwavering belief in God's promises serves as a...