All for the Kingdom with Ben Smith

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 for Salvation Through a Preceding Witness (vv. 6-8) Pastor Ben examines the God-ordained ministry of John the Baptist, the final Old Testament prophet sent to bear witness to the coming light of Christ. This section traces the faithful line of witnesses God provided throughout redemptive history—from the promise given to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, through Abraham, David, and the prophets—all testifying to the coming Messiah. The sermon emphasizes that these witnesses were both a gift of God and a ministry to mankind, graciously preparing hearts to believe in Jesus.

God Provides for Salvation Through the Revelation of Truth (vv. 9-11) This section reveals Jesus as the true light—not merely a reflection or testimony, but the full revelation of God Himself. Pastor Ben addresses the sobering reality that the world did not recognize or receive the light when He came. Drawing on 2 Corinthians 4:4 and Luke 4:17-18, the message explains spiritual blindness and why proximity to the light does not equal saving faith. Only in Jesus, the true light, is salvation and eternal life found.

God Provides for Salvation Through the Work of Jesus (vv. 12-13) The sermon reaches its climax with the glorious truth that God gives the right to become children of God to all who receive and believe in Jesus. Pastor Ben carefully unpacks verse 13's three negative statements—denying salvation by blood, by the will of the flesh, or by the will of man—followed by the definitive declaration: salvation is "of God" alone. This section powerfully demonstrates that regeneration and saving faith come by God's sovereign authority and power, not human effort or religious achievement.

Key Theological Themes:

- Salvation by grace alone through faith alone

- The role of John the Baptist as witness

- Jesus as the true light and full revelation of God

- Spiritual blindness and the need for divine intervention

- God's sovereignty in salvation and election

- The new birth as a work of God's power

- The danger of substituting human effort for genuine faith

Memorable Illustration: Pastor Ben concludes with a compelling historical illustration from Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia, where the French army's tin buttons—a cheap substitute for authentic materials—disintegrated in the brutal cold, leaving soldiers exposed to deadly temperatures. This vivid analogy powerfully demonstrates how substitutes for genuine, God-given faith may appear sufficient temporarily but will ultimately fail under the weight of eternity.

Who Should Listen: This sermon is essential for anyone seeking to understand the biblical doctrine of salvation, the nature of saving faith, and God's sovereign grace. It's particularly valuable for those struggling with assurance of salvation, anyone tempted to rely on religious performance or heritage, and believers who need to be reminded that salvation is God's work from beginning to end. Perfect for personal devotion, small group discussion, or theological study.

Scripture References Include: John 1:6-13, Genesis 3:15, Genesis 12, 2 Samuel 7, Luke 16:16, Isaiah 61:1-2, Luke 4:17-18, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Isaiah 9:2, Ephesians 1:4, 2 Timothy 1:9, John 6:37, Romans 3:23

Whether you're a new Christian or a seasoned believer, this message will deepen your understanding of God's gracious provision for salvation and strengthen your confidence that salvation rests entirely on God's faithful work, not your own efforts.

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 personal achievement—it is singularly founded on the personhood of Jesus Christ. John opens his gospel with a declaration that connects directly to Genesis 1:1, establishing Jesus as the eternal Word through whom all things were created and in whom God's eternal redemptive plan is fulfilled.

Scripture Text: John 1:1-5

Main Points:

I. There is hope in Jesus, the everlasting God (vv. 1-3) • Jesus is God eternal • Jesus is God Almighty

John deliberately mirrors Genesis 1:1 ("In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth") with his opening: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This is not coincidental—John is making an unmistakable claim about Jesus's divinity and eternal nature. Unlike prophets who declare words from God, teachers who explain God's words, or leaders who encourage obedience, only God Himself—the Word—can save. Jesus has no beginning or end, no limitation in knowledge, strength, or time. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. The Creator has intimate knowledge of creation's purpose, and only the Creator can restore His creation to its intended design.

II. There is hope in Jesus, the light of truth (v. 4) • Jesus is light • Jesus is life

When John says that Jesus is "the light of men," he means that Jesus is the one who makes God known to humanity. Jesus entered a world full of religion but lacking true knowledge of God. This sermon traces the hope of redemption from Genesis 3:15, where God promised Eve that her descendant would crush the head of the deceive. Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise to Eve, as well as God's promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:3), David (2 Samuel 7:12-13), and the messianic prophecies of Isaiah, Daniel, Hosea, and Micah. While the law pointed to God's holiness and man's sinfulness, the light of Christ perfectly reveals both the glory of God and the brokenness of man—and also reveals the truth of the gospel and the hope of salvation. In Him is life, and eternal life is only found in the light of Christ.

III. There is hope in Jesus, the victor over sin (v. 5) • Jesus disrupts the lies of sin • Jesus defeats the curse of sin

The declaration "the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" is not merely descriptive—it is a declaration of war. Light is never neutral to darkness. Darkness cannot remain where light shines, and they cannot coexist in harmony. The nature of light is that it pushes back against darkness, dispels it, and exposes what was covered by it. Jesus stepped into a world darkened by sin and shone forth the light of God—exposing sin, revealing Satan's lies, and showing clearly the hope of salvation. The birth of Jesus was not neutral. The ministry of Jesus was not neutral. The cross was not neutral. The resurrection was not neutral. All these things are God actively working against the darkness of this world. Even Herod's attempt to murder Jesus failed, and Satan's attempt to overthrow God's kingdom by killing Jesus on the cross—the darkest moment in history—became the moment when God's light shone brightest. Until Christ's second coming, darkness will war against the light—but this is a battle whose outcome has already been determined.

Key Takeaway: The confidence of your salvation rests entirely on who Jesus is: God eternal, almighty, and triumphant. True hope is not found in human effort or worldly promises, but in the unchanging nature of Christ, whose victory over sin and death is already assured. As Paul writes in Romans 10:11-13, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame...for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Why This Sermon Matters: In a culture that offers countless competing visions of hope—self-improvement, positive thinking, political solutions, or religious works—this sermon anchors hope where it belongs: in the unchanging, all-powerful, victorious person of Jesus Christ. Whether you're struggling with doubt, facing darkness in your own life, or simply need to be reminded of the solid ground beneath your faith, this exposition of John 1:1-5 will encourage and strengthen you.

Ideal For:

Christmas and Advent preaching

Understanding the deity of Christ

Building a biblical foundation of hope

Personal encouragement in difficult times

Small group discussion on Christology

New believer discipleship

About the Speaker: Ben Smith is committed to expository preaching that exalts Christ and equips believers for faithful Christian living.

Resources:

Download the full sermon manuscript, outline, and reflection questions at bensmithsr.org/store

Listen to more sermons at bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom

Browse additional sermon resources at bensmithsr.org/resources

Follow on social media for updates and encouragement

Original Sermon Date: November 30, 2025

Connect With Us: Have questions or want to share how this sermon encouraged you? We'd love to hear from you! Visit bensmithsr.org/contact to get in touch.

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 faithful provision.

A thankful heart confesses the reality of sin – examining Israel’s unfaithfulness and the importance of personal confession.

A thankful heart rejoices in God’s faithfulness – celebrating His undeserved mercy and steadfast covenant love.

Listeners are encouraged to consider how a God-centered heart transforms gratitude into authentic, enduring worship.

Key Scripture: Psalm 106

Speaker: Pastor Ben Smith
Series: Thanksgiving
Format: Expository Sermon\

Find Out More:

Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org.

This sermon was originally preached on 11/23/2025.

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 what truly matters.

Pastor Ben highlights two major warnings from the passage:
• The Busyness of Building for Nothing — how investing in things that cannot last leaves us empty.
• Foolish Confidence — how prosperity without God leads to pride, moral compromise, and a false sense of security.

This message challenges listeners to consider where their confidence, priorities, and pursuits truly lie. Are we chasing achievements that won’t endure, or seeking the lasting joy found only in a right relationship with God? Through the example of Cain’s line and the transformation of Zacchaeus, this episode reminds us that authentic purpose comes not from what we build, but from whom we belong to.

Listen and be encouraged to pursue what endures—and to guard your heart from the distractions of purposeless prosperity.

Key Scripture: Genesis 4:17-24

Speaker: Pastor Ben Smith
Series: Genesis
Format: Expository Sermon

Find Out More:

Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org.

This sermon was originally preached on 11/16/2025.

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. Spiritual Blindness – Sin blinds individuals to danger, causing them to focus on temporary comfort while ignoring eternal consequences.

3. Living Under God’s Judgment – Being unconcerned about God’s judgment is a warning sign of sin’s ruinous rule.

Pastor Smith challenges listeners to recognize sin in their own lives, respond to God’s conviction, and embrace the hope and freedom found in repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Key Scripture: Genesis 4:8–16
Main Theme: The Ruinous Rule of Sin
Speaker: Pastor Ben Smith
Series: Genesis
Format: Expository Sermon

Find Out More:

Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org.

This sermon was originally preached on 11/9/2025.

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 obedience.

Listeners will discover three key truths:

1. God provides for obedience – He meets the needs of those who follow Him, often in unexpected ways.

2. Suffering is part of life in a fallen world – Trials do not indicate God’s absence, but create opportunities for His glory to shine.

3. Faith is proven through obedience – True belief is demonstrated through action, even when it is difficult or costly.

Through Elijah’s story and a personal testimony from Pastor Ben’s life, this episode encourages believers to trust God fully, obey His commands, and witness His power in the midst of life’s challenges.

Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 17:1–16

Keywords: Elijah, Faith, Obedience, God’s Provision, Trials, Trust in God, Christian Living, Sermon
Speaker: Pastor Ben Smith
Series: Heroes of the Faith: The Story of Elijah
Format: Expository Sermon

Find Out More:

Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org.

This sermon was originally preached on January 26, 2020.

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—the belief that personal autonomy and preference define truth—and shows how this false worship has deeply influenced our culture, from the breakdown of marriage and family to the devaluation of life itself. Yet this message goes beyond cultural critique; it calls the church and every believer to repentance, faith, and wholehearted submission to God’s Word.

Through the example of Cain’s rejected offering and Abel’s accepted one, listeners will discover three essential truths about what it means to be right with God:

1. You must give a worthy offering.
Worship that pleases God is not based on what we think is beautiful or impressive, but on obedience and atonement for sin.

2. Your heart’s desire must be to please God.
Cain’s anger reveals a self-centered heart, while Abel’s faith displays true joy in honoring the Lord.

3. You must submit to the will of God.
True freedom is not found in doing things “your way,” but in surrendering to the authority of God and being ruled by His righteousness.

Drawing from Scripture and practical examples, Pastor Smith reminds us that righteousness before God cannot be achieved through human effort. It is received only through Jesus Christ, the one perfect, acceptable sacrifice who makes sinners right with a holy God.

Key Scripture: Genesis 4:1–7
Main Theme: True acceptance with God comes through obedience, faith, and submission—not self-will or personal autonomy.
Speaker: Pastor Ben Smith
Series: Genesis
Format: Expository Sermon

Find Out More:

Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org.

This sermon was originally preached on 10/26/2025.

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:

Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org.

This sermon was originally preached on August 4, 2019.

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 doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement and teaches three principles of redemption:

Redemption requires faith.

Redemption requires a righteous sacrifice.

Redemption is a gift of grace.

Listeners will gain insight into God’s grace, justice, and redemptive plan from Eden to the cross, and learn how the death of Christ brings new life for all who believe.

Scripture: Genesis 3:20–24

“Redemption and new life in Christ do not come through ignoring or excusing sin, but through death and the substitutionary atonement of a righteous sacrifice.”

Find Out More:

Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org.

This sermon was originally preached on 10/12/2025.

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 His design, for His glory, and for our good. Yet in today’s world, that truth is often rejected or redefined. This sermon offers clarity and compassion for a confused culture, reminding believers that God’s design is perfect and His Word is unchanging.

Key Themes:

·       Gender is by divine design—God made us male and female on purpose.

·       Gender is God declared—your identity is not self-chosen but Creator-given.

·       You are called to celebrate the goodness of God’s creation rather than redefine it.

Pastor Ben challenges listeners to hold fast to God’s truth, speak with grace, and live as testimonies of His perfect design. Even in a culture that celebrates confusion, Christians are called to reflect the light of creation’s goodness and declare, “What God has made is very good.”

Listen and be encouraged to see God’s wisdom, goodness, and sovereignty in the way He created you.

Find Out More:

Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org.

This sermon was originally preached on October 4, 2015.