In this sermon short from “The Nature of Man” (Genesis 1:26–31), Pastor Ben Smith draws a powerful connection between Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness and man’s true nature. When Isaiah saw the Lord “high and lifted up,” he was undone—not proud or self-assured, but humbled before God’s glory. In the same way, we must see ourselves rightly before God. Man is not autonomous or self-defined, but an image bearer of God, created to serve His purposes and steward His creation according to His sovereign will.

Resources:

Listen to the full sermon at: https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom/genesis1-26-31

Listen to more Sermon Shorts at bensmithsr.org/shortspod

In this Sermon Short from the sermon “God Created, Genesis 1”, Ben Smith reminds us that believing God created all things from nothing is not only a matter of faith but also foundational to Christianity itself. From the early church’s Apostles’ Creed to the Nicene Creed, Christians throughout history have affirmed God as “Maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.”

This truth shapes how you view the world: God is the Creator, God is sovereign, and His creation is good. The hymn This Is My Father’s World echoes this conviction, calling us to rest in God’s power and goodness even when wrong seems strong—because Christ has already won the victory.

Key Takeaways

Creation is central to Christian faith. Every heresy begins with denying God’s sovereignty as Creator.

Historic creeds affirm this truth. Both the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed begin with the confession of God as Creator.

God’s sovereignty is our rest. Despite evil and brokenness, God rules over His world, and Christ will bring all things to completion.

Hymn Highlight: This Is My Father’s World

The episode closes with the beloved hymn, celebrating God’s presence and power in creation, and reminding us that:

“This is my Father’s world,
The battle is not done;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and heaven be one.”

Resources

Listen to more Sermon Shorts at bensmithsr.org/shortspod

Hymn: This Is My Father’s World (public domain)

From the sermon: Stand Firm, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 preached at Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA on June 8, 2025. Pastor Ben Smith teaches how salvation and sanctification are inseparable works of God. When God saves, He also sanctifies. And if one is not being sanctified, then neither have they been saved.

From the sermon: Do Not Be Alarmed, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 preached at Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA on June 1, 2025. Pastor Ben Smith encourages sinners to trust in Christ alone for salvation and the church to trust in the sovereignty, authority, and power of God.

I am excited to announce a new podcast project titled View from the Pulpit. Each episode will feature interviews with pastors and church members exploring the role of preaching, the labor of preparing to preach, the effectiveness of how one preaches, and so much more. This podcast is about preaching, but it is not just for preachers. So whether each Sunday you are behind the pulpit or in the pew, I hope you will tune in for engaging conversations that will help you better understand why preaching is vital to the church’s health. The podcast is available in Apple Podcast, Spotify, and many other podcast apps. Subscribe today so that you will not miss an episode.

Is your life worthy of imitation? If new believers imitated your walk with God, would it be to their benefit? If fellow members of the church imitated your holiness, would they walk in righteousness? If the younger members imitated your worship attendance practices, would they be pleasing to God? The answer to these questions for Christians must be "Yes."

A life transformed does not un-transform. It is possible to fake transformation for a while. It is possible to imitate transformation for a while. However, the transformation of God does not lose power, wear out, or grow old. What God begins, he always finishes (Philippians 1:6). Those who have been truly saved by God will remain steadfast in hope until the Lord returns.

There is no sin that the blood of Jesus cannot cover, and this includes abortion. Dear friends, you must work with all your might to defend life and stop legalized abortion, but in your zeal to protect life, you must also declare that the only thing that forfeits the hope of the gospel is rejecting the salvation of Jesus.

From the sermon: Sanctity of Life, Romans 6:20-23

Listen to the full sermon: https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom/romans-6-20-26

Abortion is a shameful thing, but God’s grace is greater. Some of you have actively participated in the shamefulness of abortion. You have had abortions. You have encouraged someone to have an abortion. You have supported the legalization of abortion. Some of you have passively participated in the shamefulness of abortion. You have been unconcerned with abortion because it has not directly affected you or your family. You have turned a deft ear to the pleas of those contending for life. You have believed the lies of politicians and activists who advocated for abortion.

Dear Christian, you should recognize the shame of sin and plead for the grace of God.

From the sermon: Sanctity of Life, Romans 6:20-23

Listen to the full sermon: https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom/romans-6-20-26

The shame of sin is not erased by ignoring it. The shame of sin is overcome by confessing and repenting of sin. Dear Christian, there is forgiveness and restoration in Christ alone.

From the sermon: Sanctity of Life, Romans 6:20-23

Listen to the full sermon: https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom/romans-6-20-26