Wordsmith with Clay Smith

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 excuse for sin, highlighting the themes of death to sin, new life in Christ, and the importance of identity in Christ. They also explore practical ways for believers to overcome sin, emphasizing the need for community, accountability, and a daily commitment to living in Christ's likeness. The conversation also touches on the role of the law, the power of grace, and the significance of the resurrection.

Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

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 seeking counsel from your church community. Whether you're facing personal crossroads or praying for your church's future, these insights will guide you in walking in step with the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

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 grace, and a bit of musical magic!

Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

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 into the heart of Paul's message, focusing on the transformative power of justification by faith and the profound implications of rejoicing in our tribulations. Tom unpacks the three instances of "rejoicing" in this passage, highlighting the importance of celebrating in the hope of God's glory, in our sufferings, and, ultimately, in God through Jesus Christ.

Tune in to discover how to truly celebrate in God, no matter the circumstances, and how to live a life marked by the transformative power of the gospel.

Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

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 model for us today. We discuss the true meaning of "hope" in scripture, the certainty of God's faithfulness, and the significance of trusting in Jesus' resurrection for our justification.

John shares fascinating insights from his decades of teaching and serving, including his current class tackling some of the Bible's most challenging passages.

Plus, we touch on the dangers of antisemitism and the enduring relevance of God's promises to his people. And for those curious about church leadership, John shares his perspective on the role of elders and their vital contribution to the church.

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that will inspire you to deepen your faith and trust in God's unwavering promises.

Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

Join Pastor Clay Smith for a special bonus episode of Wordsmith as he delves into Johnson Ferry's upcoming 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting initiative. Whether you're a member of the Johnson Ferry family or simply curious about the practice of fasting, this episode offers valuable insights.

Pastor Clay addresses the church's current season of growth and the need for divine guidance as they explore ways to better serve their mission of helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus. He unpacks the details of the 40-day prayer guide, the planned prayer events, and the call to fasting, including a partial fast in the second week and a full food fast during Holy Week.

Pastor Clay emphasizes the importance of open hands, clarity, and undeniable moves of God during this season. He encourages listeners to join in this journey of seeking God's will together.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

Pastor Clay welcomes Logan Grantham, the student pastor at Johnson Ferry, for an insightful conversation regarding the beginning of Romans 4. Get to know Logan and his family and hear about his upcoming arrival! Then, stay tuned as they tackle the powerful message of Romans 4:1-17, exploring the core concept of righteousness through faith, not works.

Logan and Pastor Clay unpack key themes like "credited as righteousness," the significance of Abraham's example, and the relevance of this ancient text to our modern lives. Discover how Paul's emphasis on faith over works challenges our performance-driven culture and how it applies to our roles as parents, grandparents, and church members.

Whether you're a seasoned Bible scholar or just beginning your faith journey, this episode offers valuable insights and practical applications for living a life centered on Christ. Tune in to understand how faith, not performance, is the cornerstone of our relationship with God.

Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

This week, Pastor Clay has a conversation with Christi Hodges, the children's minister at Johnson Ferry. Christi shares her background, including her Kentucky roots and her role as a wife and mother.

The core of the discussion revolves around Romans 3:21-31, a pivotal passage in the Bible that delves into the concepts of righteousness, justification, redemption, and propitiation. Pastor Clay and Christi unpack these complex theological terms, aiming to make them accessible to listeners, especially parents and grandparents who want to teach these truths to their children.

Christi also shares a personal anecdote from her childhood to illustrate the concept of sin and redemption, making the discussion relatable and engaging. The episode aims to equip listeners with practical tools and encouragement to engage with scripture and disciple the next generation.

Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

What does it truly mean to participate in God's mission? In this episode of Wordsmith, we delve deeper than practical strategies and logistical planning to explore the rich theological foundation of missions. Host Clay Smith welcomes Nathan Sloan, Executive Director of Upstream Sending, to unpack the "Missio Dei" and our role within it.

Nathan shares his personal journey from an unchurched background to leading an organization that equips and sends churches to the nations. We discuss how his experiences have shaped his understanding of missions and the vital role of the local church.

Nathan and Clay explore common misconceptions about missions, advocating for a balanced approach that integrates both proclamation and demonstration of the gospel. They highlight the importance of the local church in sending and supporting missionaries, emphasizing the interdependent relationship between churches and mission agencies.

Whether you're a church leader seeking to enhance your mission strategy or an individual wrestling with a call to serve, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement. Join us as we explore the deeper meaning of God's mission and how we can all play a part in it.

Connect with Upstream: theupstreamcollective.org

Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.

In this episode of Word Smith, Pastor Clay is joined by David Anderson, the Pastor of Adult Disciple-Making at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. Together, they explore Romans 3:1-20, discussing Paul’s message about sin, righteousness, and the faithfulness of God.

The conversation highlights the rhetorical questions Paul uses to emphasize humanity’s sinfulness and the necessity of God's grace. They discuss how both Jews and Gentiles are equally in need of salvation and reflect on how modern Christians can sometimes take grace for granted. The discussion also touches on the dangers of legalism versus antinomianism. Clay and David encourage us to engage deeply in scripture, be authentic in our faith, and surround ourselves with a trusted Christian community.

Dr. Clay Smith is the senior pastor of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, located just north of Atlanta, GA. JF, as it is affectionately called, is a healthy, vibrant church committed to helping people find truth, belonging, and purpose in Jesus.