Ben Smith: All for the Kingdom-logo

Ben Smith: All for the Kingdom

Religion & Spirituality Podcas

Sermons from Pastor Ben Smith Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. www.bensmithsr.org

Location:

United States

Description:

Sermons from Pastor Ben Smith Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. www.bensmithsr.org

Twitter:

@BenSmithsr

Language:

English


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Created Male and Female, Genesis 1:27-31, 2:18-25

10/15/2025
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: Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org. You can find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org. This sermon was originally preached on October 4, 2015, at Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA.

Duration:00:40:56

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Curse of Sin, Genesis 3:8-19

10/8/2025
In this sermon, Pastor Ben Smith preaches from Genesis 3:8-19 on “The Curse of Sin.” He explains how Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden shattered God’s good creation and brought devastating consequences. Sin, at its core, is rebellion against God’s will, and it disrupts every part of life. The sermon highlights three main truths: Sin breaks fellowship — separating people from God, straining relationships with others, and even causing inner conflict within ourselves. Sin breaks cooperation — creation itself became hostile, relationships were disordered, and work and family life became filled with pain and conflict. Sin breaks purpose — humanity’s God-given calling is now marked by hardship, and the ultimate curse of sin is death. Yet even in the midst of judgment, God offers hope. In Genesis 3:15, He promises that one day the offspring of the woman would crush the serpent’s head — a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The sermon closes with the assurance that through Christ’s death and resurrection, believers have victory over sin, Satan, and death. Find Out More: Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org. You can find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org. This sermon was originally preached on 9/28/2025.

Duration:00:47:37

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Fall of Man, Genesis 2:25-3:7

10/1/2025
The Fall of Man (Genesis 2:25–3:7) Genesis 3 is a pivotal moment in Scripture when Adam and Eve chose to believe the lies of Satan rather than trust the will of God. Satan's work has always been to draw us away from God—through doubt, half-truths, and deception. Adam and Eve's choice in the garden was not just their story; it's ours too. As Romans 3:23 reminds us, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." To understand our own sin, we must first understand the first sin. What does their rebellion teach us about the danger of Satan's lies? At the heart of every temptation is an invitation to reject God and trust the deceiver instead of the Creator. This text teaches three vital lessons: the need to trust God's wisdom, trust His word, and trust His design. This sermon explains from Genesis 2:25–3:7, the pivotal scripture detailing the Fall of Man and the origin of sin. It explores the theological foundations of this passage, how Satan's lies led Adam and Eve to rebellion, and the profound consequences that changed the human condition forever. Understanding this first sin is crucial for understanding one's own sin and God's work of redemption. Sermon Outline: Three Ways We Must Trust God I. Trust God's Wisdom (Genesis 3:1-3) II. Trust God's Word (Genesis 3:4-5) III. Trust God's Design (Genesis 3:6-7) Find Out More: Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben's sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org. You can find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org. This sermon was originally preached on 9/21/2025.

Duration:00:47:11

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Blessing of Marriage, Genesis 2:18-25

9/24/2025
Today, marriage is under attack. It is under attack by those who hate God. It is under attack by those who are living in rebellious sin. And it has even suffered friendly fire from those in the church who do not fully grasp the significance and biblical foundation of marriage. Genesis 2:18-25 is the most fundamental scripture for understanding the Bible’s view of marriage. The Bible will say much more about what marriage is and how Christians are to function as husbands and wives; however, all these other scriptures rest on the foundation of Genesis 2:18-25. Because marriage is so familiar, you may be tempted to think that having a biblical view of marriage is automatic and assumed, but the truth is that for many today, their view of marriage is more informed by Hollywood, secular pragmatism, and politics. How then are you to understand marriage from a biblical worldview? This testimony of God’s creation of Eve and ordaining marriage teaches three elements of a biblical worldview of marriage: that it is a good union (18-23), an exclusive union (24a), and a holy union (24b-25). Find Out More: Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org. You can find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org. This sermon was originally preached on 9/14/2025.

Duration:00:43:24

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Breath of Life, Genesis 2:4-17

9/17/2025
All for the Kingdom Podcast – Episode #232: "Breath of Life, Genesis 2:4-17" Subtitle: Man's unique creative purpose to glorify God, dwell with God, and love God. Join Pastor Ben in this insightful expository sermon as he delves into Genesis Chapter 2:4-17, exploring the profound theological depths of man's unique creation, his intended purpose, and the transformative power of Christ's redemption. This sermon unpacks fundamental truths about man's relationship with God, addressing both the goodness of creation and the pervasive impact of sin. Key Scripture: Genesis 2:4-17 Episode Highlights: • Man's Unique Creation: Discover how man was distinctly made in God's image, possessing both a physical nature (formed from dust) and a spiritual nature (God's breath of life). This uniqueness sets humanity apart from all other creation, designed specifically for a relationship with God. The sermon contrasts this with false teachings that deny man's uniqueness or spiritual nature. • Man's Purpose: To Glorify, Dwell, and Love God: ◦ Glorify God: Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, a core doctrinal truth emphasized by historical catechisms. This involves both reflecting God's glory and finding soul satisfaction in rejoicing in it. ◦ Dwell with God: God created man to dwell with Him, a principle element of the Garden of Eden and recurring throughout scripture, from Noah to Abraham, Israel, and ultimately for the redeemed in the New Jerusalem (heaven). Dwelling with God requires being a people of God, in a place of God, receiving the provision of God. ◦ Love God: Man was created with the freedom to choose God or to sin. This includes the ability to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which gave the ability to distinguish between good and evil. Death results from the desire for evil that stems from this knowledge and the choice to disobey. • The Garden of Eden: A Real Place of Provision: The Garden is not a metaphor, but a real, physical place of God's perfect provision and blessing. Man was placed there "to work it and to keep it," indicating that labor was part of God's good design before the Fall. In the Garden, desire and good were in perfect unity. • The Corruption of Sin: Since Genesis 3, sin has corrupted man's heart, leading to a desire for things that don't glorify God and causing man to hide from God's presence out of shame. The sermon touches on the profound impact of Adam's sin, which brought death into the world (Romans 5:12). • Redemption Through Christ: Only through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ are people made able to fulfill their purpose of glorifying and rejoicing in God. Jesus, unlike Adam, knew the distinction between good and evil but lived a sinless life, offering salvation through his perfect obedience (Romans 5:19, Hebrews 4). The good news of the gospel is not man's free choice of God, but God's sovereign grace in choosing to so love the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have eternal life. Find Out More: Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org. You can find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org. This sermon was originally preached on 9/7/2025.

Duration:00:53:59

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Goodness of Work and Rest, Genesis 2:1-3

9/10/2025
Work and rest are both good and part of God’s created order. Rest is inseparably related to work, as is work to rest, and must be understood and enjoyed according to God’s design. Work is often perceived negatively as a requirement, and not something good, desirable, or pleasant. This, of course, is the consequence of sin that caused work to become a burden and rest to be a snare. Likewise, though rest seems more desirable than work, it too is corrupted by sin. In sin, rest is often disconnected from work and purpose, and it becomes a sinfully lazy habit. God resting after his labor on the seventh day and declaring it holy is a testimony both to the purpose and goodness of labor and the purpose and goodness of rest. Genesis 2:1-3 calls the church to honor God with both your work as unto the Lord and rest as a response of obedience. Find Out More: Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org. You can find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org. This sermon was originally preached on 8/31/2025.

Duration:00:41:39

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Nature of Man, Genesis 1:26-31

9/3/2025
Man’s nature and purpose are not according to the autonomous will of man but determined, ordained, and commanded by the sovereignty of God. A biblical worldview affirms the sovereignty of God over all of creation, including man, but the world claims that each person has total autonomy, independent of any authority. Genesis 1:26-31 testifies to the creation of man and man’s nature and purpose. In the sermon from Genesis 1:26-31, Pastor Ben explains that God’s creation of man demands that you honor every human life as God’s image bearer, be a good steward of God’s creation, and submit to God’s authority to create and command. Find Out More: Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org. You can find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org. Special thanks to David Carnes for his beautiful rendition of This Is My Father’s World from the album Journey… a Praise Offering. You can explore this recording and more of his music at Apple Music. This sermon was originally preached on 8/24/2025.

Duration:00:46:35

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

God Created, Genesis 1

8/27/2025
Genesis chapter one is the testimony of creation. By God’s authority, out of His will, and according to His command, He created all things. As with all of scripture, Genesis chapter one is a testimony of God that reveals His authority, will, and nature. It is not a story about men but a testimony to who God is and how He is working. Genesis chapter one does not answer every detail you may wish were included. There are many questions about how God accomplished His work that are left unanswered. Not the least of which is how God created all that is from nothing. In His perfect providence, God has given us His word to declare that He is the author and creator of all things while leaving unanswered the mysteries that the mind of man cannot conceive. Genesis chapter one is a foundational text for a Christian worldview and many of the most fundamental doctrines. From Genesis chapter one, Pastor Ben Smith preaches on how God’s creation forms how Christians understand God and all that He has made. Find Out More: Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org. You can find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org. This sermon was originally preached on 8/17/2025.

Duration:00:37:37

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Confess and Pray, James 5:12-20

8/20/2025
From the archives. Originally preached in September 2020, this sermon is from James 5:12-20 titled “Confess and pray.”

Duration:00:39:51

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Hope Secured, Psalm 16

8/13/2025
Pastor Ben Smith preaches expositionally from Psalm 16 on how the power, providence, and salvation of God give hope to Christians in the present and for eternity. Psalm 16 is a Psalm of David. God would make a way for David to be king, but there would be a long period where he was a fugitive on the run from an enraged and unhinged monarch. Psalm 16 may have been written during this chaotic period of David's life. On the run, hunted, and under constant threat, David finds real and lasting peace and security in the power, providence, and faithfulness of God. Everyone is looking for peace and security, but how do you find real and lasting peace and security? How can you find unshakable hope and peace in a world filled with so much trouble? Psalm 16 declares the sureness, goodness, and faithfulness of God and encourages the church to know the sure hope of God, in God's refuge, providence, and eternal salvation. Find Out More: Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org. You can find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org. This sermon was originally preached on 8/3/2025.

Duration:00:38:14

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

A Life After God’s Own Heart, Psalm 15

8/6/2025
When God saves you, He transforms you, and your life will bear the evidence of His holiness. David begins Psalm 15 with a question. Who can sojourn or abide with God, and who can dwell or remain in the presence of God? The simple answer to this is no one, unless they have been redeemed and made righteous through saving faith. David answers his opening question with six characteristics of a life that has been transformed by God. These six characteristics are not an exhaustive list but are representative of the transformation that God brings to your life through salvation that produces in you a life after God’s own heart. Find Out More: For more sermons and content from Pastor Ben Smith, visit BenSmithSr.org. You can also find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org. Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. This sermon was originally preached on 7/27/2025 at Central Baptist Church of Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit www.cbcwaycross.org.

Duration:00:37:03

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Peace, 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

7/30/2025
In this expositional sermon from 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18, pastor Ben Smith makes clear that being saved through faith in Jesus Christ is the only source of peace and the only hope of grace. Although simple and brief, these concluding words to the Thessalonian church testify to the hope and blessing of salvation, encouraging the church to continue in the faith. These are Paul’s last recorded words to the Thessalonian church. He signs the letter to ensure that they will know that these words are authentically his (17). The church had received a counterfeit letter (2 Thessalonians 2:2), and Paul wanted to assure the church that this letter was genuine, authentic, and authoritative. In addition to his signature, he prays for them and blesses them. Both the prayer and the blessing are founded on their salvation in Jesus Christ. Paul wanted to remind the church of the blessings that flow from salvation in Jesus Christ. These verses encourage the church with two blessings that flow from salvation in Jesus Christ: 1) The peace that comes only from Jesus Christ, and 2) the grace of Jesus Christ. Find Out More: Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. This sermon was originally preached on 7/20/2025 at Central Baptist Church of Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at www.BenSmithSr.org. For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit www.cbcwaycross.org.

Duration:00:35:40

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Be Patient, James 5:7-11

7/23/2025

Duration:00:36:19

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Faithful Endurance, 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15

7/16/2025
The cost of faithful obedience does not negate the worthiness and value of Scripture’s commands. The difficulty or unpleasantness of a task does not mean that the task is unnecessary or a worthless pursuit. Church discipline is hard, relationally taxing, and requires significant attention and energy from the church. This level of investment and cost was causing the Thessalonian church to grow weary, and some were surely tempted to give up or give in. In our day, many church members are weary from the excessive commitments they have made outside of the church. This leads them to be unprepared and with little tolerance or energy for the mental attention, emotional fortitude, and spiritual determination required for church discipline. Additionally, our culture places great importance on preserving the individual’s self-esteem, emotional stability, and autonomy. Any attempt to express judgment towards an individual is countercultural and generally rejected. The church is not immune to these cultural forces and is often tempted to compromise biblical fidelity for the sake of cultural acceptance. In this passage, Paul pleads with the church to faithfully endure in church discipline, regardless of how difficult the task may be. Find Out More: Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. This sermon was originally preached on 7/6/2025 at Central Baptist Church of Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at www.BenSmithSr.org. For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit www.cbcwaycross.org.

Duration:00:41:15

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Church Discipline, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12

7/9/2025
In this sermon, Pastor Ben Smith expositionally preaches from 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12, addressing the critical issues of the sin of idleness and the often-abandoned practice of church discipline. He emphasizes that sin is a serious threat to individual Christians and the church, rightly understood as rebellion against God's lordship. The sermon highlights that faithful labor is submission to God, contrasting it with sinful idleness. The sermon also outlines three basic principles of church discipline: it is an action of the church, a direct confrontation of sin, and is fundamentally gospel-driven. Listeners will understand why the church must obey Christ's commands, even when they are countercultural, to affirm the gospel, combat sin, and rescue wayward members. Episode Notes: In this sermon, Pastor Ben Smith expositionally preaches from 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12, addressing the critical issues of the sin of idleness and the often-abandoned practice of church discipline. He emphasizes that sin is a serious threat to individual Christians and the church, rightly understood as rebellion against God's lordship. The sermon highlights that faithful labor is submission to God, contrasting it with sinful idleness. The sermon also outlines three basic principles of church discipline: it is an action of the church, a direct confrontation of sin, and is fundamentally gospel-driven. Listeners will understand why the church must obey Christ's commands, even when they are countercultural, to affirm the gospel, combat sin, and rescue wayward members. Key Highlights · The Church's Abandonment of Discipline: Pastor Ben explains how historically, church discipline was a regular part of church life, but in recent years, it has been largely abandoned, indicating a lack of seriousness about the danger sin poses to individuals and the body of Christ. This abandonment is often rooted in a desire to "be nice" or concerns about inflated membership numbers, rather than faithful biblical witness. · Idleness as Rebellion, Not Rest: The passage in 2 Thessalonians addresses the sin of "idleness," which is defined as a moral disorder and rebellion, not simply rest. Paul, as an example, worked night and day to avoid being a burden, emphasizing that faithful labor is submission to God. Idleness can lead to other sins, such as being a "busybody" who disrupts the church. · Gospel-Driven Church Discipline: Church discipline is presented as an action commanded by Christ, to be carried out by the church on its members, specifically those living in unrepentant sin. Following the principles of Matthew 18, it involves direct confrontation of sin, potentially leading to the disfellowshipping of unrepentant members. Ultimately, church discipline is driven by love and the gospel, aiming to bear a true witness, rescue wayward members, and affirm that unrepentant rebellion is not acceptable to God. Find Out More: For more sermons and content from Pastor Ben Smith, visit BenSmithSr.org. Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. This sermon was originally preached on 7/6/2025 at Central Baptist Church of Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit www.cbcwaycross.org.

Duration:00:49:09

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Trust and Obey, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

7/2/2025
The advancement of the gospel and the endurance of the church are testimonies to the faithfulness and power of God, not the tenacity or ingenuity of man. What has enabled the church to endure in a hostile world? What empowers Christians to share the gospel when faced with such difficulties and costs? How can you remain faithful and encouraged in a world that is indefatigably working against God? 2 Thessalonians teaches that the only way to faithfully endure in a hostile world is to put your trust in the power, promises, and goodness of God. Find Out More: For more sermons and content from Pastor Ben Smith, visit BenSmithSr.org. You can also find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org. Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. This sermon was originally preached on 6/22/2025 at Central Baptist Church of Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit www.cbcwaycross.org.

Duration:00:43:25

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

True Treasure, James 5:1-6

6/25/2025
From the archives. Originally preached in September 2020. What is your true treasure? Is it God's truth and God's glory or worldly pleasures and comforts? James 5:1-6 gives the church three warnings related to wealth.

Duration:00:39:56

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Stand Firm, 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

6/18/2025
Almost every believer will struggle with doubt at some point in their life. Very often, Satan uses moments of spiritual failure or weakness to sow the seeds of doubt. Because of the pressures of persecution and the confusion of false teaching, the Thessalonian Christians were struggling with doubt. They wondered and worried if they were truly saved. They wondered and worried if they were worthy of God’s grace. They wondered and worried that if they experienced a moment of failure or weak faith, could this have forfeited the promises of the gospel? Having corrected the lies of the false prophets and teachers, Paul now turns his attention to assuring these saints of their salvation and encouraging them to stand firm in their faith. To stand firm in the faith is to remain steadfast and faithful to God and obedient to His word. To do this, Paul does not begin with a list of demands for the church to meet but rather with an affirmation of the true gospel that enables the saints to stand firm in their faith. Confident hope in the assurance of salvation empowers believers to stand firm in their faith and hold fast to the testimony of the gospel. Failure to stand firm is sometimes the result of being lured away by worldly novelties and distractions. Other times, the pressures, difficulties, and hardships of this world press down so hard that it seems impossible to endure in your strength. In response to the deceptions of false prophets and the hardships of persecution that the Thessalonian Christians were enduring, Paul encouraged the church in 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 to stand firm in the faith in three ways. Stand firm in the faith by affirming the true gospel. (13-14) Stand firm in the faith through faithful confidence. (15) Stand firm in the faith by enjoying the comfort of peace. (16-17) Find Out More: Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. This sermon was originally preached on 6/8/2025 at Central Baptist Church of Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at www.BenSmithSr.org. For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit www.cbcwaycross.org.

Duration:00:43:25

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Do Not Be Alarmed, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

6/11/2025
Fear is a powerful emotion. Though some are more prone to it than others, all struggle with it. Fear can paralyze your ability to take action, and fear can cause you to forfeit what is good. However, the most destructive and dangerous reaction to fear is that it can cause you to lose your confident hope in God's promises and surrender your expectant joy in the kingdom of God. The Thessalonians Christians were fearful that the persecutions they were enduring meant that they had missed the Second Coming of Christ and were thus experiencing the judgment of Christ on the wicked. Paul had written his first letter to the Thessalonians to assure them that Christ would rapture the church before the judgment of the wicked and to encourage them that they had not missed the rapture. Paul writes this second letter to address this issue again. The church was enduring severe persecution. Additionally, there were false teachers who claimed that Christ had already returned. The pressures of persecution and the confusion caused by false teaching had caused the church to fear again that they had missed the rapture. Paul writes this letter not to elaborate on all the details of the Second Coming and the particulars of the antichrist but as a pastor to his church, to encourage them to hold tightly to God's word with confident hope. The main idea of this passage is: Do not be alarmed by false teachings or fearful of powerless threats but trust in the sovereignty, authority, and power of God. Paul is not writing to rebuke the church or shame them for their fear but rather to warn them of the danger of being deceived and distracted by false teaching. From both false teaching and biblical ignorance, many today struggle with fear and anxiety that steal their confident hope and joy in the Lord. So, how can you keep from being deceived and distracted by false teachings? This passage provides three warnings to help you avoid being distracted by false teachings. Do not be alarmed by false teaching, fearful of the power of false prophets, or deceived by Satan. Find Out More: For more sermons and content from Pastor Ben Smith, visit BenSmithSr.org. You can also find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org. Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. This sermon was originally preached on 6/1/2025 at Central Baptist Church of Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit www.cbcwaycross.org.

Duration:00:49:41

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Testimony of Glory, 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

6/4/2025
Salvation is not transactional but transformative. When God calls you to salvation, it is a calling to believe and be transformed by the power of God to accomplish His will and bring glory to His name. In the secular world, you become very accustomed to transactional relationships. Unfortunately, not only do many people approach their most intimate relationships with a transactional mindset, but many also attempt to relate to God in a similar manner. However, God does not negotiate or bargain, nor can God be manipulated or deceived. It is impossible to receive God's salvation through any form of human transaction. When you believe in faith and are saved by God, you are transformed by the power of God for the glory of God. In 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, Paul prays with confidence in God's will for the Thessalonian church to continue being transformed for His glory. How does salvation transform your life? These verses illustrate two fundamental ways in which salvation transforms a Christian's life. That is, salvation transforms what you are and what you do. Find Out More: For more sermons and content from Pastor Ben Smith, visit BenSmithSr.org. You can also find information about Central Baptist Church at cbcwaycross.org. Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. This sermon was originally preached on 5/25/2025 at Central Baptist Church of Waycross, GA. Additional podcasts, books, and downloadable PDFs of Pastor Ben’s sermon outlines and manuscripts are available at http://bensmithsr.org For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit www.cbcwaycross.org.

Duration:00:32:54