Wordsmith with Clay Smith

28: Romans 11

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 meaning of “all Israel will be saved” and several theological frameworks and encourage listeners to approach these complex topics with humility and grace.
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.
Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

27: Romans 9:30-10:21

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 God?” This leads to a rich discussion on the danger of taking verses out of context or adopting a “me-centered” view of scripture. They conclude by exploring Paul’s masterful use of Old Testament references in Romans 10 to highlight God’s enduring faithfulness and His call for all to believe in Jesus.
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.
Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

26: Bonus Episode | What is a Baptist?

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 embrace the denomination after studying its tenets. He then delves into four core theological commitments that define Baptists. Pastor Clay lays out a comprehensive overview of what it means to be a Baptist, while inviting you to consider your theological stances.
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.Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

25: Romans 9

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 considers the best novel ever written.
The discussion then pivots to Romans 9, with Pastor Clay emphasizing the interconnectedness of chapters 9-11 with the preceding parts of Romans, highlighting that Paul isn't taking a doctrinal detour but rather offering a deeper theological exploration of God's faithfulness to Israel and Gentiles alike. They begin by reading Romans 9:1-5, where Paul expresses profound sorrow for his Jewish countrymen who are largely rejecting Jesus as Messiah, despite their rich heritage and God's blessings.
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.Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

24: Romans 8:31-39

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 the most comforting passages in the Bible: Romans 8:31-39. They explore how this powerful text offers assurance to believers in the face of life's challenges, emphasizing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. They discuss the significance of Christ's intercession for us and how to hold onto hope and joy even amidst suffering. Steven also shares insights from his work in pastoral care, including the impactful "Drive Through Prayer" ministry. Don't miss this encouraging conversation about finding peace and unwavering faith in God's unending love!
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.Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

23: Romans 8:26-30

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 all things together for good, it doesn't mean all things are good.
The conversation culminates in an examination of the golden chain of redemption found in verses 29-30: foreknew, predestined, called, justified, and glorified. We dive into how Paul uses these powerful words to illustrate God's sovereign control and ultimate plan for believers. Join us for a deep and encouraging dive into this foundational passage of the Bible!
 
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.Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

22: Romans 8:12-25

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 intimate relationship where we can cry out, "Abba, Father." They also delve into the "already but not yet" reality of our faith, examining the tension between present suffering and the future glory that awaits us as fellow heirs with Christ. Join them as they discuss how the Holy Spirit changes not only who we are but also the hope we hold onto, even amidst a world subjected to futility, eagerly awaiting its own redemption.
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.
Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

21: Romans 8:1-11

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 Spirit and the deathly flesh, emphasizing that God's work brings this transformation. They discuss practically setting our minds on the Spirit through God's Word and Christian community. The conversation underscores the power and personhood of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to overcome sin and live transformed lives. In application, Susan encourages resting in God's forgiveness and carefully guarding our minds. Pastor Clay concludes by stressing the crucial role of Christian community in studying God's Word and fostering spiritual growth.
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.

20: Romans 7:14-25

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 doing what he hates. TJ emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of desires in the Christian walk, highlighting Paul's joyful agreement with God's law in his inner being despite his struggle with sin.
They explore the timing of Paul's description (present tense, suggesting an ongoing struggle even for believers) and offer encouragement to those who might feel discouraged by their own battles with sin. The main takeaway is that this passage ultimately points to the need for and the victory found in Jesus Christ, who sets believers free from the bondage of sin.
The episode concludes by emphasizing that only Jesus can truly overcome the power of sin in our lives and that this passage highlights our constant need for a Savior and restoration.
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.

19: Romans 7:1-13

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 to death in regard to the law" leads to a fruitful relationship with Christ and a life lived in the newness of the Spirit. Prepare for a thought-provoking discussion that tackles tough questions and seeks to apply these ancient truths to our modern lives.
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.