Wordsmith with Clay Smith

This episode of the Wordsmith Podcast with host Clay Smith features guest Pastor Adrian Coetzer discussing Romans 15:1-13, focusing on the theme of commitment and discipleship within the church. Adrian draws on a personal story about his grandfather sharpening knives to illustrate how the "strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength," emphasizing that spiritual growth requires a relational, hands-on commitment—not just attendance.
They explore the theological concepts of Ecclesiology (commitment to one another), Christology(Christ's self-sacrificing example), and Doxology (unifying for God's glory), challenging listeners to consider, "Who is sharpening you, and who are you sharpening?" Ultimately, the discussion stresses that our collective unity and dedication to one another is how we glorify 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.
Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

In this episode of Wordsmith, Pastor Clay welcomes back David Anderson to dive into the second half of Romans 14. They explore the difficult but crucial questions Paul poses: Are you a stumbling block? Or even worse, a spiritual wrecking ball? 
Listen in as they unpack what it means to be a "stumbling block" and why some of us act like bulldozers when we face conflict. Discover how to pursue peace, encourage one another, and remember that we are all on the same team. You'll learn the importance of walking alongside fellow believers, respecting their consciences, and seeing what God is already doing in their 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.
Learn more about Johnson Ferry Baptist Church at johnsonferry.org

In this episode of WordSmith, Clay Smith and guest Shane Bruce discuss Christian freedom as they unpack Romans 14. They explore how believers with different convictions can coexist, highlighting the difference between the "strong in faith" and the "weak in faith" within the early church. The conversation emphasizes that Christian unity is about coming together under the lordship of Christ, not about everyone having the same beliefs on non-essential issues like diet or holy days.
The episode reminds listeners that all Christians will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, a time of accountability for how they lived. This powerful truth underscores the importance of prioritizing love and mutual respect over personal preferences. Ultimately, the discussion encourages listeners to remember that their primary allegiance is to Christ, which should guide their interactions with fellow believers.
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

In this episode, Clay welcomes back special guest Meredith Beatty to delve into the practical wisdom found in the second half of Romans 13. They discuss the powerful connection between love and the fulfillment of the law, exploring how a genuine love for our neighbor embodies the heart of God's commands.
 
Drawing on the metaphor of a doomsday clock, Clay and Meredith examine how being mindful of Jesus's imminent return should awaken us from spiritual slumber and inspire us to shed our old, sinful habits. They discuss the importance of "putting on the Lord Jesus Christ" and living in the light, ready for His coming. This episode offers a timely reminder that while we don't know the day or the hour, we are called to live each day as if Jesus were coming back tomorrow.
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

In this special episode of the Wordsmith Podcast, Pastor Clay Smith dives into the question: What is an Elder?
Drawing from his own experience, Clay explains the biblical role of an elder, clarifying the qualities and responsibilities of these leaders. He discusses the difference between elders and deacons, the biblical call for a plurality of elders, and the four key responsibilities of an elder: to feed, lead, connect, and protect the church.
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

Join Pastor Clay Smith and a special guest, Nels Peterson, Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, for a fascinating and timely conversation on the Christian's relationship with governing authority, as they dive deep into Romans 13:1-7. Peterson shares his unique perspective on what it's like to navigate the legal system with a biblical worldview, highlighting the concepts of working hard, telling the truth, and treating everyone with the dignity of being created in God's image.
This episode will challenge you to consider your own attitude toward government officials, encouraging a posture of respect and honor even in times of disagreement. Tune in to explore how the principles of Scripture can guide our conduct in a culture that often defaults to anger and division.
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

Clay and his long-time guest, John Farish, dive into Romans 12:14-21. They discuss how to handle personal conflict with both Christians and non-believers, examining Paul's powerful advice to bless those who persecute you and resist the urge to seek revenge.
Clay and John provide practical insights on living out biblical commands in a modern world, from dealing with road rage to understanding that God, not us, is the ultimate source of justice. They break down difficult truths about forgiveness, highlighting the distinction between forgiving someone and the need to trust them again. Join them as they delve into these challenging yet transformative scriptures, helping you live a more Christ-like life.
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

In this episode, Clay sits down with his long-time friend Mitch Verdell, pastor to Johnson Ferry's 60+ ministry, to delve into Romans 12:9-13. The discussion explores how these verses provide a roadmap for authentic Christian living, emphasizing that true love must be "free of hypocrisy."
Clay and Mitch discuss the challenge of consumerism in the church, encouraging listeners to move from a mindset of "what can I get?" to "what can I give?" They highlight the importance of living out the biblical commands for brotherly love, diligence, and service to others. Join the conversation as they explore how the love described by Paul is not just a feeling, but a fervent and practical devotion to others, rooted in our relationship with God and fueled by the Holy Spirit. This episode challenges and equips listeners to build a church community that is truly different from the world.
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

Following a summary of Paul's call in the first two verses to present ourselves as a "living sacrifice" and be transformed by a renewed mind, they examine how this thinking is to be lived out within the church community.
They discuss the importance of moving beyond a consumeristic view of church to one of mutual service and dependency, where each person's unique spiritual gift contributes to the "remarkable we." Clay and Susan explore the seven spiritual gifts listed in this passage—prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, and mercy—offering biblical definitions and practical examples for each one. They also address common questions and misconceptions about spiritual gifts, emphasizing that our gifts are not a hierarchy but rather unique tools from God's grace meant to build up the body of Christ.
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

Join us for the season two premiere of Wordsmith, where Pastor Clay Smith sits down with special guest, Pastor Bobby Smith. After a sabbatical, Clay shares his experiences and the profound themes he uncovered this summer. This discussion leads to a deep dive into Romans 12:1-2, where Paul's words challenge us to present ourselves as living sacrifices.
Clay and Bobby explore the interplay between our bodies, minds, and spirits, and what it truly means to offer "rational worship" to God. They tackle the vital call to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, contrasting it with the temptation to conform to the world.
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