In this episode of The Philosophy of Life, we explore Attribute #4: Call—a decision so unique and essential that without it, all other habits and attributes discussed in this series lose their eternal significance. Through Romans 10:13, we uncover the transformative power of calling on the name of the Lord. Join us as we unpack this life-altering t…

In the latest message of our series, “The Philosophy of Life", Pastor Jeffrey focuses on purpose as we explore two of life’s biggest questions: Why am I here? and What am I supposed to do with my life? While they may seem similar, understanding the difference between the “why” (your mission) and the “what” (how you fulfill that mission) is the key …

In Part 2 of Pastor Jeffrey's sermon series "The Philosophy of Life", we explore one of the most significant responsibilities of a Christ follower: stewarding time well. Time is a precious and fleeting gift, and the life of a believer should reflect intentionality and purpose. Take a listen to discover how to become a proficient manager of time and…

As we kick off the new year, we're diving into The Philosophy of Life, a series that explores 15 habits that sets the Christian apart from the world. In part 1 of this series, Pastor Jeffrey challenges us to act urgently, obey loyally, and surrender completely to God's will as we live today. Take a listen to study what it means to, through the lens…

In our fourth message of It’s Christmas, Y’all, Pastor Jeffrey dives into the significance of God sending His Son at the perfect moment in history—born of a woman, under the law, to redeem humanity. Take a listen as we study and celebrate this spectacular moment in history and the events surrounding the birth of the Christ-child.…

In our latest message of, “It’s Christmas, Y’all!”, Pastor Jeffrey leads us in a study of the supernatural, unexplainable, and awe-inspiring story of a star hung in the sky, guiding a convoy of wise men on a voyage to see the newborn Savior.Jeffrey Dean Smith

In Pastor Jeffrey’s latest message, we explore four powerful moments in Scripture where angels interact with humans. While not all of these encounters take place during the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, they each point to the heart of Christmas and the hope we celebrate during this season. As you listen, expect to hear how each angelic enc…

It's Christmas, Y'all! As we kick off our Christmas series, we turn to Psalm 46:10, a powerful reminder for us all as we enter this season of Advent. In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, this verse invites us to pause, reflect, and find peace in God’s presence. Join us as we explore how this timeless scripture speaks to our hearts and…

As Pastor Jeffrey brings to a close what has been a most remarkable journey From Fear To Freedom, we study Moses’ final moments on earth and unpack scripture to truly understand how he shall be remembered.Jeffrey Dean Smith

In all the disappointments Moses faces in his journey, we see that none are as heart-wrenching as the moment when Moses forfeits being able to take this final step out of the wilderness and into the land promised to the people of God. Listen as we reflect on the weight of this pivotal moment and see that, with God, it is never too late to become th…

Everyone has a “thing”. And those who eventually admit their “thing” are those who find freedom on the other side of surrender. After eleven months in our From Fear To Freedom series, we unpack Moses’ “thing” that is the veracity that prohibits him from ever stepping foot into the land God promised to Abraham under the stars so very many years ago.…

As we studied the tenth and final Commandment, we see it is conceivably the most instructive and, too, the most devastating of all the Commandments God spoke to the nation of Israel, because this Commandment, above all other nine Commandments, addresses the most intimate and inner manner of the heart.…

What does God mean when He speaks these words in Exodus 20:15, “Do not give false testimony against your neighbor?” In Part 31 of our From Fear To Freedom series, we turn to the original translation of these words to seal the deal in our minds as to what God is saying to His people then... and to His Church today!…

When God tells Moses to tell his people, “You shall not steal”, we see that God is actually commanding these two things: Number 1, do not deceive; and Number 2, do not be deceived. Though stealing takes on so very many forms and faces, we see that at the core of the actions by the thief is evidence of a heart deceived.…

To fully grasp the magnitude of Commandment #7, you shall not commit adultery, we must clearly understand how God ordained the first marriage relationship between Adam and Eve. Take a listen as Pastor Jeffrey offers a biblical perspective on God’s design for marriage and unpacks common questions that often surface as it relates to adultery.…

As we study Commandment 6, you shall not murder, we see the importance of studying the fullness of Scripture and the original text to adequately understand God’s position on a matter. At the heart of this Commandment specifically is the discovery of just how very much God loves you.

As we continued our study of the 10 Commandments and how they are eternal and true for all of time, Pastor Jeffrey gave us tangible ways that we can remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy and honor our father and mother.Jeffrey Dean Smith

We often think of Moses as the great deliver, the great emancipator. He, too, was the great law giver. Deliverance from fear, bondage and slavery was obviously a life-changing trajectory for the nation of Israel. But, on the other side of their freedom, a nation without laws, really isn’t a nation free. A nation without laws is a nation still in bo…

There are very many reasons as to why so very many people have chosen to make Donelson First their home over the past 112 years. Take a listen as Pastor Jeffrey answers the question, “Why Donelson First?”, by sharing the impact being made through the light on the hill in Music City.Jeffrey Dean Smith

In part 25 of From Fear to Freedom, Pastor Jeffrey continues to unpack the requirements God demands on the part of His people and principles that align with them as we consider our own life journey.Jeffrey Dean Smith

Before God spends a significant amount of time, 40 days and nights, alone with Moses on the Mountain, God outlines specific requirements His people are to follow. What is fascinating about these requirements is just how very relevant these truths are for our lives today!Jeffrey Dean Smith

In Part 23 of From Fear to Freedom, we see, in God’s perfect timing of this story, a touching moment occurs for Moses. God sends Moses the gift of his family’s presence and is given three challenges in a heartwarming exchange from his father in law, Jethro, as it relates to priorities.Jeffrey Dean Smith

In week 22 of From Fear to Freedom, Pastor Jeffrey teaches us that the Lord is not taking these people on such a journey of testing for His knowledge. He is doing so that these people will arrive at the knowledge that it is the Lord who has brought them out of the land of Egypt and into a land of green pastures, and lush waters, and fruitful soil.…

In this week's time of study, we see God’s hand of provision, just as the nation of Israel had watched all that God did to bring them out of Egyptian captivity and into a free life on the other side of the Reed Sea. Yet, with every step forward, new perplexities and challenges emerge.Jeffrey Dean Smith

No longer living under the brutal 430 year captivity of the Pharaoh and the nation of Egypt, God establishes His expectations for the nation of Israel from moment one.Jeffrey Dean Smith

In this week’s time of study on the tenth and final plague, we see the Hebrews awaken at daylight on day 157,054 as slaves. By midnight, they begin day one of a new life - one they are to commemorate for generations to come.Jeffrey Dean Smith

In Part 18 of From Fear to Freedom, we see that each of the plagues from God is directed against one or more of the 3 main forces in Egyptian life: the Nile, the land, and the sun. We also see that once the Pharaoh understood that God was more powerful than he, the King attempted to negotiate with God to broker a compromise of a meeting in the midd…

In this week’s time of study, we see the reality of the Pharaoh’s sin and its aftermath upon the nation of Egypt by reading the story as if we were in the story.Jeffrey Dean Smith

From the moment God revealed His will to Moses as Moses stood barefoot on holy ground before a burning bush, Moses was forced to decide upon whom his allegiance would rest. And his choice to journey back to the land where he had once been wanted dead was one that now placed him at odds with so very many people.…

Though God has proven Himself faithful over and again in the story, we still see that Moses is a man vacillating between trust and fear. Join us in week 15 on our journey as we see how God continues to direct Moses’ steps.Jeffrey Dean Smith

After this intense fire-side exchange on the mountain with God, Moses is now ready to go to Egypt. Take a listen to see factors that influence Moses' change of heart and greatly dictate what happens next in his journey from fear to freedom.Jeffrey Dean Smith

As we continue our journey with Moses, we see God is concurrently restoring his faith and confidence after living 40 years with immense and unfathomable feelings of insignificance, all the while preparing him to do the unthinkable in the lives of millions of Hebrews, and too, in his own life.Jeffrey Dean Smith

As we continued our study and examined Exodus 3:11-22, Pastor Jeffrey taught us that Moses does not yet fully comprehend what God is doing. What we are learning from the man Moses is the responsibility we have, while exercising free-will, to obediently follow the ways and workings of God.Jeffrey Dean Smith

On day one of his new life, Moses comes to the far side of the wilderness where he meets with God and God reveals His divine plan.Jeffrey Dean Smith

Scripture tells us Moses spent 40 years, 14,610 days, living as a nomad taking care of sheep. That’s a long time! But as the saying goes, “What a difference a day can make.” On the day the bush caught fire, day one of a new life began as God chose to speak to Moses.Jeffrey Dean Smith

Moses stepped ahead of God’s plans, and it sent him on a 40 year journey. But what we are going to see is that, even amidst the missteps: God still remains in control even when I have lost control.Jeffrey Dean Smith

As we celebrate Easter, we do so studying the parallels of two men - Moses and Jesus - remembering that it was obedience that led Moses from an Egyptian palace to the Promised Land and ultimate love that led Jesus from the cross to an empty tomb.Jeffrey Dean Smith

In our latest Tea Talk with Pastor Jeffrey, we heard from key leaders at Donelson First the ways in which God is using this body of believers to fulfill the church’s mission of inspiring people to know, grow, and go in Jesus. Take a listen as we celebrate and give thanks that the Lord is positioning Donelson First to be a church for the world!…

In week 7 of our From Fear To Freedom series, we see that Moses was afforded an education that shaped and prepared him for his call. Take a listen as we journey with Moses and continue to see the importance of trusting God in the midst of pain.Jeffrey Dean Smith

It is impossible to live a life completely void of fear. Choosing to properly exercise faith amidst fears is what truly defines one’s character. Join us in venturing deeper into the faith aspect of Moses’ story and discovering how faith is the conduit from fear to freedom.Jeffrey Dean Smith

When it comes to God and His plan, there are no coincidences. As we continue our From Fear To Freedom series, Pastor Jeffrey walks through fascinating scenarios in Moses’s story that remind us just how intricate every detail of this story is in God’s plan to take care of His people.Jeffrey Dean Smith

Two midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, save countless babies by lying to the most powerful man on the planet. Should these women be applauded for lying? Is it every okay to tell a lie? Take a listen as Pastor Jeffrey unpacks these questions as the story of the Exodus continues.Jeffrey Dean Smith

Why did Egypt, and specifically the Pharaoh, treat God’s people with such contempt? Through the study of Egyptian Dynasty Periods and characteristics of the powerful nation of Egypt, Pastor Jeffrey teaches on what sets the stage for this contempt and how Scripture reveals just how greatly the Jews are impacted.…

From the promise God makes to Abraham about what is to come for the nation of Israel in Genesis 15 until the first breath of Moses, a lot happens! Before we dive head-strong into this very detailed and in-depth study of this remarkable man, join us in taking a colossal step backwards to adequately understand all that has happened leading up to the …

The circumstances surrounding the introduction of Moses to the world are both bizarre and unique. Moses was not a perfect man, yet a man chosen by God to overcome his imperfections and complete the purpose for which he was created – to obediently follow God over men and mountains and across waters and before multitudes. He too was called to embark …

In the first Sunday back in the renovated Worship Center at Donelson First, Pastor Jeffrey teaches of a man who, too, dedicated to the Lord a very special place of Worship.Jeffrey Dean Smith

The events surrounding the announcement of the birth of our Savior in Luke 1 and in Luke 2 are saturated with Old Testament words, phrases and concepts that elevate the proof of the prophetic and divine hand of God on all that is happening and all that has been unfolding for so very many years leading up to this supernatural story of which Mary and…

Who was the first non-family member of Jesus to believe in Him? Join us as Pastor Jeffrey shares the answer to this question and how the love of the Christ began before ever meeting Jesus.Jeffrey Dean Smith

Love begins here with the reality that, as John 3:16 confirms... For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.Jeffrey Dean Smith

The Greatest hindrance to most Christians in sharing of the Christ with another is burden. To have a burden is not the hindrance, but it is the void of any burden for the lost that shapes my convictions and too inspires my motivations upon which I act.Jeffrey Dean Smith