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.By 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.By 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.By 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.By 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.By 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.By 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.By 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.By 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.By 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.By 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.By 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.By 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.By 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.By 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.By 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.By 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.By 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.By 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.By 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.By Jeffrey Dean Smith

Join us as Pastor Jeffrey leads us in studying the words of Jesus as He offers a sobering truth about what is to come for the world and how we are to go unto the nations.By Jeffrey Dean Smith

Am I heartbroken enough to go unto the nations whatever the cost, whatever the sacrifice, and whatever the necessity to save others from the hell that awaits those who do not know the Christ? Pastor Jeffrey discusses this very question and why we are called to go unto the nations.By Jeffrey Dean Smith

There may be a time when we are called to take the extreme step of giving up our life for a friend in an attempt to protect another, but the true meaning of the call to "lay down" one’s life is in reference to one’s choice to wIllingly appoint others before themselves. Take a listen as Pastor Jeffrey instructs us of this type of love we are to take…

There is not a single place in Scripture where we, as followers of Christ, are given the permission to remain as spectators. Not a single one. Join us as Pastor Jeffrey discusses our call to go Unto the Nations.By Jeffrey Dean Smith

With an ever-shifting religious, economical, and social landscape, the missions, staffing, strategies + ministry focus of the Church must do the same. We are excited for where we are headed in 2024, and we are confident the Lord is going to continue to do big at Donelson First!By Jeffrey Dean Smith

The state of Donelson First is strong, and God is doing a new thing. We anticipate and expect that God will continue to do more than we can ever dream or imagine as He continues inspiring people to know, grow, and go in Jesus.By Jeffrey Dean Smith

As it relates to the state of the Church, we have a lot of work to do. We have to let the world know that the way to the kingdom of God is narrow and that there is a cost to following Jesus. To live is Christ is the hardest thing we will ever do while on this planet.By Jeffrey Dean Smith

We consider how we as the Church can love the unloved, and feed the poor, and support the elderly. All of these pursuits are noble, and needed, and necessary. But do we spend equal, and even more, time and thought and tenacity on becoming as Christ? In the final message of our May I Ask A Question series, Pastor Jeffrey asks us to consider: Has the…

If I am to love, to truly love others, I am to do so fully aware that such love requires of me no compromise to the ways of Scripture. The problem for much of Christianity is that we condemn without compassion, and we label without love. We should be the loudest voice of love that does not merely highlight the sins of humanity. Rather, the voice ab…

Contrary to the peace of the world that is dependent upon circumstances, the peace Jesus offers is optimally manifested amid persecution, pain, tribulation, and tears. Pastor Jeffrey leads us in our conversation on how we can surrender concerns and anxieties to the Lord and rest in HIs peace no matter the situation.…

The discovery of joy is intricately connected and so very important and necessary in sustaining the Christian to live a life that is full and satisfying and complete. Everyone wants joy, but not everyone has joy. In part 14 of our May I Ask A Question series, Pastor Jeffrey offers us scripture-inspired insights on how to find joy.…

How would you respond to an expectant mother contemplating abortion? Is abortion okay in the instances of rape or incest, or when the life of a mother is at risk? In this episode, Pastor Jeffrey tackles these tough and often divisive questions through the detailed response offered in Scripture.By Jeffrey Smith

Family is really, really hard. There is no way around it. In this episode, Pastor Jeffrey offers suggestions on helping your family be best united and prepared to face the hard together and to learn to grow closer even in the midst of challenges and difficulties.By Jeffrey Smith

There are many misconceptions about who or what is the Holy Spirit. Some believe the Holy Spirit is as a wind moving in our lives with very little control or knowledge on our end as to its movements. Others envision the Holy Spirit as a mystical or magical force that can only be summoned on special occasions or by certain people who possess such ab…

Time is such a critical aspect of life. It too is a gift for us each that, if not careful, can be misused. In this episode, Pastor Jeffrey discusses this gift in relation to the creation of the world, the existence of dinosaurs and the afterlife.By Jeffrey Smith

What is the biblical role of the deacon, Elder’s wife, and Ministry Team? This week, Pastor Jeffrey continues our conversation on Church governance and how following the guiding principles set forth in Scripture Equips the Church to love the people of God well.By Jeffrey Smith

What is the proper alignment of Church governance and how do each of these roles differ in aiding to the benefit of the Church?By Jeffrey Smith

No matter my worldly knowledge, personal successes, accomplishments, accolades, and notoriety, if I get my eternity wrong, nothing else matters. I need salvation because the dreadful reality of the presence of sin in my life requires there is no other way for me to avoid spiritual death.By Jeffrey Smith

Many Christians view holiness as a lofty position at which one almost never arrives. God views holiness as a state of being I can achieve as I daily resolve to do what is right. Holiness requests I forsake the life I want for the life God demands.By Jeffrey Smith

Everything I need to know about God’s expectations and parameters for divorce & remarriage are in God’s Word. On many topics, God states repeatedly what He feels and believes in Scripture. However, God does not always do this. While there are few verses on the topic of divorce in the Bible, those mentioned are extremely clear.…

Asking “Why me, God?” insinuates the expectation that life is to be easy, and, as a Christian, God is expected to isolate me from humanity’s misfortunes. Of course, this is not true. Such knowledge may not change my situation, but it does give me an opportunity to embrace peace and trust rather than anger in the midst of my dark moments.…

There are many different interpretations and disagreements among the Church. Two people won’t see everything, every situation, and every life choice the same every single time. This is okay. What is not okay is to use such disagreements as an excuse to draw battle lines of conflict over which you never work to dissolve.…

In the Bible, the main things God wants us to clearly know, He made clearly known. Both the first and the last call of Jesus to His followers was one of evangelism. So it is obvious that sharing the gospel is critically important to Jesus. It too should be important to me.By Jeffrey Smith