Daniel H Smith

ID 84632Date unavailable

ID 84630Date unavailable

ID 84629Date unavailable

ID 81873Date unavailable

ID 74761Date unavailable

ID 63438Feb 2, 1993

ID 61912Jan 29, 1997

ID 54471Feb 8, 1998

Apostolic authority is demonstrated not by letters of commendation but by the transformed lives of those ministered to, as Paul argues in 2 Corinthians. The sermon explores Paul's complex decision-making regarding his travel plans, highlighting the tension between evangelistic opportunities and pastoral care for the Corinthian church. Using the metaphor of a triumphal procession, Paul illustrates how the gospel, like a fragrance, brings life to believers and judgment to unbelievers, emphasizing that true sufficiency for ministry comes from God, not human qualification. The message concludes by asserting that the ultimate credential of a servant of Christ is the impact on others' lives, not personal achievements or external validation.

ID 54470Feb 8, 1998

Paul's authority and ministry are defended in Second Corinthians, a book often neglected due to its complex structure and emotional depth. The sermon highlights Paul's personal afflictions, including a life-threatening experience in Asia, and contrasts them with the abundant comfort God provided. This comfort, rooted in God's faithfulness, qualifies believers to minister to others, not by sharing identical experiences, but by drawing on God's resources. The message emphasizes that even in suffering, believers can remain other-focused and become instruments of God's blessing, reflecting Christ's own compassionate suffering.

ID 54468Feb 9, 1996

Redemption is the doctrine that Christ paid the price to purchase believers out of the bondage and slavery of sin, setting them free to be His possession and servants of righteousness. The sermon traces the concept of redemption through Old Testament examples like the Exodus and the kinsman redeemer, highlighting its pervasive presence in Israelite life. It then explores various New Testament Greek terms for redemption, emphasizing that Christ's blood was the precious price paid to buy us out of sin's slavery, set us free, and make us His own. This redemption has past, present, and future aspects, culminating in the resurrection of our bodies, and calls believers to abandon sin and wholeheartedly serve God.

ID 54467Feb 8, 1996

King Ahab's covetousness and corruption are exposed through his desire for Naboth's vineyard, leading to Naboth's unjust death and divine judgment. The sermon details Ahab's pouting reaction to God's word, Jezebel's wicked plot to frame Naboth, and Elijah's pronouncement of judgment upon Ahab and his household. The narrative highlights the corrupting influence of power, the importance of obeying God's law, and the consequences of leadership that rejects divine authority, ultimately showing that no one is above God's law, even kings.

ID 54466Mar 23, 1994

The metaphor of a farmer to illustrate the diligent and hardworking nature required in serving Christ. It emphasizes that Christian service is not an easy way out but demanding work, akin to the labor of a farmer who toils through all seasons. The text highlights that just as a farmer is the first to enjoy the fruits of their labor, faithful servants of Christ can expect appropriate rewards and satisfaction in seeing God's work through their lives. Furthermore, the sermon draws parallels between farming principles like sowing and reaping and moral and ethical conduct, urging believers to sow to the Spirit for eternal life rather than to the flesh, and to persevere with patience, trusting that God will bring the harvest in due season.

ID 54465Feb 5, 1993

Samson, the man who might have been, is presented as a cautionary tale about the consequences of moral compromise despite a godly heritage. The sermon traces Samson's life, highlighting his repeated failures with pagan women, his violation of his Nazarite vow, and his eventual capture and blinding, illustrating how impulse and lust lead to compounding sin and a life unfulfilled. The core lesson emphasizes that a strong back and weak morals, or spiritual myopia, lead to disaster, and that true godliness requires moral excellence, self-control, and perseverance, not just initial faith. The message concludes by underscoring God's pardoning grace, which can restore even a life as tragically flawed as Samson's, urging listeners to bear It of hope to a society without standards.

ID 54232Feb 11, 1998

Paul's ministry is characterized by the new covenant, the Spirit, and righteousness, as he received mercy and did not lose heart despite immense suffering. He renounced hidden things, refused to adulterate God's Word, and preached Christ Jesus as Lord, not himself. The sermon emphasizes that believers, like Paul, are earthen vessels containing the treasure of God's light, which dispels spiritual blindness caused by the god of this world. This divine light, revealed through Christ, transforms hearts and enables believers to share the gospel with courage and hope.

ID 54220Feb 13, 1998

The Apostle Paul's ministry, particularly his teachings on personal holiness, is explored through Ephesians 5:25-27, which likens Christ's love for the church to the marital relationship. The sermon emphasizes that Christ sanctifies the church through the "washing of water with the word," a process that reveals sin, presents the gospel, establishes faith, and assures believers of their salvation. This cleansing is essential for believers to be presented to Christ as a glorious, spotless, and holy bride, highlighting the personal responsibility to live a holy life in response to God's provision.

ID 54219Feb 12, 1998

Devoted service to Christ requires looking beyond present hardships to an eternal perspective, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul. Despite the decay of the outer self and momentary afflictions, the inner self is renewed, and these temporary struggles produce an eternal weight of glory. The core lesson is to focus on unseen, eternal realities rather than temporal, seen circumstances, recognizing that this life is a temporary tent and we have an eternal dwelling from God. This heavenly perspective is essential for enduring service, pleasing Christ, and anticipating the judgment seat of Christ with joy.

ID 54218Feb 10, 1998

Apostle Paul's ministry is characterized by changing plans and the fragrance of Christ, which serves as an aroma of life to some and death to others. Despite facing detractors who questioned his motives, Paul asserted that his adequacy came from God, not himself, and that true commendation comes from the transformed lives of believers, not letters of recommendation. The sermon emphasizes that God qualifies His servants, and the ultimate measure of usefulness is the impact made on others for Christ.

ID 54217Jan 31, 1997

King David's life demonstrates the profound consequences of sin and the path to repentance, as illustrated by his affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent judgment announced by the prophet Nathan. The sermon highlights David's initial resistance to conviction, as described in Psalm 32, where he recounts his inner turmoil and suffering before confessing his sin. It emphasizes that true confession is not merely a statement to others but a deep acknowledgment before God, as detailed in Psalm 51, where David articulates the nature of his transgression, iniquity, and sin. The core lesson is that God's forgiveness is complete and transformative, offering cleansing and restoration, and that acknowledging God's righteousness in judgment is crucial for genuine repentance.

ID 53887Mar 24, 1995

The Korah Rebellion, detailed in Numbers 16, serves as a stark warning against challenging God-appointed leadership and presuming priestly authority. The sermon highlights how Korah, a Levite, along with Dathan and Abiram, led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, fueled by a desire for greater status and a rejection of their assigned roles. Despite the majority's dissent, God vindicated Moses and Aaron through miraculous judgment, swallowing the rebels and consuming the self-appointed priests with fire, demonstrating that true service is not self-appointed but divinely ordained. The narrative underscores God's holiness, His serious view of leadership and priesthood, and His capacity for grace, as seen in the transformation of Aaron, while also cautioning against grumbling against God's chosen leaders and the misuse of one's gifts.

ID 53429Feb 6, 1996

The Holy Spirit's work of conviction is essential for salvation, as explained through Jesus' discourse in John 16. The Spirit convicts the world of sin, specifically the sin of unbelief, highlighting that this is the primary barrier to salvation rather than individual sinful acts. Furthermore, the Spirit convicts of righteousness, emphasizing that only Christ's righteousness, not human efforts, qualifies one for heaven, and of judgment, revealing that Satan is a defeated foe whose cause is lost. Understanding conviction grounds believers doctrinally, directs their witness, and reaffirms their assurance by showing God's purposeful work in bringing them to Christ.

ID 52989Date unavailable

The priesthood of believers is a foundational New Testament reality, not earned but divinely appointed, encompassing a chosen race, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. It emphasizes that believers are already accepted by God through Christ, regardless of their perceived status or abilities, and are called to function in their God-given roles. It warns against the sin of Korah, who envied others' God-appointed functions, urging believers to embrace their unique gifts and responsibilities within the body of Christ. The message concludes by highlighting that all spiritual sacrifices offered by believers are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ, encouraging them to live out their priestly calling with confidence and obedience.

ID 52983Date unavailable

New Testament priesthood is characterized by its universal nature, accessible to all believers, in contrast to the exclusive Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament. Unlike the Old Testament priests who required distinct garments, rituals, and specific age and physical qualifications, New Testament priests are distinguished by their spiritual sacrifices, direct access to God through Christ, and a ministry that is both Godward and manward. The sermon emphasizes that the ultimate privilege and portion of every New Testament priest is Christ himself, who lives eternally as our Great High Priest, enabling believers to draw near to God with confidence and assurance.

ID 52966Date unavailable

The priesthood of all believers is a foundational doctrine that requires a broader perspective than merely public participation in worship. The sermon highlights the decline of the priesthood in ancient Israel, using the examples of Eli and the priests in Malachi's time, to illustrate how outward religious activities can mask a deeper spiritual decay. Eli's insensitivity, failure to discipline his sons, and eventual blindness to God's work demonstrate a loss of spiritual discernment, while the priests in Malachi's day offered defiled sacrifices due to their contempt for God. True priesthood involves more than ritualistic motions; it demands genuine spiritual vitality, discernment, and obedience, lest the glory of the Lord depart.

ID 52964Date unavailable

The priesthood of believers is a foundational doctrine that requires ongoing re-examination to maintain its biblical perspective. While the world often presents varied concepts of priesthood, the sermon emphasizes the unique biblical understanding, tracing its roots from Abel's faith-filled sacrifice in Genesis to the patriarchal priesthood of Abraham and Jacob, where priestly functions began to extend to families. God's intention for Israel to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" is highlighted, noting their subsequent failure to embrace direct divine communication, leading to the establishment of the Levitical priesthood as a distinct order. The sermon underscores the complexity and diverse functions within the Levitical system, from public sacrifice to teaching and shepherding, setting the stage for understanding the New Testament concept of believers as priests.

ID 51595Feb 4, 1996

The life and ministry of Elijah, a prophet who lived and ministered in a time of significant apostasy and spiritual decline in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The message contrasts Elijah's faithfulness, prayerfulness, and knowledge of God's Word with the singular evil and moral degradation of King Ahab. It highlights how Elijah, despite his humble origins, boldly confronted Ahab with God's judgment, leading to a drought, and how God sustained him through miraculous means. The sermon emphasizes that in times of societal drift from biblical truth, individuals are called to know God's Word, pray, and courageously stand for righteousness.

ID 51449Date unavailable

The pitfall of being "gospelized," which means having a superficial understanding or profession of the gospel without a genuine personal relationship with Christ. Drawing from Galatians 1, The examples highlight how legalism can corrupt the gospel message and emphasizes that true salvation is found in knowing Christ personally, not just in reciting religious language or going through motions. The message uses biblical examples and paradoxes to illustrate the dangers of mistaking religious activity for genuine faith, urging listeners to ensure they are truly known by Christ, as this personal relationship is the essence of salvation.

ID 51440Date unavailable

Growing older in the faith presents potential pitfalls, primarily spiritual jealousy and envy, as illustrated by the story of the old prophet in 1 Kings 13 who, out of envy, lied to and caused the death of a younger, obedient prophet. This contrasts with Moses' humble and expansive leadership in Numbers 11, where he rejoiced that the Spirit of God empowered seventy others, even two who were not present at the official gathering, and expressed a desire for all God's people to be prophets. The sermon emphasizes that true spiritual maturity involves encouraging and empowering others, rather than guarding one's own position or stifling the gifts of others. Ultimately, the church should reflect Moses' heart, utilizing the Spirit and gifts given to every believer, ensuring no one is a mere spectator.

ID 108829Feb 4, 1996

Elijah's life demonstrates how to live for God in a setting of apostasy and spiritual decline. The sermon contrasts Elijah, a man of prayer and obedience who knew God's Word, with King Ahab, a man of singular evil who led Israel into idolatry. Despite facing a drought he himself prophesied, Elijah remained God's faithful messenger, highlighting the importance of knowing scripture, praying, and boldly speaking God's truth in challenging times. The message calls listeners to consider if they will be modern-day Elijahs, standing for God in a world moving away from biblical principles.

ID 108683Date unavailable

The pitfall of being "gospelized," which means merely adopting the language and outward forms of Christianity without a genuine personal relationship with Christ. Drawing from Galatians 1, The examples highlight how legalism corrupted the early church's understanding of the gospel by adding works and human traditions. The message contrasts the biblical concepts of redemption, reconciliation, and propitiation with superficial phrases like "accept Christ," emphasizing that true salvation is found in knowing Christ personally, not just in outward profession or adherence to religious processes. The core lesson is that salvation is a relationship with Jesus Christ, and the ultimate question is not whether we know Christ, but whether Christ knows us, as evidenced by hearing His voice and following Him.

ID 108674Date unavailable

Spiritual jealousy is a significant pitfall that can arise as believers mature in their faith, as illustrated by the story of the old prophet in 1 Kings 13 who, out of envy, lied to and caused the death of a younger prophet. This contrasts with Moses' humble desire in Numbers 11 for all God's people to prophesy, demonstrating a heart that rejoices in the gifting and empowerment of others. The sermon emphasizes that true spiritual maturity involves encouraging and discipling others, rather than guarding one's own position or stifling the gifts of fellow believers. Ultimately, the goal is to foster an environment where all God's people can serve effectively through the Spirit, reflecting Moses' longing and the reality available in the church today.