Grace Family | Pleasant Hill
In Dr. Smith's analysis of Acts 14, he explores the persistent opposition faced by believers. During his missionary journey, Paul heals a man in Lystra, but the crowd misinterprets the miracle through a pagan lens, demonstrating how secular culture often distorts spiritual truth. Hostility peaks when outside agitators incite the public to stone Paul and leave him for dead. Miraculously, Paul recovers and immediately resumes his work, illustrating that "many tribulations" are inherent to the Christian path. Dr. Smith emphasizes that believers must remain focused on the primary mission of making disciples, despite personal attacks or cultural distractions. By rejecting worldly worldviews and trusting God’s sovereignty, Christians can remain effective witnesses within their unique circles of influence, refusing to let suffering or hardship hinder their calling to spread the Gospel.
In Dr. Smith's analysis of Acts 14, he explores the persistent opposition faced by believers. During his missionary journey, Paul heals a man in Lystra, but the crowd misinterprets the miracle through a pagan lens, demonstrating how secular culture often distorts spiritual truth. Hostility peaks when outside agitators incite the public to stone Paul and leave him for dead. Miraculously, Paul recovers and immediately resumes his work, illustrating that "many tribulations" are inherent to the Christian path. Dr. Smith emphasizes that believers must remain focused on the primary mission of making disciples, despite personal attacks or cultural distractions. By rejecting worldly worldviews and trusting God’s sovereignty, Christians can remain effective witnesses within their unique circles of influence, refusing to let suffering or hardship hinder their calling to spread the Gospel.
Dr. Smith's teaching on Acts 12 examines the early church's response to persecution under King Herod Agrippa. After James’s martyrdom and Peter’s imprisonment, the church prioritized earnest prayer over retaliation, demonstrating that spiritual warfare requires divine reliance. Peter’s miraculous angelic rescue highlights how immediate obedience to God’s instructions facilitates His larger purposes. Although outcomes vary—James was taken home to be with the Lord while Peter was spared—God’s sovereignty remains constant. The narrative concludes with Herod’s divine judgment, affirming that God balances the scales of justice while His Word continues to multiply. Ultimately, believers are encouraged to remain faithful and prayerful, trusting God to handle opposition and sustain His mission as they serve as salt and light in a hostile world
Dr. Smith's teaching on Acts 12 examines the early church's response to persecution under King Herod Agrippa. After James’s martyrdom and Peter’s imprisonment, the church prioritized earnest prayer over retaliation, demonstrating that spiritual warfare requires divine reliance. Peter’s miraculous angelic rescue highlights how immediate obedience to God’s instructions facilitates His larger purposes. Although outcomes vary—James was taken home to be with the Lord while Peter was spared—God’s sovereignty remains constant. The narrative concludes with Herod’s divine judgment, affirming that God balances the scales of justice while His Word continues to multiply. Ultimately, believers are encouraged to remain faithful and prayerful, trusting God to handle opposition and sustain His mission as they serve as salt and light in a hostile world
Dr. Smith examines two healing events in Acts, emphasizing that miracles validate the message and the power behind them, not ends in themselves. Jesus highlights the importance of having names written in heaven over miraculous abilities. The healings of Aeneas, who was paralyzed, and Tabitha, who died, demonstrate a larger purpose: moving from darkness to light. Aeneas is told to "make his bed," symbolizing embracing a new life and leaving behind his past suffering. Tabitha's resurrection allowed her to continue her charitable work, benefiting many. These healings underscore that God's work transforms individuals and benefits their communities.
Dr. Smith examines two healing events in Acts, emphasizing that miracles validate the message and the power behind them, not ends in themselves. Jesus highlights the importance of having names written in heaven over miraculous abilities. The healings of Aeneas, who was paralyzed, and Tabitha, who died, demonstrate a larger purpose: moving from darkness to light. Aeneas is told to "make his bed," symbolizing embracing a new life and leaving behind his past suffering. Tabitha's resurrection allowed her to continue her charitable work, benefiting many. These healings underscore that God's work transforms individuals and benefits their communities.
Dr. Smith delves into the transformative conversion of Saul in Acts 9, highlighting the radical shift in his identity and loyalties. Saul, once a persecutor of Christians, experiences a dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Blinded by a divine light, he undergoes three days of introspection, fasting, and wrestling with his newfound understanding. Ananias, a disciple, is then called to restore Saul's sight, marking the beginning of Saul's new path as an apostle to the Gentiles. This conversion demonstrates the power of God's grace to change lives and advance the Gospel, even amidst opposition.
Dr. Smith delves into the transformative conversion of Saul in Acts 9, highlighting the radical shift in his identity and loyalties. Saul, once a persecutor of Christians, experiences a dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Blinded by a divine light, he undergoes three days of introspection, fasting, and wrestling with his newfound understanding. Ananias, a disciple, is then called to restore Saul's sight, marking the beginning of Saul's new path as an apostle to the Gentiles. This conversion demonstrates the power of God's grace to change lives and advance the Gospel, even amidst opposition.
Dr Smith emphasizes the importance of acting on faith even without complete information, citing the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. God often commands action before revealing the full plan, requiring trust and obedience. Philip's immediate response to God's call, despite potential risks, led to a divine appointment and the eunuch's conversion and baptism. Dr. Smith highlights that God calls people to action, like Abraham and Isaiah, without providing all the details upfront. This tests our trust in Him. Faithfulness requires immediacy and a willingness to be interrupted by God's purposes. Moreover, Christians should prepare themselves with biblical knowledge to share the gospel effectively when opportunities arise, echoing Peter's call to always be ready to explain the reason for our hope with gentleness and respect.
Dr Smith emphasizes the importance of acting on faith even without complete information, citing the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. God often commands action before revealing the full plan, requiring trust and obedience. Philip's immediate response to God's call, despite potential risks, led to a divine appointment and the eunuch's conversion and baptism. Dr. Smith highlights that God calls people to action, like Abraham and Isaiah, without providing all the details upfront. This tests our trust in Him. Faithfulness requires immediacy and a willingness to be interrupted by God's purposes. Moreover, Christians should prepare themselves with biblical knowledge to share the gospel effectively when opportunities arise, echoing Peter's call to always be ready to explain the reason for our hope with gentleness and respect.
After the apostles are freed from prison by divine intervention, the Sanhedrin summons them, highlighting the apostles' disobedience and accusing them of intending to bring Jesus' blood upon them. Peter responds that they must obey God rather than men, proclaiming Jesus as leader and savior, infuriating the council. Gamaliel advises caution, suggesting if their work is of God, it cannot be overthrown. The apostles are beaten and ordered to stop preaching in Jesus' name, but they rejoice in suffering for His name and continue to teach daily in the temple and homes. The church must expect opposition from all fronts, pray for boldness, maintain a warlike posture, and not be distracted from the gospel.
After the apostles are freed from prison by divine intervention, the Sanhedrin summons them, highlighting the apostles' disobedience and accusing them of intending to bring Jesus' blood upon them. Peter responds that they must obey God rather than men, proclaiming Jesus as leader and savior, infuriating the council. Gamaliel advises caution, suggesting if their work is of God, it cannot be overthrown. The apostles are beaten and ordered to stop preaching in Jesus' name, but they rejoice in suffering for His name and continue to teach daily in the temple and homes. The church must expect opposition from all fronts, pray for boldness, maintain a warlike posture, and not be distracted from the gospel.
Peter heals a lame man at the temple during prayer time, drawing a crowd and revealing a larger purpose. Dr. Smith's sermon in Acts 3:11-26 points to Jesus, acknowledging the audience's knowledge of their faith tradition, including the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Peter emphasizes that Jesus was glorified by this God, despite their denial and crucifixion of him. Peter reminds them that they acted in ignorance, fulfilling prophecy. He urges repentance for sins to be forgiven and for times of refreshing to come from the Lord, who will send Jesus. Peter quotes Moses, highlighting the importance of listening to the prophet.
In Acts 3, Peter heals a man lame from birth at the temple gate. Peter and John were going to the temple for the hour of prayer when they encountered the man. The man asked them for alms, but Peter offered him something far greater: healing in the name of Jesus Christ. He commanded the man to rise and walk, and instantly, the man's feet and ankles were strengthened. The man leaped up, walked, and praised God, amazing onlookers who knew him as a lifelong beggar. This miracle, performed under the authority of Jesus, highlights the power of the gospel and God's desire to offer new life and spiritual healing.
In Acts 3, Peter heals a man lame from birth at the temple gate. Peter and John were going to the temple for the hour of prayer when they encountered the man. The man asked them for alms, but Peter offered him something far greater: healing in the name of Jesus Christ. He commanded the man to rise and walk, and instantly, the man's feet and ankles were strengthened. The man leaped up, walked, and praised God, amazing onlookers who knew him as a lifelong beggar. This miracle, performed under the authority of Jesus, highlights the power of the gospel and God's desire to offer new life and spiritual healing.
The Day of Pentecost marked a pivotal moment where God united the scattered Israelites, fulfilling ancient prophecies. Jews from all nations congregated in Jerusalem, drawn by God's call, and heard the gospel in their native tongues through the Holy Spirit. Dr. Smith reveals this event signified salvation, the end of exile, and the birth of the Church, a new family open to all who believe, including Gentiles. Peter emphasized that Jesus, through His death and resurrection, sent the Holy Spirit, signifying His Lordship and Messiahship. This unified the twelve tribes into one kingdom under Christ, offering salvation and a new life to all who turn from sin and embrace Jesus.
The Day of Pentecost marked a pivotal moment where God united the scattered Israelites, fulfilling ancient prophecies. Jews from all nations congregated in Jerusalem, drawn by God's call, and heard the gospel in their native tongues through the Holy Spirit. Dr. Smith reveals this event signified salvation, the end of exile, and the birth of the Church, a new family open to all who believe, including Gentiles. Peter emphasized that Jesus, through His death and resurrection, sent the Holy Spirit, signifying His Lordship and Messiahship. This unified the twelve tribes into one kingdom under Christ, offering salvation and a new life to all who turn from sin and embrace Jesus.
In 2026, Dr. Smith encourages embracing change and turning a corner in one's identity, aligning with the church's four pillars of becoming. He emphasizes that Christians must shed old ways to grow, answering God's call to "arise." "Arise" signifies transformation, action, and wholehearted commitment, not a task to postpone. It is illustrated in Ephesians 5:14-17, urging believers to awaken from spiritual death. Referencing the Old Testament, "arise" is linked to "establish," denoting God's permanent covenant. God's commands disrupt lives, requiring boldness and faith. Dr. Smith cites Jonah and Jeremiah, highlighting the need for immediate, obedient responses to God's call. Ultimately, "arise" invites believers to fully embrace God's will, disrupting comfort zones and leading to profound personal and spiritual growth.
In 2026, Dr. Smith encourages embracing change and turning a corner in one's identity, aligning with the church's four pillars of becoming. He emphasizes that Christians must shed old ways to grow, answering God's call to "arise." "Arise" signifies transformation, action, and wholehearted commitment, not a task to postpone. It is illustrated in Ephesians 5:14-17, urging believers to awaken from spiritual death. Referencing the Old Testament, "arise" is linked to "establish," denoting God's permanent covenant. God's commands disrupt lives, requiring boldness and faith. Dr. Smith cites Jonah and Jeremiah, highlighting the need for immediate, obedient responses to God's call. Ultimately, "arise" invites believers to fully embrace God's will, disrupting comfort zones and leading to profound personal and spiritual growth.
Dr. Smith concludes his series on the seven churches of Revelation, focusing on the church in Laodicea, which Jesus describes as lukewarm and repulsive. He emphasizes that this passage is often misinterpreted to mean that it is better to be lost than to be a lukewarm Christian. The real issue is that the Laodicean church lacks a genuine spiritual life and relies on external blessings as evidence of God's approval. They are self-deceived, thinking they are rich and need nothing, while in reality, they are wretched, poor, blind, and naked. Jesus urges them to seek true spiritual wealth, righteousness, and sight from Him. He encourages them to be zealous, repent, and open the door for Him to enter, promising that those who conquer will share His throne.
Dr. Smith concludes his series on the seven churches of Revelation, focusing on the church in Laodicea, which Jesus describes as lukewarm and repulsive. He emphasizes that this passage is often misinterpreted to mean that it is better to be lost than to be a lukewarm Christian. The real issue is that the Laodicean church lacks a genuine spiritual life and relies on external blessings as evidence of God's approval. They are self-deceived, thinking they are rich and need nothing, while in reality, they are wretched, poor, blind, and naked. Jesus urges them to seek true spiritual wealth, righteousness, and sight from Him. He encourages them to be zealous, repent, and open the door for Him to enter, promising that those who conquer will share His throne.
Grace Family | Pleasant Hill
Dr. Roger L. Smith discusses the church in Sardis from Revelation 3:1-6, which had a good reputation but was spiritually dead. He illustrates this with a story of a celebrity whose physical fitness reputation didn't match reality, emphasizing the danger of living on past glories. Dr. Smith points out that the church's ineffectiveness meant they avoided persecution, unlike other churches. He contrasts earning a good reputation with maintaining it through obedience and warns against cultural blind spots. He describes the church's decline as a bell curve, starting with growth, plateauing due to comfort, and then declining as the mission fades and the church becomes self-serving. Dr. Smith urges self-examination and faithfulness to God over seeking human praise, and active engagement with the Gospel, not mere existence. He emphasizes that half-hearted obedience is disobedience, and faith requires action, sacrifice, and commitment to God's commands. He concludes by encouraging listeners to "wake up," return to Gospel basics, and prioritize God's glory over human approval.
Dr. Roger L. Smith discusses the church in Sardis from Revelation 3:1-6, which had a good reputation but was spiritually dead. He illustrates this with a story of a celebrity whose physical fitness reputation didn't match reality, emphasizing the danger of living on past glories. Dr. Smith points out that the church's ineffectiveness meant they avoided persecution, unlike other churches. He contrasts earning a good reputation with maintaining it through obedience and warns against cultural blind spots. He describes the church's decline as a bell curve, starting with growth, plateauing due to comfort, and then declining as the mission fades and the church becomes self-serving. Dr. Smith urges self-examination and faithfulness to God over seeking human praise, and active engagement with the Gospel, not mere existence. He emphasizes that half-hearted obedience is disobedience, and faith requires action, sacrifice, and commitment to God's commands. He concludes by encouraging listeners to "wake up," return to Gospel basics, and prioritize God's glory over human approval.
Grace Family | Pleasant Hill
Grace Family | Pleasant Hill
Grace Family | Pleasant Hill
Grace Family | Pleasant Hill
Dr. Roger L. Smith discusses the importance of anchoring oneself to truth and scripture, especially during difficult times. Choices made during hardship reveal one's true training, be it worldly or Godly. Conflicts arise when worldly training clashes with Christian hope, leading to fear and hindering faithfulness. God leads people through trials, not around them, requiring endurance. Dr. Smith emphasizes the relevance of Jesus' message to the Church in Smyrna: "Do not fear." Fear is a tool used by the enemy to deter people from following God. The church faced tribulation and poverty for their faith, choosing faithfulness over compromise. They were also facing persecutions and attacks. Dr. Smith challenges listeners to evaluate their own faith and willingness to endure hardship for Christ.
Dr. Smith discusses the church in Ephesus from Revelation 2:1-7, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. While not openly rebellious or doctrinally unsound, they had "abandoned the love they had at first." This failure was masked by their many successes, such as their perseverance, purity, and intolerance for evil. Dr. Smith emphasizes that a church should be a museum, hospital, and military outpost for God and should not focus on one aspect to the neglect of others. He stresses the importance of both maintaining doctrinal purity and actively engaging in evangelism, referencing Ephesus's historical impact. He also discusses the church needing to balance guarding the truth with making disciples of all nations.
Dr. Smith discusses the church in Ephesus from Revelation 2:1-7, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. While not openly rebellious or doctrinally unsound, they had "abandoned the love they had at first." This failure was masked by their many successes, such as their perseverance, purity, and intolerance for evil. Dr. Smith emphasizes that a church should be a museum, hospital, and military outpost for God and should not focus on one aspect to the neglect of others. He stresses the importance of both maintaining doctrinal purity and actively engaging in evangelism, referencing Ephesus's historical impact. He also discusses the church needing to balance guarding the truth with making disciples of all nations.
Dr. Smith introduces a series on the Book of Revelation, focusing on its message to the seven churches in Asia, emphasizing that it's not a code to be decoded, but a call to faithfulness rooted in history and applicable to all churches. He highlights that Revelation is about God's ultimate victory and the dominion of Jesus Christ, urging listeners to focus on the risen King rather than solely on the trials. He stresses the importance of having an exalted view of Jesus, like the one in Revelation 1, to understand the authority and urgency with which we should approach our mission. The goal is to see Jesus as the Alpha and Omega, the Almighty, and to understand that we are either part of His kingdom or will face His dominion.
Dr. Roger L. Smith emphasizes God's holiness and His solution to humanity's sin through Jesus Christ's sacrifice, enabling eternal life. Dr. Smith addresses the dangers of seeking influence without spiritual depth, drawing a contrast between Barnabas' genuine generosity and Ananias and Sapphira's deceptive act. The message calls for believers to actively engage in sanctification, a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ, requiring self-denial and submission to God's transformative work. It critiques the church's past pursuit of cultural relevance over holiness, urging a return to biblical faith, repentance, and a willingness to embrace a counter-cultural lifestyle. The sermon encourages listeners to honestly assess their spiritual state and fully commit to God's calling.
Dr. Roger L. Smith emphasizes God's holiness and His solution to humanity's sin through Jesus Christ's sacrifice, enabling eternal life. Dr. Smith addresses the dangers of seeking influence without spiritual depth, drawing a contrast between Barnabas' genuine generosity and Ananias and Sapphira's deceptive act. The message calls for believers to actively engage in sanctification, a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ, requiring self-denial and submission to God's transformative work. It critiques the church's past pursuit of cultural relevance over holiness, urging a return to biblical faith, repentance, and a willingness to embrace a counter-cultural lifestyle. The sermon encourages listeners to honestly assess their spiritual state and fully commit to God's calling.
Dr. Smith introduces Ben and Melody Pahlow from Africa Family Rescue, praising their dedication and the impact of their ministry. He notes that 98% of donations go directly to AFR, while the remaining 2% supports the Pahlows, which has recently been strained due to donor drop-offs. He urges the congregation to consider supporting the Pahlows personally if they feel led. Ben and Melody express their gratitude, sharing anecdotes about their friendship with Dr. Smith and how they were called to Africa. Melody recounts her initial reluctance and past traumas, emphasizing that God can use anyone, regardless of their background. They highlight the transformative work of AFR, focusing on empowering widows through sustainable businesses and community development, and the importance of persevering through evil with faith.
In this sermon, Dr. Roger L. Smith addresses the series "Reaping Destruction, the Effects of Bad Investments" emphasizing its relevance beyond recent events, attributing it to God's foresight. He asserts a spiritual war for people's hearts is underway, referencing Jeroboam, the first king of the Northern Kingdom, as an example of leadership that plays to the crowd rather than leading toward truth. Dr. Smith warns against misusing authority and highlights an experiment illustrating people's tendency to follow authority, even to harmful extremes. Jeroboam, to maintain power, corrupted worship by creating golden calves, rewriting history, and appointing unworthy priests. This, Dr. Smith claims, resonates today as society shifts from holiness to convenience.
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