In Mark 9:38–50, Jesus gives His disciples sobering warnings about sin, stumbling, and hell. John complains that someone outside their group was casting out demons in Jesus’ name, but Jesus teaches that God is not limited to those we expect Him to use.

Pastor Ben Smith explains that the people of God must guard their relationship to others and their own pursuit of holiness. Jesus warns against causing others to stumble and then uses shocking language to show the seriousness of sin. It is better to suffer loss in this world than to cling to sin and face eternal condemnation.

This sermon calls believers to take sin seriously, guard their testimony, and live as salt in the world.

To learn more, visit BenSmithSr.org.

In Matthew 21:28–32, Jesus tells the parable of two sons. One son refuses his father’s command but later regrets it and obeys. The other son says the right words but does not obey. Jesus tells this parable in response to religious leaders who challenged His authority while rejecting the message God had sent through John.

Pastor Ben Smith explains that outward declarations, religious appearance, and pleasing the right people cannot substitute for true obedience. The issue is not merely whether a person knows what to say, but whether the heart is devoted to God.

This sermon calls listeners to examine the difference between saying Jesus is Lord and living in submission to His lordship. True obedience bears witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

To learn more, visit BenSmithSr.org.

In Matthew 18:1–4, the disciples ask Jesus, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Their question reveals a worldly concern for status and position. Jesus answers by calling a child to Himself and teaching that unless they turn and become like children, they will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Pastor Ben Smith explains that Jesus redirects the disciples from the wrong question to the essential question. Before considering greatness in the kingdom, one must consider entrance into the kingdom. Jesus calls sinners to humble repentance, turning from sin and self to Christ.

This sermon shows that pride keeps sinners from salvation, but humility leads to repentance. Kingdom greatness is not found in worldly recognition, but in submission to the will of God through Christ.

To learn more, visit BenSmithSr.org.