View from the Pulpit with Ben Smith

Episode 34: A Conversation with Dr. Danny Cochran

Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 34: A Conversation with Dr. Danny Cochran  Episode Theme: A Lifetime of Passion for Expository Preaching and Fidelity to God's Word Join host Ben Smith in this episode of "View from the Pulpit" as he sits down with Dr. Danny Cochran, a seasoned pastor, teacher, and mentor with over 45 years in ministry. Dr. Cochran, who, prior to his retirement, pastored Holly Creek Baptist Church for 24 years and holds multiple advanced degrees. In this episode, Dr. Cochran shares profound insights into his ministry journey and preaching.   Key Highlights: • Personal Testimony and Call to Ministry: Dr. Cochran shares how a DUI arrest and the need to borrow money from a friend led to a gospel encounter that led to his and his wife’s salvation. This conversion ignited a lifelong passion for studying the scripture, leading to his call to preach. • Education and Engaging Original Languages: Dr. Cochran describes his unconventional pursuit of theological education and how this has shaped and helped his ministry. • Community Involvement and Pastoral Experience: Dr. Cochran has ministered to his community through various roles. She shares how these opportunities exposed him to diverse community aspects, influencing his preaching and allowing for unique ministry opportunities. This conversation is filled with practical insights for pastoral ministry and faithfully preaching God’s words. Join Ben Smith and Dr. Danny Cochran for this honest discussion on preaching and pastoral ministry. Host: Ben Smith Guest: Dr. Danny Cochran   Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org [http://www.bensmithsr.org/]. Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr [https://x.com/bensmithsr]. For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/ [https://cbcwaycross.org/]. Other podcasts by Ben Smith: All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom [https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom] Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod [https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod]   Dr. Danny Cochran recently retired as the long-serving Senior Pastor of Holly Creek Baptist Church in Chatsworth, Georgia. Throughout his distinguished ministry, he faithfully shepherded his congregation and made an indelible impact on both local church life and broader ministry contexts. Beyond pastoral work, Dr. Cochran has served as an adjunct professor teaching at the Leavell College of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Piedmont International University. Dr. Cochran holds a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Liberty Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Piedmont International University. He received his master’s degree from Liberty University. Dr. Cochran is married to Tina, and they are proud parents of two married sons and grandparents to three granddaughters. A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/ [https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/].  Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music. A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/ [https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/]. Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music. Subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app and never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id##96433489 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id1796433489] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead [https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead]

Episode 32: A Conversation with Dr. Jerry Vines

Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 32: A Conversation with Dr. Jerry Vines.   Episode Theme: Passion Driven Preaching In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Dr. Jerry Vines,    Key Highlights: The Transformative Shift to Expository Preaching: Dr. Vines vividly describes growing up in an era where most preaching was topical or textual-topical, with very little actual exposition of scripture. He found the constant search for new sermon topics a "misery" early in his ministry. A pivotal moment arrived when he heard Warren Wiersbe at a conference, realizing Wiersbe was "pulling it right out of scripture". This, along with the influence of W.A. Criswell, prompted a dramatic shift to expository preaching, which he believes is the "best way in the world for a congregation of people to really learn the scriptures". He informed his early congregation of this change, and while it was an adjustment that "forced them to bring their Bible", they eventually "fell in love with it and frankly would not be happy with anything else going forward". He notes that while some younger preachers still favor topical approaches, he is encouraged by a growing movement toward the exposition of books, which "bodes well for the future.” Rigorous Preparation and Passion-Driven Delivery: Dr. Vines outlines a meticulous three-step process for sermon preparation: 1) Investigation: "What does the passage say?" involving extensive reading and consulting various translations and original languages. 2) Interpretation: "What does the passage mean?" through word studies, parallel passages, and understanding Greek/Hebrew words, consulting commentaries only last as a check. He wisely states, "If it's new, it's not true. And if it's true, it's not new". 3) Application: "What does the passage tell me and the people to do?" ensuring the message connects to daily l Enduring Wisdom for Pastors: Drawing on over 60 years of ministry, Dr. Vines offers timeless advice. He stresses the paramount importance of preaching, stating it is the "primary ministry of the pastor". He encourages pastors to "preach at the place God has put you", emphasizing that the size of the church doesn't matter, as one never knows who they might be influencing. A crucial piece of counsel is to develop a "strong strong devotional life," including daily Bible reading and prayer, as it helps deal with life's challenges. Finally, he advises pastors to "not let the critics bother me". Citing 1 Peter 2:23 and Job 16:19, he says, "Don't defend yourself. Your enemies won't believe it and your friends don't need it". He also humorously suggests not taking oneself "too seriously" and "enjoy the journey" with joy in the Lord.  Join Ben Smith and Dr. Jerry Vines for valuable insights into what expository preaching is and how to develop a preaching ministry that is faithful to the word. Host: Ben Smith Guest: Dr. Jerry Vines Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org [http://www.bensmithsr.org/]. Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr [https://x.com/bensmithsr]. For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/ [https://cbcwaycross.org/]. Other podcasts by Ben Smith: All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom [https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom] Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod [https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod]   Dr. Jerry Vines is a native of Carrollton, GA. He was educated at Mercer University (B.A.), New Orleans Theological Seminary (B.D.), and Luther Rice Seminary (Th.D.). His 60+ years of pastoral ministry included pastoring churches in Georgia and Alabama. He served the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida, for twenty-four years. Dr. Vines is an author and a much-sought-after revival preacher. In addition to his pastoral ministry, Dr. Vines has served as president of the Alabama Pastors’ Conference, president of the Southern Baptist Pastors’ Conference, and president of the Southern Baptist Convention. For more information and resources by Dr. Vines, visit: www.jerryvines.com [http://www.jerryvines.com]. There you will find Bible preaching and teaching materials that include  Books, DVDs, and CDs of expository teaching from God’s Word. There, you will find over 2000 of Dr. Vine’s sermons available. A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/ [https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/]. Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music.   Subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app and never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id##96433489 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id1796433489] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead [https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead]

Episode 31: A Conversation with Brad Waters

In episode 31 of The View From the Pulpit, host Ben Smith talks with Pastor Brad Waters of First Baptist Church in Hazlehurst, Georgia, for an insightful discussion on preaching the transformative power of the Gospel, driven by an urgent love for lost souls. Waters shares his unique approach to the pulpit, heavily influenced by his early exposure to "camp meeting" style preaching. The conversation explores Brad’s commitment to making every message an invitation for decision. Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 31: A Conversation with Brad Waters. Episode Theme: Preaching for decisions In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Brad Waters of First Baptist Church, Hazlehurst, GA, about expository preaching, particularly within the context of evangelism. Waters shares how the urgency of evangelism motivates his approach to every sermon. Key Highlights: The Evangelistic Burden of Preaching: Waters approaches every message as if it's the last, preaching "like a dying man to dying people," and consistently weaving an invitation to accept Christ into his sermons. The Power of Content Over Style: While acknowledging that his "demonstrative" style is influenced by his early exposure to "camp meeting" preaching, Brad shares how the power of God in preaching lies in the "content of what you preach" – the Word of God itself – rather than the delivery style. Join Ben Smith and Brad Waters for an instructive conversation on expository preaching, how a burden for the lost emboldens the preacher, and helpful insights into sermon preparation and delivery. Host: Ben Smith Guest: Brad Waters Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org [http://www.bensmithsr.org/]. Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr [https://x.com/bensmithsr]. For more information about Central Baptist Church in Waycross, GA, please visit https://cbcwaycross.org/ [https://cbcwaycross.org/]. Other podcasts by Ben Smith: All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom [https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom] Sermon Shorts is a podcast featuring sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod [https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod] Brad Waters is the pastor of First Baptist Church, Hazlehurst, GA, where he has served since 2012. He and his wife, Cheryl, have five children and one grandson. Watch and listen to Brad Waters’ latest sermons, visit https://www.fbchazlehurst.org/media [https://www.fbchazlehurst.org/media] For more information about First Baptist Church in Hazlehurst, GA, visit: https://www.fbchazlehurst.org/ [https://www.fbchazlehurst.org/] A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/ [https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/]. Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music. Subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app and never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id3196433489 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id1796433489] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead [https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead]

Episode 30: A Conversation with Dr. Heath Lambert

Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 30: A Conversation with Dr. Heath Lambert Episode Theme: Preaching faithfully in every season This episode of the View from the Pulpit podcast features host Ben Smith in conversation with Dr. Heath Lambert, the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL. Dr. Lambert. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Lambert reflects on the unique experience of pastoring First Baptist Church, which boasts a remarkable, nearly 100-year history of strong, expository preaching. He shares how he navigates the significant legacy of his predecessors, embracing God's unique plan for his own ministry rather than attempting to replicate others Dr. Lambert delves into the intensely challenging period of leading his church through a major transition and controversy, which he also chronicled in his podcast "What Happened at First Baptist". He details his unwavering commitment to protecting the pulpit during this time, ensuring that sermons remained faithful to the biblical text despite immense personal and congregational pressures, including his own health crises. He shares powerful testimonies of God's grace and encouragement that sustained him and his family through these trials. The conversation touches on the distinction between faithfulness and fruitfulness in ministry, especially when dealing with declining attendance, and how God uses difficult seasons to refine and strengthen the church. Additionally, Dr. Lambert explains how his extensive background in biblical counseling profoundly impacts his preaching, making his sermons more practical and relevant to the everyday struggles of his congregation. He also outlines his diligent sermon preparation process, which involves deep study and prayer leading to preaching without notes. The episode concludes with Dr. Lambert's poignant advice, emphasizing that ministry will rarely unfold as initially envisioned and that true joy is found in embracing God's sovereign leading and being faithful to His unique call, regardless of personal expectations or external circumstances. Key Highlights: • Embracing Unique Ministry and Legacy: Dr. Lambert openly discusses the pressure of following a nearly century-long line of gifted expository preachers at First Baptist Jacksonville. He shares how he consciously avoids trying to replicate previous ministries, choosing instead to trust God's sovereign plan and embrace his own distinct giftedness and perceived weaknesses. This perspective helps him navigate the natural ebbs and flows of church size and external expectations, believing God uses each leader for a specific purpose at a specific time. • Protecting the Pulpit During Crisis: He details the immense personal and congregational challenges of pastoring through a period of intense controversy and personal health crises, including brain surgery. Dr. Lambert highlights his unwavering commitment to expository preaching throughout these times, ensuring the pulpit remained steadfastly focused on God's Word and not on personal grievances or emotional distractions, consistently relying on divine grace to sustain him. • Biblical Counseling's Transformative Influence on Preaching: Dr. Lambert explains how his extensive background and deep commitment to biblical counseling have profoundly shaped his approach to preaching. He argues that engaging in counseling forces him to understand the real-life problems, difficulties, and challenges of his congregation, which in turn prevents him from delivering abstract sermons. This commitment enables him to craft and deliver messages that are practical, relevant, and deeply connect God's Word to the daily lives of his hearers. Join Ben Smith and Dr. Heath Lambert for a candid and authentic discussion of how to faithfully preach in difficult and challenging seasons in the church. Quick note: In this episode, Ben mentions a book and credits it to Boice. He actually meant John A. Broadus’ On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons. Host: Ben Smith Guest: Dr. Heath Lambert Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org [http://www.bensmithsr.org/]. Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr [https://x.com/bensmithsr]. For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit https://cbcwaycross.org/ [https://cbcwaycross.org/]. Other podcasts by Ben Smith: All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom [https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom] Sermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod [https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod] Dr. Heath Lambert has been preaching at First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Florida, since January of 2016, and became Senior Pastor in September of 2017. Prior to serving at First Baptist, Pastor Heath served as the Executive Director of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) and as a professor at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Heath earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in biblical and theological studies and political science from Gordon College in 2002, a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in Christian Ministry from Southern Seminary in 2005, and a doctorate (Ph.D.) in biblical counseling and systematic theology from Southern Seminary in 2009. He is married to Lauren, and they have two sons, a daughter, a son-in-law, and a beautiful granddaughter. For more information on First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL, visit  https://fbcjax.com/ [https://fbcjax.com/] You can find audio and video of Dr. Heath Lambert’s preaching at: https://fbcjax.com/watch-live/ [https://fbcjax.com/watch-live/] and https://fbcjax.com/sermon-archive/ [https://fbcjax.com/sermon-archive/] Follow Heath Lambert on X at https://x.com/HeathLambert [https://x.com/HeathLambert] To watch or listen to “What Happened at First Baptist?” visit: https://fbcjax.com/first-thoughts/what-happened-at-first-baptist/ [https://fbcjax.com/first-thoughts/what-happened-at-first-baptist/] https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-happened-at-first/id1695333370 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-happened-at-first/id1695333370] A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/ [https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/]. Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music.

Episode 29: A Conversation with Chris Roberts

Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 29: A Conversation with Chris Roberts. Episode Theme: Convictional expositional preaching In this episode of “View from the Pulpit,” host Ben Smith talks with Chris Roberts, lead pastor and elder of Bridge Church, Blackshear, GA, about expository preaching, particularly within the context of church planting. Roberts shares his journey to expository preaching, the importance of prioritizing God's word, and his practical approach to sermon preparation and training others to preach.  Key Highlights: The Foundational Shift to Expository Preaching: Chris shares his personal transition from topical preaching, particularly during his time as a student pastor, to expository preaching. This change was significantly influenced by a seminary class focusing on Nehemiah chapter 8 and the example of Ezra reading and explaining the law, which drove home the priority of God's word. He emphasizes that expository preaching involves expounding upon the word, being driven by the text itself, rather than starting with a subject matter and finding scripture to support it. Prioritizing Preaching in Church Planting: As the founding pastor of Bridge Church, Chris faced the challenge of establishing cultures and ministries. He explains how preaching was made the primary ministry from day one by protecting his personal study time, particularly designating Tuesday for focused preparation. By making preaching a personal priority, it became a priority for the congregation as well. The service structure was designed to dedicate the majority of time to the preaching of God's word, testifying to its central place in the church. Training Men to Preach (The Timothy Project): Bridge Church has a process called the "Timothy Project" for training men, with a focus on raising up future pastors and preachers. Men then undergo training in hermeneutics to learn how to study and understand the original meaning of the text, followed by opportunities to teach in small groups. After this, men are given opportunities to preach from the pulpit, receiving coaching to help them develop their unique presentation style. Join Ben Smith and Chris Roberts for valuable insights about expository preaching, the importance of prioritizing God's word, and how to train others to preach. Host: Ben Smith Guest: Chris Roberts Ben Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org [http://www.bensmithsr.org/]. Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr [https://x.com/bensmithsr]. For more information about Central Baptist Church in Waycross, GA, please visit https://cbcwaycross.org/ [https://cbcwaycross.org/]. Other podcasts by Ben Smith: All For the Kingdom is a weekly podcast of pastor Ben’s preaching ministry. https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom [https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom] Sermon Shorts is a podcast featuring sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod [https://www.bensmithsr.org/shortspod] Chris Roberts is the lead pastor, elder, and founding pastor of Bridge Church, Blackshear, GA, where he has served since 2010. Prior to founding Bride Church, he served as the student pastor at First Baptist Church of Blackshear, GA. Chris earned his undergraduate degree in Speech Communications from the University of Georgia and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Kami, have four children. Watch and listen to Chris Roberts’ latest sermons, visit https://www.bridge419.com/sermons [https://www.bridge419.com/sermons]. For more information about Bridge Church in Blackshear, GA, visit: https://www.bridge419.com/ [https://www.bridge419.com/]. A special thanks to Jim Gibson for permission to use his recording of “Brethren We Have Met to Worship” for this podcast. You can find more information about Jim Gibson’s music and many other recordings at https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/ [https://www.hickorycovemusic.com/]. Music by Jim Gibson. “Brethren We have Met to Worship.” Songs of the South III, @2003 Hickory Cove Music. Subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app and never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id2996433489 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/view-from-the-pulpit-with-ben-smith/id1796433489] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead [https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead]