In Matthew 4:17, Jesus begins His public ministry with a clear and urgent message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This episode considers the meaning and necessity of repentance in light of the coming kingdom of God.

Pastor Ben Smith explains that repentance is a word of confrontation, action, and truth. It confronts the sinner’s direction, righteousness, and authority. It calls for more than regret or religious interest; it calls for submission to Christ. The kingdom has come in the arrival of Jesus, and the fullness of that kingdom will come when He returns.

This sermon helps listeners understand why repentance is essential to the gospel, why the call to repent cannot be separated from salvation, and why today remains the day to respond to the gracious warning of God.

To learn more, visit BenSmithSr.org.

In this episode of All for the Kingdom, Pastor Ben Smith preaches from 2 Kings 2:1–19 on the transition from Elijah to Elisha. Elijah’s ministry is coming to an end, but God’s work is not ending. Elisha is being prepared, affirmed, and entrusted with the prophetic ministry God has called him to fulfill.

This passage teaches three important principles for the life of the church. First, all men come to an end. Even the greatest servants of God are limited by the weakness of the flesh, but God is eternal and His kingdom continues. Second, each generation must invest in the next. Elijah’s relationship with Elisha reminds us that faithful ministry requires time, access, discipleship, and purpose. Third, the next generation must be affirmed in faithful calling, godly authority, and service to the Lord.

This sermon calls believers to think carefully about how they are preparing for endings and beginnings. The church must not labor merely to preserve institutions, methods, or personal legacies. The church must labor to proclaim the gospel, honor the Word of God, and prepare the next generation to serve faithfully in a difficult world.

To learn more, visit BenSmithSr.org.

In this episode of All for the Kingdom, Ben Smith preaches from 1 Kings 21:17–29 in a message titled “Faithful in Every Season.”

After Naboth is murdered and Ahab takes possession of his vineyard, the Lord sends Elijah to confront the king with a word of judgment. Ahab had sold himself to do evil in the sight of the Lord, and Elijah’s message exposes the sin that Ahab may have tried to hide behind excuses.

This sermon considers the call for God’s people to speak truth faithfully in every season. Believers must be willing to confront sin, contend for righteousness, and declare the whole truth of God. Yet this passage also reminds us that God’s purpose in confronting sin is not merely retribution, but repentance and restoration.

Scripture Passage: 1 Kings 21:17–29
Series: The Story of Elijah
Key Themes: Elijah, Ahab, Naboth’s vineyard, repentance, judgment, restoration, faithfulness, speaking truth, biblical preaching

To learn more, visit BenSmithSr.org.