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View from the Pulpit with Ben Smith

View from the Pulpit with Ben Smith

By: Ben Smith
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Summary

View From the Pulpit: Exploring the Heart of Expository Preaching

Discover why expository preaching is central to the life and health of every church with Pastor Ben Smith. Each episode features conversations with pastors, church leaders, and members, exploring the role of expository preaching, the work of preparing and delivering sermons, and the impact of faithful preaching on the congregation.

This podcast is about preaching—but it’s not just for preachers. Whether you sit behind the pulpit or in the pew, View From the Pulpit will help you understand why expository preaching is vital to the church and how it strengthens the faith of every believer.

@2025 View from the Pulpit with Ben Smith Christianity Spirituality
Episodes
  • Episode 34: A Conversation with Dr. Danny Cochran

    Episode 34: A Conversation with Dr. Danny Cochran
    Oct 13 2025
    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 WordJoin 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 SmithGuest: 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.Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr.For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit 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-allforthekingdomSermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. 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/. 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/. 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##96433489Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Episode 32: A Conversation with Dr. Jerry Vines

    Episode 32: A Conversation with Dr. Jerry Vines
    Sep 29 2025
    Show Notes: “View from the Pulpit” Podcast, Episode 32: A Conversation with Dr. Jerry Vines. Episode Theme: Passion Driven PreachingIn 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 lEnduring 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 SmithGuest: Dr. Jerry VinesBen Smith is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA. For more information and resources from Pastor Ben Smith, visit www.BenSmithSr.org.Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr.For more information on Central Baptist Church, Waycross, GA, visit 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-allforthekingdomSermon Shorts is a podcast of sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. 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. 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/. 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 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/...
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Episode 31: A Conversation with Brad Waters

    Episode 31: A Conversation with Brad Waters
    Sep 22 2025

    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.

    Follow Ben Smith on X at https://x.com/bensmithsr.

    For more information about Central Baptist Church in Waycross, GA, please visit 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

    Sermon Shorts is a podcast featuring sermon clips that are 5 minutes or less. 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

    For more information about First Baptist Church in Hazlehurst, GA, visit: 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/. 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

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8yxbzbDmymNHZz5Z5JUI?si=a7ab7b7157a14ead
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    1 hr and 10 mins
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