Matt Smethurst

Pastor, @RCBCRichmond • Author, “Tim Keller on the Christian Life,” “Deacons,” and more: • Cohost, “The Everyday Pastor” podcast

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

New episode on how to build a culture of evangelism in your church.

[The Gospel Coalition @TGC]

"The greatest obstacle to evangelism is actually not the unbelievers we're trying to reach—it's not even Satan himself—it is Christians who don't share the gospel."

—@MattSmethurst

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

Heads up! Full episodes of The Everyday Pastor are now being released on a *new* YouTube channel.

Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.

https://t.co/y6K2hvGsiM

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

What book would I give a brand-new Christian? Or a longtime believer who wants to rediscover what’s already theirs in Christ?

That was my burden as I wrote this book: a compass for the Christian life.

Preorder: https://t.co/AeeDXQFQZ7

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

One of the most bracing quotes about forgiveness I’ve ever read.

[River City Baptist Church @RCBCRichmond]

Join us this Sunday and hear three messages from @DeepakReju!

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

Hardly a day goes by as a pastor when I don’t draw on what I learned at @SBTS. If you can move to Louisville for the residential experience, do it.

[Denny Burk @DennyBurk]

Southern Seminary is a sight to behold in the Fall—especially under the beeches.

Come to campus to study. It’s a one-of-kind place to be.

@SBTS @BoyceCollege

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

The number of times I’ve snuck into one of my kids’ rooms to snatch some Halloween candy . . . is between me and the Lord.

[The Gospel Coalition @TGC]

A new survey indicates Christians have succumbed to the general literacy crisis of the culture. The ‘people of the Book’ don’t read it.

@JenniferWilkin says this indicates one big thing: the church's failure of dscipleship—a failure we must urgently address!

https://t.co/XEyA1QmedI

[Seth Troutt @Seth_Troutt]

"You two are living together. Tell me more about that," I said in my office.

"We already know it's not Biblical," the bride-to-be said.

"Okay. Say more."

"What do you mean? I'm saying we know cohabitation isn't Biblical."

"Yeah that's what's confusing me. When you asked to meet, you told me you wanted a pastor who shares your Biblical values to do your wedding, but now you're telling me you knowing don't live according to Biblical values? Tell me about how you decided to cohabitate."

"Well, we know what the Bible says about marriage and sex, but my lease was up and if I moved in with my parents it'd be a 45 minute drive and if I got my own place again, it'd be a waste of thousands of dollars."

"Ah. So time and money are your gods."

"No they aren't, we're Christians."

"Maybe. But it seems like you're not - a god is what tells you how to live. You chose to listen to time and money on sex and cohabitation instead of Jesus. Which is your god?"

"Does this mean you won't do our wedding?"

"I didn't say that. But, you did say you wanted a pastor. That's why we're here. I'm a pastor, not a hireling wedding officiant. Do you want a pastor or a vender for your wedding?"

"A pastor."

"Okay, great. Then here's my concern for you: you've developed a habit of hardening your hearts against the authority of Scripture and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Today, if you hear his voice, don't harden your hearts as they did in the rebellion. You said your Christians, I'll take your word for it right now, but you need to repent and move out until your wedding night. Jesus will certainly forgive if you repent and he'll cleanse you from all unrighteousness."

"Okay. So, if we don't do this then you won't do our wedding?"

"You're missing the point here. You're not even close to worried enough about what God thinks or says. My job as a pastor is to help you care about what God says, not get you to care about what I say.”

“Okay.”

“Do you have anything to say?” I said to the Groom-To-Be.

“No.”

“That’s a bummer. You’re not going to lead this family if you have nothing to say.”

“Okay.”

“Alright. Well, you have a lot to think about. If you want a pastor, I’d be happy to be a part of your wedding. If you want a vendor, let me know. More important than your wedding is your relationship with Jesus. Is He your God or not? Think and pray together.”

*an email three days later*

“We’ve decided to go a different direction.”

—
Some thoughts:
1. My heart breaks for those who make time and money their god. This idolatry is oppressive.

2. I’d for sure officiate the wedding of two non-Christians. As long as they’re okay with me telling the truth about what marriage is and who and what it’s for, I’m in. This is a 10/10 evangelism opportunity straight out of Eph 5:32.

3. But, two professing Christians who are sinning highhandedly? No. “For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside.” 1 Co 5:12–13).

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

“Martha, Martha, you’re anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good portion” (Luke 10:41–42).

Not “stumbled on.” Chosen.

You will never drift into devotion. Mute the noise, set aside the to-dos, and enjoy the King who loves you.

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

Originally heard this from Tommy Nelson.

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

Your Bible is about Jesus.

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

Chick-fil-A breakfast is underrated.

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

LeBron James has now competed against NBA players born in 1962 . . . and 2007.

One was born when JFK was president.
The other the year the iPhone debuted.

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

There is one political maxim which comforts me: “The Lord reigns.”

— John Newton

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

@LigonDuncan

[Andrew T. Walker @AndrewTWalker]

Need something to read while you await tonight's election results? It just so happens that today is the official publication day of my latest book, Prodigal Culture. https://t.co/pzrNYFB1Rl

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

As I’ve told @RCBCRichmond on multiple occasions, Virginia’s proposed constitutional amendments concerning abortion and same-sex marriage are not morally complicated. They are wrong.

My burden is for the good of our neighbors, both present and future, and the honor of our Creator God.

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

Good word from @TonyMerida. Pastors, this is a podcast worth subscribing to.

[NewChurches @NewChurches]

Prayer-filled patience.

[Matt Smethurst @MattSmethurst]

The taste of disappointment.