In the final message of Belonging: The Doctrine of Becoming Like Christ, we confront a defining question: What are we building - and why? James closes his letter by painting a picture of a healthy, thriving church - not perfect, but purposeful. A church that is: • Praying — where prayer is not a last resort, but a first instinct in both suffering and celebration • Honest — where confession replaces performance and healing begins through real community • Pursuing — where believers actively go after those who drift, restoring them with grace and truth This message is both a celebration and a challenge. It calls the Church beyond comfort and preference into eternal impact. As you listen, you will be invited to ask three personal, transformative prayers: Build in me. Build with me. Build through me. Because when God builds something in you, and you build something with others, He will build something through you that will outlast you.In the final message of Belonging: The Doctrine of Becoming Like Christ, we confront a defining question: What are we building - and why? James closes his letter by painting a picture of a healthy, thriving church - not perfect, but purposeful. A church that is: • Praying — where prayer is not a last resort, but a first instinct in both suffering and celebration • Honest — where confession replaces performance and healing begins through real community • Pursuing — where believers actively go after those who drift, restoring them with grace and truth This message is both a celebration and a challenge. It calls the Church beyond comfort and preference into eternal impact. As you listen, you will be invited to ask three personal, transformative prayers: Build in me. Build with me. Build through me. Because when God builds something in you, and you build something with others, He will build something through you that will outlast you.

Part 15, "Shine," centers on Epistle of James 2:8 and the "royal law" of love, emphasizing that true belonging in Christ is never abstract but visibly lived out. This message challenges believers to treat love not as a suggestion, but as a binding decree from the King - authoritative, public, and without exception. It confronts the tendency to edit or limit love based on preference, comfort, or bias, calling the Church instead to embody impartial, obedient, and unwavering love. When lived this way, the Church becomes a radiant witness, shining the light of Christ through a culture shaped by heavenly wisdom and visible righteousness.

Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith

Donelson First

Part 15 - Shine

April 26, 2026

The Doctrine of Becoming Like Christ draws from Epistle of James chapter 3 to confront the power of our words as a true measure of spiritual transformation. This message explores how the tongue, though small, can either ignite destruction or become an instrument of Christlike love within the Church. Listeners are challenged to move beyond passive faith and intentionally use their speech to build others up, reflect the heart of Jesus Christ, and create a culture of belonging marked by love. Pastor Jeffrey Dean Smith Donelson First Belonging Part 14: Love April 19, 2026