Clint Smith

Join award-winning authors Jesmyn Ward and Clint Smith in an intimate and thought-provoking podcast conversation about Writing Our Roots . Together, they explore the power of storytelling to preserve history, honor ancestry, and shed light on the lived experiences of Black communities across generations. From the Deep South to the broader African diaspora, Ward and Smith discuss how their personal journeys influence their writing, the importance of historical memory, and the role of literature in shaping cultural identity. Tune in for a compelling dialogue that delves into themes of resilience, legacy, and the profound connection between place and narrative. Welcome to Baldwin & Co. Author Dialogues , the official podcast of Baldwin & Co. coffee + bookstore—a sanctuary for literature, creativity, and community. This podcast is your front-row seat to the world of books, ideas, and thought-provoking conversations with some of the most brilliant minds and celebrated authors of our time. At Baldwin & Co., we believe that stories have the power to inspire, connect, and transform. Through this podcast, we bring the pages of bestselling novels, memoirs, and groundbreaking works of nonfiction to life. Whether you’re an avid reader, aspiring writer, or simply someone who enjoys meaningful discussions, Baldwin & Co. Reels is here to ignite your curiosity and enrich your understanding of the world.

Sermon Direct Link 2/26/23 Rev. Clint Smith God Loves, God Judges – 1 Peter 4:1-19 Why does God’s plans include sufferings and judgments? Why are there bad events in life? We must understand the perfect life was over when Adam and Eve chose to sin against God in the Garden of Eden. God has never asked us what we think He should do, He is holy God. Satan hates and attacks the Saints of God with tribulations with intent to hurt. The Savior loves and protects the Saints of God and sometimes brings tribulations in order to cause righteous living. Hebrews 12:4-11 We must understand that Christ suffered for us, even while we were sinners. Romans 5:8 Although Christ’s sufferings for us seem unfair, it was the will of God. Peter addressed our former sinful lives before salvation and our redeemed lives after salvation. It was the Gospel preached and received that changed us. Romans 10:9-13 In our day, with the devil, the world’s system, and our old natures are still warring, we must be on guard to live a righteous and holy life through the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our Savior’s love must shine through, in this darkened, sinful world. 1 Peter 1:16 We will be persecuted for following Christ. God allows difficulties and suffering in the lives of His people to purify them. When we are persecuted for the cause of Christ, we share in His sufferings. Romans 8:17 Ultimately, Christians will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ and unbelievers will be judged at The Great White Throne Judgment. 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11-15 God’s desire is that His people learn to walk in holiness and fellowship with Him. Romans 8:29 God expects the ones He has redeemed by the blood of His Son to set the example for the rest of the world. Judgment begins at God’s house! The post God Loves, God Judges (1 Peter 4:1-19) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church .

Sermon Direct Link 2/19/23 Rev. Clint Smith Failed, Forgiven, Focused to Follow – John 21:20-25 God loves us unconditionally. Jesus was so motivated by love that He gave Himself a ransom for us on the cross. Jesus spoke into Peter’s life and gave him hope where he had none. Much like the Prophet Jeremiah, God gave Peter a great assignment and a great future. Although they both were martyred, we read their stories in the Ancient Text of Scripture. Failure – Peter was weak in his flesh and struggled through spiritual warfare (Luke 22:31-34). He adamantly denied knowing the Lord three times, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus. Matthew 26:69–74; Mark 14:66–72; Luke 22:55–62; John 18:15–18, 25–27 Peter wrote and encouraged saints to keep on keeping on for Christ. 1 Peter 5:5-11 Forgiven – Jesus questioned Peter’s love for Him three times. He restored and forgave him on the shores of the Sea of Tiberias (Galilee). John 21:1-17 Focus – Jesus told Peter he would indeed die for Jesus and by his death glorify God. Peter understood what Jesus said, but his curiosity got the best of him and he wanted to know about John’s future. Jesus focused Peter on Peter’s mission. Follow – Jesus specifically called and commanded Peter to follow Him at the Sea of Galilee. Peter was to stop fishing for fish and start fishing for people. Matthew 4:18-22; John 21:19; John 21:22 John attested to the truthfulness of his Gospel. He gave to the Church, a portion of God’s Holy Word. John wrote to encourage all Saints regarding the many mighty works of our Lord Jesus Christ. Like Saints of old, we serve an awesome God! The post Failed, Forgiven, Focused to Follow (John 21:20-25) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church .

Sermon Direct Link 2/12/23 Rev. Clint Smith Loving Jesus – John 21:15-19 Living in community with others exposes ones personality. Togetherness allows for mistakes, errors, failures, and make-ups. This is true in our relationship with God. Peter would tell us later, “Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others].” (1 Peter 4:8 AMP) After Jesus miraculously supplied His disciples with a superabundant catch of fish, He invited them to breakfast. After breakfast Jesus focused His attention on restoring Peter to right fellowship with Himself. Jesus asked Peter a simple question; “do you love Me more than these.” After Peter affirmed his love for the Lord, Jesus commissioned him to feed His lambs. Jesus asked Peter a second time; “do you love Me?” Again, Peter affirmed his love for the Lord. Jesus commissioned him to shepherd His sheep. 1 Peter 5:1-11 Jesus asked Peter a third time; “Do you love Me?” Peter affirmed Jesus’ omniscience by saying Lord You know all things. Jesus commanded Him to feed the flock of God. Acts 20:25-30 Jesus prophesied concerning the future persecution and death of Peter. Jesus indicated Peter’s death would glorify God. Jesus refreshed His call to Peter to “Follow Me.” Peter left fishing permanently that day. He became a forgiven and faithful follower of Christ Jesus. This is discipleship! This is loving Jesus! Have you received the forgiving love of Jesus? Are you following Him daily? Do you want to be right with God? The post Loving Jesus (John 21:15-19) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church .

Sermon Direct Link 2/5/23 Rev. Clint Smith Breakfast with Jesus – John 21:1-14 Jesus visited with His disciples multiple times prior to His final ascension into Heaven. Jesus cares for His own deeply, with a love we cannot fully comprehend. Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Peter led a group of seven disciples to go back to fishing on the Sea of Tiberius (Galilee). They decided to return to what they where “good at.” We must not forget; Jesus had earlier called the disciples to leave fishing for fish and become fishers of men. Matthew 4:18-22 The disciples failed at catching men and at catching fish. Jesus watched the disciples from shore. He knew their hearts. He knew their failures, yet His compassion for them remained. Jesus yelled out to the disciples in their failure, do you have any food? They were about a football fields length from the shore. Jesus caused His disciples to admit their failure. Then He blessed them with a superabundant catch of fish. John recognized it was Jesus on the shore. Peter jumped in and swam ashore. (This is the same water Peter walked on previously). The disciples tugged the full net of fish to shore. They counted 153 large fish! Jesus did a miracle in their presence. Jesus had a of fish and bread breakfast cooking on a fire. He invited the disciples to bring some of their catch and place it also on the fire. Jesus took the bread and fish and gave it to each of them to eat. Jesus fellowshipped with His disciples. This was the third time Jesus had revealed Himself to the disciples, after God had raised Him from the dead. The post Breakfast with Jesus (John 21:1-14) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church .

Sermon Direct Link 1/29/23 Rev. Clint Smith Reasons to Worship and Not Worry – John 20:30-31 John 1:1-14 Jesus is God – He created all things. John 2:1-11 Jesus turned water into wine. John 3:1-21 Jesus offered eternal life. John 4: 43-54 Jesus healed the officials son. John 5:1-9 Jesus healed the lame man by the Sheep Gate Pool. John 6:1-14 Jesus fed 5000 people plus women and children. John 7: 14-19 Jesus spoke doctrinal truths of God. John 8:54-58 Jesus declared Himself God, the Great I Am. John 9: 1-41 Jesus healed the 40+ year old man who was born blind. John 10:1-42 Jesus affirmed His Messiahship. He divided the people. John 11:38-44 Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. John 12: 12-19 Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, He was announced “The King of Israel.” John 13:1-17 Jesus washed His disciples feet. He demonstrated Kingdom leadership. John 14:1-31 Jesus preached about Heaven and the Holy Spirit. John 15:1-26 Jesus commanded love from His disciples. John 16:1-33 Jesus committed God’s love to His disciples. John 17:1-26 Jesus prayed for His disciples. John 18:1-40 Jesus suffered for being the Truth. John 19:1-42 Jesus was crucified on a cross, He died, and was buried. John 20:1-31 God raised Jesus from the dead and Jesus appeared to His disciples. The post Reasons to Worship and Not Worry (John 20:30,31) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church .

Sermon Direct Link 1/22/23 Rev. Clint Smith Looking For Jesus – John 20:19-29 The disciples feared the unbelieving Jewish leadership. The authorities had gone to great lengths to destroy the person they believed to be the Messiah, (the Anointed One or the Chosen One of God). If they could kill Him, the disciples feared they could be next. On Resurrection Sunday evening, the disciples (minus Judas and Thomas) left their homes and had a meeting. They secured the doors behind them, possibly planning for that most disturbing knock from the Judaizers. To their surprise, Jesus showed up. In the middle of their deepest fear, Jesus walked right through their secure door and greeted them with these words, “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:36,37, tells us Jesus startled and terrified them by His appearing. They were sure He was a spirit. Jesus confronted and comforted His disciples. He asked the ultimate question we often ask – Why? He showed them His nailed scared hands and feet. The disciples were amazed and overjoyed Jesus was there. They still were not fully believing. Jesus asked for food and ate with them. He allowed them to touch Him. He gave them the ability to believe in His resurrection and receive the Holy Spirit. Romans 10:1-17 The disciples later told Thomas of the events. Thomas wanted a personal, hands-on experience in order for him to believe. A week later, he received the very thing he desired. Jesus appeared again, walking through a closed door. Jesus rebuked Thomas’ doubt. Thomas confessed Jesus as Lord and God. Jesus committed a blessing on all future Believers. What a difference a day makes. Have you received Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? The post What a Difference a Day Makes (John 20:19-29) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church .

Sermon Direct Link 1/8/23 Rev. Clint Smith Kingdom Come – God Exalted (1 Corinthians 15:1-28) We typically listen when people of influence make a declaration. Typically a declaration changes the course of events and time. We think of our Declaration of Independence in America. We don’t often read it, but we refer to it when asked. Paul declares our Declaration of Dependence through Jesus Christ so that God may be all in all. We would do well to read, listen, trust, and obey the Word of God. Like the Apostle Paul, we preach the Gospel. The Gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. God demonstrated His absolute sovereignty over life and death when He raised Jesus from the dead. The resurrected Jesus, as eye-witnessed by hundreds people, provides irrefutable proof that He is the Savior of the world. The resurrection of Christ is fundamental to our Christian faith. We serve a living Savior. Romans 10:9-13 Paul made it clear, if Jesus Christ is not resurrected, then we have no hope, no Savior, no salvation, and no hope of eternal life. In John 11:25 – Jesus said to Martha, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, relies on) Me [as Savior] will live even if he dies; and everyone who lives and believes in Me [as Savior] will never die. Do you believe this?” Our resurrected Jesus was and is part of God’s ultimate victory plan. We have hope of eternity and we have the wisdom of God knowing He will be exalted when all things are subject to Jesus. To God be the glory! The post Kingdom Come – God Exalted (1 Corinthians 15:1-28) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church .

Sermon Direct Link 1/1/23 Rev. Clint Smith Looking For Jesus – John 20:1-18 Jesus’ resurrection was a complete and victorious defeat over death. The Holy Son of God overcame death once and for all. (Acts 2:24) Scripture teaches us since Jesus conquered death, we as Christian believers have also been granted victory over death. We are “more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37) When Scripture speaks – God speaks. When we seek Him first, He will show Himself, because He is faithful. Matthew 6:33 Mary Magdalene truly loved Jesus with a God-honoring love. She rose early Sunday morning to visit the tomb where Jesus was laid. She along with other ladies visited Joseph’s tomb to anoint the body of Jesus as was the custom of the Jews. They were not looking for the living among the dead. Mary was looking for a dead Jesus – she panicked over a missing corpse. Mary ran and reported the empty grave to Peter and John. Both Peter and John ran to the burial tomb. They both viewed the massive entrance stone out of the way, an empty tomb, and the linen graveclothes of Jesus. Peter marveled at what he saw. John began believing in the hope of the resurrection when he looked at the evidence. Peter and John returned to their homes. Mary returned to the tomb. Weeping, she looked in the tomb and had an encounter with two angels. Mary could see the empty grave but instead of a resurrected Lord, she thought someone stole the corpse of Jesus. The angels asked, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” Then they said, “He is not here, but is risen! Remember…” Matthew 24:1-11 Jesus has compassion and spoke with Mary. When Mary saw Jesus, she rejoiced and desired to embrace Jesus strongly. Jesus gave Mary a commission to Go and tell His brothers the Good News, while He ascended to God the Father. Mary obeyed the commands of Jesus. The post Looking For Jesus (John 20:1-18) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church .

Sermon Direct Link 12/25/22 Rev. Clint Smith Joseph – Luke 4:14-30 Jesus was the Son of God and the Son of Man. He was fully God and fully man. The people in Nazareth knew Joseph, and they thought they knew his son Jesus. They were so close but so far away from knowing Him. What characteristics did Joseph model for Jesus? • Joseph was a humble man who obeyed God and God’s law. • Joseph was teachable. • Joseph was a righteous man. • Joseph bore the stigma of the Nazareth community because his wife was pregnant before they were fully married. He married Jesus’ mother. • Joseph named his son Jesus, just as the angel of the Lord instructed him. He had Jesus circumcised according to the covenant. • Joseph abstained from a physical relationship with Mary until after Jesus was born. Matthew 1:25 • Joseph obeyed the government of his paid his taxes. • Joseph raised Jesus as his son. He registered Him as his son with the government as being from the lineage of David. Luke 2:4,5 • Joseph dedicated Jesus according to the law of Moses. Exodus 13:2, 12, 15; Leviticus 12:8; Luke 2:2-24 • Joseph kept the Festival of Passover annually. Exodus 12; Luke 2:41-52 • Joseph raised Jesus to love God the Father and obey Him fully. • Joseph knew he was raising “Jesus – Emmanuel –God with us!” • Joseph knew Jesus would save His people from their sins. Joseph was one of those people. Mary was one of those people. • Joseph heard from the angel of the Lord, shepherds, Simeon, Anna, the wise men, teachers from the temple, and Mary, concerning his son Jesus. • Jesus continued to grow and become strong [in spirit], filled with wisdom; and the grace (favor, spiritual blessing) of God was upon Him. He went down to Nazareth with them, and was continually submissive and obedient to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:40; 52 The post Joseph (Luke 4:14-30) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church .

Sermon Direct Link 12/24/22 Rev. Clint Smith Christmas Eve Service The post Christmas Eve Service appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church .

Sermon Direct Link 12/18/22 Rev. Clint Smith Heaven’s Special Delivery – Luke 1:26-38 Since God began our time, He has sent special messengers with special messages at various times. Each messenger and message had a specific purpose. Each exposed God’s holy love. Hebrews 1:1-14 God sent His special delivery minister to Nazareth in Galilee. The angel Gabriel was tasked by God to deliver His message with clarity. Previously, in another town (Jerusalem, about 90 miles away) and to another human, Gabriel delivered another special message from God. Luke 1:5-25 Mary was betrothed to Joseph, of the house of King David. Mary was a virgin. Gabriel told her to rejoice because she was highly favored and blessed by God. Mary feared Gabriel and his message. She knew the pregnancy of a virgin without any intervention of man was naturally, physically, and biologically impossible. Gabriel delivered God’s messages to Mary. 1. Do not fear. 2. God has divinely favored you. 3. You will conceive in your womb. 4. You will bring forth a Son. 5. You will call His name Jesus. 6. Jesus will be great. 7. Jesus will be called the Son of the Highest. 8. The Lord God will give Him the throne of David. 9. Jesus will reign over the house of Jacob forever. 10. Jesus’ kingdom is eternal. 11.The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. 12. Jesus, the Holy One who is to be born, will be called the Son of God. 13. Your relative Elizabeth, who was barren, is now six months pregnant. 14. With God nothing is or ever shall be impossible. When you remain obediently close with the Lord, He always has you ready for His next assignment. Christians are now part of Heaven’s special deliveries. The post Heaven’s Special Delivery (Luke 1:26-38) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church .