Sermon Notes

Babylon has fallen, heaven erupts in hallelujahs, and Jesus steps from backstage to center stage as both Bridegroom and conquering King. In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, host Jay Strother and Brian Ball explore the parts of Revelation 19 we didn't have time to cover on Sunday: why the bride's fine linen is a gift before it's ever worn, the name no one knows but Jesus, the s...

Revelation 15 opens the seven bowls of God's wrath, the "very, very end" of history. But how did we get here, and what does it mean for us today? In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, host Jay Strother and Brian Ball take a fast-paced flyover of Revelation 12–18, including chapters we didn't have time to cover on Sundays. They unpack the "unholy trinity" of the d...

A woman, a child, and a great red dragon. Revelation 12 pulls back the curtain on the spiritual battle behind all of human history. In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, host Jay Strother and Brian Ball walk through Revelation 12:1-12, the Christmas story told from heaven's point of view. Satan is a powerful enemy, but he isn't all-powerful, and he was defeated at the cross. Jay and...

The seals are opening. The four horsemen are riding. Should you be afraid? In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, host Brian Ball and Hunter Melton walk through Revelation 6, where the Lamb opens the first six seals and the world asks, "Who can stand?" They unpack the counterfeit conqueror on the white horse, the realities of war, famine, and death, and the martyrs' cry of &quo...

Who is worthy to open the scroll? In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Senior Pastor Jay Strother and Brian Ball walk through Revelation 5. John weeps because no one in heaven or on earth can open the sealed scroll. Then an elder points him to the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and John turns to see a slain Lamb standing. Jay and Brian look at the Old Testament imagery behind the scenes, what...

Before the book of Revelation gets to its seals, trumpets, and beasts, John sees one thing first: an occupied throne. In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, host Brian Ball and Campus and Teaching Pastor Aaron Bryant of The Church at Avenue South look at Revelation 4 and the throne room of heaven. They start with a quick tour of Revelation 1–3 and the letters to the seven churches, including...

In this first episode of our new series on the Book of Revelation, host Brian Ball sits down with John Joseph, Campus and Teaching Pastor at the Church at Station Hill, for a verse-by-verse look at Revelation 1:1-8. Together they explain what it means that Jesus is "coming soon," the difference between kairos and chronos time, and why a book written to suffering first-century Christians...

In the final episode of the Chasing the Wind series, Jay Strother and Brian Ball close out the book of Ecclesiastes with a look at chapter 12, verses 9 through 14, the passage where Solomon lands on his final word after chasing wisdom, pleasure, and everything under the sun. Jay and Brian walk through ten takeaways from the whole series, touching on the connection between Ecclesiastes and Proverbs...

In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Jay Strother sits down with Brian Ball to continue their series through Ecclesiastes, Chasing the Wind: Finding What Lasts in a World That Doesn't. Together they dig into Ecclesiastes 11 and the phrase cast your bread upon the waters, exploring what it looks like to take active steps of faith even when we can't predict the outcome. From investin...

In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Jay Strother and Brian Ball dig into Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and the truth that two is better than one. From bearing burdens and confessing sin to using our spiritual gifts, they explore why God designed us for biblical community — not as an optional add-on to the Christian life, but as one of the ways we bear His image and find real strength for the journe...

In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Jay Strother and Brian Ball continue the Ecclesiastes series "Chasing the Wind" by sitting with Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 and Solomon's words on a time for everything. They talk about the difference between chronos and kairos, why God builds rhythms like Sabbath into our lives, and what real repentance looks like when we're tired of chasing...

Solomon had more wealth, wisdom, pleasure, and power than anyone in history, and he still called life "meaningless." In this first episode of our new Ecclesiastes series, Chasing After the Wind, hosts Jay Strother and Brian Ball dig into Ecclesiastes 1 to unpack why the world's biggest promises — success, comfort, approval, and security — always leave us wanting more. They trace Solo...

Every June, the Southern Baptist Convention makes headlines, but what actually happens in the room rarely matches the news cycle. In this special edition of Sermon Notes, Senior Pastor Jay Strother and Executive Pastor Brian Coates sit down to explain how the SBC really works: the cooperative program, the annual meeting, this year's big votes, and what it all means for Brentwood Baptist. If yo...

Is worship just singing, or is it something more? In this masterclass, Hunter Melton explains what true worship really is and why confession is the starting point for a right relationship with God. Many of us think of worship as songs we sing, but Scripture shows that worship is about treasuring God above all things. And before we can worship with a whole heart, we must first come to God with hone...

Why does reading the Bible feel so overwhelming, and how do you actually start? In this MasterClass, David Hannah walks through the spiritual discipline of reading God’s Word in a world full of information, distraction, and confusion. We have access to more knowledge than ever before, but without a foundation of truth, it can leave us feeling anxious and directionless. Scripture is not just anothe...

Why does silence feel so uncomfortable in a world full of constant noise and distraction? In this masterclass, Brandon Abbott shares practical ways to step away from distraction, create intentional space for solitude, and build rhythms of quiet that help you hear from God. If we are not careful, noise and activity will shape our thoughts, emotions, and pace of life more than God’s presence does. B...

How do we cultivate a healthy prayer life in a world full of phones, notifications, and constant distraction? In this masterclass, John Joseph shares practical ways to build rhythms of prayer, create intentional space with God, pray throughout the day, and resist the digital habits that compete for our attention. If we are not careful, technology will shape our minds, emotions, and priorities more...

Why does silence feel so difficult in today’s world? In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Brian Ball sits down with Mike Glenn to explore the spiritual discipline of solitude and why intentional time with God matters more than ever. Together, they discuss distraction, technology, noise, prayer, spiritual rhythms, and the example of Jesus withdrawing to commune with the Father. If you feel...

What happens when you consistently read Scripture? In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Brian Ball and Evan Kunz explore 2 Timothy 3 and the truth that God’s Word is living, active, and able to transform your life. They unpack how Scripture, combined with the work of the Holy Spirit, shapes your desires, corrects your thinking, and equips you to live faithfully in a distracted world. If yo...

What if prayer isn’t about getting God to respond, but about aligning your heart with Him? In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Brian Ball and Hunter Melton walk through the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6 and uncover a deeper, more meaningful way to pray. From adoration and trust to provision, forgiveness, and spiritual warfare, this conversation challenges common misconceptions and invites yo...

What’s shaping you—God’s truth or the world’s counterfeits? In this episode, we launch the Formed Not Conformed MasterClass series with a deep dive into Genesis 3, unpacking the serpent’s deception, humanity’s hunger for godlike knowledge, and the modern parallels found in artificial intelligence. Together, we explore why knowledge without trust leads to emptiness, how AI can mirror the ancient te...

In this Holy Week episode of the Sermon Notes podcast, Jay Strother and Brian Ball reflect on Mark chapter 11 and the significance of Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, walking through Palm Sunday and the days leading up to Good Friday. The conversation explores the historical and prophetic details surrounding the events, the mixed motives of the crowds, Jesus’s confrontations with religious...

In this powerful conclusion to the Chosen Exile series, Brian Ball and Aaron Bryant dive into 1 Peter chapter 5, reflecting on Peter’s unique voice and his charge to Christian leaders. The conversation explores the call to humility and faithful stewardship, discussing how leadership in the church should be shaped by Christlike character rather than worldly accomplishments. The episode focuses on t...

In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Brian Ball is joined by longtime friend and pastor Mike Glenn to continue the "Chosen Exile" series with a deep dive into 1 Peter chapter 4. Together, they explore Peter’s call for believers to live with urgency, humility, and love as they follow Christ in a world that often feels foreign. The conversation touches on the importance of prayer a...

In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Brian Ball and Brandon Abbott explore 1 Peter chapters 3 and 4, diving deep into the themes of humility, courage, and unwavering hope for believers living as “chosen exiles.” They discuss what it means to follow Christ with faithfulness, even in the face of suffering, while offering practical insights on building Christian community, raising faith-fille...