Sermon Notes

What does it look like to follow Jesus when life feels unfair, uncertain, or interrupted? In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, we walk through 1 Peter 3 and explore how humility, compassion, and even blessing those who hurt us become a powerful witness to the world. From suffering and submission to everyday evangelism, this conversation reminds us that our greatest apologetic is Christ at...

What does 1 Peter really teach about marriage, suffering, and submission—and why does it matter for everyday life? In this episode, the conversation slows down to place Peter’s household instructions in their first-century Roman context, revealing how Scripture elevates dignity, calls husbands to understanding and honor, and forms marriages into a visible gospel witness. Rather than starting with...

What do you do when life feels unfair, painful, or completely out of your control? In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Jay Strother and Brian Ball slow down in 1 Peter 2:18–25 to explore a hard but hope-filled truth: you can’t always control your circumstances, but you can follow Jesus’ example in them. From submission that isn’t weakness, to suffering that becomes a witness, this convers...

What if the church isn’t a place you go, but a people God is building—stone by stone? In this episode, the conversation centers on 1 Peter’s picture of believers as  living stones  being formed into a spiritual house with Jesus as the cornerstone. You’ll hear why unity doesn’t mean uniformity, how good traditions can quietly become distractions, and how Spirit-led community makes God’s presence vi...

In this episode of Sermon Notes Podcast, Brian Ball sits down with Brandon Abbott to unpack 1 Peter and the stunning image of believers as “living stones.” Together, they explore how 1 Peter reveals Jesus as the cornerstone, how the church becomes a spiritual house marked by unity (not uniformity), and why our traditions can’t replace true obedience and Spirit-led community. If you’ve ever wondere...

In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Jay Strother and Brian Ball begin a new study through 1 Peter by tracing Peter’s opening praise and what it reveals about our identity and security in Christ. You’ll hear why the Christian life starts with worship, how God’s mercy gives us new birth into a living hope, and what it means to have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfadin...

In this episode of the Sermon Notes podcast, Jay Strother and Brian Ball kick off a new series called "Chosen Exiles," diving into the book of 1 Peter and its message for believers living as God's people in a world that often feels unfamiliar or challenging. Together, they explore Peter's unique perspective, discussing his relatable ups-and-downs in faith, the importance of suffe...

Christmas didn’t arrive in calm and quiet—it came into a broken world. In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Jay Strother and Brian Ball walk through Matthew 2 to explore Herod’s violence, Mary and Joseph’s costly obedience, and the clash of kingdoms surrounding Jesus’ birth. Rather than avoiding suffering and lament, Matthew shows us a deeper Christmas hope: the true King has come, God is...

In this episode of the Sermon Notes podcast, host Jay Strother and Brian Ball take a deeper dive into Matthew’s Gospel as we approach Christmas. Together, they discuss how Matthew reveals Jesus as the promised King, unpacking key themes of authority, fulfillment, and the kingship of Jesus. Explore fascinating cultural and historical context—from the motivations of Herod the Great to the different...

What really happened in Matthew 1:18–25, and why does Joseph’s quiet “yes” still matter today? In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Jay Strother and Brian Ball walk through Joseph’s world—an honor–shame culture, an unexpected pregnancy, and an angelic dream that upended his settled plans. Together they unpack Joseph and the virgin birth, the fulfillment of Isaiah’s Emmanuel prophecy, and t...

Matthew 1–2 doesn’t just tell a Christmas story—it reveals how God has been guiding history toward Jesus all along. In this episode, Jay Strother and Brian Ball explore these opening chapters of Matthew, weaving together genealogy, world empires, religious factions, and everyday people to show how the promised King arrived through unexpected paths—and how we can avoid missing Him ourselves.

In this episode of Sermon Notes, Brian Ball sits down with Aaron Bryant to trace the theme of authority through Matthew 21–28. From religious leaders who fear people more than God, to parables that expose empty religion and invite real repentance, this conversation shows how Jesus is not just a teacher with opinions, He is the King with all authority. The guys close in Matthew 28 with the Great Co...

In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Jay Strother and Brian Ball walk through  Matthew 15–18  and show how these chapters form a powerful, connected narrative about Jesus’ kingdom, the heart behind our actions, the value of every believer, and how the church is meant to care for one another. From Jesus confronting empty tradition, to Peter’s confession, the transfiguration, the lost sheep,...

In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, we walk through Matthew 10–14 and discover how Jesus’ authority reorients everything—our fear, our families, our doubts, and our ministry. From persecution and missionary training in Matthew 10, to John the Baptist’s doubts, Sabbath controversy, the parables of the sower, and the Feeding of the 5,000, you’ll see how Jesus invites us to trust His abundan...

What does it mean to live under  Jesus’ authority ? In this conversation, Jay Strother and Brian Ball explore Matthew 8–9—where Jesus heals the sick, calms storms, casts out demons, and calls disciples to follow Him. They unpack how faith recognizes His power, how authority is delegated by God, and how we can respond with humble obedience in our everyday lives. This episode will help you see the K...

In this episode of the Sermon Notes podcast, host Brian Ball is joined by Wade Owens, campus and teaching pastor at the Church at Nolensville, to dive deep into the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on the Sermon on the Mount. Together, they explore chapters 5-7, unpacking Jesus’ revolutionary teachings on discipleship, heart transformation, and authentic Christian living. The discussion covers everythi...

What does Jesus really mean when He tells us to give, pray, and fast in secret? Why is storing up treasures in heaven the key to freedom from anxiety? In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Jay Strother and Brian Ball unpack Matthew 6, showing how Jesus reorients our spiritual practices and daily priorities around His kingdom. Discover the true meaning of kingdom living—and why trusting God...

What does it really mean to live the Sermon on the Mount? In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Jay Strother and Brian Ball unpack Matthew 5 and explore the true heart of kingdom living—where righteousness flows from the inside out, not external rule-following. From anger and lust to divorce and loving your enemies, this episode challenges cultural norms and reveals how Jesus redefines obed...

In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, host Jay Strother and guest Brian Ball dive deep into the Sermon on the Mount, unpacking the beginning of Jesus' most famous teaching in the Gospel of Matthew. The conversation explores the historical and theological significance of the Sermon on the Mount, drawing rich parallels between Jesus and Moses, and highlighting the radically countercultura...

In this episode of the  Sermon Notes  podcast, Jay Strother and Brian Ball dive deep into the biblical call to discipleship, continuing their journey through the Gospel of Matthew. As they unpack the stories of Jesus calling His first disciples—including fishermen, tax collectors, and skeptics—they explore what it means to follow Jesus with immediate obedience, childlike faith, and a willingness t...

In this episode of the Sermon Notes podcast, host Jay Strother and guest Brian Ball dive deep into Matthew 4, unpacking the powerful story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Building on insights from previous weeks, they explore the connections between Jesus’ experience and the broader storyline of scripture, especially how the Gospel of Matthew highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament pro...

In this episode of the Sermon Notes podcast, host Jay Strother is joined by Brian Ball as they kick off a new series diving deep into the Gospel of Matthew. The conversation explores the unique perspective Matthew brings as both a former tax collector and a keen observer of Jewish tradition, highlighting how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies and is revealed as the true King. Together, Jay an...

In this inspiring episode of the Sermon Notes podcast, host Jay Strother sits down with Keegan and Carla, global workers serving in Southeast Asia, to wrap up a special series on missions. Keegan and Carla share their unique journeys—how a passion for media, art, and counseling led them to serve with CREATE Labs and WELL International, using creative media and soul care to reach unreached people g...

Discover how a medical missionary in Kenya is bringing hope, healing, and discipleship across Africa. In this inspiring episode of the  Sermon Notes  podcast, Britney—a pediatric surgeon—and her husband Micah share how God is using their gifts to train the next generation of African doctors, care for critically ill children, and lead Bible studies that equip future leaders.   Learn how their journ...

In this episode of the Sermon Notes podcast, Jay Strother sits down with Danielle Schneider, a seasoned global worker who has served in South Africa for over 17 years. Danielle shares her inspiring journey of being called to missions, the pivotal moments that led her to Living Hope Ministries, and her dual roles as a life skills educator and children's ministry leader at King of Kings Baptist Chur...