Advertise on podcast: Sermon Notes

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 wondered what it means to belong, to grow, and to live faithfully where God has placed you—this conversation will help you see it.

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 unfading. The conversation also addresses how trials refine faith, why believers can rejoice even in suffering, and why the prophets and even angels longed to see the salvation we now experience in Jesus.

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 suffering in the Christian life, and what it means to be "chosen exiles"—people set apart by God but not fully at home in the present world. They unpack key theological concepts, such as divine sovereignty, hope rooted in Christ’s resurrection, and living in humble obedience, all while highlighting the practical relevance of Peter's words for the church today. Whether you're facing hardship or wrestling with your identity as a follower of Jesus, this episode sets the stage for a rich journey through First Peter, offering encouragement, insight, and a reminder of who you are in Christ

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 with us in the darkness, and evil will not have the final word.

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 Jewish factions like the Pharisees and Sadducees. Plus, Jay Strother and Brian Ball shed light on the mysterious story of the Magi, what their journey reveals, and the power of being spiritually watchful and obedient. You'll also hear practical insights on how not to miss what God is doing in your life, the importance of biblical community, and why true change comes from submitting to God’s Word. Whether you’re a long-time Bible reader or just getting started, this episode will challenge and encourage you in your faith journey!

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 the mystery of Jesus as fully God and fully man. Along the way, they talk about wonder in an age of instant answers, ordinary obedience that changes history, and what it means to start each day saying, “Lord, I’m still here—what do You want me to do today?”

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 Commission, challenging us to trust Christ’s rule in every corner of life and live what we say we believe.

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, and the biblical model of restoring a brother or sister, this conversation will help you see Jesus more clearly and understand how His kingdom community is meant to live today.

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 abundance instead of living with a scarcity mindset. We talk life groups, gospel conversations, and what it means to be a conduit of God’s grace as we “go and feed” the people He’s placed around us.

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 King more clearly and follow Him more faithfully.

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 everything from the Beatitudes and the importance of genuine faith, to spiritual maturity, prayer, generosity, and the challenges of living out kingdom values in a countercultural way. With practical wisdom and encouraging stories, Brian and Wade tackle big questions about judgment, discernment, spiritual fruit, and building a life on the firm foundation of Christ. This episode is filled with thoughtful insights and actionable steps for anyone wanting to grow deeper in faith and follow Jesus with intention.

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 with your daily bread changes everything. 

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 obedience, relationships, and the radical nature of life in God’s kingdom.

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 countercultural nature of Jesus’ message. Jay and Brian discuss the Beatitudes, emphasizing how they reveal the character traits of kingdom citizens, not as a checklist, but as the natural outworkings of a transformed heart in Christ. They reflect on the idea of blessing, spiritual dependence, humility, and the importance of living as salt and light in a challenging world. The episode offers both accessible insights and practical encouragement for listeners seeking to follow Jesus more faithfully in daily life.