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 temptation to replace God, and why spiritual formation through Scripture, prayer, confession, and dependence on Christ remains the only path to life and freedom.

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 leaders, and his unwavering commitment to fulfill God’s will. Listeners are invited to slow down in God’s Word, consider Jesus’s humility and sovereignty, and prepare their hearts for Easter by contemplating the weight, majesty, and mystery of the cross and resurrection.

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 themes of suffering, humility as a status, and trusting God’s timing for exaltation, offering encouragement to cast anxieties on the Lord and live with hope. Throughout, Aaron Bryant shares practical wisdom from his pastoral experience, and both speakers emphasize the importance of biblical community, perseverance, and the comforting promise that God will restore and strengthen believers. Listeners are invited to apply these truths, take action in their daily walk, and anchor their hearts in God’s grace as the series closes and the church turns toward Holy Week.

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 as a foundation, the true meaning of hospitality, the role of spiritual gifts in serving others, and how suffering can shape and strengthen faith. Brian Ball and Mike Glenn share personal stories, practical wisdom, and encouragement for listeners to trust God through every season, embracing community and hope—even in the midst of trials.

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-filled families, and preparing to give a gentle yet bold defense for the hope found in Jesus. The conversation is both theologically rich and down-to-earth, filled with stories from rural Tennessee, reflections on church life, and an honest look at how suffering shapes our witness and draws us closer to God. Whether you’re seeking encouragement in your own challenges or a clearer understanding of living out your faith, this episode is packed with wisdom, authenticity, and hope.

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 work within us, a hope that cannot be shaken.

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 modern assumptions, listeners are challenged to begin with the Word of God and see how Christ’s example of humble strength reshapes relationships, authority, and the way believers live before a watching world.

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 conversation points us to Christ, our Shepherd and Overseer, who suffered for us and shows us how to endure with faithfulness and hope.

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 visible to the world through love, obedience, and mercy.

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.