Sermon Notes

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.