Sermon Notes

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 Brian look at what spiritual warfare means for everyday faith, why the dragon is still dangerous, and how God's people conquer him "by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony." In a world full of dragons, will you follow the Lamb?

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 "How long?" Most of all, they show that judgment is held on a leash in the nail-scarred hand of Jesus. The right response to Revelation isn't fear but worship. It means building bigger tables instead of bigger bomb shelters, loving our neighbors well, and remembering that the day of salvation is now.

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 the Greek word axios (worthy) tells us, and why all of heaven breaks out in a new song. Jay also shares how this passage gives him unshakable hope while he battles cancer, and how God keeps opening doors for him to share the gospel, even in the cancer clinic. Together, they talk about what this vision means for us today: hope that holds when fear feels real, holiness that sets us apart for a purpose, and a mission to carry the gospel to every tribe, language, people, and nation. Revelation isn't meant to scare us. It's meant to strengthen our faith in the King who's on His throne right now.

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 what Ephesus can teach us about slowly drifting from our first love. Then they explain why persecuted believers needed to know that God, not Caesar, is in control. You'll hear what the jasper and carnelian stones say about God's character, why "holy, holy, holy" is the highest call to worship, and how the white robes of the redeemed point to the righteousness we receive through faith in Jesus. If you're carrying fear or uncertainty today, this conversation will help you look up and remember who's on the throne.

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 still speaks hope into hard seasons today. Join us as we open Scripture together and consider what it truly means to worship the Christ these visions reveal.

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, the honesty of the book's hardest verses, and why every pursuit apart from God is structurally incapable of satisfying us. They talk candidly about time, rest, gratitude, and legacy, and land on Solomon's closing charge: fear God and keep His commandments, because in the end, that's the whole of it.

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 investing in people to giving generously to walking through hard callings, Jay and Brian talk honestly about trusting God with results that are His to give, not ours to guarantee. They also walk through a practical framework for wise decision-making rooted in Scripture, the Holy Spirit, godly community, and God-ordained circumstances. Whether you're facing a big decision or just learning to live with open hands, this conversation is a reminder that faithfulness, not certainty, is what God asks of us.

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 journey.

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 a clock we can't control. It's an honest conversation about learning to number our days, let go of the urge to be our own god, and find rest in a God who makes everything beautifully fitting in its time.

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 Solomon's story from faithful start to idolatrous drift, explain the Hebrew word hevel (often translated "vanity" or "futility"), and point to the one hope that doesn't fade under the sun: the gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether you're new to Ecclesiastes or have read it a dozen times, this conversation will help you see the book not as a threat, but as a gift.

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 you've ever wondered what your church's SBC affiliation actually involves, this conversation gives you the on-the-ground perspective and the facts behind the headlines.

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 honesty and repentance.

If we are not careful, we can go through the motions of worship while our hearts remain distant. But through confession, God restores us, draws us near, and invites us into deeper communion with Him.

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 another source of information; it is the living, breathing Word of God that anchors us, equips us, and shapes how we live.

Start small. Stay consistent. Let God’s Word shape your life.

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. But through silence, Scripture, and intentional habits, we can slow down, reflect, and be formed more into the image of Christ.

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 than God’s Word does. But through prayer, Scripture, and intentional habits, we can be formed more into the image of Christ.

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 overwhelmed, spiritually distracted, or constantly busy, this conversation offers practical encouragement for slowing down, hearing from God, and building rhythms that shape your soul.

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 you’ve ever struggled to stay consistent or wondered if reading the Bible really makes a difference, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to engage God’s Word in a deeper way.

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 you into a more personal, powerful relationship with God through prayer.

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.