Sermon Notes

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.