1 Peter was written to believers learning how to follow Jesus in a world that no longer felt like home. In this opening episode of the Chosen Exiles series, Jay Strother and Brian Ball set the stage by exploring the letter’s historical context, pastoral heart, and enduring relevance. Written to
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1–6 Devotion It can be easy to be swept up in whatever fad or style is popular in the world around us. Whether it’s a new clothing trend (the 90’s are back!) or a cultural expectation (“I have to own a house before a certain age”), following
In Matthew 6, Jesus moves from internal transformation to external practice. In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Jay Strother and Brian Ball unpack how Jesus redefines righteousness—not as performance for others, but as a deeply rooted response to who God is. Together, they explore spiritual practices like giving,
In this episode of the Sermon Notes Podcast, Jay Strother and Brian Ball take listeners deep into the heart of the Sermon on the Mount, unpacking one of Jesus’ most well-known yet misunderstood teachings in Matthew 5. Rather than offering a new set of religious rules, Jesus reveals what it
In this episode of the Sermon Notes podcast, Jay Strother and Brian Ball take a deep dive into Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount, often called Jesus’ “kingdom manifesto.” They explore how the Beatitudes reveal a life transformed by Christ from the inside out—marked by dependence on God, humility, mercy, and
Listen to this episode: Steeple People Podcast – Tim Brister, founder of Gospel Systems and the Haiti Collective Share it with someone who wants to live on mission, follow God’s call with courage, or be reminded that everyday obedience can lead to extraordinary impact. When God Says Go: Orphan Rescue
Opening Reflection: Declaring Allegiance and New Life The journey of faith begins with a profound declaration of allegiance. Just as ancient Israel declared “The Lord our God, the Lord is one,” pledging to love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, so too, in the New Testament, baptism
The Book of James: Trials, Wisdom, and Living Out Your Faith In this episode of Sermon Notes, host Jay Strother welcomes guest Amy Jo Girardier to dive into the opening chapter of James as part of their five-week study. They discuss the book’s practical, wisdom-packed approach to integrating faith with