Sermon Notes

Hosted by Brentwood Baptist Church

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161

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Sermon Notes is a new podcast from Brentwood Baptist that takes a deeper look into the sermon planning process and behind the scenes of church life.

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60 recent

September 1, 202644 min

Fear God and Keep His Commandments: Wrapping Up Ecclesiastes

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.

August 25, 202638 min

Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters: Trusting God With What You Can't Control (Ecclesiastes 11)

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.

August 18, 202637 min

Two Is Better Than One: Why Biblical Community Matters

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.

August 11, 202631 min

A Time for Everything: Finding God's Purpose in Every Season

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.

August 4, 202630 min

Chasing After the Wind: Ecclesiastes 1 and Why Success, Pleasure, and Approval Never Satisfy

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.

July 28, 202642 min

What Really Happened at the Southern Baptist Convention: A Local Church Perspective

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.

June 16, 20267 min

Confession Is the Key to True Worship | A MasterClass on Worship and Repentance

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.

June 9, 202612 min

Why You’re Struggling to Read the Bible | A MasterClass on Reading Scripture

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.

June 2, 20266 min

Why Silence Feels So Uncomfortable | A MasterClass on Solitude

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.

May 26, 202617 min

The Digital Habits That Are Hurting Your Prayer Life | A MasterClass on Prayer

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.