Ninth Avenue Church of Christ

What if the hardest parts of following Jesus are the parts we don’t put in the pamphlet? In Luke 14, Jesus turns to a large crowd and delivers a message that would shrink most churches today. He doesn’t promise comfort. He doesn’t promise ease. Instead, He tells them to count the cost. In this sermon, Matthew Balentine walks through one of the most challenging teachings of Jesus: What does it mean to “hate” father and mother? Why does Jesus call us to carry our cross? What does counted-cost commitment look like? Why unfinished faith is more dangerous than we think How we subtly treat Jesus like an add-on instead of King Too often, we want our life… and Jesus. Our schedule… and Jesus. Our priorities… and Jesus. But Jesus doesn’t accept a supporting role. He takes the throne. This message challenges us to examine whether we are worshiping the blessings more than the Blesser, whether we are following the crowd or surrendering fully, and whether Jesus truly holds first place in our lives. If you’ve ever wrestled with divided priorities, spiritual complacency, church hurt, or the real cost of commitment, this episode will push you toward deeper discipleship and lasting joy. Scripture: Luke 14:25–33 Speaker: Matthew Balentine Ninth Avenue Church of Christ Take inventory of your life. What are you holding on to that needs to be laid down?

In this sermon from Matthew 4:18–22, we explore the moment Jesus calls His first disciples—ordinary fishermen—to follow Him. Their story reminds us that God doesn’t wait for perfect people; He calls available people. Many of us wrestle with questions like: Does my life really matter? Am I ready to serve God? Do I know enough to share my faith? This message challenges the idea that readiness is the key qualification for discipleship. Instead, we are invited to simply say “yes” to Jesus and trust Him to transform us along the way. You’ll be encouraged to see how: Jesus meets people in everyday life Following Christ involves both faith and action Transformation comes after obedience, not before Discipleship naturally leads to reaching others Whether you are taking your first steps of faith, returning after drifting, or seeking deeper commitment, this sermon invites you to hear Jesus’ call: “Follow Me.” Join us as we learn what it means to move from comfort to calling and from ordinary life to kingdom purpose.

What does real commitment to Jesus look like in everyday life? In this message from Gospel of Luke 9:23–26, Jesus Christ moves His followers from curiosity to surrender. His call is simple to say but lifelong to live: deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Me. This sermon explores how discipleship requires more than admiration or occasional consultation. Jesus does not come to be our assistant; He comes to be Lord. Each day we choose whether we will cling to control or release it, whether we will preserve our version of life or trust His. You’ll be encouraged to consider: why following Jesus begins with surrender what it practically means to “deny yourself” how cross-bearing is a daily decision the danger of holding too tightly to comfort, success, or image the hope of walking step-by-step with Christ and not carrying the burden alone God is not asking for perfection. He asks for continual commitment. Whether you are exploring faith or have walked with Jesus for years, this message will help you renew the decision to follow Him today.

In a world full of demands, Jesus offers something different: an invitation. Whether you are a lifelong believer, someone seeking answers, or someone who feels like your life is "messed up," the call remains the same: "Follow Me." In this episode, we kick off our February series by exploring the profound difference between a command and an invitation. We look at the lives of Timothy, the Samaritan woman, and Zacchaeus to see how Jesus meets us exactly where we are, regardless of our starting point. In this episode, we discuss: Invitation vs. Command: Why Jesus doesn't force us to follow Him, but invites us to experience the benefits of His kingdom. Curiosity Without Commitment: Understanding the stage of faith where we want to know "where He is staying" before we fully dive in. The "One Unhurried Hour" Challenge: A practical spiritual discipline to move beyond social media "tips" and into true formation with Christ. The Power of Conversation: How simple, honest dialogue with Jesus transforms our curiosity into life-changing conviction. Join us as we learn what it truly means to "come and see" what Jesus has to offer. Key Quote: "Time with Jesus forms you more than tips about Jesus."

Are you feeling bogged down in your spiritual journey, even though you’re filling your life with "good" activities?. In this episode, we dive into Hebrews 12:1-2 to explore what it truly means to run the race marked out for us with perseverance. We often think of the "great cloud of witnesses" as people in the stands watching us, but the truth is more powerful: they are our teammates. They aren't just cheering from a distance; they have been in the game, faced the same challenges, and are here to show us how to run the plays. Key Insights from this Episode: Hindrances vs. Sins: We often focus only on avoiding sin, but the writer of Hebrews calls us to also "throw off everything that hinders". These are things that aren't necessarily bad—like hobbies, family, or sports—but can become a burden if they crowd out our relationship with God. The Entanglement Trap: When we are burdened by too many "good things," we lose the ability to reach down and untangle the actual sin in our lives . Running Your Own Lane: God has marked out a specific race for you. We cannot judge our relationship with God by comparing our season of blessing or challenge to someone else’s lane . The Ultimate Finish Line: Using the imagery of the famous "Cool Runnings" bobsled team, we learn that no matter the "wreck" or the obstacle, our focus must remain on the finish line: Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith . "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus." — Hebrews 12:1b-2a. Reflection Questions: What "good thing" in your life has started to feel like a hindrance to your walk with God?. Are you trying to run at your own pace, or are you following the pace God has set for you?. How can you practically "fix your eyes" on Jesus this week?.

Have you ever felt like life is moving too fast, or perhaps it’s stalled in a season of "winter" that feels cold, lonely, and long? In this episode, we dive into the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3 to understand how God orchestrates the shifting seasons of our lives. We often want to stay on the "mountaintops" of blessing and joy, but our faith is truly formed in the valleys of suffering and uncertainty. Whether you are in a season of growth or a season of endurance, this message offers a powerful reminder that while our circumstances change, our God remains the same.   In this episode, you will hear about: The Author of Seasons: Understanding that seasons are not accidents, but are built into the design of creation. The Purpose of Trials: How hard seasons refine our character and build a trust that prosperity cannot. Lessons from the Wilderness: What we can learn from Israel's journey and Joseph’s betrayal about God’s ultimate plan for good. The Power of Waiting: Why waiting on God is not inactivity, but "trust in motion." The Unchanging Anchor: Finding hope in God’s constant love, truth, and promises regardless of your current situation. Scripture Highlights: Ecclesiastes 3:1 – "There is a time for everything..." Psalm 118:24 – "This is the day that the Lord has made..." Philippians 4:11-13 – Learning the secret of contentment. Call to Action: Are you in a "searching season"? Today is the day of opportunity. We invite you to listen and discover how to respond faithfully to the season you are in right now.

Why does real change feel so difficult—even when our intentions are good? In this sermon, Matthew Balentine reflects on Psalm 51 and David’s prayer for renewal after failure. Rather than focusing on surface-level behavior or temporary fixes, this message calls listeners to examine the heart—the place where lasting transformation begins. Through David’s confession, surrender, and plea for restoration, we are reminded that God does not simply manage our symptoms; He creates something new within us. This episode explores the danger of relying on success instead of surrender, the weight of unconfessed sin, and the joy that returns when the heart is made clean. If you’ve ever felt spiritually stuck, weary of self-improvement, or longing for deeper joy in your walk with God, this sermon invites you to pray the words David prayed: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” 📖 Scripture Focus: Psalm 51:10–12 🎙️ Speaker: Matthew Balentine 🏛️ Church: Ninth Avenue Church of Christ

What if the issue isn’t that God lacks power—but that we’ve kept Him at a distance? In this sermon, we explore a life-shaping truth: God is leverage. While many believers affirm Scripture, respect it, and defend it, too often God’s Word remains distant from daily life. When that happens, we end up carrying burdens—fear, anxiety, regret, shame, and sin—that we were never meant to carry alone. Drawing from passages like Hebrews 4:12, Psalm 119:105, Joshua 1:8, and John 15:5, this message challenges listeners to rethink their relationship with Scripture—not as information to consume, but as a foundation to build upon. When God is close, His Word becomes active. When Scripture is embedded, spiritual power follows. And when God is within reach, nothing else gets the final say. This episode is especially meaningful for anyone entering a new season while still carrying weight from the past—and for believers who want more than a Sunday-only faith.

Doing the right thing is easy—until it costs you something. In this sermon from Matthew 1:18–25, we take a closer look at the quiet, courageous obedience of Joseph and what his story teaches us about true righteousness. Faced with fear, uncertainty, and potential shame, Joseph chose compassion over self-protection and obedience over convenience. This message challenges common assumptions about righteousness and invites us into a faith that protects the vulnerable, makes room for others, and reflects the heart of Jesus—even when it comes at a personal cost. In this episode, you’ll explore: Why righteousness is more than rule-keeping How obedience often requires personal sacrifice What Joseph teaches us about protecting others How “God with us” transforms strangers into family Why the church is called to restore gently, not shame publicly Whether you’re wrestling with a difficult decision or seeking to live out your faith more faithfully, this sermon offers encouragement and clarity for following God when the path is hard. Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18–25 Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Making Room for God’s People 03:20 – When Doing Right Starts to Cost You 07:30 – Rethinking Righteousness 11:45 – Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18–25 14:00 – Righteousness Protects the Vulnerable 19:30 – Quiet Obedience and Costly Compassion 24:10 – Costly Obedience Makes Room for Others 29:00 – Fear, Calling, and Trusting God 33:40 – Obedience Means Taking Responsibility 38:30 – God With Us Turns Strangers into Family 43:00 – The Church as Family, Not a Crowd 48:20 – Application: Claim Someone This Week 52:10 – Restoring Gently, Not Shaming Publicly 56:00 – Final Challenge and Closing Prayer  

Are you busy—but not spiritually full? In this powerful sermon, Matthew Balentine invites us to examine our hearts and ask the simple but life-changing question: Is there room for God in my life? Drawing from Luke 1 and Mary’s unexpected calling, this message explores what it truly means to be available to God—even when life feels overcrowded, overwhelming, and out of control. Through practical insights and heartfelt challenge, Matthew reminds us that: God chooses availability over ability His interruptions carry greater purpose Fear says “I can’t”, but faith says “I am the Lord’s servant” The Holy Spirit fills whatever space we give Him Spiritual renewal begins not with the church as a whole—but with you If you’re longing for a deeper relationship with God or sensing that He is preparing you for “what’s next,” this message will encourage, confront, and inspire you to start making room for Him today. ✨ Key Scripture: Luke 1:26–38 ✨ Theme: Preparing your heart for God’s next work ✨ Church: Ninth Avenue Church of Christ

In this week’s message, Matthew Balentine explores one of the most misunderstood passages in Scripture — Malachi 3:6–12 — and reveals a powerful truth about why God’s blessings sometimes stop flowing in our lives. Using the memorable illustration of a kinked garden hose, Matthew explains how believers can unintentionally “block” the spiritual abundance God desires for them. This sermon challenges us to examine our hearts, return to faithful living, and experience the overflow God promises when His people trust Him fully. You’ll learn: Why God never changes, even when we feel distant How spiritual “kinks” form in the life of a believer What it really means to “rob God” Why God invites us to test Him in Malachi 3 How obedience, generosity, and trust reopen the flow of blessing What it looks like to walk again in God’s daily provision and presence Whether you’re feeling spiritually dry, disconnected, or simply hungry for deeper blessing, this message offers a clear path back into the flow of God’s goodness. Scripture: Malachi 3:6–12 Speaker: Matthew Balentine Church: Ninth Avenue Church of Christ, Haleyville, AL

In this message from our Blessed series, Matthew Ballentine explores the deeper meaning of Christian giving and why it is far more than a financial act. Rooted in 2 Corinthians 9, this sermon examines how true generosity flows from a heart shaped by gratitude and trust. Matthew walks through the biblical foundations of blessing, stewardship, and intentional giving—challenging us to evaluate whether our giving reflects honor, purpose, and faith. Rather than pressure or obligation, giving becomes a joyful response to the goodness of God. If you’ve ever wondered how much to give, why giving matters, or what God desires from your heart, this message will encourage and challenge you to grow spiritually in meaningful, practical ways.

In this week’s message, Matthew Balentine explores Jesus’ Parable of the Talents from Matthew 25:14–30, reminding us that everything we have—our time, our talents, and our treasures—belongs to God. Through this story, we learn that God entrusts each of us with different resources, not equally but intentionally. The question isn’t what we’ve been given—it’s what we’re doing with what we’ve been given. Matthew challenges us to examine whether we’re investing our blessings for God’s glory or burying them in fear and excuses. True faithfulness isn’t about quantity or comparison—it’s about obedience, gratitude, and action. 🔑 Key Themes: Everything we manage belongs to God. God values faithfulness more than results. Fear can cause us to bury our blessings. Stewardship means using God’s gifts for His glory. 📖 Scripture Reference: Matthew 25:14–30 🎙️ Speaker: Matthew Balentine 🏛️ Series: Blessed — Because He Gave, We Give 📍 Church: Ninth Avenue Church of Christ

In this heartfelt message, Matthew Balentine shares the powerful story of Peter’s journey from denying Jesus to being fully restored on the shores of Galilee. Through John 21, we see how Jesus meets us right where we are—broken, tired, and uncertain—and gently calls us back into fellowship and purpose. This sermon reminds us that grace doesn’t push us away; it draws us close. Jesus not only forgives us but invites us back to the table and sends us out again with renewed purpose. If you’ve ever felt like your failure disqualified you from God’s plan, this message will speak hope into your heart. 📖 Scripture: John 21:1–19 🎙️ Speaker: Matthew Balentine 🏠 Church: Ninth Avenue Church of Christ   #ChristianPodcast #Faith #Grace #Forgiveness #Restoration #Jesus #Peter #Sermon #BibleTeaching #Hope

When Peter swore he’d never deny Jesus, his confidence was sky-high—but within hours, it crumbled. In this message from Luke 22, Matthew Balentine walks through Peter’s valley of failure and Jesus’ look of restoration. Learn how disappointment can become denial, and how grace transforms regret into renewal. Key Takeaways: Why emotion without devotion leads to spiritual collapse The danger of “following at a distance” How Jesus’ compassion restores the fallen Finding strength when your confidence breaks Scripture: Luke 22 Speaker: Matthew Balentine Series: Peaks & Valleys — God in Every Season Location: Ninth Avenue Church of Christ Tags / Keywords faith, failure, restoration, Peter, Luke 22, Jesus, discipleship, redemption, Ninth Avenue Church of Christ, Matthew Balentine, Christian sermon, Peaks and Valleys, church podcast, spiritual growth, grace, hope, Bible teaching Show Notes Main Passage: Luke 22:31–62 Theme: Faith that collapses can rise again through grace. Quote: “It’s a short distance from confidence to collapse when our faith rests on emotion instead of devotion.” Action Step: Look toward Jesus—even through your tears—and let His gaze restore you.

Even in life’s lowest valleys, God’s purpose still stands. In this powerful message from our Peaks and Valleys series, Matthew Balentine reminds us that the presence of struggle does not mean the absence of God. Drawing from 1 Samuel 16, we see how Samuel, Jesse, and David each faced moments of uncertainty, pride, and obscurity—but God was working through it all. This sermon invites you to trust that even when you feel overlooked or misunderstood, God is shaping something far greater beneath the surface. When you walk with the King, your valley can become a place of transformation and purpose.   🔹 Key Scripture: 1 Samuel 16 🔹 Series: Peaks and Valleys 🔹 Speaker: Matthew Balentine 🔹 Theme: Purpose, Trust, Faith in Difficult Seasons

Have you ever felt lost, disconnected, or unsure of where you belong? In Luke 15, Jesus tells three unforgettable stories—the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son—that remind us of one life-changing truth: God is always with us. In this message, Matthew Balentine shares how each parable reveals the heart of God—searching for the lost, rejoicing in repentance, and welcoming His children home with open arms. Whether you’re wandering, unaware, or weary from the journey, take comfort in knowing: Jesus is always there.

Life often feels like a board game—filled with highs, lows, and unexpected setbacks. Just when everything seems to be going right, something happens that knocks us off course. But while setbacks are inevitable, they are not the end of the story. In this sermon, we explore how God gives us the opportunity to press reset through Jesus Christ. Discover how to: Face life’s setbacks with faith and endurance Lean on God’s promise of renewal and forgiveness Refocus on what truly matters—the eternal prize of heaven Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 10:13 · Matthew 7:7–8 · John 14:6 · Hebrews 12:1–2 Whether you’re weighed down by sin, overwhelmed by trials, or simply in need of encouragement, this message reminds us that in Christ, there is always a way to start again.

Loneliness is one of the greatest struggles of our time—even in a world more “connected” than ever before. In this message from our Reset series, Matthew Balentine takes us to John 13:34–35 and Acts 2:42–47 to show how Jesus’ command to “love one another as I have loved you” transforms the church into a community where no one walks alone.   From the disciples’ differences at the Last Supper to the diverse backgrounds of believers in Acts 2, we see that true fellowship is not about food or social events alone—it’s about love that unites us despite our differences.   In a culture where artificial relationships (through social media and even AI) leave people empty, Christ-centered fellowship offers the real connection our souls crave.   Whether you’re searching for belonging or looking to strengthen your church community, this sermon will encourage you to rediscover the power of fellowship as God designed it.

Are you spiritually nourished—or just getting by? Building from Acts 2:38–47, I share why the early church’s rhythm of devotion wasn’t optional; it was the engine of growth, unity, and mission. We explore Jesus’ call to feed on God’s Word (Matthew 4:4) and what it means to “live from the overflow,” where our words naturally reflect what fills our hearts (Matthew 12:34). You’ll hear a practical, grace-filled plan for moving from information to transformation, including a simple reading path you can start this week. In this episode: Why salvation launches a lifestyle, not a checkbox (Acts 2:38–39). “They devoted themselves…”—the four habits of Acts 2:42–47. Living in the overflow vs. spiritual starvation (Matthew 4:4; 12:34). The “Power of Four”: how engaging Scripture 4+ days a week reshapes witness, discipleship, and everyday choices. A scalable plan for every stage—one chapter, four days a week to start; or three chapters a day to finish the NT in <3 months.   Take the next step this week: Put time with God on your calendar. Read one chapter, four days this week. Note a question, then keep reading—let Scripture interpret Scripture.   Primary Texts: Acts 2:38–47; Matthew 4:4; Matthew 12:34; Romans 12:2   Keywords: devotion, discipleship, Bible reading, early church, Holy Spirit, spiritual habits, Acts 2   If this encouraged you, follow the podcast and share the episode with someone who needs a spiritual reset today.