Ninth Avenue Church of Christ
Religion & Spirituality
About
Listen to Bible-based and scripturally-sound sermons preached during the worship services of the Ninth Avenue Church of Christ, located in Haleyville, Alabama. All sermons are by our Preaching Minister, Matthew Balentine, unless otherwise indicated. Our Youth Minister is Josh Wade.
Episodes
- Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
What does the Bible actually teach about baptism and salvation? In this sermon from Ephesians 4, Mark 16, Acts 2, and 1 Peter 3, we look closely at the connection between belief, repentance, baptism, forgiveness of sins, and the gift of th…
- Find Your Jerusalem | Where the Great Commission Begins
What if living the Great Commission starts closer than you think? In this message from Acts 1, we explore Jesus’ words to His disciples that they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Before the…
- Distracted from What Matters Most? | The Great Commission Re-centered (Matthew 28:18–20)
It’s easy to get distracted—even in our faith. In this message, we take a hard and honest look at how “good things” can quietly pull us away from the most important thing Jesus ever commanded: making disciples. Rooted in Matthew 28:18–20,…
- Anchored in the Storm: Keeping Your Eyes on Jesus (Matthew 14:22–33)
Storms are a part of life. Sometimes they come without warning, and sometimes they arrive even when we’re doing exactly what God has asked us to do. In this sermon, Matthew Balentine explores the powerful story of Peter walking on water in…
- Jesus Isn’t an Add-On: Counting the Cost of Real Discipleship (Luke 14:25–33)
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…
- Follow Me: When Ordinary Lives Become Extraordinary (Matthew 4:18–22)
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 wit…
- Deny Yourself, Take Up Your Cross Daily | Luke 9:23
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 u…
- Follow Me: The Invitation You Can’t Ignore
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…
- The Weight of "Good Things": Running the Race with Endurance
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 perseve…
- Finding Purpose in the Seasons of Life (Ecclesiastes 3)
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…
- Create in Me a Clean Heart: When God Transforms What Behavior Can’t
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 fixe…
- God Is Leverage: Why Keeping God Close Changes Everything
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 re…
- When Doing the Right Thing Costs You
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, un…
- Make Room for God: Preparing Your Heart for What Comes Next
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 c…
- Unkink the Hose: How to Restore the Flow of God’s Blessings
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 illus…
- Why Giving Matters: A Biblical Call to Gratitude
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…
- Don’t Bury God’s Blessings
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 ent…
- From the Valley of Denial to the Peak of Restoration How Jesus Meets Us in Our Lowest Moments and Restores Our Purpose
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…
- The Night Faith Collapsed: Peter’s Denial and Jesus’ Restoration
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 disappoint…
- Find Purpose In Your Valley
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 ,…
- Jesus Is Always There | Luke 15
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.…
- Pressing Reset: Finding Hope When Life Knocks You Down
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…
- The Cure for Loneliness: Devoted to True Fellowship
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 “l…
- Reset Your Devotion: Transformation Through God's Word
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…
- God's Desire For You To Be Saved: The Truth About Salvation, Baptism, and the Holy Spirit
In this compelling sermon, Matthew Balentine explores God’s greatest longing—for all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3–4). Through clear and passionate teaching, he walks us through key Scriptures—Mar…
- This Is Your Mission Field: Let You Light Shine This School Year
As the new school year begins, what if you saw your classroom, your workplace, or your family routine not just as a schedule—but as a mission field ? In this encouraging and practical message, Matthew Balentine speaks directly to students,…
- Overlooked But Not Forgotten
Jesus didn’t stop for the crowd—He stopped for one man in a tree. In this episode, we explore the story of Zacchaeus and how real evangelism begins with seeing the people others overlook. Learn how relationship—not pressure—opens the door…
- When God Shuts the Door
What do you do when your plans—especially the good ones—fall apart? In this message from Acts 16, Matthew Balentine walks through Paul’s missionary journey and the surprising moment when the Holy Spirit redirects him away from familiar ter…
- Stop Running from God (Jonah 1–3)
Episode Summary: Why do we run from what God clearly calls us to do? In this message, Matthew Balentine explores the story of Jonah and reveals the real reasons we resist the mission of God—fear, discomfort, pride, and inconvenience. You'l…
- The Mission Starts Here: Overcoming Fear to Live Your Faith Boldly
In this week’s message, Matthew Balentine kicks off a powerful new series focused on evangelism and living out the Great Commission—starting right where we are. As Vacation Bible School approaches, we’re reminded that mission work doesn’t…
- When Plans Fall Apart: Trusting God’s Purpose Amid Life’s Challenges
Have you ever faced a moment when everything you planned suddenly falls apart? In this inspiring message, Pastor Matthew Balentine shares how, even in our weakest and most painful times, God’s presence never fails. Using lessons from super…
- Praying Bigger Prayers
In this powerful conclusion to our sermon series on The Power of Prayer , Matthew Balentine invites us to step out of safe, predictable prayers and into bold, faith-filled conversations with God. Drawing from Ephesians 3:14–21, we explore:…
- The Garden Prayer: Wrestling with God’s Will Like Jesus
In this week’s message from Matthew 26, Matthew Balentine leads us into the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus poured out His heart in prayer. With raw honesty and divine surrender, Jesus modeled how we, too, can wrestle with God’s will and…
- Can the Church Still Be Relevant Today? | Real, Biblical, Christ-Centered
In a world searching for answers, is the church still essential? Join us for a conversation grounded in timeless biblical wisdom. 📖 Discover why being biblically based , authentically real , and focused on Jesus is the answer to staying r…
- Prayer First: Leading Through Change | Acts 1 Reflection
In today’s episode, we explore how the apostles faced leadership transitions by anchoring themselves in prayer. 🙏 Drawing from Acts 1:12-26, we discuss why prayer is crucial during uncertain seasons — not just a fallback when plans fail.…
- Ask Boldly, Lead Wisely: Lessons from Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom
In this episode, Matthew Balentine takes us deep into the heart of 1 Kings 3, where Solomon is offered a blank check from God: “Ask for whatever you want.” Instead of asking for power, wealth, or comfort, Solomon makes a surprising choice—…
- The Prayer of a Broken Heart
In this sermon, we dive deep into the story of Hannah from 1 Samuel 1—a woman whose silent suffering and heartfelt prayer led to one of the most powerful turning points in Israel’s history. As you reflect on Hannah’s emotional journey, we’…
- What We Learn from Godly Mothers
Join us on “What We Learn from Godly Mothers” as we dive into the inspiring stories of women whose faith moved mountains and shaped history. In this episode, we unpack Paul’s charge in 1 Timothy 1:5 by exploring four pillars of a faith-fil…
- What Next?
In this inspiring and emotional Senior Sunday message, Youth Minister Josh Wade shares a heartfelt challenge not just for graduating seniors—but for the entire church community. Delivered on May the 4th, with a nod to Star Wars fans everyw…
- A Generation That Knows the Lord
In today’s message, Matthew Balentine addresses a critical challenge: ensuring that the next generation knows and loves the Lord. Drawing lessons from Judges 2 and Deuteronomy 6, he reminds us that faith must be passed down intentionally.…
- “If Christ Is Not Raised…” — Why the Resurrection Changes Everything ✝️ | 1 Corinthians 15
In this episode, we explore why the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a miracle — it’s the core of the gospel and the key to our eternal hope. Learn how Paul refutes doubt, confirms the resurrection, and reveals what it means for ou…
- Journeys of Faith - Part Five
Are you just sitting in the pew—or living a faith that rings out? In this inspiring message, Matthew Balentine uses the metaphor of a decorative bell to challenge Christians to live boldly and authentically. Based on 1 Thessalonians 1, thi…
- Journeys of Faith - Part Four
In this powerful exploration of faith, we delve into the remarkable story of the centurion from Matthew 8:5-13. This narrative challenges us to examine the depth and authenticity of our own belief. The centurion, an outsider to the Jewish…
- When Life Is Overwhelming (Josh Wade)
In this sermon from Josh Wade's fifth Sunday series, we explore the theme "When Life is Overwhelming." Our discussion focuses on navigating stress, anxiety, and life's uncertainties by anchoring ourselves in God's promises. Starting with M…
- When Life Doesn't Make Sense (Josh Wade)
When life throws us curveballs, how do we hold onto our faith? This powerful message reminds us that our understanding is limited, but God's plan is far greater. Drawing from Proverbs 3:5-6, we're encouraged to trust in the Lord with all o…
- Journeys of Faith - Part Three
Welcome to a soul-stirring exploration of faith and transformation in our latest episode. Join us as we delve into Genesis 32, unraveling the compelling narrative of Jacob – a man defined by deception, yet destined for divine redemption. I…
- Journeys of Faith - Part Two
Join us in this inspiring episode as we explore the powerful message of faith and action, journeying through biblical narratives to draw wisdom and strength for our lives today. Our focus this week is on Nehemiah, a figure whose story tran…
- Journeys of Faith - Part One
Join us on a journey through Genesis as we explore the profound narrative of Noah and his unwavering faith in God. This episode delves into the generational impact of faith, tracing the lineage from Seth to Noah, highlighting the faithful…
- Loving Our Enemies
Embark on a transformative journey with us at the Ninth Avenue Church, as we delve deep into the timeless teachings of love from the Word of God. This episode challenges us to transcend our comfort zones and embrace the radical love that J…
- Love Within the Church
Join us in exploring the profound message of God's love and his greatest commandment as we dive deep into the scriptures. From John 3:16's timeless message of divine sacrifice to the heartwarming exhortations of 1 Corinthians 13, this epis…