Ninth Avenue Church of Christ

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.

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.

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 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.

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 “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.

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 (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:

1. Put time with God on your calendar.

2. Read one chapter, four days this week.

3. 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.

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—Mark 16, Acts 2, Ephesians 1, and 1 Peter 3—to show how faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Spirit work together in God’s plan of salvation.

Discover the meaning of being sealed by the Spirit, the joy of forgiveness, and the unity God intends for His church. Whether you’re seeking answers about salvation or simply need a renewed perspective on God’s love, this message will guide you back to the heart of the gospel.

Listen and be encouraged to take the next step in your walk with Christ.

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, teachers, and parents, offering a spiritual reset for the year ahead. Drawing from Matthew 5:16, he reminds us that our calling is to shine, not just pass through the year unnoticed.

You’ll discover:

• Why your school or workplace is a God-ordained mission field

• How to be a light that’s not just noticeable—but effective

• How to help your children form lasting spiritual habits

• Encouragement for navigating chaos with calm and purpose

Whether you’re heading back to school or just need a spiritual recharge, this message is for you.

🔔 Subscribe and share to help others start the year with purpose.

📖 “Let your light shine before others… that they may glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

#BackToSchool #ChristianParenting #YouthMinistry #LetYourLightShine #FaithInTheClassroom #MatthewBalentine #ChurchPodcast

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 to repentance and restoration.

🎯 Challenge: Ask God to reveal one overlooked person in your life—and reach out.

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 territory and toward something unexpected. When God shuts a door, it’s not rejection—it’s redirection.

You’ll learn:

• Why God sometimes interrupts even our best intentions

• How to stay sensitive to the Spirit’s leading

• What one faithful step can mean for an entire community

• How to respond when ministry feels stalled

➡️ Whether you're a church leader, new believer, or seasoned disciple, this message invites you to stop, listen, and ask: What is God calling me to next?

🙌 Stay encouraged. The mission doesn’t end—it just shifts.

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'll learn how God's grace patiently pursues us, how He uses storms to redirect us, and why He always offers a second chance. Whether you're struggling with obedience or afraid to take the next step, this message invites you to stop running and start trusting.

Key Takeaways:

• The 3 reasons we avoid God’s call

• What Jonah’s storm teaches us about spiritual wake-up calls

• Why comfort can be more dangerous than cost

• The power of second chances

• How to simply and confidently share God's love

Scripture: Jonah 1–3
Speaker: Matthew Balentine
Series: The Mission Starts Here

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 begin in a distant country—it begins with our neighbors, our friends, and the people we interact with every day.

Drawing from Matthew 28, Matthew explores how even the disciples struggled with doubt, and yet Jesus still called them—and us—to go and make disciples. This message is a timely encouragement for anyone who has ever felt unqualified, afraid, or unsure about sharing their faith.

Tune in to discover:

• Why your mission field starts at home

• How to overcome the fear of not knowing enough

• What it really means to “go” and live the gospel

• How VBS can be more than an event—it can be an eternal opportunity

Whether you’re preparing to serve next week or just needing a renewed sense of purpose, this episode will reignite your passion for the mission of Christ.

👉 Subscribe and share to help others discover their calling in the mission.

🎧 Because the mission doesn’t start there—it starts here.