Listen to Bible-based and scripturally-sound sermons preached during the worship services of the Ninth Avenue Church, located in Haleyville, Alabama. All sermons are by our Preaching Minister, Matthew Balentine, unless otherwise indicated. Our Youth Minister is Josh Wade.
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...
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 m...
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 ...
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 y...
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.
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 sensitiv...
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...
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 ...
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 superheroes like Superman, Batman, and The Flash, along with powerful biblical stories, this sermon reminds us that God’s grace is made perfect in weakness, and that pain can lead to purp...
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:
What it means to pray beyond our “faith hula hoop”
How posture—both physical and spiritual—can shape our prayer life
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 come out transformed.
⏳ Topics include:
The meaning of the four Passover cups
Jesus’ emotional and spiritual battle
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 relevant in any generation.
Tune in and be inspired to live your faith boldly! 🙌
🔗 Subscribe ...
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. Discover why starting every conversation with prayer, not preference, can transform your leadership and your life.
⏳ 30 Minutes of Encouragement & R...
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—he asks for wisdom. Through this powerful story, Matthew explores how our prayers reveal our priorities, how boldness and humility can coexist in our conversations with God, and why ...
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’ll see what it means to carry silent burdens, how God works even in seasons of delay, and the power of raw, honest prayer. This message is for anyone who has ever felt forgotten, misunderstood, or...
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-filled legacy: how everyday faith plants eternal seeds, the courage required to stand apart, the power of persistent prayer, and the beauty of surrendering to God’s plan. Through the ex...
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 everywhere, this episode blends pop culture references with profound spiritual truths to encourage the next generation to step boldly into their faith journey. 💫🎓
You’ll hear a call to action for pa...
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. Learn how family life, daily faith rhythms, and the loving support of a church community work together to build a faith legacy that endures.
Key Topics:
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 our own future.
🔍 Topics covered:
The consequences of denying the resurrection
Greek views vs. Christian truth
Jesus’...
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, this sermon calls believers to move beyond passive faith into Spirit-filled conviction and gospel-driven action.
📖 Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:3–10 🎙️ Speaker: Matthew Balentine 🔔 Theme: Funct...
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
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