Ninth Avenue Church of Christ

Ninth Avenue Church

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.

  1. The Weight of "Good Things": Running the Race with Endurance

    JAN 25

    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 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?.

    30 min
  2. JAN 18

    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 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.

    22 min
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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.