Midtown Fellowship: Lexington

Sermon by Brandon Clements on June 1, 2025.Key scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, 17 and Mark 8:36What if the life you're building still leaves you empty? Solomon had it all—pleasure, power, wealth, and wisdom—and still found it meaningless. What are you chasing, and will it really satisfy?

Sermon by Michael Bailey on May 25, 2025.Key scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11“Meaningless, meaningless… everything is meaningless.” That's the opening line, and somehow the beginning of hope. Week one in Ecclesiastes shows us why everything “under the sun” eventually lets us down—and how life with God brings joy to even the most ordinary days.

Sermon by Brandon Clements on May 18, 2025.Key scripture: Acts 2:1-41The church was born not from strategy or charisma, but from divine power. Acts 2 shows us what happens when ordinary people are filled with an extraordinary Spirit.

Sermon by Michael Bailey on May 11, 2025.Key scripture: Acts 1:6-11Jesus didn't disappear—He ascended. And that changes everything about where we look for help, hope, and meaning.

Sermon by Brandon Clements on May 4, 2025.Key scripture: Luke 24:13–35What if the Savior you're hoping for isn't the one you expected... but is actually far better? This week, we walk the road to Emmaus and discover how Jesus meets us even in our confusion.

Sermon by Brandon Clements on April 27, 2025.Key scripture: John 21:1-19 & Luke 22:59-62Because of Jesus' resurrection, everything has changed. In our previous sermon series, we unpacked the significance of Jesus' atoning death on the Cross. For this series, we're shifting our focus to a short period immediately after Jesus' death and resurrection, and all that entails for us as we grow in following Jesus together.

Sermon by Michael Bailey on April 13, 2025.Key scripture: Ephesians 1:5-6 and John 10:27-29All of us long to belong. This week, we explore how, through Jesus' work on the Cross, we are brought into the family of God and what that means for us now.

Sermon by Brandon Clements on April 6, 2025.Key scripture: Colossians 1:9-14 and Galatians 5:1What does freedom look like when following Jesus? What happens when you see the life Scripture calls you to, but it feels disconnected from your reality? In the third week of our series, we'll unpack what it means that Jesus is our redemption - that He's come to free us from slavery to sin and to lead us into life to the fullest.

Sermon by Brandon Clements on March 30, 2025.Key scripture: Hebrews 12:2, Mark 14:43-46, 53-55, 62-65, Mark 15:15-32, Isaiah 51:2-3, and Isaiah 61:7In the second week of our Cross of Christ series, we'll dive into the shame Jesus experienced leading up to and during the crucifixion. This week, we'll see how the cross reveals the devastating weight of shame and how, ultimately, Jesus restores us.

Sermon by Michael Bailey on March 23, 2025.Key scripture: Galatians 3:13-14It has been said that atonement is like a multi-faceted diamond. What Christ accomplished on the cross is massive, and its window into the heart of God is grand. In this series, we study the many things Jesus' death and resurrection achieved as we prepare our hearts and minds for Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday.

Sermon by Michael Bailey on March 16, 2025.Key scripture: James 5:7-20In chapter 5, James wraps up everything he's said and offers practical wisdom: How can we know we have true faith? How can we make it for the long haul? How can we walk faithfully with Jesus and others no matter what life throws at us?

Sermon by Michael Bailey on March 9, 2025.Key scripture: James 4:13-5:6In chapters 4 and 5, James shows how brief life is and how that ought to influence how we live.

Sermon by Andrew Flowers on March 2, 2025.Key scripture: James 4:1-12In chapter 4, James shows us the true sinful source of our relational conflicts and how to deal with it.

Sermon by Brandon Clements on February 23, 2025.Key scripture: James 3:1-18This week in James 3, we'll dive into practically one of the most challenging areas to live in as a follower of Jesus. The Scriptures will call at times a source of healing and blessing and at other times a “raging fire” and a “restless evil” — our words.

Sermon by Michael Bailey on February 16, 2025.Key scripture: James 2:14-26Is your Christian faith the real deal or just a façade? James 2 challenges us to examine our faith, asking if it's genuine and produces real change in our lives, or just a convincing imitation.

Sermon by Brandon Clements on February 9, 2025.Key scripture: James 1:22-2:13This week, James warns us of the danger of learning things about God without doing what God says, particularly when it comes to showing partiality.

Sermon by Michael Bailey on February 2, 2025.Key scripture: James 1:13-18This week, James will help us fight sin in our lives by showing us the nature of sin and the perspective to resist it.

Sermon by Michael Bailey on January 26, 2025.Key scripture: James 1:1-12To faithfully follow Jesus, our faith must be marked by action. Our belief should lead us into good works and obedience. In the book of James, we are challenged by the brother of Jesus to examine the authenticity of our faith and to ensure that it fills each area of our everyday lives.

Sermon by Michael Bailey on January 19, 2025.Key scripture: 1 John 4:7-12, 19-21As we wrap our series, we look at the last piece of our vision as a church: to know and love our neighbors. This week, we look at how loving God and our church family moves us to go out, build friendships, invite others in, and tell them about Jesus.

Sermon by Brandon Clements on January 12, 2025.Key scripture: 1 John 4:7-12, 19-21Last week, we explored the most important thing about us: our vertical relationship with God. This week, we look into how that impacts our horizontal relationships with others and what challenges we often face, as followers of Jesus, from experiencing meaningful community.

Sermon by Brandon Clements on January 5, 2025.“Known and loved.” That's a powerful phrase. At some level, all of us are looking for places in life where we feel known and loved. Some of us have that, and some of us don't. Others of us are looking for that in family, romance, friendships, or any number of things - and have felt hurt or betrayed in the process. And yet, the beauty of Scripture says this is what Jesus offers us when we follow Him.For this series, we'll spend three weeks looking at how Scripture calls us to be known and loved by God, known and loved by each other, and making Jesus' love known to our neighbors.

Timestamps:0:38 - Looking back, why did we want to do this year-long initiative?1:48 - What have been your highlights for the year?7:15 - What's our hope for our church moving forward?9:46 - Practically what does that look like?RESOURCESCheck out MidtownBiblicalLiteracy.com for videos, book recommendations, and Bible reading plansHow-to Study the Bible handoutHow to Study Historical Narrative handoutHow to Study Wisdom Literature handoutHow to Study the Prophets handoutHow to Study the Psalms handoutHow to Study the Gospels handoutHow to Study the New Testament in light of the Old Testament handoutHow to Study Apocalyptic Literature handoutSERMONSGhosts and Ancestors sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchRuth sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchWisdom sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchHow Long O LORD series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchThe Psalms series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch The Gospels series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchHebrews series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchRevelation series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchMusic by Levvy and Midtown MusicFind out more at Weird Tower Collective

Sermon by Brandon Clements on December 22, 2024.As we end our Advent series and Year of Biblical Literacy, we look at the final chapters of Revelation and the ultimate hope that's given for those in Christ.

Sermon by Brandon Clements on December 15, 2024.Last week, we examined the spiritual war in the spiritual realm and how Jesus' birth brought about Satan's defeat. This week, we continue to explore how, through Jesus, we can live into that victory.

Timestamps:1:30 - How do we think about Revelation/apocalyptic literature?4:08 - How do we begin to read Revelation/apocalyptic literature correctly?8:20 - How do we understand the stranger imagery and ideas in Revelation?9:27 - How are we to think about the end times?12:40 - What about the “antichrist”?16:27 - What about the “millennium” in Revelation 20?MIDTOWN RESOURCESCheck out MidtownBiblicalLiteracy.com for videos, book recommendations, and Bible reading plansHow-to Study the Bible handoutHow to Study Historical Narrative handoutHow to Study Wisdom Literature handoutHow to Study the Prophets handoutHow to Study the Psalms handoutHow to Study the Gospels handoutHow to Study the New Testament in light of the Old Testament handoutHow to Study Apocalyptic Literature handoutOTHER RESOURCES For a history on dispensationalism, check out the book: The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism by Daniel G. HummelAlso here's a meme on remembering the different interpretations on the millennium in Revelation 20!SERMONSGhosts and Ancestors sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchRuth sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchWisdom sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchHow Long O LORD series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchThe Psalms series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch The Gospels series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchHebrews series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchRevelation series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchMusic by Levvy and Midtown MusicFind out more at Weird Tower Collective

Sermon by Andrew Flowers on December 8, 2024.This week, we look at Revelation 12. While this passage seems strange and confusing at first glance, we'll see the author "pulling the curtain back" to show us the cosmic battle taking place and how, ultimately, Jesus wins.

Sermon by Brandon Clements on December 1, 2024.In our first sermon in our study of Revelation, we look at the beginning of the letter and discuss how to think well about apocalyptic literature in Scripture. During this Advent season we will be blessed by remembering the first arrival of Christ while longing for his second.

Sermon by Brandon Clements on November 24, 2024.We are often distracted many different things that gain our attention and focus. This week we look at the Apostle Paul's words that show us 3 distinct benefits of focusing our attention on the Lord.

Sermon by Brandon Clements on November 17, 2024.The book of Hebrews concludes by pulling on one final Old Testament thread: the Kingdom of God. Through Jesus, His church is called to embody Heaven on Earth as we live in this already-not-yet tension. So, what does that look like for us? How can we experience more of His Kingdom in our lives, in our community, and in our world?

Sermon by Andrew Flowers on November 10, 2024.In Hebrews 12, the author reminds the readers of the themes of child-shaping discipline and holiness—challening concepts our culture often misunderstands or rejects altogether. How are we to understand the correction from God, our loving Father? What is it for, what does it lead us to, and why is it the best thing for us?

Sermon by Brandon Clements on November 3, 2024.How would you define "faith"? That word is so foundational to following Jesus that it can easily sound like white noise, losing its power and meaning. This week, we look at Hebrews 11 to clarify what that means and how it enables us to endure whatever we face.

Sermon by Andrew Flowers on October 27, 2024.Last week, we taught that Jesus is our perfect high priest and sacrifice. In Hebrews 10, the author moves on to teach how we trust in Christ as a community and faithfully endure to the end. How do we help each other persevere and keep one another from falling away?

For this episode, we interview Dr. Mitch Chase. Mitch Chase is the preaching pastor at Kosmosdale Baptist Church and an associate professor of biblical studies at SBTS in Louisville, Kentucky. He's the author of Short of Glory and Hope for All the Earth. He is married to Stacie, and they have four boys. You can follow him on Twitter and at his Substack, called “Biblical Theology.”Timestamps:2:10 - Introduction3:36 - What were your initial impressions of the Bible?7:48 - What resources helped you better understand the Bible?10:10 - What does biblical theology mean?15:49 - What's the difference between systematic theology and biblical theology?17:03 - How do I begin to see the interconnections in the Bible?30:42 - If Scripture is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, why should I bother with the Old Testament?34:37 - How would you answer the objection, “The New Testament authors forced their ‘Jesus interpretation' onto the Old Testament”?41:49 - What does studying the Bible look like for you now?45:40 - Where can people go to learn more from you?47:52 - Being from Texas, where's the best BBQ in Louisville?Dr. Chase's Books + Resources“Biblical Theology” on Substack40 Questions About Typology and AllegoryResurrection Hope and the Death of Death (Short Studies in Biblical Theology)Short of Glory: A Biblical and Theological Exploration of the FallHope for All the Earth: Understanding the story of the Old TestamentESV Expository Commentary: Daniel–Malachi (Volume 7)The Gospel is for Christians: Second EditionBehold Our Sovereign GodMIDTOWN RESOURCESCheck out MidtownBiblicalLiteracy.com for videos, book recommendations, and Bible reading plans“The Hebrew vs the Christian ordering of the Old Testament"How-to Study the Bible handoutHow to Study Historical Narrative handoutHow to Study Wisdom Literature handoutHow to Study the Prophets handoutHow to Study the Psalms handoutHow to Study the Gospels handoutHow to Study the New Testament in light of the Old Testament handoutOTHER RESOURCES MENTIONEDESV Reader's Bible - The format is great for reading the Bible in larger chunks!The Action Bible by Sergio Cariello Evidence that Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World by Josh McDowell and Sean McDowellPhilosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview by J.P. Moreland and William Lane CraigMere Christianity by C.S. LewisSERMONSGhosts and Ancestors sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchRuth sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchWisdom sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchHow Long O LORD series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchThe Psalms series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch The Gospels series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchHebrews series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchTEXT-IN QUESTIONSThroughout the year, we want to know the concepts and passages you wrestle with. We'll answer some of these questions in podcast episodes throughout the year.To submit your topic or question, text either "DOWNTOWN", “LEXINGTON”, OR “TWO NOTCH” followed by your topic to 855-855-0655.Music by Levvy and Midtown MusicFind out more at Weird Tower Collective

Sermon by Brandon Clements on October 20, 2024.This week, we look at some of the most foundational concepts in the Old Testament meant to help us understand the weight of our sin. While these ancient rituals of atonement might sound foreign in our present-day culture, we'll see how relevant they actually are, and what hope Christ offers us as we battle sin and guilt.

Sermon by Brandon Clements on October 13, 2024.This week, we look at Hebrews 3:7-19 which includes a repeated call from an Old Testament story: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." What is the nature of that rebellion, and how is hardening your heart spiritually dangerous? How can we guard our hearts from the deceitfulness of sin?

Sermon by Andrew Flowers on October 6, 2024.This week, we look at Hebrews 3. In this chapter, the author focuses on one of the most towering figures of the Old Testament, Moses, and how, as great as he is, he ultimately falls short. So how is Jesus better than Moses, and what does this mean for us as followers of Jesus?

Sermon by Jake Blair on September 29, 2024.We began our new series last week discussing how Hebrews cites hundreds of Old Testament stories, characters, and ideas that all culminate in the person of Jesus. This week, as we look at Hebrews 1-2, the author cites an Old Testament concept that, although it may be foreign to us, is profoundly significant to understanding who Jesus is.

Sermon by Andrew Flowers on September 22, 2024.Near the tail end of our Year of Biblical Literacy, we come to the rich, dense book of Hebrews. It's full of callbacks and history, threads pulled from all across the Old Testament. The author assumes intimate knowledge of the old covenant –the sacrificial system, the tabernacle, the promised land–and then shows that they were incomplete, only “copies and shadows.” Each is an arrow pointing to Christ, who himself becomes the mediator of the new covenant–the perfect high priest, the meeting place between God and man, the source of eternal rest for those united to him.

Sermon by Andrew Flowers on September 15, 2024.This week, we look at Mark 9:33-37 and how Jesus redefines greatness for his disciples. So, what does being great in the kingdom of God look like, and how can we experience that now?

For this episode, we interview Dr. Jonathan Pennington. Jonathan Pennington is associate professor of New Testament interpretation and director of research doctoral studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, as well as the associate pastor of preaching at Sojourn Church East. He is the author of The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing, Heaven and Earth in the Gospel of Matthew, and Reading the Gospels Wisely.Timestamps:3:18 - What were your initial impressions of the Bible?6:18 - How did you first learn to study the Bible?9:56 - Why did you decide to pursue seminary and doctoral work?14:15 - What drew you to write on the Sermon on the Mount?17:49 - What are the common misconceptions of the Sermon on the Mount?25:01 - What foundational things to know about the Gospels?29:16 - Why did you write the book Come and See?32:57 - Is the point of studying the Bible to put it into practice?35:33 - What does studying the Bible look like for you now?37:25 - What's your favorite Taylor era?DR. PENNINGTON'S BOOKS + RESOURCESThe Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing: A Theological CommentaryHeaven and Earth in the Gospel of MatthewReading the Gospels Wisely: A Narrative and Theological IntroductionJesus the Great Philosopher: Rediscovering the Wisdom Needed for the Good LifeCome and See: The Journey of Knowing God through ScriptureSmall Preaching: 25 Little Things You Can Do Now to Make Your Preaching Better Reading the New Testament as Christian Scripture: A Literary, Canonical, and Theological Survey “Have You Accepted Jesus as Your Lord and Philosopher?” on The Gospel Coalition“3 Things You Didn't Know About the Sermon on the Mount” on The Gospel CoalitionThe Human Flourishing podcast - Apple | Spotify MIDTOWN RESOURCESCheck out MidtownBiblicalLiteracy.com for videos, book recommendations, and Bible reading plansHow-to Study the Bible handoutHow to Study Historical Narrative handoutHow to Study Wisdom Literature handoutHow to Study the Prophets handoutHow to Study the Psalms handoutHow to Study the Gospels handoutSERMONSGhosts and Ancestors sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchRuth sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchWisdom sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchHow Long O LORD series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchThe Psalms series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch The Gospels series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchTEXT-IN QUESTIONSThroughout the year, we want to know the concepts and passages you wrestle with. We'll answer some of these questions in podcast episodes throughout the year.To submit your topic or question, text either "DOWNTOWN", “LEXINGTON”, OR “TWO NOTCH” followed by your topic to 855-855-0655.Music by Levvy and Midtown MusicFind out more at Weird Tower Collective

Sermon by Brandon Clements on September 8, 2024.This week focuses on the story of the rich young ruler from Luke 18:18-30 and how he--though he had nearly everything in this life--walked away sad, unable to experience the kingdom. So what might be keeping you from experiencing Jesus' kingdom? What idols might have their hold on you?

Sermon by Brandon Clements on September 1, 2024.Jesus' teaching ministry is summed up in one word: repentance. This week, we look at how this applies to our church family. For example, what happens when people following Jesus sin against each other? What does repentance look like, then? How can we, as part of God's kingdom, move forward if we're stuck in bitterness and resentment?

Sermon by Chet Phillips on August 25, 2024.Humans throughout time have had many thoughts about what they must do to be made right with God. In John chapter 6, Jesus performs a stunning miracle and then answers this question in a very direct and compelling way.

Timestamps:1:47 - What happened between the Old and New Testaments?7:42 - How did the Jewish people interpret the Old Testament during those 400 years?8:00 - The Pharisees10:26 - The Sadducees13:50 - The Essenes15:39 - The ZealotsMIDTOWN RESOURCESCheck out MidtownBiblicalLiteracy.com for videos, book recommendations, and Bible reading plans“The Hebrew vs the Christian ordering of the Old Testament"How-to Study the Bible handoutHow to Study Historical Narrative handoutHow to Study Wisdom Literature handoutHow to Study the Prophets handoutHow to Study the Psalms handoutHow to Study the Gospels handoutOTHER RESOURCESThe Cradle, The Cross, and the Crown: An Introduction to the New Testament by Drs. Andreas J Kostenberger, L. Scott Kellum, and Charles L. Quarles“Jewish Sects During the Time of Jesus” by N.T. Wright (video)The Complete 100-Book Apocrypha: Expanded 2024 Edition by Covenant PressSERMONSGhosts and Ancestors sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchRuth sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchWisdom sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchHow Long O LORD series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchThe Psalms series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch The Gospels series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchTEXT-IN QUESTIONSThroughout the year, we want to know the concepts and passages you wrestle with. We'll answer some of these questions in podcast episodes throughout the year.To submit your topic or question, text either "DOWNTOWN", “LEXINGTON”, OR “TWO NOTCH” followed by your topic to 855-855-0655.Music by Levvy and Midtown MusicFind out more at Weird Tower Collective

Sermon by Michael Bailey on August 18, 2024.How would you summarize Jesus' teachings? Depending on who you ask, you're likely to get different answers. However, Jesus' summary statement is actually one of his first statements in the Gospels: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In other words, Jesus' life and teachings are all about ushering in God's loving rule and reign on Earth as it is in Heaven. So what might His kingdom look like in our city, and how do we faithfully follow Him in our time and place?Join us for five weeks as we examine the life and teachings of Jesus and consider how the good news of the Kingdom and its King changes everything.

Sermon by Brandon Clements on August 11, 2024.On our last week in the Psalms, we're going to look at a Psalm that brings many of the other Psalms together and shows us how to build a rock-solid identity on God. This Psalm is full of good news about God's posture towards us, and how that should affect both how we relate to him and how we think about ourselves.

Timestamps:0:44 - What do we mean when we say “The Writings” of the Old Testament?2:22 - The Torah: the rise of the kingdom, The Prophets: the fall of the kingdom, The Writings: longing for the kingdom6:25 - Breaking down each book in The Writings7:30 - The Psalms9:52 - Lamentations10:25 - Daniel13:31 - Esther16:47 - Ezra-Nehemiah17:37 - Chronicles20:07 - Why do these books matter and what do they ultimately tell us?Midtown ResourcesCheck out MidtownBiblicalLiteracy.com for videos, book recommendations, and Bible reading plans“The Hebrew vs the Christian ordering of the Old Testament"How-to Study the Bible handoutHow to Study Historical Narrative handoutHow to Study Wisdom Literature handoutHow to Study the Prophets handoutHow to Study the Psalms handoutOTHER ResourcesDominion and Dynasty: A Theology of the Hebrew Bible by Stephen DempsterWisdom for Faithful Reading: Principles and Practices for Old Testament Interpretation by John H. WaltonEncountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey by Bill T. Arnold and Bryan E. BeyerSermonsGhosts and Ancestors sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchRuth sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchWisdom sermon series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchHow Long O LORD series - Lexington | Downtown | Two NotchThe Psalms series - Lexington | Downtown | Two Notch Text-in questionsThroughout the year, we want to know the concepts and passages you wrestle with. We'll answer some of these questions in podcast episodes throughout the year.To submit your topic or question, text either "DOWNTOWN", “LEXINGTON”, OR “TWO NOTCH” followed by your topic to 855-855-0655.Music by Levvy and Midtown MusicFind out more at Weird Tower Collective

Sermon by Michael Bailey on August 4, 2024.No matter what the headlines say, Psalm 146 shows us how to have hope that lies beyond our current political landscape—a hope that empowers stable, faithful, and joy-filled living in unstable times.This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

Sermon by Brandon Clements on July 28, 2024.In our time, there are many competing ideas regarding how we think of children. And yet, Psalm 127 cuts through the noise to offer a vision for thinking about the next generation.This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.