Sermons | Midtown Fellowship: Two Notch

Sermon by Ant Frederick 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 Ant Frederick 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 Ant Frederick 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 Ant Frederick 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 Ant Frederick 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 Ant Frederick 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 Ant Frederick on April 20, 2025.Christ has risen and ascended to the right hand of the Father where He reigns and intercedes for us as our Great High Priest!

Sermon by Ant Frederick on April 13, 2025.Key scripture: Galations 4:4-7All 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 Ant Frederick on April 6, 2025.Key scripture: Colossians 1:13-14What 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 Ant Frederick 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 Ant Frederick 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 Jon Ludovina 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 Ant Frederick 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 Ant Frederick 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 Ant Frederick 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 Ant Frederick 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 Ant Frederick 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 Ant Frederick 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 Ant Frederick on January 19, 2025.Key scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:14-20As 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 Ant Frederick on January 12, 2025.Key scripture: 1 John 4:7-12Last 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 Ant Frederick 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 Ant Frederick 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 JayWill Wilson on December 15, 2024.Because of the first advent of our King, there will be a time where all of our hearts will experience unhindered joy and praise to God. As we anticipate His second advent, we anticipate the time when all of God's people from all time will erupt in that praise together.

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 Ant Frederick on December 8, 2024.This week, we look at Revelation 12. Through the grandiose imagery of this passage, we'll see the author pulling the curtain back to show us the cosmic battle taking place and how, ultimately, Jesus wins.This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

Sermon by Will Broadus on December 1, 2024.Our Savior is both a mighty conquering lion and a slain lamb. In this paradox, we find ample reason to worship Him.This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

Sermon by Justin Gates 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 Ant Frederick on November 17, 2024.The race of remaining faithful to God as we lay aside weights and sin is a tiring one, and it can be easy for us to grow weary. Thankfully, the author of Hebrews gives us encouragements about the Discipline of The Lord that remind us of the beauty and the glory of God's process of developing us.This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

Sermon by Ant Frederick on November 10, 2024.One of the most detrimental things a runner can do is cling to something that is slowing and weighing them down. In chapter 12, we are encouraged to lay aside every weight that would hinder us as we "run the race" that Jesus has set before us. This week we are encouraged to run well with endurance.This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

Sermon by Ant Frederick on November 3, 2024.How would you define "faith"? That word is so foundational to following Jesus and so familiar to us, that we sometimes lose 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.This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

Sermon by Ant Frederick on October 27, 2024.This week, we look at one of the most foundational concepts in the Old Testament: the temple, the priests, and the sacrifice. Even though, we don't use the sacrificial system in the same way as the people of God did in the Old Testament, learning about this system helps us to know, appreciate, and cherish our Savior.This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

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 Ant Frederick on October 20, 2024.During the warning to not harden our hearts, the author of Hebrews calls us to take responsibility for each other. Sin's deception is so threatening that we need to rely on and support each other so we can be protected from the temptation to fall away. This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

Sermon by Jon Jamison on October 13, 2024.Many believe that Paul was the most influential Apostle. This week, as we see his conversion, we'll examine and learn from how God used a seemingly apprehensive man named Ananias in Paul's life to set him on the course being the impactful man of God that he became.This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

Sermon by Ant Frederick on October 6, 2024.The book of Hebrews has multiple strong warnings to not harden our hearts and fall away from God. This week, we'll begin to examine the consequences of not heeding those warnings and the tremendous blessings of enduring in our faith.This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

Sermon by Jake Blair on September 29, 2024.We began our new series last week discussing how Hebrews cites Old Testament occurrences 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 is profoundly significant to understanding who Jesus is.This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

Sermon by Ant Frederick 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.This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

Sermon by Ant Frederick on September 15, 2024."n our world, we often seek approval, esteem, and recognition from others through our social interactions. But imagine how different our world would be if, instead, we prioritized honoring and uplifting others in those same spaces. This is the way of life in the Kingdom of God.This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

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 Ant Frederick on September 8, 2024.This week, we look to Jesus' story that compares the Word of God with seeds and our hearts with the ground that the seeds fall on. This exposing teaching of Jesus opens our eyes to be able to see what kind of heart embraces His Word and what kind of heart doesn't receive it.This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

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 Ant Frederick 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. It's a Psalm that helps us see how to become the kind of people we want to become—the kind of people who know who we are in a way that cannot be shaken.This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

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 Ant Frederick on August 4, 2024.The Psalms consistently direct our attention to the emotions we experience, and it gives us examples of how we bring those emotions to God. In Psalm 42, we will see how to seek God when when our souls are troubled.This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.

Sermon by Ant Frederick on July 28, 2024.Consistent, sustaining contentment is sought by many yet obtained by few. Psalm 16 serves as a roadmap to true contentment - showing us where it is found and where it isn't. This week, we are reminded that our God is our chosen portion.This series is part of our Year of Biblical Literacy initiative.