In Part 2 of Romans, the apostle Paul begins to transition from his argument that no one is righteous before a holy God to how we become righteous before God. Becoming righteous is not something we DO, but it is something we RECEIVE from God by faith in the only righteous one, Jesus Christ. This sermon explores the massive significance of righteousness and provides an understanding of three big, theological terms: justification, redemption and propitiation.

As believers, we need to be

increasingly praying outward, God-centered prayers; that is, prayers that align with the mission of God

in the world, to introduce people to Jesus Christ and help them follow Him. The scripture verses in Colossians 4:2-4 provide us with four traits of a missional prayer life. First, prioritize prayer. Second, pray for gospel opportunities. Third, pray for gospel clarity. Fourth, don't waste gospel circumstances. Missional prayers are the fuel for missions in our community, in our country, and across the globe.

Kenyan missionary Pastor Steve Njenga brings the sermon today from Nehemiah 1:1-11. Nehemiah's example shows us that making a difference in Christian missions requires us to turn to God in prayer and surrender our lives to be used of God. In order to be transformed and strengthened to serve God and others, Christians need: to receive the right information; to be touched by the needs of others; to respond to the needs; and to not listen to discouragers. To accomplish His purposes, God uses ordinary, humble people who first come to Him in prayer.

The missional prayer for this Sunday is for harvest workers (Matthew 9:35-38). We see in this scripture passage that a spiritual harvest is always preceded by two movements: first, a movement of compassion; and second, a movement of prayer. Jesus modeled this for us by seeing the physical and spiritual needs of people, feeling their pain, and doing something about it. When believers go to the places where there are lost and hurting people, we too are moved by compassion to pray for them. God uses us to be part of the harvest, as we witness lives transformed by the gospel of Christ.

Prayer was vital for God's people in the Old Testament, vital in the early church of the New Testament, and prayer must be vital in the life of BVBC. The hope is that our prayers would become more focused on God's mission. We see in John 15:16 that God answers prayers for bearing fruit in our service to him. This sermon addresses the epidemic of addiction, especially in Delaware. Individuals with Delmarva Adult and Teen Challenge share how their programs introduce Jesus to those enslaved by addiction, resulting in disciples of Christ whose freedom is restored with new life in Him.

Pastor Todd talks about what it looks like to live in community with one another in the local church. In Galatians 6:1-10, the apostle Paul addresses this topic with believers in the early church. Following Paul's instructions, believers are exhorted to: (1) bear one another's burdens as a means to truly live; and (2) seek out opportunities to do good to everyone. Our ability and availability to live out these principles is dependent on our relationship with Christ and our willingness to surrender to Him.

It is clear from scripture and Christ's prayer for all believers (John 17:20-23) that the Christian life is meant to be lived in connection with a body of believers. In this passage Jesus speaks of His divine unity with God the father as well as unity among believers. This can be illustrated as three cords, woven together, that unite all Christians. As believers we share: (1) our union with Christ; (2) our experience as forgiven sinners; and (3) our responsibility for each other. Our unity, expressed by our love for one another, must be observable by the watching world.

As we consider the future of Brandywine Valley Baptist Church in the next 50 years, we look to the book of Revelation to read what Jesus Christ Himself has to say to the churches of the Roman Empire. The apostle John, who penned these church letters, inspired his readers then and now to catch a vision of Christ's splendor and supremacy above all things. This sermon looks at what we can expect to see at Brandywine Valley in the next 50 years if Christ remains the supreme focus of our church.

BVBC Pastor Emeritus Bo Matthews leads us in looking back at God's faithfulness in sustaining our church over the past 50 years. We clearly see His Spirit at work throughout the painful years as well as the years of flourishing. God has been the "source of our strength and the strength of our life" at BVBC; therefore, "it is good and right to give Him praise."

Three resolutions to consider for 2020 based on Lamentations 3:22-24. 1. Resolve to believe in the steadfast love of God. 2. Resolve to believe that God's mercies are never ending. 3. Resolve to believe that God's love and mercy are brand new each day. Learn more about these resolutions and their Biblical foundation.