The fourth royal title for the Messiah is Prince of Peace according to Isaiah 9:6. The prophesied Messiah would be a ruler or commander (sar) who brings restoration to something that is broken (shalom). Although the people of Israel longed for the political peace that an earthly king could bring, the Messiah Jesus came as a commander who shed his own blood - not the blood of earthly enemies - in order make possible peace between man and God. True Christmas peace is shalom; that is, restoration between the Creator and the created (Isaiah 53:5). This sermon speaks to two groups of people: those seeking peace, but not with God; and, those who have peace with God but not peace with others or themselves.

In Isaiah 9:6, the third royal title for the Messiah is Everlasting Father. The Messiah would be the perfect and and endless father that our hearts long for. Jesus embodied the protection, care, leadership and unconditional love of a true father. Scripture gives us three promises of our everlasting father, Jesus. Our Messiah promises to love and accept us unconditionally. He promises to discipline us for our ultimate good, and He promises to hold us fast, forever. Ultimately, Jesus Christ's death on a cross and resurrection are proof that He keeps His promises.

Just as the names of God in scripture speak to His character, the prophetic names in Isaiah 9:6 foretell the character of the coming Messiah. Our Messiah, Christ Jesus, is El Gibbor, which translates to "Mighty God." The name means strong, wise, hero God. In today's culture mankind is the hero. The message is to trust and rely on ourselves to survive life's challenges. In contrast, we believe that God sent his son, the Messiah, to be our superhero. There are truths from scripture that help us to trust in El Gibbor - Mighty God - and not ourselves. First, Jesus' might is at work IN us. Second, Jesus' might is at work FOR us. Third, Jesus' might is at work THROUGH us. Ultimately, the sacrifice of His own life illustrated El Gibbor's true display of might!

In the year 730 B.C., King Ahaz is in distress upon learning that Assyria plans to conquer Jerusalem. The prophet Isaiah addresses the king, speaking in Isaiah 9:6 of one who will come to help. His first royal title is "Wonderful Counselor." The title implies that he will be a king like Solomon with both the wisdom and power to guide and lead all in His kingdom. Jesus Christ perfectly lives up to this royal title in two respects. First, He brought words of WISDOM and truth that consistently "astonished" his hearers. Second, Christ's EXPERIENCE on earth validates his counsel to mankind. Jesus experienced the same challenges and emotions that we do. God sent Jesus, the Messiah, to meet us in our felt needs and to provide for our ultimate need -- a Savior. Where do we seek our help: the Wonderful Counselor or a counterfeit?

In Romans 3:1-8 the apostle Paul responds to objections about religion, morality, God's justice, righteousness and faithfulness. In verses 9-20, Paul explains that all people are under sin's power and held accountable to God. Specifically, he concludes that sin makes us equals. That is, both Jews and Gentiles (non Jews) are equally lost. Our failure to perfectly love God and perfectly love people convicts us of our inability to live out God's key commandments. Paul also concludes that our sin problem brings us to silence. The good news is that the power of the gospel transforms the heart. The gospel speaks to inclusion and equality, not marginalization. All are equal at the foot of the cross. When we realize that we aren't seeking God, but He is seeking us, it changes everything!

This sermon is based on Roman 3:1-8. Prior to this passage, the apostle Paul has addressed Jewish Christians who insisted that Gentile Christians needed to follow Old Testament practices. Paul asks and answers the questions that he knows the Jewish believers have in mind regarding the purpose of the law, sin and judgment. Ultimately the Old Testament law reveals mankind's sin and God's holiness. In this scripture passage, Paul affirms three truths.

First, God's words are a gift. Second, God is reliable. Third, rationalizing sin is a trap.

Based on the scripture passage Psalm 52:8-9, Pastor Nate reflects on the history and future of Brandywine Valley Baptist Church. This message looks at God's past faithfulness to our congregation, our present flourishing and our hope for the future. Church leaders present updates for various ministries, and the congregation learns the results of the matching gift campaign to raise funds to pay down the building fund debt.

In Romans 2:12-29, the apostle Paul illustrates that all of humanity - those without the "law" and those with the "law" - are judged by God. The "law" is God's divine standard of righteousness, first revealed to the Jewish people and found in the Old Testament scriptures. People who reject God's law, choosing instead to determine for themselves standards of right and wrong, practice relativism. Those who claim to be righteous because of their security in God's law practice a form of moralism. Ultimately, both systems of ethics will fail us on judgment day because we cannot live up to our own standards, let alone God's law. Humanity's only hope is found in the person of Jesus Christ.

In Romans chapter 1, the apostle Paul traces the downward spiral of the human race, showing the Gentiles (non-Jews) their immoral lifestyle and guilt before a holy God. In chapter 2:1-11, Paul is dealing with the Jews who saw themselves as better than the Gentiles. Even though Paul is addressing the self-righteous Jews, we can all learn from this. Scripture reveals that God will judge self-righteousness, legalism and hypocrisy. He judges according to the truth, according to our deeds, and according to impartiality. God wants to be our Savior; but if we reject the free gift of eternal life through Christ, we will stand before Him as Judge.

In Romans 1:18-32, we see that the downward spiral of humanity's "fall" has resulted in idolatry of all kinds. God's wrath - that is, His settled, fair and righteous disposition toward sinful humanity - is deserved and revealed. Each of us desperately needs to receive the righteousness of God. Why? Scripture states that we exchange the truth about God for a lie. We exchange the worship of God for worship of idols. We also exchange obedience to God for obedience to our desires. All of humanity stands guilty before our divine judge. Only the gospel has the power to break the fall!