The Apostle Paul headlines his letter to the Romans with its theme of good news; this is the meaning of the word "gospel." In Romans 1:1-17 Paul introduces himself to his readers and his message. We learn that Paul is proclaiming "good news" about: a promised savior; the God-man, Jesus; grace; a message for all people; and about a saving power. This sermon challenges us to ask ourselves if the gospel has become real to us personally.

Although work is clearly important to God, we must not make our occupation an idol; that is, something to which we give too much weight or devotion. The scripture verses in Psalm 127:1-2 and Matthew 6:9-24 provide indicators that our work may be an idol - that our worship is misplaced. One, our work is in vain. Two, our hope is in wealth. Three, our identity is in our occupation. Pastor Matthew provides a simple question to ask ourselves in determining if our work has become an idol. He also gives steps to take if work is an idol.

The scripture passages in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 and Colossians 3:22-25 reveal five ways to approach work as worship. First, work according to your divine design; that is, discover your internal calling. Second, pursue work that is beneficial. This kind of work contributes to the community we want to live in. Third, consider all work as worthy of dignity. There is no caste system within the Gospel. Fourth, work for our true master (God), not our earthly master. We work to please God, not to earn favor with man. Finally, put our soul into our work. Christians should be known for our work ethic and excellence.

All work matters to God because God Himself worked, and we are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:31). Our work reflects His activity, reveals God's glory and fills our lives with productivity. We see from scripture that our work is meant to serve God's purposes rather than our own purposes. At the same time, God enables us to feel the greatest pleasure and wholeness when our reflection of Him is fully expressed. One of the primary ways we develop this "godlikeness" is through our work.

All humans share the need to belong. Sociologists define healthy belonging as the convergence of four basic elements: security, authenticity, maturity and mission. The Church ought to be a place where people can find all these elements because Jesus Christ designed His church with healthy belonging at its heart. That’s why “Meaningful Membership and Community” is a core value at Brandywine Valley Baptist Church. This sermon explains why belonging can be such a struggle and how Jesus restores our belonging through a personal, relational God. Listeners are exhorted to invest in biblical community at BVBC.

Throughout the Sermon on the Mount Jesus has been asking "Will you follow me?" This sermon, from Matthew 7:13-27, looks at the broad road vs. the narrow road. It investigates three options: 1. My Way vs God's Way 2. Deceptive Religion vs. Real Relationship (and signs of self-deception) 3. Hearing vs. Doing.

The scripture verses regarding judgment in Matthew 7:1-5 are often used in a way that does not reflect Christ's intention. This sermon will address: (1) what judging is not; (2) how we judge wrongly; and (3) how we judge rightly. Pastor Nate explains how the ability to clearly see our own sin and to truly know the grace and mercy of God reflects the stages of spiritual maturity.

In Matthew 6:25-34 and 7:7-11, Jesus addresses the kind of worry that is a restless, anxious care about temporal things - the here and now. He speaks to the natural question: "If I choose God as my master and place my value and source of security in heaven, who will take care of my daily needs on earth?" Jesus gives three reasons why we should not worry: 1. God cares for his creatures, and we are of even more value; 2. He "dresses" the flowers of the field in beauty and cares even more for his children; and 3. Our heavenly father knows our needs. This sermon also addresses God's promises, His values and steps to overcome worry.

In Matthew 6:19-24, Jesus redefines what it means to be wealthy. If we are to follow Him, our investments and wealth must be aimed at eternal things. Only heavenly treasure can provide security and permanence. How do we invest in heavenly things? We "store up heavenly treasure" when we live our lives with open hearts and open hands. This sermon addresses the challenge in and the solution for living according to this counter-cultural perspective

In Matthew 6:1-8, Jesus addresses Imitation vs Authentic Religion. This includes giving, prayer and fasting. Jesus reserved his harshest words for hypocrites. Hypocrisy is deceiving yourself, it is like wearing a mask. Others see what the mask portrays but you see the what’s behind the mask. When you perform a good deed, do you care who gets the credit? Jesus may have no tolerance for hypocrisy, but he has UNLIMTED GRACE for those who take off the mask. Now is the time to get real with God and get real with others.