In Matthew 5:38-48, Jesus redefines what true love is all about. A life marked by radical love - not self interest - is the essence of what it looks like to be a Christian. The PATH of radical love is proactive, showing love in the face of hate and injustice. The PRACTICE of radical love begins with understanding that we too were enemies (of God). This enables the Christ-follower to seek restoration, practice hospitality and pray for our enemies. The PURPOSE of radical love is to model God's love, showing we are properly related to our heavenly father.

The scripture passage for this sermon is Matthew 5:27-32 in which Jesus addresses issues of the heart concerning marriage, lust and divorce. Pastor Nate explains the covenant design of marriage as it differs from the consumer relationship of marriage. We learn how the consuming desire of lust becomes a form of idolatry that requires "drastic spiritual surgery." Jesus speaks to the concession of divorce in this passage, and we are reminded that marriage was originally intended to be a lifelong, covenantal relationship (Matthew 19:6). The topics of permissible divorce, remarriage and abuse are also addressed.

In Matthew 5:21-26, Jesus addresses the issue of anger, calling us to see and love others in the same way that God does. He powerfully challenges His followers to ask for forgiveness from others, and to forgive others. This message explains how to have a right relationship with God when it comes to anger, what happens when we don't forgive, and how we can forgive those that wrong us.

Pastor Nate introduces this series by answering this question: “Why is the Sermon on the Mount the greatest sermon of all time?” There are five primary reasons. First, Jesus is the preacher. Second, the sermon is timeless, relevant and revolutionary. Third, it is the true measuring rod for the Church. Fourth, these words of Jesus simultaneously bring comfort and make us feel uncomfortable. Finally, this sermon is a radical call to action. In Matthew 5:1-16, Jesus begins his sermon with eight mottos, called the Beatitudes, about the “blessed” or "happy" life in the kingdom of God. Ultimately, Jesus asks, “Will you follow me?”

In June, four mission teams comprised of teens, young adults and adult volunteers traveled to Belize, Bolivia and Kentucky to serve impoverished communities. All team members share with the congregation their favorite part of the trip and what God taught them.

There are passages in the Old Testament in which God commands the Israelite Army to utterly destroy certain Canaanite cities in the land that God promised to Abraham and his descendants. This sermon addresses hard questions: Is God a genocidal, malevolent bully? Is the God of the Old Testament the same God we read about in the New Testament? Pastor Nate gives three responses. One, God brings judgment upon a generationally wicked Canaanite culture. Two, God desired to stop the spiritual poison (of the Canaanites) from spreading to the Israelites and the nations. Three, God was exceedingly patient with the Canaanites. In the New Testament, God displays both His judgment and His love through the sacrifice of Christ. Christians are now agents of God's love, reconciliation and peace - not God's judgment.

In this sermon, Pastor McNutt focuses on two questions. First, does fear-based faith reflect a healthy understanding of God's power? Second, are we asking the wrong questions of scripture? There are several key considerations in addressing these questions. Our bias can lead us astray when interpreting scripture. The Bible was not intended to be a scientific textbook. The purpose of scripture is to point us to God. All truth is God's truth. Ultimately, faith and science complement each other.

The evangelical church and Brandywine Valley Baptist Church view scripture as authoritative, true and applicable to our lives. This sermon answers two key questions. One, what do LGBT+ affirming Christians and churches believe? Second, what does the Bible teach about homosexuality? Scripture teaches that Jesus does not call us to a life of self-fulfillment but to self-sacrifice. Christians must help to carry each other's crosses. This means we have to be ready to love like Jesus, not showing alienation nor affirmation, but full of grace and truth.

Yes, Christianity is an exclusive belief system, but other religions are also exclusive. Christianity differs from other religions in that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the most inclusive message in the world. Unlike other religions, there are no qualifications for accessing it. Pastor Nate addresses the world view of religious inclusivism; that every religious belief ought to be accepted as an equally valid and true path to God. He provides four challenges to religious inclusivism and responds to objections regarding the exclusivity of Christianity.

Pastor Nate addresses these common objections and questions about God and suffering: 1. God cannot be good because evil exists. 2. Why would God allow evil to come into existence? 3. What is the source of evil and suffering in the world? 4. Suffering disproves God's existence because it is pointless. Pastor Nate also provides pastoral thoughts for those who are suffering or want to come alongside those who are suffering.