In Daniel chapter 2 we see God using Daniel to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, which results in Daniel being placed in an incredible place of influence. Daniel boldly volunteered to interpret the dream because of his strong sense of trust in God and his recognition that God is the source of wisdom. Daniel did not take credit for the interpretation. Instead he praised God for the answered prayer and acknowledged before the king that God had revealed the dream and its meaning. We too can have biblical boldness by: (1) trusting God's plan, not our own; (2) fearing God, not man; and (3) giving God the Glory from our victories.

In Daniel Chapter 1, we see that Daniel and his friends, Babylonian captives from Judah, face the challenge of obedience to God versus compromise. Christians today must also wrestle with the question: "Will we conform to the status quo of this world or transform through faith to be used by God." This sermon addresses the pressure we face in this world and the power of God to effect change. We are challenged to be a "thermostat, not a thermometer."

Pastor Nate Keeler interviews a panel of "regular people" who attend BVBC and have been placed by God in strategic places to be a light for the gospel. These individuals share how they make intentional decisions to live out their faith within their spheres of influence, including the corporate world, education, addiction recovery programs, and English as a Second Language classes. They discuss practical ways to have conversations with others as well as barriers they have faced personally.

The parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32) can be divided into two acts: 1. The Lost Younger Brother 2. The Lost Elder Brother. The younger brother represents sinners and the elder brother represents the saints, the Pharisees. In this parable Jesus radically redefines God, sin and salvation. This provides a new lens by which we can see our world and ourselves.

French evangelist, church planter and author Raphael Anzenberger speaks about matters of belief and unbelief in this secular age. The scripture text is John 1:43-51, in which we see an exchange between Nathaniel, Philip and Jesus. Nathaniel exhibits three marks of today's secular man: 1. Individualism - the need to see it. 2. Cynicism - the need to want it. 3. Pragmatism - the need to experience it. Jesus responds today just as he responded to Nathaniel by saying,"I see you. I want you. I call you."

In Matthew 5:14-16, Christians are called “the light of the world.” How do we let our light shine in the world? First, we must recognize the world’s dire need for light. Second, we must go to the source of all light – the person of Jesus Christ. Third, Christians are to carry the light of Jesus in the world. Finally, Christians must overcome our fear of shining our Light.

In 1 Peter 4:7-11, the apostle Peter tells us God's will for us if we live like there is no tomorrow. Christians are to pray urgently, love intensely and serve faithfully. Pastor Nate emphasizes that Christians display their love for one another by using their God-given spiritual gifts in service. God is glorified when we are faithful stewards of these gifts.

This sermon is based on 1 Peter 3:13 through chapter 4, where we find the most expansive theology on Christian suffering in the Bible. Peter focuses on uniquely Christian suffering; that is, hostility experienced in opposition to the declaration and demonstration of our faith. Peter gives us four keys to build faith through the fires of Christian suffering. Key #1: Be Ready for the Fires. Key #2: Focus on Doing Good in Spite of Suffering. Key #3: Embrace the Christian Perspective on Suffering. Key #4: Look to Jesus Christ for Strength.

In 1 Peter 2:13-3:7, the apostle Peter instructs Christians in how they should respond to authority, specifically in situations of unjust authority or when treated poorly. In the context of civil authority, scripture guides us through the principles of submission as well as the exceptions. With Christ as our model, Christians are called to submit to and respect those who hold positions of authority in our lives. We are also called to stand against any dehumanizing laws and practices, and to advocate for justice.

In 1 Peter 2:4-12, we learn that Christ is the cornerstone of a kingdom that He is building. Christians are a part of that kingdom. We are exhorted to build our lives upon Christ. We are reminded that the Christian family is made up of those who were called out of darkness and into light. Finally, we are spurred to live as honorable exiles to the glory of God. Peter is charging us to live as Jesus lived, and live for the things that last.