Archive for category Pastor Bryon

Eight is Enough – Genesis 7

Apr 7

Posted by Big Island BC Admin in Pastor Bryon, Sermons | 3 Comments

Friends,

What a beautiful day for worship this past Sunday!  We’ve been walking through the text of Genesis and examining the story of Noah and the Flood.  As we approach Easter Sunday, I hope that we will be able to see the parallels of God redeeming act through Noah and God’s superior redeeming act through His Son, Jesus Christ.

In this part of the story, I thought about how Noah and his family could survive approximately 400 days together in the ark.  Imagine staying in one place with your family with no other outside contact for over a year!  I think for most of us a week is plenty.

How did they get along?  Their focus, trust, and devotion was in God.  Their obedience to His plan and following through with that helped them see beyond themselves and be totally committed to His will in their lives.

How about for you?  Within your family, workplace, community, and even church…how do we get along?  When we are truly devoted to God and seeking His will in our lives, our own desires become God’s.  When the desires of God become the desires of our family, we move in step with His plan, and there we find joy.  The same is true of our church.  Several scriptures point to where the early church was most blessed when it was one in spirit and mind seeking God’s leading for their lives.  May we remember daily that it is not about us, and may we seek to please Him each and every day.

You can download the sermon here:  Eight is Enough by Rev. Bryon LePere

Scriptures Referenced:

  • Genesis 7:1-5
    • 1 Peter 3:20
  • Genesis 7:6-16
    • Malachi 3:10
  • Genesis 7:17-24
    • Jonah 2:7
    • Exodus 13:20-21
    • Joshua 1:6-9
    • Acts 2:42-47, 4:32, 9:31
    • Matthew 21:42-43
    • Mark 4:35-39
  • Ephesians 4:1-6, Philippians 1:27, Hebrews 12:1-2

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Reflexions – 4.2.09

Apr 3

Posted by Big Island BC Admin in Pastor Bryon | No Comments

I wanted to expound just a little more on something I shared this past Sunday morning.  Prior to my pastoral prayer, I challenged the congregation to be less like a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and more like a red-cheeked gibbon.  What does that mean?!  Glad you asked!

A T-Rex, one of the largest of the dinosaurs, had short, little stubby arms while its nose was huge.  A red-cheeked gibbon (from the ape family), however, has a short little nose and arms approximately 2.6 times the length of its body.  If that were an average human, they would have arms about 12-13 feet long!

Too often, we act like the T-Rex, sticking our nose into things when we shouldn’t.  The Big Island grapevine is infamous at times, and too often it is Christians that help it to move along.  When we do that, particularly when the issue being discussed is serious, how are we building up our community and honoring God in the process?  Where does normal conversation end, and gossip begin?

Instead, we should be more like the red-cheeked gibbon.  Why?  Because instead of sticking a big nose into the situation, we should extend our arms out and around those that are hurting in our community.  I think it is wrong for anyone to gossip or speak in an unproductive way, but when a Christian gossips, it hurts their witness, the reputation of their church, and it reflects so poorly on God!  How much better when instead of running our mouth, we just wrap our arms around the person hurting and tell them that we love them, we care for them, and we are praying for them?  What if we go a step better and call out those that are gossiping, and challenge them to spend their time more wisely?

Most of the time, we don’t even know the full story.  So instead of digging up dirt, let’s plant seeds of kindness.  See you Sunday!

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”  – Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Blessings

Pastor Bryon

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In Obedience to His Command – Genesis 6:9-22

Apr 2

Posted by Big Island BC Admin in Pastor Bryon, Sermons | 1 Comment

Friends,

Our journey through the story of Noah and the Flood continues, and this past Sunday we looked at the beginnings of God speaking to Noah and laying out His plan for the flooding of the world.

In this passage, we see the declaration of the righteousness of Noah, God’s righteous judgement, God’s loving faithfulness, and the response/obedience of Noah to God’s command.

As you listen, consider the obedience of Noah, the obedience of Jesus, and the requirements upon Christians to be obedient to God in their life and witness.

God Bless!

Download and listen to the sermon here:  In Obedience to His Command – Rev. Bryon LePere

Scriptures Referenced:

  • Genesis 6:9-22
  • Ephesians 2:8
  • Exodus 2:3
  • God’s loving faithfulness
    • Exodus 32:9ff
    • Numbers 14:10ff
    • Hosea 11:8-9
    • Jeremiah 31:31ff
    • Lamentations 3:22-23
    • Psalm 103:7-13
  • Obedience of Noah
    • Exodus 40:16
  • Obedience of Jesus
    • John 4:34, Mark 14:35-36
  • Obedience of Christians
    • Matthew 28:19-20, John 14:23-25, Acts 5:29, Romans 1:5, 1 Peter 1:14, 2 John 6
  • God’s Response to Our Obedience
    • Psalm 30:1-5, Lamentations 3:22-23

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The Heart of God – Genesis 6:5-8

Mar 23

Posted by Big Island BC Admin in Pastor Bryon, Sermons | 1 Comment

Friends,

Another great day to be in God’s House!  It was truly a blessing to have Matt from the IMB share with us in worship.  Please keep him in your prayers as he and his family head to Japan next Wednesday.

In my message I started us in a study of Noah and the Flood.  There is certainly a dearth of research and study on this topic, and I will fall short, but I want us to consider how the story of God and Noah has parallels with the story of God and Jesus.  In both stories, God does something new in seeking to redeem His Creation to Himself.

As much as God’s work with Noah was an act of compassion, we see the heart of God in Jesus when Jesus tells us of His compassion for Jerusalem and we consider what He does for humankind through His death and Resurrection.  And, just as everyone else had rejected God in Noah’s time, so many rejected Jesus.

And, today, I believe there are still many that reject Christ when they claim His Word as their guide, and yet they intentionally reject so many of His teachings.  Thoughts?

You can download the sermon here: The Heart of God by Rev. Bryon LePere

Scriptures Referenced:

  • Genesis 6:5-8
  • Colossians 1:19, 2:9
  • 1 Samuel 15:11, Joel 2:13
  • Genesis 18:3, Exodus 33:17
  • Luke 13:34-35
    • Matthew 9:36
    • John 11:35, Matthew 26:38
    • Matthew 23:37
      • James 4:17
  • Matthew 5:38-39, 43-44, 6:14-15, 7:1-3
  • Mark 9:35, Luke 18:18-25, John 6:60-67

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Who’s Right? – Romans 12:17

Mar 18

Posted by Big Island BC Admin in Pastor Bryon, Sermons | 1 Comment

Friends,

Another great day to be in the House of the Lord!  In the past few weeks, I am finding myself more and more drawn into God’s Word and His Holy Scripture.  Not that I avoided it before, but I am even more motivated to get to know Him through the Bible.  Part of this was reflected in my message Sunday.  I did not want to preach from Romans 12:17, but after reading it during the week, I couldn’t get away from it.  What a challenge to all of us to strive to do what is right before everybody.

But then this begs the question – who’s right?  And is that who’s (who is) or who’s (possessive)?  Think of all the incredible outside influences in our lives today – newsmedia, family, friends, co-workers.  And so many of our news channels are driven today by personalities as much as they are driven by the actual news!

So who’s right?  Simply put, God is.  And where do we find that right?  We find it in scripture.  No matter what else you have learned through the years or what you see in the newsmedia, it is God’s Word that is the final statement on what is right.  One of the fundamental aspects of having a Biblical worldview according to George Barna is believing that there is absolute truth in our world.  Sadly, many people think too much in our world is relative, which leaves us open to all kinds of viewpoints controlling our world.

As Christian believers, we need to build our faith on what is right, by God’s standard.  Then we need to be careful with that, guarding and growing from that grace and knowledge, and finally we must realize that making everybody happy is impossible.  In the end, the One that must be pleased by us is God, and He is the one that we live to honor and glorify.

You can download the sermon here:  Who’s Right? by Rev. Bryon LePere

Scriptures Referenced:

  1. Romans 12:17
  2. Psalm 19:8, Hosea 14:9
  3. Proverbs 14:12, Judges 21:25
  4. Deuteronomy 6:3, Joshua 23:6, 11
  5. Psalm 1
  6. Ephesians 5:15, Matthew 12:33-37
    1. Luke 3:8, Acts 26:20
  7. Proverbs 3:1-7, 2 Timothy 3:12
  8. 2 Timothy 4:1-5
  9. Galatians 5:14-15
  10. John 14:15
    1. John 15:12, Psalm 103:8-10

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Living With Urgency – John 4:35-38

Mar 10

Posted by Big Island BC Admin in Pastor Bryon, Sermons | 1 Comment

Friends,

What a wonderful time of worship this past Sunday!  We were tremendously blessed by NAMB missionaries Pedro and Marisa Sanchez and their family.  Taking a cue from the theme for the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, I preached on John 4:35-38 and looked at how we should be “Living With Urgency.”

I challenged us to think about how we could and should live with a greater urgency towards our neighbors and around the world.  And perhaps the starting point for this is thinking more urgently about how we are living our own personal faith and witness.  And so, Living With Urgency, we should be motivated to 1) Have compassion/be burdened for our neighbors, 2) Guard our personal witness and be Christ-like to ALL people, and 3) Support, encourage, and give for our missionaries.  How will you respond?

Download and listen to the sermon here:  Living With Urgency – Rev. Bryon LePere

Scriptures referenced:

  • John 4:35-38
  • John 4:35
    • Matthew 9:37, Luke 10:2, 2 Corinthians 6:2
  • John 4:36
    • Matthew 13:37, Isaiah 9:3
  • John 4:37
    • Mark 4:1ff
  • Matthew 9:36
  • Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28, 2 Timothy 4:7
  • Colossians 4:5, Matthew 5:14-16

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Reflexions 3.6.09

Mar 6

Posted by Big Island BC Admin in Pastor Bryon | No Comments

Friends,

I found myself thinking about the idea of stewardship this morning.  What do we do with the physical, intellectual, financial, material, spiritual, etc. blessings that God has so abundantly given us?

Certainly we have heard that we are supposed to tithe, or give 10%, of our finances to God, and I believe most of us truly desire to do that.  And most of us understand that tithing is more than just our money.  But what do we do with that?  How you keep track of your giving outside of your checkbook?  What counts?  Who decides?

When you read scripture, you can find numerous times where God reminds us that His greatest desire is our heart more than our sacrifices (offerings).  Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” (NIV)  Some people, when they hear about God and/or the Bible, think about all of the rules that are laid out for their life.  But before He receives our obedience, God first wants our hearts, to know that we are truly striving to live each and every day for Him.

There are many things every day that I do (or try to do) for Annie.  I do them not out of fear, but because I love her and am committed to her.  But even more than that, I believe it is important that through my words and my actions she know she is a top priority in my life.  I’m not just ticking to-do items off my list; I am seeking to express my love for her in practical ways every day.

In the same way, I don’t believe God wants us to do things for Him just so we can check them off our list…no, I believe He is looking for us to live our lives in a way that show He is a top priority in our lives.  This is one of the reasons why worship, Bible study, prayer, etc. are so important.  God will not make Himself a top priority in your life…that part is up to you.   How important is God in your life?  Does He know that?

Blessings

Pastor Bryon

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Ridiculous Love – John 4:13-15

Mar 1

Posted by Big Island BC Admin in Pastor Bryon, Sermons | No Comments

Friends,

What a great time of worship this morning!  Despite the weather, many came out and were witness to one of our young people coming forward for baptism.  Give God the glory for what He has done this day!

We read through the story of Jesus talking with the woman at the well in John 4.  As you read through the text, notice that he “had to go through Samaria”, a place Jews avoided, yet Jesus was obedient.  He spoke with a woman that likely no one else would, and she was certainly trying to avoid contact with her timing of coming out to the well!  But, in contact with the Messiah, her life was changed as you she was able to drink of the living water that God offers us all in Christ Jesus.

As I examined the text, it brought several questions to mind as we think about our Missions Ministry.  I want to share these questions with you, and I invite your answers and/or response.  God Bless!

  • Is your heart for missions/our direction for missions based on obedience to the leading of God or of our own personal/emotional drive?
  • How often do you/we avoid ministering to someone because of our own biases/feelings?
  • Does anyone avoid worship/other church events to avoid public scrutiny?
  • We’ve grown in the past few years, but how much of our resources have we expended meeting physical needs, and how much on spiritual needs?
  • How many people have we given water to only to leave them thirsty soon after?  What kind of water are we serving?

You can download the sermon here: Ridiculous Love, pt. 2 by Rev. Bryon LePere (~30 mb)

Scriptures Referenced:

  • John 4:4-15
  • John 4:4-6
    • Nehemiah 13:28
    • Exodus 34:6, Deuteronomy 4:31, Luke 1:50, 19:1-10, John 8:3-11, Ephesians 2:1-6
  • John 4:7-12
    • John 4:17-18
    • Genesis 33:18-19, Joshua 24:32
  • John 4:13-15
    • John 7:38
    • Ezekiel 36:25-26
    • Psalm 42:1, Isaiah 12:2-3, 44:3, 55:1, Zechariah 13:1
    • Psalm 36:9, Isaiah 35:7, 49:10
    • Jeremiah 2:13, 17:13
    • John 4:28
    • Revelation 7:17, 21:6

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Reflexions 2.25.09

Feb 25

Posted by Big Island BC Admin in Pastor Bryon | 2 Comments

Friends,

Have you ever felt powerless in a situation, maybe in most of your life?  Ever felt like you have no control over what is happening around you, that you are just bouncing from obligation to obligation?

I was thinking about how much (or little) I let the Bible control my life and my decisions.  So then I got to thinking about how many things in our life are controlled by outside influences.  I only drive 35 mph (right!?) thru Big Island because that is the speed limit.  I (or Annie) is outside by 7:45 because that’s when the bus is coming.  I am outside by 3:20 because that’s when the bus is coming.  If it’s windy/rainy/etc. and our satellite tv goes out, we just wait…no control over that.

I paid $1.859 for gas the other day because that was the price.  When a stoplight is red or I come to a stop sign, I stop.  Haven’t done our taxes yet (but I will Annie!), but I won’t be calling the IRS to try to renegotiate a new tax rate.  When I park, I try to fit my truck between the white lines.

I could go on, but think about all of these things that you have no control over.  They guide your life, and if you want to be a law-abiding citizen, you follow them.  What would happen if a speed limit sign said “Whatever” or gas stations charged “What you feel is right?”  How about the IRS accepting whatever I pay them, or people parking wherever they want?

Perhaps we have so little control of our life and surroundings that we guard so preciously anything we can control?  And sometimes this flows into our moral decisions.  We want so badly to be happy, to feel like we have control over something in our lives, that we will sacrifice what we know (or think) to be wrong in order to just be happy or content in our lives, just to keep a little control over our world.

I believe in the Bible.  I believe the Word of God is designed in part to be a guidebook upon my life, to direct my words, thoughts, and actions.  But do I always let it do that?  What if I feel it is taking control over my life?  And yet, that is exactly what it should do!  Let me ask those of you who profess to be Christians…how much of your life (words, thoughts, deeds) is guided by Holy Scripture?  The book of Judges finishes this way, “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.” (21:25 NIV)  Could that describe you in some areas of your life?  Or, put another way…how much of your life does the Bible control?

But let me go a step further…for those that might read this that do not believe in the Bible as the guiding Word of God…what does guide your life?  How do you decide what rules to follow and apply to your life?  What is your compass in life?  Do you have one, or do you just do as you see fit?

Blessings

Pastor Bryon

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Ridiculous Love – Romans 3.21-26

Feb 22

Posted by Big Island BC Admin in Pastor Bryon, Sermons | 2 Comments

Friends,

Another great day to be in the House of the Lord!  Last week I talked about “Ridiculous Faith”, and today I looked at the story of Christ on the Cross and spoke of “Ridiculous Love.”  When we look at the story of how the Creator of the entire universe could be so concerned that He would send part of His very essence in order to redeem us to Him…well, that’s pretty out there by itself.  But the way He would do it, to allow His Son to be beaten, tortured, and killed in such a way – well, to call that a story of love is absurd.

And yet, that is exactly what scripture says to us.  It invites us into an understanding of how deep the Master’s love is for us, and how much much we are in need of it.  It is the greatest love story ever told, and though our world today cannot understand it, we still stake our faith on it, because we know that it is through the sacrificial atonement of Christ on the cross that we are redeemed, that our sins are canceled, that the debt of sin is paid.

And you?  What does this great story mean for you?  How has it moved you into a real, deeper relationship with God through an understanding of what He has done for you in and through Jesus Christ?

You can listen to/download my sermon here: Ridiculous Love – Rev. Bryon LePere

Scriptures Referenced:

  • Romans 3:21-26
  • (Romans 3:21-22)
    • Matthew 5:17, Romans 10:4
    • Hebrews 10:10
  • (Romans 3:23)
    • Job 15:14-16
    • 1 Peter 4:5, Colossians 1:13-14
  • (Romans 3:24)
    • Romans 5:6-8
    • Jeremiah 44:4, Psalm 5:4-5
    • John 3:16, 1 John 4:10, Romans 8:22-23
    • Ephesians 1:4, Genesis 1:27ff, Psalm 139:1ff
    • Galatians 4:4-5, 1 Peter 3:18
  • (Romans 3:25-26)
    • Colossians 1:20-22, Acts 9:1
    • Colossians 2:14, Galatians 3:13
    • 2 Kings 4:1-7
      • Psalm 23:5, Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45
      • Philippians 2:7

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