Posts Tagged Pastor Bryon

Stumbling Blocks – Malachi 2:1-9

May 18

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

Friends,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  As the rains moved out yesterday we have been blessed with some incredible weather for the week.  I hope you have an opportunity to be out and enjoy it.

Yesterday we continued our walk through Malachi.  This passage, 2:1-9, is a challenge to the priests (and I believe to all of us) to consider where out heart is when it comes to worship and our offerings towards God.  In addition, it is a challenge to watch how we handle the Word of God and specifically the teachings that are contained within.

Finally, I believe the strongest challenge within this passage for all of us is to watch how we administer and live out the commandments of God.  Just as God shows no partiality in His love/judgment towards us, we should not show any partiality in how we express love and Christ-like accountability towards our neighbors.  Too often, I believe we over emphasize the sins of some without recognizing that all sin is sin and all of it is displeasing to God.

Let us never forget that the love and grace offered to us by God through Jesus Christ is available in full to everyone, and that God gives full and equal opportunity to all to take possession of that incredible gift.  And, in the light of that, let us live that out by living out grace to all of our neighbors.

Download and listen to the sermon here:  Stumbling Blocks – Rev. Bryon LePere

Scriptures Referenced:

  • Malachi 2:1-9
  • Romans 10:14-15
  • 2 Corinthians 5:20
  • Luke 17:1-4
  • Galatians 6:1ff
  • James 5:19-20
  • Galatians 3:26-29
  • Matthew 20:1-16

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Blinders – Malachi 1:1-5

May 3

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

Friends,

What a blessing this morning to be in worship!  We had a mother and daughter to come forward and make professions of faith!  God is so good!

This morning I began a sermon series on the book of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, and the last word from God before John the Baptist comes on the scene in the Gospels.  This was a troubling time for the Israelites.  They were back in the promised land, but not much was going as promised.  They had little land, little power, many enemies, and no Messiah.

They were discouraged; and feelings of doubt, fear, and depression were setting in.  How often do we focus too much on the negative things in our life at the expense of the many, many blessings that God provides for us?  I liken this to horse races, where often they put blinders on horses so they can focus on nothing else than the race ahead.  We, too, put blinders on, but too often they are to focus on the negative instead of looking at the world wide eyed and seeing all the many areas where God is blessing us.

God does not abandon us, but too often we abandon Him, as Esau did in Genesis and referenced here in Malachi.  His love is everlasting and all sufficient.   Are you trusting in that?  Is your faith built on that solid rock?

Big Island Baptist Church was built and grew on the backs of so many faithful Christians who were committed to the work of God in our fellowship and our community.  Now, we stand in their place, and God is calling us to stand up, and be the body of Christ that He has called us to be.  How will you and I respond?

Download and listen to the sermon here:  Blinders by Rev. Bryon LePere

Scriptures Referenced:

  • Malachi 1:1-5
  • Zechariah 9:1, 12:1
  • Deuteronomy 7:8, Jeremiah 31:3, Psalm 136, John 3:16
  • Matthew 6:25ff
  • Deuteronomy 7:8-11
  • Acts 15:5-11, Romans 1:16, 10:12
  • Psalm 91:8-16
  • Hebrews 12:1-2

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Reflexions 5.2.09

May 2

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

Friends,

Last Sunday was Women’s Day in our worship service.  For me, that meant sitting in the congregation until the end of the service for the invitation.  And best I could, I just sat there and didn’t worry about anything with the service, I just enjoyed it.  And for that I was extremely blessed.

One of the great things that the planners of the service did was to put some worship choruses into the service in between speakers.  We had 4 different speakers (Alice Nichols, Katie Wallace, Kaitlyn Plott, and Annie LePere) and instead of stacking them together or doing full hymns, we did these shorter songs.

Well, after Katie spoke, we sang “Alleluia”, a beautiful and simple little chorus.  The first verse is Alleluia repeated over and over, and then the second verse is “He is God’s Son” repeated several times.

Well, Mary was up in the choir with Annie, and Nathan had agreed to sit with dad during worship, so it was just me and him for this song.  The cool thing is – Nathan is starting to read and so he could actually read the all of the words to the second verse.  So there we were, me moving my finger along to track where we were, and Nathan and I singing together in worship.  I believe this was the first time we have ever been able to do that!

Now, let me tell you…we sounded terrible!  Neither of us has the best voice, and since Nathan was following me trying to follow the melody…well, it was sad.  But, hey, make a joyful noise, right?!  So there Nathan and I got to WORSHIP together, father and son.  What a tremendous blessing!

Many of you reading this may get to stand or sit next to your family in worship on a regular basis, but not me.  Sunday was truly awesome for me, and I am very thankful that we had the opportunity for this.  I am even more excited for the next chance to be next to Nathan and/or Mary when we can glorify God together.

This Sunday I’m beginning a sermon series based on Malachi.  The more I read this little book at the end of the Old Testament, the more amazed I am at how it speaks to our world today (and especially Big Island).  Hope to see you there!

Blessings,

Pastor Bryon

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Reflexions – 4.2.09

Apr 3

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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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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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