Mount Paran Primitive Baptist Church www.mppbc.com: Recent Episodes
Elder Bryce Lowrance (Pastor)
“A Better Tabernacle” Part 2 • Hebrews 9:3-5 – Elder Bryce Lowrance The Old Testament Covenant of Worship taught the children of Israel and us that perfection was required in order to be in fellowship with a Holy God. The various items in the tabernacle and temple were pictures of Jesus Christ. Elder Lowrance continues his explanations of the types and shadows in the Holiest of Holies discussing the golden scepter, the manna, Aaron’s rod, the ark, and the tables of the covenant.
“Two Ways to Approach Difficulties” • 1st Samuel 23 – Brother Jonah Lowrance. Contrasting the actions of King Saul and David, Brother Jonah teaches that we should not assume God’s will for our lives based just on passed deliverances. We need to seek His will all the time. The best way to find the will of God is under gospel teaching in His church (Ephesians 4:11-16)
“A Better Tabernacle” • Hebrews 9:1-2 – Elder Bryce Lowrance The Old Testament Covenant of Worship taught the children of Israel and us that perfection was required in order to be in fellowship with a Holy God. The various items in the tabernacle and temple were pictures of Jesus Christ. In this first sermon about those types and shadows of Christ, Elder Bryce teaches about the various things in the first part of the holy tabernacle. All of these elements point toward Jesus being a greater and more perfect tabernacle (vs. 11) for us.
“A Better Covenant” • Hebrews 8:6-13 – Elder Bryce Lowrance The Apostle Paul has already proven the superiority of Jesus Christ over many things in the letter to the Hebrews. He now moves toward one of the high points of the letter with Jesus being the Mediator of a better covenant. Elder Lowrance uses several examples in the Bible that show how God interacts with mankind based on various covenants. In each of these, he shows how God progressively revealed what was truly needed for salvation – perfection. That perfection is found in the everlasting covenant of grace. And since we have eternal salvation in that covenant, we now can and should worship according to the New Testament manner in simple thanksgiving.
“That You Might Walk” • Colossians 1:9-10 & Romans 12:1-2 Elder Shannon Whipp In his concluding message to our Annual Meeting, Elder Whipp teaches that everything we need to fulfillment in life is found in Jesus Christ, and the only way we can truly realize those blessings is to live the will of God
“The Better Way” • Hebrews 7:11-8:6 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Perfection, that is what is required for us to be saved and spend eternity with God in glory. That perfection did not come through the Levitical priesthood. Neither does it come from anything in man’s will or abilities. Perfection came through Jesus Christ. Our perfect Great High Priest made the perfect offering of Himself on the cross, and we are perfect in Him.
“Mechisedec’s Superior Priesthood?” • Hebrews 7:4-10 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. After a brief review of who Melchisedec was from the first three verses, Elder Lowrance teaches that he was superior to Abraham in that Abraham paid tithes to him and he blessed Abraham. If Melchisedec is greater than Abraham, a priest after that same order is greater than Abraham as well. Therefore, Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, is greater than Abraham.
“David Flees from Saul” • 1st Samuel 19:1-23:5 – Brother Jonah Lowrance. David’s two flights from Saul show a contrast between man’s wisdom and God’s blessing. The first time David runs he relies on the Lord and is protected. The second time he runs, he relies on his own wisdom and it is a disaster until he prays to God.
“The Trinity Proves Grace” Brother Jonah Lowrance. Since the doctrine of the Trinity proves that Jesus is God in the flesh, we have a better understanding of what salvation by grace truly means. Just as God spoke the universe into existence with His irresistible word, He speaks into the heart of all the elect and they live solely by His grace!
“Who Is Mechisedec?” • Hebrews 7:1-3 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Man is full of sin and therefore an offense to the Holy God of heaven. We need a mediator to reconcile us back to God. Jesus Christ is that mediator in the role of King/Priest. Today’s message explores the fact that God put a man named Melchisedec in the Biblical record as a clear type of Christ to show that Jesus is an everlasting priest for us!
“The Word of God Dwelling in Us Richly” Brother Jonah Lowrance. Using Saul and David as examples, Brother Jonah shows how having the word of God as a regular part of our daily lives will lead us to do things that are pleasing to the Lord, and bring His blessings into our lives.
“The Priest-King” • Psalm 110 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Taking a pause from the expository study of the book of Hebrews, Elder Lowrance speaks from Paul’s main text used in the book of Hebrews, Psalm 110. In this Psalm we see that Jesus Christ is our all-sufficient and sure King and Priest. We can rest in hope because Christ is at the right hand of the Father, and all His enemies WILL be made His footstool!
“Our Foundation of Hope” • Hebrews 6:11-20 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Our world today is clearly a tumultuous mess that can bring great fear to those who do not or cannot see beyond the present terror. However, the Apostle reminds us in this passage that the children of God can have different perspective on things. When we look to and run to Jesus for refuge, we find that the trials of this world are only temporary. Jesus has already anchored our destination in heaven. So, while we sojourn here, we can have a hope of a better day.
“A Prayer for Peace” • 2nd Chronicles 7:14 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The day after an assassination attempt on former President Trump, Elder Lowrance teaches the way we ought to pray for our nation and leaders. Our focus is not on the success of a particular political party or personal issue. The focus of our prayer should be the safety and prosperity of God’s kingdom and our ability to worship in peace.
“Blessed Assurance” • Hebrews 6:9-12 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Following one of the strongest warnings in the Bible about backsliding, the Apostle offers encouragement to believers to press and gain a higher understanding of the work of Christ and assurance of their own salvation by increasing in love toward one another.
“David & Goliath” • 1st Samuel 17 – Brother Jonah Lowrance. Preaching on the familiar Bible story, Brother Jonah reminds us that our Captain has defeated the enemy that we could not defeat. Therefore, we should follow after Him as He defeats all our enemies and His.
“Backsliding” • Hebrews 6:4-9 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. In a passage very similar to the “I Am the True Vine” teaching in John 15, the Apostle Paul warns born again children of God to do turn away from the truth and peace that is in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who do are not in danger of losing their eternal salvation but they will fill their lives with destruction and sorrow apart from the fellowship of God. Paul also warns that this condition can get so bad that, apart from Divine intervention, they cannot be convinced to repent and return to their Christian walk.
“King Saul Is Troubled” • 1st Samuel 16:14-15 – Brother Jonah Lowrance Brother Jonah opens the preaching service with a short but powerful message that, when we are not following the will of God, our own spirit convicts us. The only way to have peace in our walk with God is to continually seek God’s will and not assume because He has blessed us in the past that He will bless us all the time.
“The ABC’s of Jesus Christ” • Hebrews 6:1-3 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The Apostle Paul reminds the Hebrew Christians and us that there are basic principles that we must remember and apply in our discipleship or we will not be properly growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Paul lists six things that roughly group into three categories – 1. The First Steps of a Child of God, 2. The Basics of Church, 3. The Doctrine of Grace.
“Don’t Be a Baby” • Hebrews 5:11-14 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The Apostle Paul gives another warning to the Hebrew Christians encouraging them to keep focused on Jesus Christ and their profession of Him. Part of that diligence includes studying the word of God and applying it to the way we think and live our lives. God intends for us to grow in grace and in our knowledge about Jesus Christ. Therefore, we ought not to be lethargic in our study of His word. Rather, we should be eager and devoted to learning more about Jesus so that we can shine as bright lights in this world so darkened by sin.
“Our Great High Priest” • Hebrews 4:14-5:10 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The way to God is guarded from us because of our sin. Therefore, we need a high priest to make intercession for us with a Holy God. Jesus Christ is our Great High Priest. He perfectly fills the role of priest in that He offered Himself once for our sins and is compassionately giving us aide in times of need.
“Fear God More than Man” • 1st Samuel 16 & Acts 9 – Brother Jonah Lowrance. As children of God, we have the responsibility to make good choices in our discipleship. Part of those choices includes how we deal with the power of men and the power of God. When we fear men more than we fear God, it does not go well for us. When we fear God rather than fearing what men can do to us, we find that we are on a blessed path of righteousness in God’s favor.
“His Rest” • Hebrews 4 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. The children of Israel were not allowed to enter into Canaan’s Land because of their unbelief that God had delivered them, was sustaining them, and would continue to bless them. We are also in danger of missing out onthe rest of God when we seek to comfort ourselves with things of the world rather than trusting our Redeemer, Who saved us for all eternity, to take care of our daily needs and help us with our life’s burdens.
“Don’t Let Your Zeal Go Beyond the Will of God” • 1st Samuel 15:26 – Brother Jonah Lowrance. King Saul knew that he was doing the will of God in war but he did not listen to how God told him to fight. Therefore, his kingdom was taken away from him and given to another.
“Living in the Household of God” • Hebrews 3 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Seeing that we are made partakers of eternal salvation by the covenant of grace, we should take part in our eternal life by being active in church today.
“Consider Jesus” • Hebrews 3:1 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Paul will continue in this chapter proving that Jesus is superior to Moses but he begins with an exhortation to deeper worship. Seeing that the believer is set apart by God in the covenant of redemption beginning in election, it makes logical sense that he would give complete attention and diligent observation of the superiority of Christ. This learning and worship is best done in the place designed and provided by the Father, The church of the living God, the household of God. Special note: Brother Luke Lowrance, son of Elder Bryce, graduated from High School. This sermon contains a graduation charge for him as well.
“Jesus Is Superior to the Angels” • Hebrews 2:5-18 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. After a short but clear warning in the first few verses of chapter 2, the Apostle Paul continues his argument that Jesus is superior to the angels that he began in the first chapter. Not only is Jesus superior because He created all things, He has all things put in subjection under Him in the new heaven and new earth as well. The glorious hope of the resurrection is a great comfort to the elect of God who are secured in Jesus Christ by the covenant of redemption and His finished work on the cross.
“Israel in the Time of David” • 1st Samuel – Brother Jonah Lowrance continues in a series of sermons concerning the life of David, looking closely at the world in which David grew up in as written in 1st Samuel. He breaks down some of Israel’s missteps during this time and what they were thinking, warning that we have made the same mistakes and can think the same way the Israelites did then by having a low view of God or following after other false gods. He then recounts Israel’s request for a king and the eventual anointing of Saul as king over Israel and how exactly Saul ruled. Brother Jonah then considers how we should desire to live in a way to please our victorious, heavenly King and quickly recalls three things the Lord has done for us and how to call them to mind every day.
“Warning #1” • Hebrews 2:1-4 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. In the middle of his argument that Jesus Christ is superior to the angels, the Apostle Paul warns of the dangers of not listening to and applying the word of God in our lives. Since, God has spoken to us directly in His Son, we ought to be even more devoted to Him and His kingdom. If we neglect these things, we are in danger of forgetting all the blessings God has for us and that we were saved from our sins.
“The Final Word” of “Divine Revelation Is Complete” • Hebrews 1:1-2 – Elder Bryce Lowrance. Speaking again from the first two verses of the letter to the Hebrews, Elder Lowrance teaches how God progressively revealed His identity and will over the space of 1,500 years by the inspired writings of about 45 men. The apex of this revelation was when Jesus came and taught His disciples. Through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, those men wrote the words of the New Testament and provided for God’s people everything they need to know about God, themselves, and their duty to Him.
“The Zeal of Phinehas” • Numbers 25 – Brother Jonah Lowrance. Brother Jonah exhorts us to do whatever is necessary to promote the righteousness of God in our lives and the lives of those around us. We should not be concerned with how we are viewed or judged. When God’s will is not being obeyed, we must take drastic measures to glorify Him and make intercession for our loved ones.
December 25, 2022“Make Haste” • Elder Bryce H. Lowrance. Starting with Psalm 70, Elder Bryce reminds us that we very often ask the Lord to help us quickly, and God in His mercy does send end aid just in time. Therefore, in response to this marvelous grace a mercy, we should make haste to learn more about Jesus and be quick to serve Him. Using examples of the shepherds upon hearing of Jesus’ birth, Mary’s rushing to Elisabeth with the good news, and Jesus’ call for Zacchaeus to “make haste,” we see that urgent attention to praising God is the proper response to the good news that the Prince of Peace has come!
December 18, 2022“Received” • 1st Corinthians 2:9-16 Elder Bryce Lowrance. Continuing his message on the miracle of the preaching of the gospel, Elder Lowrance finishes the rest of chapter 2 in the message focusing on the word “received.” There are two definitions for this word that apply in Paul’s writing. We receive the new birth and the gift of faith by a direct operation of the Holy Spirit without any help from us. Having been given faith, we are now able to receive the message of the gospel with joy and assurance of hope.
This message was preached on Sunday, December 18, 2022.
December 11, 2022“Abiding in the Vine” • John 15:1-17 Brother Jonah Lowrance. Just as Jesus Christ is in an everlasting relationship with His Father, the children of God are kept by God’s power and will never be lost. But our day to day fellowship with God and our purpose in life is to abide in Him and bear fruit in good works of love. When we love others as Christ loved us, we abide in the love of God and fulfill our calling as children of God.
“The Miracle of Preaching the Gospel” • 1st Corinthians 2:1-10 Elder Bryce Lowrance. The Apostle Paul explains why some people believe and rejoice in the gospel message while others do not. It is not because that believers are smarter, more-learned, more righteous or more noble. The conversion of believers is also not based on the speaking or persuasive abilities of the preacher. Believers are only able to believe because God has performed the work of irresistible grace in their souls. They have have been given faith in the new birth and now have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to help them understand and rejoice in the work of God.
December 4, 2022Introduction by Elder Bryce Lowrance.
“Giving Our Best” Elder John Morgan Owens using the examples of the woman with the alabaster box of ointment, the woman caught in adultery, and Zacchaeus, Elder Owens teaches that we should give our very best back to God in His service because we are thankful for the grace He has shown to us.
November 27, 2022Glory & Shame • 1st Corinthians 1:26-31 – God’s sovereign grace in the salvation of His elect is unquestionable truth taught in the Bible. However, many think that the message of salvation by grace plus nothing does not give enough credit to the will of man. The Apostle Paul in this passage teaches us that the only One to be celebrated in the scheme of salvation is God Himself. Therefore, men’s desires, ideas, and philosophies will only lead to confusion and shame. It is good for God’s people to humble themselves and see the need they have in a complete Savior. When they do they will glory only the Lord!
November 13, 2022The Foolishness of God • 1st Corinthians 1:21-25 – Elder Bryce Lowrance continues in the expository series on Paul’s first letter to the Church at Corinth. To the world God and salvation by Christ alone seems foolish, but to us who are already saved, it is the power of God and gives us peace. In this sermon, we see the importance of belief. It is an objective fact that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and is King of all creation. Whatever a person believes about this does not change this fact. However, our perspective of this fact has a great effect on our lives. If we do not believe that Jesus is sacrifice for our sins, we will stumble in our understanding of Who He is and why He cam
The work of Jesus Christ on the cross is sufficient for our eternal salvation and the simple message of the gospel is enough for our hope of eternal life.
Introduction & Prayer • Ephesians 1:6-8 Brother Jonah Lowrance speaks on the comfort of the doctrine of predestination. Jesus Heals a Woman on the Sabbath Day • Luke 13:10-13 - Elder Michael Hattaway When Jesus comes into the life of one of His elect, He has compassion and helps them in ways that man cannot do.
Baptism • 1st Corinthians 1:13-17 - Elder Bryce Lowrance The Apostle Paul makes an interesting statement when addressing the division in the church at Corinth. He says that Christ did not send him to baptize. What did he mean by this? Does this mean that baptism is not important? To answer these questions and others, Elder Bryce explains several passages regarding baptism found in the New Testament.
Daniel Learns About His Vision - Brother Jonah Lowrance - Daniel 7:17-28 Brother Jonah continues in his expository message series on the book of Daniel with the latter half of Daniel, Chapter 7. In this chapter, we see the prophecy of the coming kingdoms of the world, and the establishment of the everlasting Kingdom of Christ. We also learn that the spirit of antichrist is always at work but will never ultimately prevail over the Kingdom of Christ. Divisions • 1st Corinthians 1:10-16 - Elder Bryce Lowrance The Church at Corinth was a miracle of the Lord Jesus Christ but, like most churches, it had problems. Paul shows this church that the source of all their problems was that they were divided. These cliques were teaching different things and practicing different things. This made it easy for error in doctrine, practice, and discipline to get a foothold in the church. Contrary to liberal Biblical thinkers, doctrine does not divide. Incorrect doctrine, like that being taught at Corinth, divides. But the true doctrine of the finished work of Jesus Christ is the only thing that can unite the children of God in a church.
Introduction & Prayer - Brother Jonah Lowrance - Philippians 4:4-8 Brother Jonah explains how we can be rejoicing always. Enriched by God • 1st Corinthians 1:4-9 - Elder Bryce Lowrance Continuing in the expository series on 1st Corinthians, Elder Bryce contrasts the uncertain and deceitful riches of this world with the glorious riches of God in Christ Jesus. The true riches are the blessings of God which included all the facets of grace, the gospel, and the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
To the Church of God at Corinth • 1st Corinthians 1:2 - Elder Bryce Lowrance Paul's epistle is to a church that is in a location that no one would have ever imagined – Corinth! In this message, Elder Bryce sets the framework for the entire epistle showing that this church, and all other true churches belong to God because He chose the people before the world began in the covenant of election; He sent His Son to dies for them; He called them in regeneration by His Spirit, and the gospel calls on them to walk like Jesus Christ. The saints of God are set-apart for a holy purpose, and they should gather together in a church body to fulfill that calling here in time.
God's View of World History • Daniel 7 - Brother Jonah Lowrance - The visions that Daniel sees concern the same subject of the dreams in Chapter 2. In chapter 2, we had man's view of the rise an fall of the empires of man from Babylon to Rome. In Chapter 7, we see the same historical events from God's perspective. In this message, Brother Jonah explains the first 3 beasts seen in Daniel's vision, and he reminds us that Christ's kingdom is established and He will conquer all His enemies. Sosthenes Our Brother • 1st Corinthians 1:1 - Elder Bryce Lowrance In this introductory message to the 1st Corinthian letter, Elder Lowrance takes us back to the founding of the church at Corinth as recorded in Acts, Chapter 18. One of the main reasons that the Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Church at Corinth is because they were divided on many issues including, race, doctrine, practice, and church discipline. Sosthenes was the chief ruler of the synagogue when they unbelieving Jews tried to have Paul kicked out of Corinth. Obviously, sometime later Sosthenes was changed by the Lord and became a believer and supporter of the Apostle Paul. He mentions Sosthenes in the opening sentence of this letter to show that men can forgive, be reconciled to one another, and live in harmony.
Redemption • Matthew 20:28 (and several supporting scriptures) - Elder Bryce Lowrance In this message, Elder Lowrance answers the question, "What did Christ's death on the cross actually accomplish?" He makes the case for a successful Savior in the particular redemption of God's elect by examining three postulates: 1. Jesus died for every sin of every person. 2. Jesus died for some of the sins of every person. 3. Jesus died for all of the sins of some people (the elect).
Daniel in the Den of Lions • Daniel 6 - Brother Jonah Lowrance - Brother Jonah takes us through the sixth Chapter of Daniel where Darius is tricked into having his best helper thrown into a den of lions. But God, through His providence overrules the acts of these wicked men and they, and their families, end up in the pit instead! God's Word vs. Man's Word • Psalm 12 - Elder Bryce Lowrance Elder Lowrance takes us through a Psalm that could have been penned today. The current "woke" culture that pervades our society has set the stage where no true discussion happens. Everyone talks at or about others but never to them. Lies have become the norm. But God's word is true. God promised to deliver His children from the vane lies of the wicked, and He has proven trustworthy in that He preserved His written word for us all these generations.
It's NOT in There • Various Scripture References - Elder Bryce Lowrance - September 4, 2022 Elder Lowrance explores many popular sayings that people claim are in the Bible or that teach Biblical principles. He takes each of these and puts them on trial with the word of God. The phrases addressed are; "Everything in Moderation;" "I Can Do All Things;" "Money Is the Root of All Evil;" "Everything Happens for a Reason;" "God Won't Give You More than You Can Handle;" & "God Helps Those Who Help Themselves."
The Song of the Slandered Saint • Psalm 7 - Elder Bryce Lowrance - One of the most hurtful things the devil uses against the Lord's people are rumors and slanderous conversations. David teaches us how to properly handle these situations. Rather than whining to everyone by voice or on social media, we should take the case to the only One Who can handle it properly, the Lord. When we appeal to the righteous God of heaven, we are asking for help from One Who cares and is ready to judge His enemies and ours. Belshazzar's Feast • Daniel 5 - Brother Jonah Lowrance - In this message, Brother Jonah traces the history of the fall of Babylon through prophecy and secular history. In this, we learn that God keeps His promises and overrules the kingdoms of men in His time. God will ultimately bring down spiritual Babylon when Jesus returns to take us to be with Him forever.
Paul's Fellows • Colossians 4:7-18 - Elder Bryce Lowrance - In this concluding message from his series on Colossians, Elder Lowrance tells us about Paul's companions in ministry. These men are "fellows" of all sorts. They are Fellow-Laborers, Fellow-Ministers, Fellow-Servants, and Fellow-Prisoners. These types of relationships are vital to proper church doctrine because FELLOWSHIP is the key that binds churches together.
Nebuchadnezzar's Experience • Daniel Chapter 4 - Brother Jonah Lowrance Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful king on earth during his day, but he tried to take credit for all the wonders of Babylon. God spoke to him through a dream, and then humbled him to spend 7 years as a beast of the field. At the end of his chastisement, Nebuchadnezzar makes one of the greatest claims of the power of God in all of scripture "all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" The W's of Evangelism • Colossians 4:5-6 - Elder Bryce Lowrance After Paul teaches the church to pray for an open door for him to ably preach the gospel, he instructs the church how its members ought to live their daily lives. They are to act as God's children toward them that are WITHOUT the church. In doing this, they are to WALK in WISDOM with their words being WITH grace, seasoned WITH salt. They are to make the most of every moment to glorify God and promote the kingdom of Christ.
The New Nebuchadnezzar • Introduction to Daniel Chapter 4 - Brother Jonah Lowrance After a review of the character of Nebuchadnezzar and the attributes of God in the first three chapters, Brother Jonah shows us that something is now different about Nebuchadnezzar. In this preview, we find that Nebuchadnezzar himself will give an account of how God dealt with him directly. How Do We Pray for the Ministry? • Colossians 4:2-4 - Elder Bryce Lowrance Continuing on the theme from the previous message that prayer is the powerhouse of the church, Elder Lowrance teaches how we should be praying for our ministers to have opportunities to share the gospel and be blessed to share it effectively. The focus of our prayers should be the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ in our communities.
Prayer: The Powerhouse of the Church • Colossians 4:2-4 – Elder Bryce Lowrance A praying church is the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Prayer is the battering-ram of the church that calls upon God to break open the very gates of hell so that they cannot stand against the church. Paul calls upon all churches to be continually in prayer. Watching for needs in their community and looking for answered prayers. All the while, the supplications of the church should be mingled with praise and thanksgiving.
How Do We Seek Those Things Which Are Above? • Colossians 3:17-4:1 - Elder Bryce Lowrance Oftentimes, preachers call on us to follow Christ, turn to God, or seek the kingdom of God first but we are left wondering how exactly we are to do that. The Apostle Paul answers that question in very simple terms. The first half of Colossians, Chapter three tells us that we need to stop living like the world and start acting like Christ. The latter part of the chapter applies those same principles to God's design for the family and how we should conduct ourselves in business. God, in the new birth, has made it possible for us to live like His children. It is our personal responsibility to do so.
Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You Richly • Colossians 3:16 - Elder Bryce Lowrance Paul's charge to us in Colossians, Chapter 3 is to live our lives like the born-again children we are. I order to do this, we must put away the desires of the things of the world and live our lives in charity for others. This behavior is blessed by the peace of God. But how do we become more devoted in this endeavor? Paul says that the word of Christ should dwell in us, and the key to making that happen is the singing of quality hymns that are filled with the wisdom of the Bible. The Trial by Fire • Daniel 3 - Brother Jonah Lowrance The next chapter after the Chaldeans were spared by the wisdom of Daniel, those same men seek to destroy Daniel's three friends. In this intense adventure, we see how we are to act when faced with persecution and trial. We are not to cower away and be depressed. We are to take courage that God has promised that He will be with us. Even in our deepest trial, Jesus is with us in the fire.
The Peace of God • Colossians 3:15 - Elder Bryce H. Lowrance In order for the peace of God to rule in our hearts, we must first know how the peace of God got into our hearts. The doctrine of grace tells us the the finished work of Jesus Christ from election to glorification is the source and sustainer of peace between the elect and God. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit and so is therefore given to us in the new birth. In order for that peace to be the ruling factor in our lives, we must believe the gospel in sincerity. When we do, we grow closer together in the church and, even though the world may crumble around us, we can have peace and live and worship in thankfulness.
Put on Charity • Colossians 3:12-14 - Elder Bryce H. Lowrance Colossians, Chapter 3 teaches that the logical response to God's grace in our lives is to transform every aspect of our lives to be more like Jesus Christ in our daily walk. After the Apostle Paul instructs about what behaviors we should should cease, he gives us Godly behaviors that we should pursue every day. Ultimately, Paul shows us that we are to work toward pure charity in our behavior. Charity is love in action purely for the benefit of someone else with no regard to what we receive in return.
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream • Brother Jonah Lowrance Brother Jonah preaches from the second half of Daniel, Chapter 2 where Daniel has prayed to God for help in interpreting the dream of the king. Daniel gives glory to God and then explains that there will be four major kingdoms in the earth that will ultimately be replaced by an everlasting kingdom ruled by the Rock not made with hands. What Is Your Passion? • Colossians 3:1-13 - Elder Bryce Lowrance Since we have been raised to newness of life by the power of Christ's resurrection from the dead, we are now dead to the power of sin. Further, we have been called and given power to live a different lifestyle than before. Our old man loves itself and wants to please itself. We are called to put off the old man and put on the new man that seeks to love and help others.
Colossians 9 "Boasting in " Colossians 2:6-23 • Elder Bryce Lowrance Since we are saved by the finished work of Jesus Christ plus nothing, we are able to walk in obedience to God out of pure thankfulness. In this portion of the letter, the Apostle Paul expounds upon the many ways that we are IN Christ, WITH Christ, and TOGETHER WITH Christ. All of these statements build a beautiful doxology of praise for our successful Redeemer!
Living and Praying in Babylon • Brother Jonah Lowrance & Elder Bryce Lowrance Brother Jonah ably presents the way we ought to live in a world that is against us by showing what Daniel and his friends did when facing adversity in Daniel, Chapter 2. Daniel prayed and immersed himself in church fellowship while waiting on the Lord to answer and help. Elder Bryce continues with the same theme in 1st Timothy, Chapter 2 and reminds us that it our duty to pray for our leaders and all those in authority over us. This is not so that they we get our way politically, but that we may continue to worship freely.
Colossians 8 "How Do We Receive Christ?" Colossians 2:6 • Elder Bryce Lowrance How do we receive Christ? How a person answers that question greatly affects how they walk in Christ. If salvation be by man's will or works, then our continued works are the grounds for our justification before a Holy God. However, if salvation is by grace plus nothing, then we are secure in the finished work of Christ. God gets all the glory for salvation, and we can walk in humble obedience out of just pure thankfulness.
Daniel, Chapter 1 • Brother Jonah Lowrance Brother Jonah begins in Proverbs, Chapter 3 with a text that Daniel and King Hezekiah would have both known. There, Solomon teaches that we are to acknowledge God in everything we do. Jonah then shows how Hezekiah was blessed throughout his life but eventually forsook this counsel and Judah was taken into captivity because of his sin. In contrast, Daniel continues to follow the Lord and seek His ways throughout his entire captivity in Babylon. Elder Bryce Lowrance goes back to 1st Kings, Chapter 20 showing that King Hezekiah was very selfish when he responded to Isaiah. He was glad that Israel would not suffer while he was alive. We are to take care that we are not selfish in our discipleship. We need to continue like Daniel and live for God by living for others.
Colossians 7 "When Church Works" Colossians 2:1-5 • Elder Bryce Lowrance When the pastor that the Lord has chosen to feed His flock faithfully delivers the whole counsel of God, and when the congregation responds in thankful obedience, the glory of the perfect and finished work of Christ is revealed. God is greatly praised. And the church members grow closer together in the riches of the full assurance of salvation.
"An Introduction to the Book of Daniel" • Brother Jonah Lowrance Brother Jonah sets the historical background of the life of Daniel and the nation of Israel when Nebuchadnezzar takes the sons of the kings captive. He shows that theme throughout the twelve chapters is the coming kingdom of Jesus Christ. Colossians 6. "The Preeminence of Christ's Church" Colossians 1:24-29 • Elder Bryce Lowrance Elder Bryce continues the series of messages on Paul's letter to the Colossians church. This message shows that the church of the Lord Jesus Christ is the most important organization on earth because it is the method whereby God reveals everything we need to know about Him, ourselves, and salvation.
The Seven Sayings of Christ on the Cross Jesus taught us several things with the last few things He spoke as He died for our sins on the cross. 1.At our worst, God forgives. 2. When we die, we get to be immediately with Jesus in Heaven. 3. We should care for one another, especially our parents and the elderly. J4. esus died alone so that we would never have to be alone. 5. Jesus died as a man so that we can have the hope of being raised in our flesh like Him. 6. Jesus declared that the work He came to do was finished. 7. Satisfied that He had saved God's children to the uttermost, Jesus commended His victorious spirit to the Father. We should therefore rest in the finished work of Jesus Christ. This message was preached on April 17, 2022.
Elder Bryce Lowrance Colossians 5 • The Preeminence of Christ in His Church Colossians 1:18-23 Christ is the head of the church because He died for the elect of God. He has the preeminence in the local church because His resurrection is the power that will raise His people from the dead and fuels their faith to be able to believe the gospel. This message was preached on April 10, 2022.
Brother Jonah Lowrance "Sowing to the Spirit" • Galatians 6:6-18 Brother Jonah's completes his series on the Galatian letter with Paul's charge to live a life for devoted to Christ. Elder Bryce Lowrance "The Preeminence of Christ in Creation" • Colossians 1:15-17 Jesus Christ is the Creator God Who made and sustains all things by the word of His power. Not only did He make all things, He made all things for Himself. Therefore, Jesus deserves all the praise of every man.
Elder Bryce Lowrance "Paul's Prayer for the Colossians" • Colossians 1:9-14 Paul prays for three things for these brethren and they all relate to the mind. He prays for their knowledge of God to increase, their walk to be led by wisdom, and their minds to be knit together with the mind of Chris. He prays this so that they would would glorify God even more in their daily walk. The more we know about Who God is and how much He has blessed us by His grace, the more we are moved to love out of thankfulness.
Elder Bryce Lowrance "Thanksgiving" • Colossians 1:3-8 Upon hearing of the behavior of the brethren at the church in Colossae from Epaphras, the Apostle Paul thanks God for their faith in Jesus Christ which is exhibited in their love for their fellow saints of God. Paul further thanks God for the hope of eternal joy that is promised to God's children, and is secure in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Brother Jonah Lowrance "Brotherly Meekness" • Galatians 6;1-5 Church members have the responsibility of not only praying for one another but helping one another especially when someone has gone astray. Church discipline is church love because we are to seek to restore God's children to full fellowship with the saints. This can only be done with a true spirit of meekness.
Elder Bryce Lowrance "Brethren" • Colossians 1:1-2 In this introductory message to Paul's Epistle to the Colossians, Elder Bryce shows how Paul introduces the main theme of his letter by using the word "brother" and "brethren" in the opening verses. The heresies at Colossae have only one solution. That solution is giving all glory to God for salvation and living in thankfulness by loving our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Jesus Is Life• John 1:4 Mount Paran was blessed to have Elder John Burkett from Green Pastures Primitive Baptist Church visiting with us this Sunday. Elder John preached how Jesus is the source of natural life, the source and cause of the resurrection, and the cause of regeneration. In each case of giving life, God acts alone by His sovereign will and power.
Stand Fast in Liberty • Galatians 5 – Brother Jonah Lowrance The Apostle Paul now makes practical application of what he has been teaching the churches in Galatia. He shows them and us that faith manifests itself in two way – love and hope. We are not be legalistic nor antinomian in our service to the Lord. We are to live in liberty by living for the benefit of others.
Grace Is Enough • Titus 3:1-7 – Elder Bryce Lowrance Elder Bryce continues with the same theme of “faith working by love” as he teaches about Paul’s main point of his letter to Titus. The doctrine of grace is sufficient teaching and motivation for good works. Any other reason for good works in without true faith and is unprofitable for the child of God.
Psalm 46 – Elder Bryce Lowrance Our world is filled with dangers and uncertainties, and Satan seeks to rob our minds of hope and joy. Psalm 46 reminds us that God is greater than all the fears and powers that seem to bear down us in our lives. in this song of God’s power, David calls on us to run the our true Refuge, Jesus Christ. And when we are there, we are to be still and know that He is God and will keep us from all harm.
**Galatians 4:21-31 • Paul’s Allegory – Brother Jonah Lowrance*
The true story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar is an allegory that teaches how the the church and the people of God should view the law. Any use of the law to seek justification is like Sarah giving Hagar to Abraham. This is not God’s chosen way. The law is to teach us about Jesus Christ – the only source of true and free justification and salvation.
*Romans 8:1-3 • 2 Laws – Elder Bryce Lowrance Following up on the conclusions drawn by Brother Jonah, Elder Bryce shows that there are really only two laws regarding our salvation. One is the law of sin and death. The other is the law of the Spirit of life. If any aspect of a system of salvation gives even the smallest possibilities of eternal damnation it is a “law of sin and death.” True grace teaches that the finished work of Christ is sufficient for all the elect of God, and it leaves nothing in the hands of men. In Christ, we have no condemnation!
**Psalm 5 • Pray without Ceasing – February 6, 2022 Elder Bryce Lowrance****
In this Psalm, David shows us the striking differences in the way God views His elect and the wicked. God’s chosen ones have access by His abundant mercy to approach the throne of grace for help in time of need. The wicked continually seek to fulfill their own desires, and God will ultimately bring them to destruction. The righteous saints of God are redeemed freely by the blood Jesus Christ and therefore have direct access to the Father and can expect help when they ask in faith.
*Special 5th Sunday Meeting at Jack’s Creek Primitive Baptist Church in Good Hope, GA*.Members from Jack’s Creek, Mt. Paran, Rock Springs, and Sorrel Springs met together in worship. Brother Jeff Autry gave opening remarks from Acts about saving ourselves from this untoward generation, and then he offered prayer. Elder Bryce Lowrance preached from Isaiah 40 on the message of “Comfort Ye, Comfort Ye”
January 23, 2022
Brother Jonah Lowrance • “The Importance of Belief in the Trinity” The doctrine of the Triune nature of the Godhead is clearly taught in scripture. If we do not believe in this doctrine, we are in danger of embracing many false teachings and heresies.
**Elder Bryce Lowrance**** • Psalm 13 “The Howling Psalm”
David cries out “How Long?” four times in anxious despair. Yet after he prays, he moves from feeling that God has left him to realizing that God has blessed him bountifully. When we are discouraged and think that God is not there, we need to turn to Him in penitent prayer and ask for His favor in our lives. When He grants peace, we should sing praise!
January 16, 2022
Brother Jonah Lowrance • Galatians 4:16-20 “Be Zealously Affect in a Good Thing” We should not allow the lies and distractions of the world draw us away from the fellowship of the saints and the true doctrine taught in church. Rather, we should be zealous for the truth when we hear it, and be more active in church.
**Elder Bryce Lowrance**** • Psalm 4 “An Evening Prayer”
The key to finding peace and rest in this fallen world is understanding that God is our righteousness. He loves us, He chose us, He counts Christ’s righteousness as ours, and because of these facts, He is there for us when we call.
**Psalm 3 • The Peace of Sovereign Grace – January 9, 2022*
Elder Bryce Lowrance***
Psalm 3 was written by David when he had to flee from Jerusalem because his son, Absalom, sought to kill him. When David considers the faithful and merciful character of God, he finds peace enough to rest even though he is in the middle of a flight for his life.
*November 12, 2021* • Elder Bryce Lowrance Psalm 47 “Clapping, Shouting, and Singing” – In this Psalm celebrating the victories of God, we find that we should not hold back our praise of God. If we are truly excited about God’s grace we may even find ourselves clapping with “happy sounds.” In particular, this Psalm celebrates the ascension of Christ back to His throne. At that moment, there was shouting in heaven. David then tells us that we should respond with continual singing.
*November 5, 2021* • Brother Jonah Lowrance* *“Live Like a Son” Galatians 4:1-9 –* When we follow any version of legalism in salvation, we are acting like hired servants. God intends for us to live in the liberty of the finished work of Christ as His children.
*Elder Bryce Lowrance Psalm 23 “The Lord is MY Shepherd” – When we walk in paths of righteousness, we recognize that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. With that assurance, we can face every trouble, trial or enemy in the peace of God.
*November 28, 2021* • “Cast Down But Not Destroyed” 2nd Corinthians 4 – Elder Bryce Lowrance**** The Apostle Paul teaches us that we must have a greater perspective of the power of God in order to not be overtaken by the world. We have been given the treasure of the gospel in earthen vessels. Therefore, we need to remember that troubles and trials will come into our lives, but they are not the end of the story.
*November 14, 2021* • “The Letter to the Church at Laodicea” Revelation 3:14-22 – Elder Bryce Lowrance**** The church at Laodicea declares itself sufficient with its doctrine and practice of religion. However, Jesus calls them lukewarm and tells them that they need to repent of their formalities and be all-in for the Lord. If they do, they will be able to join Him in His ascended position at the right hand of the Father. This means that they will be fully satisfied with the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Brother Jonah Lowrance preaches from Galatians, Chapter 3 explaining to us what the true purpose of the law of Moses was. It was to show us the need we have for a savior and point us toward Jesus Christ. Any law we make for ourselves cannot save us Only the blood of Jesus Christ, the perfect sacrifice, is sufficient to redeem us.
Elder Bryce Lowrance preaches from Psalm 117. This Psalm is the shortest chapter in the Bible but it has a huge amount say about the reasons for praise to be given to God. God has done everything for us. Therefore, we owe praise to God in every aspect of our life.