Storm Clouds Looming
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God’s Guarantees to the Sufferer
In this message concluding 1 Peter chapter 5, Pastor Byron teaches believers about facing suffering by examining man’s responsibility and God’s guarantees, explaining that true security comes from surrendering control to God’s mighty hand rather than relying on man-made coping devices. He presents four responsibilities—humble yourself, cast your anxiety on God, stay alert and sober-minded,
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Shepherding the Flock
In this message on 1 Peter 5:1-4, Pastor Byron addresses what he considers the greatest need in today’s church—solid, biblical leadership—by examining God’s pattern of church government through a plurality of elders with a lead pastor who serves as “first among equals, leader to leaders, leader among leaders, and leader under leaders.” Drawing from extensive
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Imperatives for Pressure Living
In this message from 1 Peter 4:12-19, Pastor Byron presents five imperatives for navigating pressure-filled lives as believers face fiery trials, explaining that persecution and suffering should be as expected as birthdays rolling around each year. He teaches that Christians should not be surprised when trials come (they’re God’s testing process), keep rejoicing (sharing in
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Getting Off the Couch
In this message from 1 Peter 4, Pastor Byron uses the analogy of physical fitness requiring both diet and exercise to address spiritually “flabby” believers who hear God’s Word but remain inactive in kingdom building, especially after the pandemic. Drawing parallels with Ephesians 4 about body building, he teaches that believers facing persecution must get
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Arming Yourself for Suffering
In this message from 1 Peter 4:1-6, Pastor Byron teaches persecuted believers how to arm themselves for spiritual warfare as soldiers in enemy territory, explaining that Christ’s suffering provides the pattern for ceasing from sin and living victoriously. He emphasizes that true spiritual armor cannot be activated through human effort or trying to live by
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Demons Defeated
In this message from 1 Peter 3:18-22, Pastor Byron tackles one of the New Testament’s most controversial passages about Christ preaching to spirits in prison, ultimately arguing it refers to Christ’s post-resurrection proclamation of victory over fallen angels, not a second chance for salvation after death. Using Noah’s flood as a typology for baptism, he
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A Passion for Goodness
In this message, Pastor Byron explores how believers can live God-pleasing lives in the face of persecution and suffering, drawing from 1 Peter 3:13-17. He offers four pieces of practical advice on maintaining a winsome Christian witness even when facing opposition, emphasizing the importance of sanctifying Christ as Lord in every area of life and
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Beautifying the Beauty Salon
In this message, Pastor Byron challenges believers to become “catalysts for beauty” in the body of Christ, teaching from 1 Peter 3:8-12 about how genuine love among believers serves as the greatest apologetic for the gospel. He emphasizes that when the world sees Christians demonstrating harmony, compassion, humility, and blessing instead of vengeance, they are
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How to Win a Difficult Spouse – Part II
In this message, Pastor Byron addresses husbands from 1 Peter 3:7, teaching biblical principles for opening the spirit of one’s wife through understanding, chivalry, and honor. He explains how husbands are called to be initiators of love who treat their wives with the same care and grace they would give a delicate treasure, emphasizing that
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How to Win a Difficult Spouse – Part I
In this message, Pastor Byron teaches from 1 Peter 3:1-6 about how believing wives can win their difficult or unbelieving husbands to Christ through a submissive spirit, respectful attitude, and gentle, quiet disposition. He explains that rather than through words alone, wives can be the most powerful witnesses for Christ through the beauty of their