Mount Paran Primitive Baptist Church

June 7, 2026 - Elder Bryce Lowrance • "Why? The Purpose of Suffering as a Christian" - 1st Peter 4:12-16

"Why? (The Purpose of Suffering as a Christian)" • 1st Peter 4:12-16 - Elder Bryce Lowrance Perhaps the most often asked question regarding the existence of God is, "Why is there so much suffering in this world?" The simple answer to that question is man's sin. The next things we should consider is that rather than thinking suffering is not fair we should see the merciful hand of a loving God in the fact that we do not suffer for all eternity for our sins." In this portion of scripture, Peter reminds us that our suffering for doing righteous things is a clear evidence of our union with Jesus Christ. And, if we are bound to Him now, we WILL see His full glory in the resurrection. This should motivate us to found joy in suffering because there is a "joy set before us" just as it was set before Christ on the cross. This message was preached on Sunday, June 7, 2026.

May 31, 2026 • Brother Jonah Lowrance - "Examples of God's Providence"

Brother Jonah Lowrance “Examples of God's Providence” • Isaiah 10, Genesis 50, Acts 4 Brother Jonah explored  God's providence as described in Isaiah 10 with God's judgement against Israel but also His judgement against Assyria. Although Assyria was the very tool by which God accomplished His will in chastening Israel, they too were judged by God for their pride. This same providential power was displayed in the life of Joseph and of Jesus.  This message was preached on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

May 24, 2026 • Elder Bryce Lowrance "The Purpose of the Gospel" - 1st Peter 4:6-11

"The Purpose of the Gospel" • 1st Peter 4:6-11 - Elder Bryce Lowrance There is wondrous power and help found in the gospel for the children of God. In this passage, Peter tells us that the Christ has been giving testimony to God’s people throughout time so that they could face the unjust judgment of the world but continue to live for God. Seeing that we now have a complete account of redemption through Jesus Christ, we can live in liberty loving others as Christ loves us. We do not have to worry about our salvation or about how bad the world is getting. We can look forward to the imminent return of Jesus and be good stewards of the graces God has given us to use in His service while we look for that day. This message was preached on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

May 17, 2025 • Brother Jonah Lowrance & Elder Bryce Lowrance

"What Is Our Source of Wisdom? Isaiah 8:19-20 & 9:6 - Brother Jonah Lowrance When you need to make a decision in life, where do you find counsel? We can choose to use men's methods in which there is no light or true understanding, or we can go to Jesus Christ, the Counselor!   "The Logic of Suffering for Christ" • 1st Peter 4:1-5 - Elder Bryce Lowrance After someone has found out that you believe in grace plus nothing, have they said something like this: "Well, if I believed like you, I would have my fill of sin!" Well, in this portion of scripture, Peter deals with that very statement. Those who truly see that Christ died for their sins confess that they HAVE had their oil of sin, and they don't want anymore!  They see that since Christ, Who was and is in perfectly sinless, died for their sins, it only makes sense that their lives should be devoted to serving Him.  These messages were preached on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

May 10, 2026 • Elder Bryce Lowrance "Suffering For, Like, and With Christ" - 1st Peter 3:17-22

“Suffering For, Like, and With Christ”” •  1st Peter 3:17-22 - Elder Bryce Lowrance    Peter now comes to climax of his argument why we should face troubles in this world with courage. Using Noah as the example of Christ being with him in Spirit, Peter argues that we do not face the trials of life alone because Christ is in us to bear us up and help us.   This message was preached on Sunday, May 10, 2026.