Shows
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond“A Standing Ovation from the Savior” [Acts 7:54-60] Brian Rhodus delivers a sermon on Acts 7:54-60, focusing on Stephen's final moments before his stoning. He highlights Stephen's unwavering faith, his vision of Jesus at God's right hand, and his prayer for his killers' forgiveness. Rhodus draws parallels to recent tragedies, such as the massacre in the Dominican Republic, emphasizing the importance of keeping faith in Jesus amidst suffering. He encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, pray for their persecutors, and entrust their lives to Christ. Rhodus concludes by stressing that true commitment to Christ is about faithfulness, not comfort, and calls for renewed dedication to...2025-08-0325 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond"Truth that Confronts" (Part 3) [Acts 7:44-53] Brian Rhodus discusses Acts 7:44-53, where Stephen addresses the Sanhedrin, accusing them of resisting the Holy Spirit and focusing on rituals over relationship with God. He contrasts the physical temple with the heart, emphasizing that God's presence is not confined to buildings. Rhodus uses the example of John Newton, who transformed from a blasphemer to a preacher, to illustrate that even the hardest hearts can change. He warns against spiritual complacency and the danger of honoring traditions over obedience to God. Rhodus urges believers to let the Bible shape their hearts and lives, not just read it. 2025-07-2739 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond[Part 1] "Truth That Confronts" [Acts 7:1-16] Brian discusses Acts 7:1-16, focusing on Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin. Stephen recounts Israel's history, emphasizing God's faithfulness despite disobedience. He highlights Abraham's promise of land and descendants, Joseph's rise in Egypt, and the covenant of circumcision. Brian draws parallels to modern challenges, urging trust in God's promises even when fulfillment seems distant. He stresses that God's plan involves unexpected detours and is active in all places, encouraging believers to remain faithful despite hardships. The sermon concludes with a call to trust Jesus as savior for peace and support. 2025-07-1332 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond“More Than A Servant” [Acts 6:8-15] Brian Rhodus emphasized the importance of faithfulness in small tasks, using the story of Stephen from Acts 6:8-15 as an example. He recounted the tale of Frank, a janitor who maintained a strong Christian faith and positively impacted his hospital community. Brian highlighted that even seemingly insignificant roles, like sweeping floors or teaching Sunday school, are sacred when performed with dedication and integrity. He encouraged the congregation to view all tasks as opportunities to serve God, noting that heaven recognizes and rewards such faithfulness, which can lead to a greater witness for the gospel. 2025-07-0638 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond"Called to Serve" [Acts 6:1-7] Brian Rhodus discussed the importance of ordinary people meeting extraordinary needs, using the story of a town's bridge repair and Acts 6:1-7 as analogies. He emphasized that growing churches face internal tensions, illustrated by the Hellenist and Hebrew factions in Acts. The apostles delegated responsibilities to seven men of good repute to focus on teaching and prayer, leading to church growth. Rhodus highlighted the need for delegation, empowerment, and unity, noting that the early church's approach of appointing culturally aligned leaders addressed internal divisions and fostered growth. He called for church members to actively serve, ensuring the church's continued...2025-06-2940 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond“Unshaken & Unashamed” [Acts 5:27-42] Brian discusses the unwavering commitment of early apostles to gospel proclamation, despite persecution. He references Acts 5, highlighting Peter's defiance of the high priest's orders and the council's attempts to suppress their message. Brian emphasizes the importance of uncompromising obedience to God, bold gospel proclamation, and not fighting God's purposes. He notes the apostles' joy in suffering for their faith and their daily perseverance in teaching and preaching. Rhodus encourages the church to focus on gospel proclamation, citing Vacation Bible School as a significant evangelistic opportunity, and to maintain joy and faithfulness in their mission. 2025-06-2236 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond"Unstoppable" [Acts 5:17-26] Brian Rhodus emphasized the unstoppable nature of the gospel and the church's role in preaching it, referencing Acts 5:17-26. He highlighted the apostles' unwavering faith and obedience, despite being arrested by the Sadducees. An angel freed them, commanding them to teach in the temple. Rhodus underscored the importance of sharing faith despite personal trials and the church's 201-year history of preaching the gospel globally. He encouraged the congregation to participate in upcoming outreach efforts, including Vacation Bible School, and to recognize God's work and their role in it. 2025-06-1527 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond"A Church the World Can't Ignore" [Acts 5:12-16] Brian emphasized the importance of a church that the world cannot ignore, drawing from Acts 5:12-16. He highlighted the early church's unity, purity, and power, which attracted people despite fear and opposition. Brian compared the church to a symphony orchestra, stressing the need for unity under Christ's leadership. He noted that the church's witness spread beyond Jerusalem, and people brought the sick for healing. Rhodus concluded that God's power is displayed through set-apart people, urging the church to maintain purity, love, and unity to attract seekers and reflect God's presence. 2025-06-0127 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond"Playing Church" [Acts 5:1-11] Brian Rhodus discusses the importance of genuine commitment to the Lord, contrasting it with the "look at me" mentality exemplified by Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. Ananias and Sapphira, seeking reputation, kept part of the proceeds from selling property and lied about it. Peter's confrontation led to their deaths, highlighting the seriousness of deceit. Rhodus emphasizes that true generosity is sincere, not showy, and that integrity is crucial for the church's reputation and the community's respect. He urges the congregation to honor God with their actions and commitments. 2025-05-2530 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond"The Power of Together" [Acts 4:32-37] Brian Rhodus discusses the unity and giving spirit of the early church as depicted in Acts 4:32-37. He emphasizes the importance of giving, not just financially but also of time and talent, and relates it to the church's mission and spiritual growth. Rhodus uses a story about a girl giving her money to God to illustrate the right attitude towards giving. He also highlights the need for the church to be united for gospel impact, citing the example of the early church's shared possessions and the apostles' bold testimony. Rhodus concludes by stressing that giving is a form of...2025-05-1828 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond"When the Church Lifts Her Voice" [Acts 4:23-31] Brian emphasized the importance of prayer in the church, likening it to breathing for spiritual life. He referenced Acts 4:23-31, highlighting the church's unified prayer after Peter and John's release. Rhodus stressed that the church's primary focus should be on God's will, particularly the gospel. He criticized prayers for material gains and advocated for prayers that exalt Jesus through the Word and Spirit. Rhodus noted that the early church's prayer led to a physical manifestation of God's presence, symbolized by an earthquake. He called for a revival of this fervent, unified prayer to transform the church. 2025-05-1131 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond"The Sound of a Changed Life" [Acts 4:15-22] Brian Rhodus emphasizes the importance of submitting to Jesus and living a life transformed by faith. He references Acts 4:15-22, where Peter and John are warned not to speak in Jesus' name but cannot help but share their experiences. Rhodus stresses that Christians must always be ready to give an answer for their faith, even when faced with opposition. He criticizes passive worship and encourages enthusiastic expression of faith. Brian also shares an encounter with a pantheist, highlighting the need for Christians to respond to opposition with respect and readiness to share their beliefs. 2025-05-0435 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond"Built on Faith" [Acts 4:5-14] Brian Rhodus discusses Acts 4:5-14, emphasizing Jesus as the cornerstone and the importance of building a life on faith. He highlights Peter's third speech, where he boldly proclaims Jesus's resurrection and authority. Rhodus connects this to Luke 12:11-12, urging believers to speak truth with boldness and respect. He explains how Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, confidently declares Jesus's name as the source of power. Rhodus stresses that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus, and encourages believers to trust the Holy Spirit for empowerment, despite facing opposition. 2025-04-2737 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond"Bold Faith, Growing Church" [Acts 4:1-4] Brian discusses Acts 4:1-4, emphasizing the church's mission post-resurrection. He recounts Peter and John healing a crippled beggar, leading to 5,000 men believing in Jesus. Despite the religious leaders' arrest of Peter and John, their message prevailed. Brian highlights the power of Jesus' name and the importance of bold faith in sharing the gospel. He notes the Sadducees' rejection of the resurrection and the inevitable opposition from Satan when God's work is active. The message concludes by underscoring the transformative power of a changed life and the enduring authority of Jesus' name. 2025-04-2028 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond“The Hope of Restoration” [Acts 3:17-26] Brian discusses Acts 3:13-26, emphasizing the theme of repentance and restoration. He highlights Peter's speech to the Jewish people after healing a lame man, explaining that Jesus' sacrifice blots out sin and brings refreshing from the Lord. Brian stresses the importance of repentance, citing that Peter repeats this message three times in the Acts of the Apostles. He underscores the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus, the necessity of repentance for salvation, and the significance of Jesus' resurrection. Brian also references historical and biblical examples to illustrate the urgency and universality of accepting salvation through Jesus. 2025-04-1330 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond“The Church Speaks” [Acts 3:11-16] Pastor Brian discusses the importance of focusing on the church's core mission as outlined in Acts 3:11-16, emphasizing that the church's power and success come from the Holy Spirit, not personal merit. He highlights the need for the church to rekindle its voice and mission, urging members to be receivers, transmitters, and trailblazers of the gospel. Brian criticizes the church's tendency to focus on routine and tradition over true spiritual engagement, calling for a return to active evangelism and discipleship. 2025-04-0634 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond"God's Healing Power" [Acts 3:1-10] Brian Rhodus discusses the contrast between the Pentagon, symbolizing worldly power, and Pentecost, representing spiritual power. He highlights the Pentagon's impressive dimensions and operations, emphasizing its role in U.S. defense. Rhodus then shifts to Acts 3:1-10, where Peter and John heal a lame man, demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit. He stresses that this healing is the first miracle post-Pentecost, affirming Jesus' promises. Rhodus underscores the importance of using the Holy Spirit's power for God's work, worship, and witness, urging the congregation to actively serve and share their faith. 2025-03-3032 min
FBC Byram Sermons and BeyondRepent and be Baptized [Acts 2:22-41] Pastor Brian delves into Acts 2:22-41, emphasizing Peter's evangelistic message about Jesus' resurrection and the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. Peter explains that Jesus was raised by God, as foretold by David, and calls for repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins. Brian highlights the significance of baptism as a physical act symbolizing spiritual cleansing and a new life in Christ. He stresses that baptism is commanded by Jesus and should be practiced by all believers. Brian also refutes infant baptism, asserting that true baptism requires a personal, conscious decision to follow Jesus. 2025-03-2328 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond"Everyone" [Acts 2:14-21] Pastor Brian discusses Acts 2:14-21, where Peter explains the Holy Spirit's arrival and speaking in tongues as the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. He emphasizes the importance of sharing the Gospel, highlighting Jesus's redemption and the necessity of repentance. Rhodus stresses that the Holy Spirit's role is to empower believers to fulfill the Great Commission, regardless of social status or material possessions. He refutes Calvinist interpretations, asserting that everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved. Brian concludes by urging all believers to actively participate in spreading the Gospel. 2025-03-1632 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond"Amazed and Perplexed" [Acts 2:1-13] Pastor Brian discussed the church's vision trip to Los Angeles, emphasizing the need for local, national, and international ministry partners. Brian highlighted the importance of community, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and sharing the gospel. He shared experiences from Skid Row, stressing the value of every life. The church aims to support missions through tithes, with 6% of the budget allocated to the Cooperative Program. Brian encouraged members to participate in church missions and outreach and to view every person as valuable to God. 2025-03-0236 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond"Faith in Waiting" [Acts 1:12-26] Pastor Brian discusses the early church's core values as depicted in Acts 1:12-26. He highlights four key values: 1. community and fellowship2. prayer as a priority3. leadership and guidance4. engagement with Scripture. The disciples gathered in unity, devoting themselves to prayer, and chose Matthias through prayer. Brian emphasizes the importance of prayer, leadership, and the Bible in the church's mission. He also notes the significance of community and fellowship, citing the disciples' unity and the need for similar unity in modern churches. Brian concludes by urging the con...2025-02-2341 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond"Let's Go" [Acts 1:6-11] Pastor Brian Rhodus emphasized the importance of being a witness for Jesus Christ, drawing parallels between being a witness through courtroom testimony and a witness of the Christian faith. He highlighted that Christians, having not witnessed Jesus' life or resurrection firsthand, must rely on faith and Biblical evidence. Pastor Brian unveiled the "Jerusalem Project," targeting local communities within a three-mile radius of the church for evangelism. He stressed the need for personal witnessing and discipleship, urging the congregation to actively engage in outreach efforts and share their faith. Pastor Brian also mentioned that the FBC Bram will continue to...2025-02-1641 min
FBC Byram Sermons and Beyond"O, Church Arise" [Acts 1:1-5] Pastor Brian discusses the significance of the Book of Acts, emphasizing its role in detailing the early church's formation and the work of the Holy Spirit. He highlights five key points: Acts is the only New Testament history book, bridging the Gospels and Paul's letters, authored by Luke, focusing on the early church's development, and introducing the Holy Spirit's role. Rhodus analyzes Acts 1:1-5, explaining the ascension of Jesus, the apostles' role, and the promise of the Holy Spirit. He urges modern churches to stay away from prioritizing trivial matters over the gospel's message, urging a return to simple...2025-02-0941 min