Bethlehem Baptist Church Podcasty

A snare is a way to trap a small animal without the animal knowing it. As the noose of the snare tightens and the animal realizes it is trapped, it will struggle, which only tightens the noose of the snare. Satan is the great snare-layer for God’s people. In this message, Brother Luke takes a look at how we can become snared before we realize it. h…

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. James 1:2-8 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothin…

Ever heard the phrase, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks?” Well, that phrase is not in the Bible. Young or old, born-again children of God need to change. It is not a one-time act, but an ongoing life of repentance – turning and changing from the course of sin we so often follow. In this message, I take a look at some examples of those who cha…

Is God a concept to us or can He actually be felt by us today? Is He relatable and touchable? Obviously, no one can put hands on Jesus like the Apostles could, but does that limit God to a mere concept? In this message, Brother Luke helps us to see that we can feel God, and He is not just a concept. http://www.bethlehempbc.org/wp-content/uploads/20…

Many Christians ask questions of God, as if He is failing to do something for them. But the Lord has already taken care of all our needs by dying on the cross for our sins. In the days of Malachi the prophet, the people of Israel were asking similar inappropriate questions. In this message from the book of Malachi, I look at Malachi’s Monument to M…

Music is everywhere. From gas station pumps to crowded restaurants, it seems our lives are set to music. Some say that music is just a personal preference and really has no impact. But the truth is God created music, so it belongs to Him. And we are kidding ourselves if we think music has no impact. In this message, I take a look at music from a Bi…

The Apostle Paul said that if there had been a law you could keep to get to heaven, it would have been the law given to Moses. But that was not the purpose of the law and there is no way to keep a law in order to go to heaven. Rather, we live under the law of life in Christ. In this message, Brother Luke explains how the only way to make it to heav…

The writer of Psalm 77 was overwhelmed with worry. In seeking God, he found no relief. But he continued to seek the Lord, and eventually found what he needed. If the Psalmist had stopped seeking, he would never have experienced the glory of the Lord and relief from his worry. In this message, I look at how we can all go from worry to wonder, just l…

In this message, I look at the prophecies of Jesus in the book of Zechariah. The prophecies are descriptive and graphic, and cover only about a 40-50 day time frame in the life of Jesus. One could almost consider portions of Zechariah as the “5th” gospel. I call this message “The Graphic Gospel of Zechariah.” http://www.bethlehempbc.org/wp-content/…

A benchmark is a point of reference. We often use benchmarks to assess and see where we are. In this message, Brother McNeil Honea speaks about “Spiritual Benchmarks,” as a way to assess our spiritual walk and see what out goals are and where we are. http://www.bethlehempbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02.19.23.Spiritual.Benchmarks.McNeil.Honea_.…

It seemed hopeless and pointless for wealthy Joseph of Arimathea. The Christ was dead, and even though he had not consented to the wicked deeds of the Sanhedrin, there was nothing he could do now. But as he gazed upon the dead Messiah, hanging bloodied and lifeless on the cross – one burning thought came to his mind – how to get his hands on the de…

John 21:20-25 You Follow me! What are you sacrificing to follow Jesus? Or are you just living in the world? Matthew 19:16-22 “And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep t…

At the end of all things, Jesus will not discuss doctrine. This does not mean doctrine is not important, but when we arrive at the fulfillment of Matthew 25, everyone at that point will believe the same thing! Rather, Jesus will talk about events that occured during our lives that involved Him. Interestingly, at least 2 (and arguably 3) of the 6 th…

When things are going good, we don’t usually give much thought about things going bad. But we should be preparing for bad times, when things are going good. In this message, Brother Luke looks at the great example of Asa, who fortified the defenses of the nation during a time of national peace. http://www.bethlehempbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02…

In this message I continue to look at the 10 visions of Zechariah. The prophet was inundated with 10 visions in a single night. The theme of the visions continues to compare the city of Babylon with the city of God. And, as usual, the city of God ultimately prevails. I entitle this message “The Branch beats Babylon.” http://www.bethlehempbc.org/wp-…

John 20:30-21:19 Do you love me?: Claiming to love Jesus is easy. Sin is easy; Loving Jesus is hard. Show Love by Following Jesus. Will you follow Jesus? Do you love Jesus enough to follow Him? Will you commit your life even to the point of death to follow Jesus? Do you Love Jesus? Stand up if you love Jesus Follow Jesus!…

With the powerful Egyptian army bearing down on them, positioned between two mountain ranges in a mouth-like gorge that opened onto the shore of the Red Sea, the children of Israel seemed to be in dire straits. But the Lord had placed them right where he wanted them, so he could spring his trap on Pharoah. In this message, I look at the ways we oft…

We often feel alone, isolated, and like no one is on our side. The medicine to take when we feel this way is Psalm 124. In this message, Brother Luke expresses the comfort we can receive in knowing the Lord is on our side. http://www.bethlehempbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/02.05.23.When_.the_.Lord_.is_.On_.Our_.Side_.Luke_.Hagler.mp3 02.05.23.W…

John 20:19-29 Do you doubt? The miracles that Jesus did? That Jesus suffered and died for you? That Jesus rose from dead? That Jesus is alive? Jesus is ALIVE

The Lord expects us to seek His guidance. How does that work? What does it look like? Is it just a warm, fuzzy feeling we may get about a decision? In a message entitled “Divine Guidance,” Brother Luke instructs about how this works for the child of God. http://www.bethlehempbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/01.29.23.Divine.Guidance.Luke_.Hagler.mp…

In the minor prophet series, I continue to look at Zechariah’s 10 visions. In a time of political and cultural turmoil, Zechariah’s visions from God were mysterious but encouraging, ominous yet enlightening. In this message I look at the 4th and 5th visions – the Brand and the Branch. http://www.bethlehempbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/01.25.23.…

John 19:16-20:10 First hand accounts of the events of Jesus death and resurrection. Many died for proclaiming Jesus as the Christ. Prophecies about Jesus have been confirmed. Jesus is the truth that will set you free.

The men of Sodom gathered at the door of Lot and made demands. They were no different than the woke culture today. The main difference today is that Sodom is already inside our homes in the form of social media and television. If we are not aware of Sodom’s demands today, we have already given up the fight. In this message I look at a very clear, b…

John 18:38-19:16 Jesus was not guilty. Jesus took the place of guilty men. Jesus sacrifice sets the guilty free.

Justification is a theme throughout the Bible. Job of old asked, “…how should man be just with God.?” To be just means to be innocent, and Solomon declared there is not a just man on the earth. In the articles of faith series, I take a look at the truth of how we are declared innocent, or justified, only by the work of Christ. http://www.bethlehemp…

Scams are everywhere today. From emails to phone calls, many people suffer from scams daily. The original scam artist was Satan himself. In this message, Brother Luke preaches about the great scam artist and the strategies that Satan uses. http://www.bethlehempbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01.15.23.The_.Great_.Scam_.Artist.Luke_.Hagler.mp3 01.1…

The next minor prophet I consider is Zechariah. He prophesied during the rebuilding of the temple, and his message is thick with Messianic foreshadowing. The title of this first message on the minor prophet is called “The Night Visions of Zechariah.” http://www.bethlehempbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/01.11.23.The_.Night_.Visions.of_.Zechariah.T…

John 18:10-11,15-18,25-27 Are you like Simon Peter? He asks a lot of questions. He is overbearing. He allows himself to be consumed with things out of his control. He worries…a lot He fights battles that aren’t his. His emotions get the better of him. He tried to fix things and others around him. Are you like Simon Peter? sinner to believer? believ…

In this message I look at origins, or, where we come from. In strong contrast with all other creation myths, the Hebrew creation account has a simplicity and confidence derived from a rugged monotheism (one God), as opposed to the polytheistic (many gods) legends of all other cultures. And perhaps the greatest origin myth is evolution, with the abs…

This is a message that applies across the board to everyone. We all worry to some degree or another. Worry is a burden that can press us down into very dark places. But thankfully, our merciful Lord knows this, and has given us ample ways to deal with worry. In this message, Brother Luke presents healthy, Biblical ways to lighten the weight of worr…

John 18:1-9 In the Presence of the Lord: - Every knee shall bow - Jesus will take your place - Believers will be saved

In the fundamentals of the faith series, I take a look at the 3rd Article of Faith. Possibly the most controversial of all the articles, but without a doubt the most revealing of the heart of our merciful Lord, I consider the Bible truths of election and predestination. By using 2 notable examples, I trust that sinners saved by grace can understand…

The Lord is a gift giver. As if the gift of eternal life through his Son was not enough, God gives more gifts. And every child of God has a gift. How are we using the gift God has given us? Do we even know the gift we have? In this message, Brother Luke preaches about gifts, and encourages us to recognize and use the gift we have from the Lord. htt…

Hebrews 11-12:1-4 Many before us have walked "by faith" trusting in the Lord and being obedient to His calling on their lives. We are to live the same way being encouraged by the witness of those before us so that we also my walk "by faith" and answer the call the Lord places on our lives. The Lord has blessed Bethlehem Baptist Church with so much …

In the Christmas Day message, Brother Luke presents a stirring message of how the Lord is faithful to His promises. Abraham waiting over 25 years for the promised son. David waited around 15 years to take the throne promised to him. And the virgin Mary faced obstacle after obstacle in standing on the promise of salvation coming through the child sh…

As I continue to look at the articles of faith, I consider article 2, which declares that the Bible is inspired by God and the only rule of faith and practice for the church and our lives. http://www.bethlehempbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/12.18.22.The_.Only_.Rule_.of_.Faith_.and_.Practice.Tim_.McCool.mp3 12.18.22.The.Only.Rule.of.Faith.and.Pra…

The faceoff between the armies of Israel and the Philistines in I Samuel 16 is a classic scene. A giant came out to defy God’s army and no man had the courage to face him. But David, a mere boy, accepted the challenge. He was faithful to the Lord. In this message, Brother Luke looks at this example and shows how the Super David – Jesus – was faithf…

It is important to know how to rightly divide the word of God. To rightly divide means to interpret and understand passages of scripture in a way that does not take away, add to or subtract from the context and meaning. In this message, Brother Luke shows how this works as he looks at the subject of “Respect of Persons.” http://www.bethlehempbc.org…

Romans 8:35-39

This past Sunday, I began a new series entitled “The Fundamentals of the Faith.” Long ago when a church was formed, it would have a basic set of beliefs laid out to which all the founding members agreed. Sadly, this is often forgotten today. Bethlehem was established in 1901 as an extension from Zion church, established in 1847. In this first messa…

In the Godly ladies and gentlemen series, I take a look at the greatest example of a Godly Man who has or ever will exist – the Man Christ Jesus. Specifically, I consider 4 interactions of Jesus with women, found in the gospel of John. http://www.bethlehempbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/12.04.22.The_.Man_.Christ.Jesus_.Tim_.McCool.mp3 12.04.22.T…

http://www.bethlehempbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/11.27.22.Men_.After_.Gods_.Own_.Heart_.pt_.2.Tim_.McCool.mp3 11.27.22.Men.After.Gods.Own.Heart.pt.2.Tim.McCoolAutor: Tim McCool

Philippians 4:4-9

David was described as a man after God’s own heart. What does this mean and how does it impact men, young men and boys who are striving to be Godly. In this message, I take a look at the background and context of why David was referred to as a man after God’s own heart. http://www.bethlehempbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/11.20.22.Men_.After_.God…

We have all heard the old question, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” In this message, Brother Luke uses this old inquisitive adage to look at a timeless truth. The message is entitled, “The Bible Tells the Truth.” http://www.bethlehempbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/11.20.22.The_.Bible_.Tells_.the_.Truth_.Luke_.Hagler.mp3 11.20.22.The.…

Mark 1:2-4

There is much darkness in the world today. It can be hard to push back against the darkness. In this message, I examine the best way to push back against the darkness – by looking to the greatest Light that has ever existed. Are we looking at the Lord? Do we see Jesus? http://www.bethlehempbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/11.13.22.Do_.We_.See_.Jes…

In a timely message following the November elections, Brother Luke presents the reality of what revives a nation. To think we can merely cast a vote and cause change misses the point. Of course we should vote for people who line up with Biblical principles, but at the same time, true revival comes from repentance in our homes. http://www.bethlehemp…

In the next message from Haggai, I take a look at what was going on during the rebuilding of the temple after the 70 years of captivity. In a direct fulfillment of God’s sovereign design, the little band of Jews were the right people in the right place, doing the right work for the right reasons. http://www.bethlehempbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/…

Matthew 1:21-23, 1 Peter1:6-9, Revelation 21:3-4 Before Jesus: - we had no hope. With Jesus we have hope and assurance that leads to eternal life. Without Jesus: we are lost and hopeless With Jesus we have hope and forgiveness that leads to salvation. Without Jesus: we have no hope of the future. With Jesus we have hope and welfare and a future. We…