BPBC Author

The Bible tells us to let our moderation be known unto all men. What exactly does that mean? In a time of excessive appetites for activities like youth sports, careers, or hobbies, it is vitally important we understand what moderation is. In the same way the tires on a car need to be balanced to prevent a rough ride, so our lives must be balanced. This is an example of moderation. In this sermon, Brother Luke looks at the definition of moderation and what the scriptures have to say about it.

06.25.25.Moderation.Luke.Hagler

When the frontier was settled in the 1800s, it was common for the wagon trains to “circle the wagons” when under attack and at night for protection, safety and interaction. In this message, I look at how we should follow that example when we are attacked by Satan and faced with trials and tragedies.

06.22.25.Circle.the.Wagons.Tim.McCool

The Bible gives multiple accounts of the dead being raised back to life in this world, but that is not the only type of resurrection we find in the scriptures. We read about our spiritual man being resurrected back to life with the new birth and about the resurrection of our bodies eternally at the end of time. Another type of resurrection we find is when our hope seems to be dead and the Lord, in ways only He can, brings hope back to our hearts and minds. This renews our strength and courage to face another day in this fallen world. In this message, Brother Luke preaches about these different resurrections.

06.15.25.Hope.and.the.Resurrection.Luke.Hagler

It is easy to lose heart in the face of evil. Sometimes the evil that affects us can be distant – like being frustrated with politics. But sometimes it touches us directly. When it touches us directly, we need to prepare our minds to know how the Lord views and deals with such evil, as well as how we are to respond. In this message, Brother Luke looks at the subject, “Vengeance is Mine”, saith the Lord.

06.08.25.Vengeance.is.Mine.Luke.Hagler

In this message, I look at the prayer of true pastors – that the people he preaches to will stand in the truths they are taught.

06.01.25.A.Pastors.Prayer.Tim.McCool.mp3

Everyone is looking for happiness. Being happy is a wonderful way to feel. But the reality of life is that happiness can be difficult to achieve and more difficult to hang onto. In this message, I look at how to find happiness in the context of Peter’s clear teaching on discipleship.

05.28.25.How.to.Find.Happiness.Tim.McCool

Jesus tells us that in order for a man to find his life he must first lose it. That might seem like an unusual statement if we only look at it from a superficial perspective. In this sermon, Brother Luke looks at the life of Paul to get a better understanding of what it means to lose your life in order to find it.

05.25.25.Finding.Your.Life.Luke.Hagler

In the series from I Thessalonians, I look at a statement made by the Apostle Paul. He says that the church at Thessalonica was appointed to afflictions. When we are in the fire of afflictions, the heat shows what is in our heart. In this message, I look at how we face affliction and how to deal with it.

05.25.25.The.Heat.Shows.the.Heart.Tim.McCool

Everyone agrees that the plant you grow will always be the same as the seed you plant. Corn seeds don’t yield apple trees. The Bible is clear that we will reap what we sow. If we sow to the flesh we will reap destruction. Our problem as children of God is not a lack of understanding this, but it comes with not realizing there are times we are sowing the wrong type of seeds and don’t even realize it. In this sermon, Brother Luke looks at the importance of not being naive to the seeds that we are casting into our lives.

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Most of the rhetoric today uses the second coming of Christ to strike fear in our minds. If a preacher says, “Are you ready for His coming?”, it usually refers to making sure you are eternally saved, so when He shows, you will be ready in that way. But the Bible teaches eternal salvation is solely the work of the Lord. And yet, Paul taught them to be ready for Christ’s coming. If Paul was not referring to eternal salvation, what did he mean? In the series from I Thessalonians, I look at this subject.

5-18-25 Are u ready

King David desired to bring the ark of the covenant home to his new house in Jerusalem. This was a good thing. But the way David went about it, displeased the Lord. How many times do we have issues we deal with, and we go about it the wrong way? In this message, I look at how David got back on the right track to bring the ark home.

05.14.25.How shall the ark come to my house

Have we been affected by worldwide deceptions like global warming or evolution? Or have we been affected by lying? Or what about slander or gossip? Have we experienced personal attacks during opportunities to minister? Have we ever dealt with betrayal? Have we refused to forgive others? Has our family been attacked in some way? Has sexual impurity affected our church or community? If the answer is yes to any or all of these, then Satan may be hindering us. In this message, I look at what the Bible teaches about the ways that Satan hinders us.

05.11.25.How is Satan hindering us

In the final message of the May meeting, Elder Graham Sims speaks about the ways in which the Lord restores vision. Sometimes it can be in a physical way like Jesus did with the blind, but sometimes it can be spiritual vision.

05.04.25.Restoring.Vision.Graham.Sims

In the first message of our recent annual meeting, Elder Tim Lawrence of Bethel PBC near Nashville, preaches about sticking to the script, or scriptures. The Lord has preserved for us in His Word everything we need to know about Him and about how to navigate the pitfalls of this fallen world.

05.03.25.Sticking.to.the.Script.Tim.Lawrence

From the days of Isaac, when he asked his father Abraham, where was the Lamb, up until this very hour, the Lord will providentially make sure we are taken care of. This does not mean we should expect an easy life. But it does mean that the Lord is the Provider of all that we need eternally and in a timely way. In this message, Elder Tim Lawrence speaks on this subject.

05.04.25.The.Providential.Hand.of.God.Tim.Lawrence

In the final message on Saturday, Elder Tim Lawrence, member of Bethel Primitive Baptist Church of Nashville, TN, preaches about the miraculous ways that the Lord manifests Himself even now.

05.03.25.He.Will.Manifest.Himself.Tim.Lawrence

In the Saturday afternoon service, Brother Graham looks at Psalms 46 and observes how the Lord is our refuge.

05.03.25.God.is.Our.Refuge.Graham.Sims

In the Saturday morning message of our recent May meeting, Elder Graham Sims, pastor of Wilson Creek PBC near Franklin, TN, preaches from the first chapter of Ephesians. As a prison epistle, Paul wrote this to the troubled church at Ephesus, who apparently was beginning to forget their first love. Paul’s first few lines seek to remind them and get them back on the right track.

05.03.25.Remember.the.Basics.Graham.Sims

Romans 4:25 tells us that Jesus was delivered for our offenses and raised again for our justification. Do we recognize that we have sin? Or do we justify ourselves when it comes to our sin. I would rather acknowledge that I do have sin, and trust in the Lord Jesus for my justification in spite of my being guilty. In this message, I look at the fact that we are sinners who have offended God, yet God in His mercy delivered His perfect Son to pay for those sins, and to be raised from the dead as evidence they were paid by Him.

04.27.25.Delivered.and.Raised.Tim.McCool

What is something that could happen to you today that would make you happy? A new car, becoming debt free, running into an old friend, or maybe finding out you are the heir to a fortune? It is an endless list of things we may say. How many of us would say that being corrected makes us happy? From a worldly perspective, correction is something we usually detest. But the Bible teaches us that correction from God brings happiness. In this sermon, Brother Luke looks at how a child of God can find happiness even while enduring God’s chastening. 

04.27.25.What.Makes.You.Happy.Luke.Hagler.mp3

How do we assess our value? Is it through the number of likes we have online? Or is it through the amount of property and money we amass? In this message, Elder John Morgan Owens, of Zion PBC, preaches about the way we should find our value, our true worth.

04.23.25.Where.Do.You.Find.Your.Value.John.Morgan.Owens

In the final days of the Judges of Israel, the times were very dark. The ministry of that time was cruel. Worship was corrupt. The people were complacent, and families were dysfunctional. This led to there being no open vision from God. Although this sounds like a page out of the present culture, it was several thousand years ago when the Lord scripted revival in an unusual way. He utilized a wife who suffered from an eating disorder, an obese priest, and an adopted little boy. In this message, I look at the meaning of open vision.

04.20.25.Open.Vision.Tim.McCool

In a previous message from I Thessalonians, I looked at what a church should expect out of their preacher. Paul first described his manner as being like a gentle mother. In this message, I continue to look at Paul’s description of himself – as a loving father. These are important characteristics the people of God should expect in how the ministry interacts with them.

04.13.25.A.Loving.Father.Tim.McCool

When was the last time you saw a modern-day prodigal son return? Chances are you haven’t. Why? They say that behind every good dish is a good recipe. Sometimes the recipes are passed down, and if we are not diligent in keeping up with a recipe, we forget the ingredients needed to make a good dish to eat. In this sermon, Brother Luke looks at the essential ingredients for the prodigal to return. When we sin against our fellow man, our church or our God, there are certain ingredients that must be present to bring about healing and restoration. In the account of the prodigal son, we find those ingredients to a lost recipe.

04.13.25.A.Lost.Recipe.Luke.Hagler.mp3

Contentment and jealousy do not coexist very well. When one thrives the other does not. Being content with what we have is a wonderful feeling. Our contentment is disrupted when we begin looking at what others have. Jealousy creeps in and puts a stranglehold on our contentment. Instead of a peaceful sense of having enough, we become resentful at others for what they have. In this message, Brother Luke takes up this important subject.

04.09.25.Contentment.and.Jealousy.Luke.Hagler

What should a congregation expect out of their preacher? How should he treat them? In the series on I Thessalonians, I move into chapter 2 and observe the way the Apostle Paul described himself. He writes to the church and recalls his manner among them. One way he described the way he handled them was like a gentle mother handles an infant.

04.06.25.A.Gentle.Mother.Tim.McCool

It is interesting how light affects our perception. Experiments have proven without any exposure to the sun we lose our sense of time, and our sleep cycles become altered, both of which are kept in check by exposure to sunlight. In the same way, when we remove ourselves from the Light of Christ our perception of what is true is altered. We may find ourselves calling good evil or seeing our friends as enemies. In this sermon, Brother Luke observes how the Light of Christ helps us keep our perceptions true and accurate.

04.06.25.Light.and.Perception.Luke.Hagler

Last week I began a series in I Thessalonians. We started with an important subject – the meaning of life for the child of God? I consider this next subject just as important. If we do not permit the unmasking of our personal idols through the preached word, then we will never truly be able to experience the meaning of life. This message is entitled, Unmasking Our Idols.

03.30.25.Unmasking.Our.Idols.Tim.McCool

What is the meaning of life? Can this question possibly be answered in a mere 30-minute sermon? It is a question pondered for ages and there are many opinions about it. But for the child of God, it has a simple answer. Paul addresses the true meaning of life for a born-again child of God in I Thessalonians. If we are searching for meaning in our lives, we need look no further.

03.23.25.The.Meaning.of.Life.Tim.McCool

In this sermon Brother Luke looks at the progression of how a man healed of blindness viewed Jesus. The healed man initially calls Jesus just a man. Then as his understanding grows, he calls him a prophet, then a being from God, and ultimately, he recognizes and worships Jesus as a king. As we learn and grow in our belief and understanding of Jesus, we should experience a progression like this. The Lord Jesus should become greater to us as time passes, and we learn more of Him.

03.23.25.What.Is.Jesus.to.You.Luke.Hagler

Being afraid can have a dramatic impact on our behavior. In this sermon Brother Luke looks at how the fear of death is a bondage that can cause us to compromise. The scripture tells us the fear of death is something the Lord came to deliver us from, and when we embrace His truth, we find great courage in times we might otherwise be tucking our tails and running for the hills.

03.16.25.Fear.of.Death.Luke.Hagler

The book of Ecclesiastes is dark and brooding, clearly from the mind of a depressed and jaded person. In this message, I look at the context of this book, when it was written, and by whom. When compared with the other writings of King Solomon, it presents an interesting and sad picture of the old, troubled king.

03.12.25.Vanity.of.Vanities.Tim.McCool

Getting a report card at school was always scary. The report card summarized my performance at school. I especially feared the “conduct” part! Hebrews 11 speaks of a report card of faith. What kind of grade would we achieve in the school of faith? This is not a report card that we report on each other, but a report card that comes from the Lord above.

03.09.25.The.Report.Card.of.Faith.to.Tim.McCool

The Bible says that a brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city. Oftentimes when someone offends us, we build walls, and it can be very difficult to repair a relationship. A mistake we as Christians make is to assume God deals with us in the way we deal with each other. While offending another person may bring lifelong separation regardless of our attempts to reconcile, God does not build walls between himself and his people. In this message, Brother Luke look at the fact that no child of God has ever offended God to such an extent that returning to him is not possible.

03.02.25.God.Is.Not.a.Bricklayer.Luke.Hagler

We don’t really experience real physical famines today, but we can experience drought, or dry and difficult times, in our marriages, our friendships, our churches. How do we handle that? We are conditioned to cut loose and run. But leaving in times of famine is not always the right course of action. Plus, we will totally miss out on the day before the rain. In this message, I draw lessons from those who left and those who stayed in times of great famine.

03.02.25.The.Day.Before.the.Rain.Tim.McCool

Regardless of denomination, faith is one of the most common words heard among religious circles. However, you will find significant differences in an understanding of it. Some say it is a prerequisite to being born again while others say it is generated when one hears the gospel. When we look at the scripture, we see it is neither a prerequisite to the new birth nor activated by the gospel, but rather an evidence of having already been born again by the Spirit of God.

02.26.25.Faith.Luke.Hagler

Isaiah 53 has often been referred to as the “gospel of Isaiah.” In this message, I look at one of the themes of this incredible and tragic description of our Savior on the cross. As tragic as it is, we rejoice that his suffering was not pointless, but Jesus was interceding for us.

02.23.25.Intercession.Tim.McCool

In the concluding message of the framework series, I look at the 4th activity the early church engaged in – prayer. Acts 2:42 says they continued in doctrine (teaching), fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers. As a church and as individuals, we should follow the framework of the first church, and continue in these simple activities.

02.16.25.Continue.in.Prayers.Framework.Series.pt.4.Tim.McCool

On the eve of his crucifixion, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He took Peter, James and John with Him. Before he goes off to pray, he instructs them to watch. Three times he returns to find them sleeping. In this sermon Brother Luke looks at the definition of the word watch, to see exactly what the Lord wanted them to be doing and how it would impact the events about to unfold.

02.16.25.Too.Sleepy.to.Pray.Luke.Hagler

Have you ever wondered what the early church did for activities? It was very simple. They engaged one another in 4 basic activities. Acts 2:42 says they continued in doctrine (teaching), fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers. In the 3rd message of the Framework series, I look at how the church engaged in the activity of the breaking of bread.

02.12.25.Breaking.of.Bread.Tim.McCool

The activities described in the NT church are simple. In our present culture, we have complicated the church experience. From pre-K to the elderly, the idea of segregated activity for age-specific groups has taken over. But early church members of all ages and backgrounds, engaged in 4 basic activities. Acts 2:42 says they continued in doctrine (teaching), fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers. In the 2nd message in this series, I look at how the church engaged in the activity of fellowship.

02.09.25.Continuing.in.Fellowshp.Framework.Series2.Tim.McCool

We all deal with bondage to some extent, whether it is the bondage of fear, depression, disease, grief or countless other ways. Thankfully God specializes in rescuing us from bondage. Sometimes he does it in miraculous ways as he did with Peter, Paul, and Silas. But for most of us, it may not be a dramatic rescue from a prison, but measures of grace that revives our spirit and strengthens us to live another day. In this sermon Brother Luke goes to the book of Ezra to give us an example of this.

02.09.25.Give.Us.A.Nail.Luke.Hagler

The Lord set up a simple framework for the church experience in the NT church. Worship has become complicated in our modern culture to the extent that it is often difficult to figure out where to fit in. But the early church engaged in 4 simple activities. Around this simple framework our worship life can still be experienced. In this message, I take a look at this subject.

02.02.25.Faithful.to.the.Framework.pt.1.Tim.McCool

Living in the modern church culture, we often lose sight of a Biblical understanding of what a pastor is. In this message, Brother Luke preaches about the characteristics of a good pastor.

01.26.25.A.Good.Pastor.Luke.Hagler

In the final justification sermon, Brother Luke looks at the most compelling type of justification. To be justified by works is when others declare us righteous, and justification by faith is when we experience it within based on our faith in Jesus’ work, it is only through grace that the Lord God Almighty declares us just. So, God according to his tender mercy and good pleasure, laid the wrath for the sin of all his people on the shoulders of his son. Thus, God declared us righteous through the finished work of Christ.

01.22.25.Justification.by.Grace.Luke.Hagler

When it comes to the daily grind of life, we all need a reset button. To go back to the basic, back to the foundation, to reset ourselves back on the right path. That is exactly what the father of faith – Abraham – had to do. And it works for us as well. In this message, I look at how we can press our reset.

01.19.25.Press.the.Reset.Tim.McCool

In a follow up message to ‘Justification by Works’, Brother Luke examines what it means to be justified by faith. Justification by works has to do with the opinions of those who see our works and, based on what they see, declare us righteous. But to be justified by faith means that we see ourselves as righteous based solely on the testimony of God-given faith that only points to the finished work of Christ.

01.19.25.Justification.By.Faith.Luke.Hagler

Living in the blessings of a free society, with very little threat of persecution for serving the Lord, we are often shocked by suffering. But the true experience of God’s children down through the years has involved much suffering. In this message, I look at how we should not be shocked when we suffer.

01.12.25.Shocked.by.Suffering.Tim.McCool

Peter writes in several places that his intention is to stir up our minds by his writing. In this message Brother Luke looks at the reasons we stir our food when we are cooking and compares that to our spiritual minds. In the same way failing to stir our food can cause it to burn or stick, failing to stir up our spiritual minds can lead to us being stuck to the wrong things or having our conscience seared with a hot iron.

01.12.25.Stir.or.Stick.Luke.Hagler

To be justified means to be ‘declared just or righteous’. The Bible teaches 3 types of justification: by grace, by faith, and by works. So which one is it? The answer is – all of them. To understand how this works, we must look at each justification individually. In this sermon Brother Luke looks at justification by works. This occurs when others see our good works and declare us to be righteous.

01.08.25.Justification.By.Works.Luke.Hagler

We recognize common phrases like “you only live once”, or “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” When Paul wrote the Corinthians, there was a common phrase they were accustomed to hearing: “Meats for the belly.” Like a code phrase, the initiated knew the devious double meaning behind this phrase. In this message I look at the meaning behind this phrase, and how it was a perversion of the truth.

01.05.25.Your.Body.the.Temple.Tim.McCool

Many believe the parable of the Sower is given to show who is going to heaven or hell. In reality, the parable teaches that born again children of God are often at different stages. Personally, I have found myself in all 4 categories at times in my life. In this message, I look at one of the purposes of the parable – to direct us to examine our ground.

12.29.24.Examine.Your.Ground.Tim.McCool

In this message, I revisit a subject related to the location of Jesus’ birth. The traditional nativity scene is in a barn, with all types of barnyard animals surrounding Christ in a hay-filled manger. But there may be another possibility of the where the Christ was born – in the tower of the flock…

12.22.24.The.Tower.of.the.Flock.Revisited.Tim.McCool

In his previous two sermons, Brother Luke has answered the questions of when and how we are saved and born again.  Having established both are the sovereign work of God alone, in this sermon he addresses man’s role in discipleship. If God Himself alone saves us eternally and borns us again, how does discipleship work?

12.22.24.Good.Student.Bad.Student.Luke.Hagler

In a follow up message to Firstfruits, I look at what it means to be a living sacrifice. This is a mystery, as the meaning of sacrifice is to kill, or put to death. So how can we be living but dead sacrifices? In this message, I look at how this works.

12.15.24.Living.Sacrifices.Tim.McCool

As a husband to my wife, a father to my children, a son to my mother – I am one person, but I have different roles. When it comes to our salvation, God is One, but He has different roles. In this message, I look at the roles of God in our salvation.

12.11.24.Roles.of.God.Tim.McCool

There are three important events in a child of God’s life – being saved, being born again, and discipleship. There is much confusion about when and how these events occur. In a follow-up message to the Chalkboard Message on 11/24/24, which answers the question when were you saved? – this message focuses on answering the question when and how were you born again.

12.08.24.Plugging.In.The.Printer.Luke.Hagler

Following Thanksgiving, I have often spoken about leftovers, which is something we all partake of after a big celebration. But in this message, instead of leftovers, I focus on the Biblical teaching of firstfruits, which is the other end of the spectrum from leftovers.

12.01.24.Firstfruits.Tim.McCool

Around Thanksgiving, black Friday seems to cast a dark shadow over the time of celebrating freedom, family and being thankful. In this message, I look at what should be our focus not just on Thanksgiving, but every day. If we had a gauge to measure how thankful we are, where would the meter rest? At full? At empty? Somewhere in between?

11.24.24.Your.Thanksgiving.Meter.Tim.McCool

In this message, Brother Luke looks at the confusing and contradicting ideas that the religious world puts forth about eternal salvation. Then in a refreshing and simple way, he presents the simplicity of God’s truth on how we are saved.

11.24.24.The.Chalkboard.Message.Luke.Hagler

To have someone’s back means that you will support them and not let anyone sneak up on them. In an eternal sense, the Lord has our back. There is nothing that can sneak up on us and take away our eternal salvation. But He also has us here and now. The question to ask is – Do we have each other’s back? As born again believers, do we love and support each other as we should. In this message, I look at this question.

11.17.24.Gods.Got.Your.Back.Tim.McCool

We often feel like the Lord is not there for us, or that He is not doing something about our situation. In this message, I look at the mental process that David went through when he asked, “How Long, Lord?” Ultimately, David arrived at the right kind of thinking.

11.13.24.How long.Tim.McCool

Two of the most powerful words we can have in our vocabulary, are “I’m sorry.” In this message I look at how these two words are essential for navigating the ups and downs of relationships in this fallen, broken world.

11.10.24.Im.Sorry.Tim.McCool

Broken fellowship, damaged relationships, severed ties – these are common experiences for us all. The Bible is filled with examples of this, from Adam in the garden to Peter with our Savior. Broken fellowship is a consequence of our broken world. But God in mercy shows the glorious path of restoration. In this message, Brother Luke looks at broken fellowship, and how the Lord leads back to restoration.

11.10.24.Broken.Fellowship.Luke.Hagler

Have you ever lain awake all night with your mind running in circles? Or thoughts come into your head that you can’t seem to shake out? Thankfully, the Lord knows how our broken minds run in circles. In this message, I look at how God gives us ways for us to retrain our brain and break out of harmful circular thinking and establish ways of thinking that free us through Him.

11.03.24.Retrain.Your.Brain.Tim.McCool

In Jeremiah 35, the Lord told Jeremiah to bring the Rechabites to the house of the Lord and set wine before them. The Lord uses this family to demonstrate true faithfulness and show how unfaithful his own nation was to Him. In this message, Brother Luke looks at how the Lord saw the Rechabites as worthy of honor.

11.03.24.Are.You.Worthy.of.Honor.Luke.Hagler

We have all heard the phrase “go getters”. In this message, I present a twist on that phrase, in an effort to teach how we should strive to be givers, just as our Lord gave His life, His time, His effort, and accomplished our salvation. Let us all set our hearts and minds to honor the Lord by being Go Givers.

10.27.24.Go.Givers.Tim.McCool

If we call someone ignorant today, it sounds harsh. But the root word of ignorance is the word ignore. In this message, Brother Luke looks at the subject of ignorance as it is used in the Bible. We may find that it applies to us all in some ways.

10.27.24.The.Ignorance.of.Man.Luke.Hagler

All through the word of God, boasting is frowned upon, except in a few limited circumstances. From the ballpark to social media, we are saturated with boasting. In this message, Brother Luke takes up this subject of boasting and looks at the instances when boasting is approved and appreciated by our Lord.

10.23.24.Boasting.Luke.Hagler

What does the Bible teach about mission work? Is it scriptural? Are missions as commonly understood today, following a Biblical pattern? In this message of the “Why” series, Brother Luke looks at what the Bible teaches about missions.

10.20.24.What.the.Bible.Teaches.About.Missions.Luke.Hagler

In this message, I look at the difference between givers and takers. Sadly, among Christians there are a lot more takers than givers!  It should be our desire to model ourselves after our Savior, who was the ultimate Giver.  Will we take the giver / taker test?

10.20.24.Givers.and.Takers.Tim.McCool

Dust of the earth, stars of sky, sands of the sea – all are Bible descriptions of the vast number of God’s people. The purpose of these descriptions is to emphasize the large number of the chosen people of God. But we can lose ourselves in such large numbers. In this message, I look at the truth that applies not only to nature, but also to every single precious child of God – each little flower may claim the sun.

10.13.24.Each.Little.Flower.Tim.McCool

Usually when we think of a woman at the well, we think of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well in John chapter 4. But there are several accounts of women coming to a well in the Bible. In this message, I take a look at some of those accounts.

10.09.24.Women.at.the.Well.Tim.McCool

On Sunday morning, Elder Martin Onyoni, pastor of the First Primitive Baptist Church of Kisii, Kenya, delivered a message entitled, Avoid Babblings. The Apostle Paul warned against entertaining confusing questions and ideas that cause us to stray from the truth.

10.06.24.Avoid.Babblings.Martin.Onyoni

As the ordination service came to a close, Elder David Crawford and I delivered the final charges to Brother McNeil. Following the charges, the ordination was closed out.

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As the ordination of Brother McNeil continued, his father, Elder Neil Honea, was asked to deliver the first charge. In this post, I share with you the charge delivered by Brother Neil.

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During the Saturday service of our Anniversary meeting, we were blessed to ordain Elder McNeil Honea to the full work of the gospel ministry. In this posting, I share with you the portion of the ordination in which Brother McNeil was questioned by Elder Josh Coker, followed by the ordination prayer offered by Elder Luke Hagler.

10.05.24.Ordination.Questioning.and.Prayer.McNeil.Honea

In the 2nd message of the Anniversary meeting, Elder David Crawford points out how we must be aware of the devices of Satan. We were blessed to host Brother David who will soon be a resident of Clinton, MS.

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In the first message of the Anniversary meeting, Elder Martin Onyoni preaches about the life of the Apostle Paul. We were very blessed to host Brother Martin who was visiting from Kenya. He is the pastor of the First Primitive Baptist Church of Kisii, Kenya.

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Living in a time when every little offense, real or fabricated, is posted online within seconds of it happening, a refresher course about what the Lord taught regarding how to deal with offenses is much needed. This is important for families, friends and churches. If we are truly peace seekers, we will take Christ’s instruction to heart.

09.29.24.Dealing.with.Personal.Offenses.Tim.McCool

One definition of “spirit” is “the influence which fills and governs the soul of any one.” And there are evil, influential spirits that are higher than men but lower than God. The Apostle John addressed this in I John 4 by instructing the people of God to “try” the spirits. In this sermon, Brother Luke looks at what this means.

09.25.24.Try.the.Spirits.Luke.Hagler

In the next message in the “Why” series, I take a look at the meaning of Christ’s statements about binding and loosing. Both times He refers to binding and loosing in the context of His church, and it has a direct impact on how we conduct ourselves in His church today.

09.22.24.Binding.and.Loosing.Tim.McCool

An important distinction in scripture is the difference between discipleship and sonship. To be a son or daughter of God is not optional – it is the complete, sovereign work of the Lord’s mercy. But discipleship is optional. And to read verses referring to optional discipleship as if referring to sonship will lead to confusion. In this message, Elder McNeil Honea presents this distinction.

09.22.24.Discipleship.McNeil.Honea

In the Why series, I ask the question about why belief matters. Does God really care what we believe, just as long as we are sincere? If we look at the examples given in the Bible, we can see clearly that the Apostle Paul was concerned with what was believed and taught in the early church.

09.15.24.Why.Belief.Matters.Tim.McCool.mp3

Brother Luke presents a timely message entitled “Leave Your Windows Open.” In a reference to Daniel’s faithfulness to His God in Babylon, we should take courage in remaining faithful and not compromising the Word of God. We are living in Babylon now, and regardless of the consequence, we should do as Daniel and leave our windows open towards God’s throne.

09.11.24.Leave.Your.Windows.Open.Luke.Hagler

In the 2nd message of the Why series, I look at the public privilege of church membership. Have we thought lately about how humbling it is to have the blessing, as baptized believers in a local church body, to go out from day to day as representatives of our Savior? In this message, I look at how we publicly represent Jesus in relation to the local church body of which we are a member.

09.08.24.Public.Privilege.of.Church.Membership.Tim.McCool

Proverbs 29:18 says “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” In this message preached at the annual meeting of Bethany PBC in Pontotoc, MS, I look at this as it applies to God’s church.

9-7-24 vision Bethany church miss

In this message preached at Bethany PBC near Pontotoc, Mississippi, I look at the subject of contentment. It is interesting how the Lord uses the most negative statement in the Bible to demonstrate such a positive truth about where true contentment lies.

9-6-24 Bethany Miss Contentment

In this message, I begin a series I am calling the “Why” series. Why was I baptized? Why do I believe in salvation by grace? Why do I worship the way I do? All of these and more, are questions I hope to ask in this series. The first sermon is entitled Why Was I Baptized?

09.01.24.Why.Was.I.Baptized.Tim.McCool

Learning to be content in a prosperous society can be difficult. It is not necessarily sinful to have things, but if it leads to discontent, it is not good for our spiritual walk. We can find contentment by embracing the principles of Godly contentment. In this message, Brother Luke looks at what the Bible teaches about this.  It is shocking to see what the Lord says about the basic things we should be content with, and where we must find our ultimate contentment.

09.01.24.Dangers.of.Discontent.Luke.Hagler

The Apostle James contains very strong language about our prayer life. He relates specific reasons why we are sometimes disappointed in the Lord, when the problem actually lies within ourselves. Truly, there can never be anything about the Lord that disappoints. In this message, I look at this subject that impacts our prayer life.

8-28-24 You Have Not Wed night

It is incredible to think that anyone could misunderstand the simple teachings of Christ. Sadly, so many did. In this message, Brother Luke looks at the reasons why so many did not see what was happening or understand what was being taught by Jesus, when it was all so clear and simple. This is an affliction that can affect any of us, if we stop filtering through our spiritual lens.

08.25.24.Reasons.We.Dont.See.Luke.Hagler

Nowadays, just leading a quiet and peaceful life of serving the Lord, is radical. If we want to live such a life, we need a Biblical view of citizenship and government. In the vicious politics of today, the party system would have us believe that one man or woman is the answer to all problems. In this message, I look at how disciples of Christ should view such things.

08.18.24.A.Radical.Life.Tim.McCool

Have you ever wondered about angels? What they really are? What is their purpose? How do they look? In this message, Brother Luke looks at the subject of angels and answers many questions about them. Our modern idea of a cute little pudgy baby with wings, sitting on a mantle, is not even remotely close to the true identity of angels.

08.14.24.Angels.Luke.Hagler

Our God is a festive God. He loves to celebrate righteousness. We even get the word holiday from the Lord’s holy-days. In the OT, He instigated festivals and holy-days to encourage celebrations of Him. In Isaiah, He speaks of a new festival that was coming, one like never before. In this message, I look at that celebration that was foretold.

08.11.24.Wines.on.the.Lees.Tim.McCool

When Christ was on the earth, He used simple examples to make profound points. On one occasion, when the Pharisees were questioning who He was spending time with, the Lord made an incredible example about the great value of His children to Himself. In this message, Brother Luke looks at this topic.

08.11.24.The.Penny.in.the.Parking.Lot.Luke.Hagler.mp3

The standard bearer, or flag bearer, was an important figure in ancient warfare. The person designated to bear the standard of the army was not only a rallying point but also a target. In this message, I look at how the scripture teaches that Christ is our Standard Bearer.

08.04.24.Our.Standard.Bearer.Tim.McCool

Even when a nation is degrading from within, there is always hope. That hope is found in the righteous living of disciples. In the second message of a series preached at Bethlehem, Brother Luke looks at the hope given by the Lord in spite of the terrible conditions of a culture.

08.04.24.Signs.of.a.Degrading.Nation.Part2

Mocked and hated by his brothers, sold into slavery at age 17, carted away to a foreign land, wrongfully accused and imprisoned – Joseph’s life is a testament of anguish and disappointment. But when he ascended to 2nd in command in Egypt and was blessed with 2 sons, he named them interesting names – Forgetful and Fruitful. In this message, I look at the significance of these two boys’ names.

Forgetful and fruitful

When something degrades it breaks down and deteriorates. If you leave a sandwich laying on the counter for a week, there are obvious signs it has degraded.  The Lord describes the signs of a degraded nation in Isaiah 3. In this message, Brother Luke looks at these signs of degradation as they apply to a society like ours today. 

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Date setting the return of Jesus is misleading and inappropriate. Sadly, many have tried that through the years. But looking at signs and seasons of His coming was taught by Jesus Himself. In this Wednesday night message, I look at 7 signs of the second coming of Jesus.

07.24.24.7.Signs.of.His.Second.Coming.Tim.McCool

In some of the easiest to understand, inspired scripture, the Apostle of love makes a profoundly simple and simply profound statement. Even a child can understand that we love God because He first loved us. Just like children are loved by their parents before they love them back, so God loves us first. In this message, I look at the subject – we love Him because He first loved us.

07.21.24.We.Love.Him.Tim.McCool

Satan has many descriptions in the Bible. One of those is the strong man. Christ refers to the devil in this way. The only way to overpower a strong man is by a stronger one. In this message Brother Luke teaches about how Christ is the stronger Man Who overpowers Satan.

07.14.24.The.Stronger.Man.Luke.Hagler

If God says something is better, then it must be better. If He says someone is special, then they are special just because the Lord says so. This is not a trip for our pride, but a call to humility. If God did not make us special by His own work, we would be without hope. In this final message preached at Wilson Creek PBC, I look at this subject.

07.14.24.Wilson.Crk.Better.Tim.McCool.mp3

When we bring God down to our level to feel like we have him figured out, we lose sight of His magnificence. But seeing God as He is, will baffle us. The sovereignty of God and the reality of our need for using faith, can only truly be glimpsed by acknowledging that He is the God of all possibilities. 

07.13.24.Wilson.Creek.The God of All Possibilities

This message was preached by Elder Chris McCool, pastor of Zion PBC, at a Wednesday night service. Jesus caused a great upheaval, or shaking, when He came the first time and entered His temple. That first shaking, as amazing as it was, preceded the next great shaking of the universe, when He returns to take all of His children home.

07.10.24.Shaking.Chris.McCool

In this message preached at Wilson Creek PBC near Smyrna, TN, I look at the subject of “Going Places We Should Not Go.” With the backdrop of David’s devastating decision to leave the land of Israel and go into the land of the enemy, we can see clearly there are places we should not go as disciples of the Lord.

07.12.24.Wilson.Crk.Going Places We Should Not Go.TBM.mp3

In the second message of the Blooming Grove PBC communion meeting, Elder Chris McCool preaches about the parable of the treasure in the field.

06.29.24.Blooming.Grove.PBC.Bro Chris treasure in field

This message was preached at Blooming Grove Primitive Baptist Church near Sulligent, AL, on 6/29/24. Having been newly constituted as a Primitive Baptist Church, Elder Chris McCool and I were invited to preach their first communion meeting. The church house was full, and many had to sit in the fellowship hall.

06.29.24.Blooming.Grove.PBC.Light.Love.and.Life.Tim.McCool

From a practical standpoint, how does Satan attack us? Does he appear in a red suit with a pitchfork? No, he usually comes at us through influencing people. If we are not careful, he can even influence us to attack others. In this message, I look at how our adversary attacks us.

07.07.24.How.Your.Adversary.Attacks.Tim.McCool

It is always a good idea to understand the strategies of an adversary. The greatest adversary we have is the devil. And Peter gives us specific information about the methods of Satan. Thankfully, our Advocate Jesus Christ is infinitely greater than our adversary. In this message, I look at the adversary and our Advocate.

06.30.24.Your.Adversary.and.Your.Advocate.Tim.McCool

The disciples James wrote to were scattered from their homeland because of persecution. And like any of us would be in such a difficult situation, they had begun to complain. James reminds them of their eternally saved condition and exhorts them to focus on the word of God, which would help to deliver them in a timely way. In this message, Brother McNeil looks at this important subject.

07.07.24.Scattered.McNeil.Honea

Listening is a gift, and it requires cultivation. Most of the time we would rather talk than listen. In this message, Brother Luke looks into the book of James, and preaches about this wonderful, Spiritual quality. To be able to listen enables us to minister to those in need and also helps us to learn and grow.

06.26.24.Are.You.Listening.Luke.Hagler

Have you see Jesus lately? Although he is not here on the earth in bodily form, we can still see Him on a regular basis. From His ingenious creativity in nature, to the picture of His supernatural Humanness painted in the scripture, we can see visions of Him if we only look. In this message, I look at the subject of seeing Him daily.

06.23.24.Daily.Visions.of.Jesus.Tim.McCool

One of the many amazing qualities of our Lord, is the way He can overcome and overrule tragedy and sorrow. Without using sin or directing sinful occurrences, the sovereign power of our Lord enables Him to step in and turn sorrow into joy, when all seems lost, and it appears hopeless. In this message, Brother Luke preaches about this amazing truth.

06.23.24.Sorrow.to.Joy.Luke.Hagler

In the Biblical parenting series, I take a look at an amazing father. His name was Noah. He planned for his family even before his children were born, and in the fact of insurmountable opposition, he stood strong. Although it was not planned this way, this message actually fell on Father’s Day.

06.16.24.One.Fathers.Faith.Tim.McCool

It is unwise to compare ourselves to one another. We are all broken measures, and the word of God expressly condemns comparing with each other. But the Lord gives us ways to compare, and it is never with each other. In this message, Brother Luke preaches about how we can make right comparisons that will only help us grow in our spiritual walk.

06.16.24.Comparing.Yourself.to.the.Right.Thing.Luke.Hagler

The Inspired word of God specializes in contrasts. Romans 12 is no exception. In verse 2 we find a stark contrast in the words conform and transform. To conform means to look like everyone else. But transform is the word we know today as “metamorphosis”. Think about how a butterfly transforms. After the Holy Spirit borns us again, we should be transforming our lives to honor the Lord.

06.12.24.Conformed.or.Transformed.Tim.McCool

In this message, I continue looking at the time when the Lord ended the world with a flood. It was not the failure of government. It was the failure of the family. This should be a warning to us today as we see the continued decline of God’s initial form of government – the family.

06.09.24.Failure.of.the.Family.Tim.McCool

Have you ever wondered why the Lord sent the flood in the days of Noah? What was the root problem? Was the government passing ungodly and overreaching laws? Did the Lord just arbitrarily decide to wipe everything out and start over? In this message, I take a look at this question.

06.02.24.Why.Did.God.Send.the.Flood.Tim.McCool

When we consider how God does not change in his commitment to eternally save us, it should inspire us to be faithful to Him. Sadly, if we are honest with ourselves, our faithfulness is very lacking. We are drawn away so easily from serving Him. In this message, Brother Luke relates how God’s faithfulness should inspire us to faithfulness.

06.02.24.The.Faithfulness.of.God.Luke.Hagler

In this message, I continue a series on Bible-based parenting. There are some horrible examples in the Bible of parents who did not teach their children. One of those examples is found in I Samuel. In this message I look at the preacher’s, or to be accurate, the priest’s kids.

05.26.24.The.Preachers.Kids.Tim.McCool

Our eternal life is a non-refundable gift from God. It cannot be taken away and praise God we cannot do something to lose it. And Paul directs the young preacher Timothy to lay hold on the eternal life God has given him. If we can lay hold on it, then it is possible to not lay hold on it. This does not mean we lose it, but it means we do not feel the effect of it like we should. In this message, Brother McNeil Honea speaks about Laying Hold on Eternal Life.

05.26.24.Lay.Hold.On.Eternal.Life.McNeil.Honea

In the book of Joshua, we find a father of a family who disobeyed the Lord and brought an “accursed thing” into his home. It had the effect of destroying his family completely. The phrase “accursed thing” means a doomed object. I wonder how many doomed objects we may have in our own homes. I call this message The Accursed Thing.

05.22.24.The.Accursed.Thing.Tim.McCool

In this message, Brother Luke takes up another difficult subject, that is so relevant to us today. Our society is saturated with sinful sexuality. God’s children need to hear what God’s word says about this topic. The Bible refers to this sin as fornication. From the TV to the internet, from billboards to books, this temptation is everywhere.

05.19.24.Fornication.Luke.Hagler

There is an old saying that is given as a warning to small children – do not take candy from strangers. In this message, I add to that phrase a bit. Do not take ANYTHING from strangers. Using the word of God, this message explores how dangerous it is to take advice, counsel, friendship, or anything at all, from those who do not have our best interest in mind.

05.19.24.Dont.Take.Anything.Tim.McCool

Recently while preaching a series on teaching our children, it occurred to me how often the perfect Son of God continued to surface in my studies. This led me to preach this message on the perfect Son. There is no better child to observe than the most perfect One who ever lived. In this message, I look at the Perfect Son, Jesus Christ.

05.12.24.The.Perfect.Son.Tim.McCool

The more we are trained in Godly conduct and responses, the more we are likely to have an automatic response of Godliness, when situations arise. In this message, Brother Luke uses detailed examples to show how we can be trained to respond to our circumstances in ways that honor the Lord. The title of this message is Automatic Godliness.

05.08.24.Automatic.Godliness.Luke.Hagler

How Important is the love of God? Brother Paul Blair looks at this question in the Sunday morning message at Bethlehem. In this message entitled “The Love of God”, the annual meeting was concluded.

05.05.24.The.Love.of.God.Paul.Blair

In the final message of the day, Brother Josh looks again at the example of Abraham. Here we learn that Abraham found all of the answers he was looking for in the Lord.

05.04.24.msg.4.Our.Promise.Josh.Winslett

During the afternoon service, Brother Paul Blair asked another question: Why did you join the church? I now share with you that message.

05.04.24.msg3.Why.Did.You.Join.the.Church.Paul.Blair

Here is the 2nd message preached at the recent annual meeting by Elder Paul Blair, pastor of New Antioch PBC in Lexington, TN. In this message Brother Paul addresses the age-old question of how do you know when you are in love.

05.04.24.msg.2.May.Meeting.How.Do.You.Know.Paul.Blair

There were riddles my parents imposed on me when I was child. Why could I not watch TV all day? Why could I not eat jelly at every meal? Why could I not watch the soap opera with my grandmother? I did not learn the answer to these riddles until many years later, after I was grown. These were reproofs that my parents taught me. Like riddles, they often do not make sense until years go by. In this message, I take a look at the riddle of reproof.

04.28.24.The.Riddle.of.Reproof.Tim.McCool

I share with you the first message from our recent May meeting at Bethlehem. In this message, Elder Josh Winslett, pastor of Beulah Primitive Baptist Church in Leeds, AL, preaches from Genesis 15. The title of the message is “Our Reward.”

05.04.24.Msg.1.May.Meeting.Our.Reward.Josh.Winslett

In this message, Brother Luke begins a series about pitfalls and snares that can ruin our lives. Some of those snares may not start out as an outright sin. But just because something is not in and of itself sinful, does not mean it is beneficial to us. Brother Luke takes up an important and timely subject that falls into this category.

04.28.24.The.Adders.Sting.Luke.Hagler

As parents, we are very sensitive when someone tells us there is something wrong with our children. But the truth is, there is something wrong with all children. The major problem is they come from us, their parents. And they take on our sinful nature. In this message, I look at this subject and how God’s word gives specific instruction for parents to deal with this major issue.

04.21.24.Somethings.Wrong.Tim.McCool

In this sermon, Brother Luke preaches about the importance of saving our houses. By looking at examples of houses that were doomed by the actions of the father, and comparing that to fathers’ whose actions saved their houses in might way, we can see just how important it is to focus on saving our houses.

04.21.24.Saving.Your.House.Luke.Hagler

This message was preached on a Wednesday night by Elder John Morgan Owens, member of Zion PBC. In this message, Brother John Morgan points out how we are living in a time when there is no time for half measures. The culture is dark and growing darker, and our stand for truth must be firm and kind, not shaky and wavering.

04.24.24.No.Time.for.Half.Measures.John.Morgan.Owens

In this message, I begin a series on Bible Based Parenting. Parents are inundated with different “How To” books regarding parenting. But the best parenting book ever written was written by God Himself. There is great and detailed instruction in God’s Word about how parents should love and teach their children.

04.14.24.Bible.Based.Parenting.Tim.McCool

God-called ministers are referred to in various ways in the Bible. From the unique “under-oarsman” of I Cor.4 to the “ox” of I Cor. 9, the descriptions are unique and wide-ranging. But each description carries with it a clear message of how the ministry was created by God for serving God’s people, not lording over them. In this message, I look at the unique term applied to the ministry in Hebrews 13 – the soul watcher.

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Today on the podcast, I share a message preached on a Wednesday night by Brother Luke. Jesus told us to “Remember Lot’s wife.” We should perk up and pay attention to this because Jesus tells us to remember her. If we look at her life, as well as the situation she was in with her family, we can learn valuable life lessons.  This is what Jesus intended by bringing Lot’s wife to our attention.

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The Bible teaches more than one type of resurrection. From the resurrection of Christ to resurrections we can experience in a timely sense, we find various resurrections taught. On this past Easter Sunday, Brother Luke presents a timely message on Four Resurrections.

03.31.24.Four.Resurrections.Luke.Hagler

Preaching in parables was a teaching method that Jesus used. In some ways, parables were like a code designed to hide truth from some and reveal truth to others. It takes a spiritual mind to understand the truth of a parable. In this message, Brother Luke preaches about the purpose of parables.

03.24.24.Preaching.on.Parables.Luke.Hagler

Good decision making is something we should all be interested in. For the child of God, there is a clear path to making decisions that honor God, especially in difficult times. In this message, Brother McNeil Honea preaches about what the Bible teaches on this subject.

03.24.24.Good.Decision.Making.McNeil.Honea

Born again children of God have the privilege of learning about Christ. From the moment of being quickened by the Spirit, we have an opportunity to learn more and more about our Savior. In this message, I look at how this works.

03.17.24.Learning.in.the.School.of.Christ.Tim.McCool

The Book of Ephesians offers a perfect balance of doctrine and practice. The 1st 3 chapters are focused primarily on doctrine, and the last 3 on practical living. In this message, I look at the doctrine presented in the second chapter – how we are quickened, or born again.

03.13.24.Quickened.by.Christ.Tim.McCool

A lot of different things may attract us to the church. It might be the friendliness of a congregation, congregational singing, or even the sharing of a meal at church. But many are drawn by a revelatory and often new understanding of salvation by grace alone. Whatever brings a child of God to the truth, it is the truth of God’s grace that keeps them grounded.

03.10.24.Dance.With.the.One.Who.Keeps.You.Tim.McCool

God’s creation is amazing for many reasons. One reason is because the very design of certain created creatures, teaches us great lessons. In this message, Brother Luke presents how 4 of God’s creations teach us important and valuable lessons.

03.10.24.Creation.Teaches.Luke.Hagler

It is easy to fall into the trap of constantly asking, “What’s wrong with people?” Although there may be times to ask that question, the real question is what Paul asked in Romans 7: What’s wrong with me? The way he looked at the conflict within – between the old human nature and the new spiritual nature – caused him to ask this question.  In this message, I take a look at that question – What’s wrong with me?

03.03.24.Whats.Wrong.with.Me.Tim.McCool

Self-Examination can be difficult. But it is very easy to examine others, while overlooking our own shortcomings. That is human nature. In this message, Brother Luke points out that when we fail to self-examine, and yet still criticize others, it is like swallowing a camel while straining at a gnat.

03.03.24.Swallowing.The.Camel.Luke.Hagler

We often face such troubled times and darkness, until it is difficult to see that the Lord is there. But the Lord made a promise to His children in the book of Hebrews. In this message, I look at that promise. It reveals to us that even when we cannot see Him or feel Him, He is there.

02.25.24.He.Is.Always.There.Tim.McCool

What does it mean to have a “good life?” The post-modern Christian culture would propose a very different definition of a good life, versus the word of God. In this message, Brother McNeil Honea looks at what it means for a child of God to experience a good life.

02.25.24.A.Good.Life.McNeil.Honea

When is the last time you heard about a sovereign God, who answers to no one, does as He please, and never has to ask our permission to save us? This is what I refer to as “Big God Theology.” In this message, I look at what God says about Himself in His word.

02.18.24.Big.God.Theology.Tim.McCool

In part 2 of the message on Romans 10, Brother Luke continues to look at the true context of this famous chapter. Was Paul making an offer of eternal salvation? Or was he showing how born-again children of God can exit the slavish prison of thinking their confession or work is what takes them to heaven?

02.18.24.Romans.10.Part.2.Luke.Hagler

It is very easy to feed our human nature. Sometimes we even create situations that set us up for temptation. Recognizing how easy this occurs is the first step to resisting. In this message, Brother Luke examines how we can resist feeding lust or temptation.

02.14.24.Lust.Luke.Hagler

Darkness is everywhere today. The forces of Satan are coming at us in all areas of our lives. But darkness is not a new thing, it has been vexing God’s people for ages. In this message, I look at how darkness has come to the kingdom of God at different times, just as it is today. I hope it will encourage us to push back against the darkness we are facing.

02.11.24.Dark.Days.in.the.Kingdom.Tim.McCool

Romans chapter 10 is often called the “Roman Road of Salvation”. When saying this, most are thinking about the way we get to heaven, or eternal salvation. In this message, Brother Luke looks at the true meaning of Romans 10, within the context of the Apostle’s Paul foundation laid in the previous 9 chapters. When viewed in this light, it becomes very clear that Paul was not teaching about an eternal deliverance. So, what was he teaching? Listen to part 1 of this message to find out.

02.11.24.Romans.10.Part.1.Luke.Hagler

If required to buy a lifetime’s worth of gas when I turned 16, it would have broken me financially. Thankfully, we don’t have to do that. We get the gas we need as we go along. The Lord does this with us. When we think we are forsaken or forgotten, the Lord provides what we need as we go along. Whether it was manna in the desert or even the covenant of redemption, in this message I look at how He provides what we need at the right time.

02.04.24.We.Get.What.We.Need.Tim.McCool

John 3:16 is probably the most well known verse in the Bible. It is also possibly the most misunderstood. In this message, Brother Luke takes up this popular verse, and presents an accurate view of what it means.

02.04.24.John.3.16.Luke.Hagler

As believers in salvation by grace alone, we often hear the question – Why do you preach if you believe God does all the saving? This question presumes that the gospel is a part of saving us eternally.  But that is not the purpose of the gospel. In this message, Brother Luke answers the question about why we preach.

01.28.24.Why.We.Preach.Luke.Hagler

In this message, Brother McNeil Honea looks at modern day sorcery, or trickery. Even though it may not look exactly like it once did, deception and trickery are the tools of Satan even today. We must be aware of the ways in which we can be tricked into believing things that aren’t true.

01.28.24.Sorcery.McNeil.Honea

In this message, I look at how we can cultivate our faith. God is the giver of faith, and sadly, it often takes some amazing providence from God to cause us to grow in our faith towards Him. But whether we see some great miracle, or if we just look at Who He is, it should cause us to strengthen and increase our trust in Him.

01.24.24.Cultivating.Your.Faith.Tim.McCool

In this message, I continue to look at what it means to nurture and encourage the body of Christ. Previously I examined what it does not look like, in the examples of Lot and Job’s miserable comforters. Now I begin to look at how we nurture and encourage what Christ refers to as His wife.

01.21.24.Nurturing.and.Encouraging.pt.2.Tim.McCool

When Jesus told the bed-ridden man to take up his bed and walk, it was because Jesus had already done something to him. This is a beautiful picture of God’s mercy. First, He gives spiritual life to a wretched sinner, and then commands them to obey Him. It is not the other way around. In this message, Brother Luke demonstrates how we receive life first, then we are able to follow the Lord in discipleship.

01.21.24.Take.Up.Your.Bed.Luke.Hagler

The Church of Christ is described as a body and as the wife of Christ. This week I focus on what it means to nurture and encourage the body of Christ. Rather than thinking about an ecclesiastical, untouchable term, I look at how we nurture and encourage the people that make up the body of Christ.

01.14.24.Nurturing.and.Encouraging.the.Body.of.Christ.Tim.McCool

According to the scripture, being born again is a “must” for the child of God. The question is – how does it happen? Do we do something to contribute to it? The answer is no. Just as we do not contribute to our natural birth, neither do we contribute to our spiritual birth. In this message, Brother Luke looks at the glorious truth of being born again, and how it is all the merciful work of God.

01.14.24.Being.Born.Again.Luke.Hagler

The Bible provides a lot of information about the fool. There are very stark lessons about the consequences of being associated with a Biblical fool or with the wise. In this message Brother Luke looks at several ways a fool can be identified. From their attitude to their emotions, a fool can be identified. The first step begins with a look in the mirror, then learning how to apply God’s word.

01.10.24.Identifying.the.Fool.Luke.Hagler

On the first Sunday of 2024, my thoughts were stirred towards the church of God. Among the descriptions of God’s church, the Lord refers to His church as a body, a bride and a family. And He is the Creator of the physical body, the very first bride and even the initial governing authority – the family. In this message, I look at these beautiful descriptions.

01.07.24.A.Body.a.Bride.a.Family.Tim.McCool

Asking how much someone weighs is normally an inappropriate question, especially to females! In this message, though, I ask that question in a different way. If the burdens we carry that weigh us down were physical and visible to all, how much would we weigh? There are so many carrying such heavy burdens. Thankfully, the Word of God speaks directly to us about how to manage those heavy loads.

12.31.23.How.Much.Do.You.Weigh.Tim.McCool

In the ongoing series on the basics of our salvation, Brother Luke looks at another “hot topic”. Did Christ’s sacrifice atone for the sins of all people in general, or did He atone specifically for the sins of His chosen. The scripture answers this very plainly, that Christ atoned for the sins of His people, and not an open-ended number that made salvation possible. Much of this truth is discovered in the very words of Christ Himself. In this message, Brother Luke looks at the important subject of the Atonement.

12.31.23.The.Atonement.Luke.Hagler

In this message from Christmas Eve, I look at one of the foundational beliefs in Christianity. This is what I call a “no brainer”. Or at least it was until the recent times. The virgin birth was prophesied beginning in the Garden of Eden after the fall, and additional, detailed information about the “seed of the woman” was given thousands of years later by Isaiah. In this message, I look at the truth that the Son of God was born of a virgin.

12.24.23.The.Virgin.Birth.Tim.McCool

The word “save” occurs many times in the New Testament. Most of the time, it is not referring to eternal salvation, but to timely deliverances. Recently in the series on David, I spoke about the untimely demise of King Saul, and how he made shipwreck of his life because of his terrible decisions. His rebellion against God even led to the death of his own sons. Paul wrote to Timothy about saving himself and the people that he pastored. This was not anything remotely close to eternal salvation, but an experience of deliverance here and now based on Godly decision making. In this message, I look at how you can save yourself in this way.

12.17.23.Saving.Yourself.Tim.McCool

If the topic of election comes up nowadays, most would probably respond that they voted or didn’t vote. But when it comes to the Bible, election is a completely different subject. In the word of God, this refers to God’s sovereign act of picking or choosing His people. In the series on the basics of our salvation, Brother Lukes takes up this often misunderstood yet glorious topic.

12.17.23.Election.Luke.Hagler.mp3

The end of Saul’s life is one of the most tragic in the Bible. In Saul’s death, we see the sad reality of a child of God who habitually rebelled against God until the Lord refused to intervene any longer. I hope this stands as a vivid lesson to us, that we should continue to humble ourselves, examine ourselves and beg God to continue to have mercy and guide us.

12.10.23.There.Was.a.Wicked.King.Tim.McCool

We all have times of reflection. Especially in tragedies or difficulties, we are confronted with our circumstances and reflect. David had a moment like this in a place he never should have been – the land of the Philistines. In the life of David series, I come to an epoch moment for David. He went to war against the will of God, almost went to war against his own nation, and now he has lost his family. In such times of tragedy, my prayer is that we could all react as David did.

12.03.23.The.Testimony.of.a.Tested.Man.Tim.McCool

In this message Brother Luke continues a series on the basics of our beliefs. Having begun with the authority of God’s word and continued with the sovereignty of God, now this message focuses on the depravity of man. When Adam sinned in the garden, did he become mostly good with a little bit of bad within? Or did he become mostly bad with a little bit of good in him? Brother Luke addresses these questions and others in this message.

12.03.23.The.Depravity.of.Man.Luke.Hagler

In this message, I look at the 2nd thing that kept David focused during times of great distress. As he was continually pursued by Saul and betrayed by his own kin, David focused on his faith in God and worshipping the Lord. In this broken world where we are continually harassed and pursued by Satan, we can experience victory in these two things just like David did.

11.26.23.The.Victory.of.Faith.and.Worship.pt.2.Tim.McCool

One of the major hurdles to overcome in understanding salvation by grace, is the sovereignty of God. God’s children usually agree that God is sovereign in general terms. But when we get into the details of His sovereign authority to choose whomever He will to receive salvation, this is when it becomes more difficult to digest. In this message, Brother Luke looks at the truth of God’s sovereignty in salvation.

11.26.23.The.Sovereignty.of.God.Luke.Hagler

In the Life of David series, I come to the 19th recorded time that Saul tried to destroy David. How could a person make it through that much trauma? It is likely that 10 years have now passed since David faced off with Goliath. In this message, I begin to look at what enabled David to make it through such troubled times.

11.19.23.The.Victory.of.Faith.and.Worship.pt.1.Tim.McCool

What is the basis for our beliefs? Some use their experience, or feelings, or science – the list can go on. If we let the word of God be the authority on which we base our beliefs, it is life changing. In this message, Brother Luke begins a series on what we believe. And the starting point for our beliefs must be the authority of God’s word.

11.19.23.The.Authority.of.Gods.Word.Luke.Hagler

In the life of David series, we come to the death of 2 great men, who were great for very different reasons. I Samuel 25 opens with the death of the great man Samuel – last of the Judges, arguably one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament. The chapter closes with the death of another great man – Nabal. But Nabal was only great in the sense that he had many possessions, many cattle and much land. As a person, Nabal wicked and cruel. In this message, I look at how David’s life intertwined with these 2 men.

11.12.23.The.Death.of.2.Great.Men.Tim.McCool

Forbearance is not a common word today. For the child of God, it should be. Forbearance means to hold back, or to put up with. The opposite of forbearance is to express intolerance towards another. In a time when churches seem to be crumbling everywhere, Brother Luke preaches a needed message about how we should practice forbearance, for the sake of peace and to glorify our Lord.

11.12.23.Forbearance.Luke.Hagler

In the life of David series, I come to an amazing account of providence. Urged on by his own men to kill Saul, David is faced with getting ahead of God’s will, and possibly committing a horrible crime. Instead, David chooses to stand on the promises of God and overcome evil with good. This is a pattern for all of God’s children to follow.

11.05.23.Overcoming.Evil.With.Good.Tim.McCool

Sometimes encouragement comes from the most unusual sources. David experienced that firsthand while he was on the run from Saul. In this message, I look at how Saul’s own son Jonathan, came to encourage David. It took great effort and personal risk for Jonathan to do this, and we should follow this kind of example in how we encourage each other.

10.29.23.Strengthening.Each.Other.in.God.Tim.McCool

The word “gospel” means good news. A great majority of the tactics used in the religious world are scare tactics. But that is not good news. The gospel should never be something that strikes fear in the heart of a child of God but should be good news. In this message, Brother Luke warns about such scare tactics.

10.29.23.Beware.of.the.Scare.Luke.Hagler

There are decrees of God that no power can prevent. But there are countless possibilities that we all face when making decisions in our lives, and God knows them all. Thankfully our eternal salvation is a not a possibility, but a reality. As God’s children, we should be seeking the best possibilities for our lives. David experienced this when he was on the run from Saul. The sovereignty of God doesn’t just encompass the things that do happen, but all of the possibilities that could happen. This should enable us to have a more magnified view of God.

10.22.23.The.God.of.All.Possibilities.Tim.McCool

If I told you the dumbest thing I had ever done was smarter than the smartest thing you ever did – you would feel insulted. But God’s word tells us that the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of men. And if God’s “foolishness” is wiser than the wisest man, wouldn’t it be better to listen to God? In this message, Brother Luke shows how doing things God’s way is better than anyone else’s way, including our own.

10.22.23.Doing.Things.Gods.Way.Luke.Hagler

David the king goes from running scared and acting like a madman, to hiding in a cave and eventually a forest. In both instances we find David penning beautiful, Holy Spirit-inspired psalms of praise. He was literally hiding, but he was also hiding in the praises of God. This is a lesson for us when we are running scared. The Lord is always praiseworthy, and we can hide in His praises no matter our circumstance.

10.15.23.Hiding.in.the.Praises.of.God.Tim.McCool

Lord Lead Me On

O When Shall I See Jesus

When I Go Home

Cast Down But Not Destroyed

Biblical Faith

Day by Day

Life Eternal

Awake

Where is Your Faith?

I’ll Fly Away

Who Am I?

Where the Soul Never Dies

Oh Christ He is the Fountain

How Great Thou Art

In the final message of the Anniversary meeting, Lic. Tim Lawrence, who is a member of Bethel PBC in Nashville, TN, preaches about God remembering us. We often forget things on a daily basis. We can even forget about the Lord at times. But it is comforting to know that the Lord will never forget us – He remembers His covenant and His children.

10.08.23.Remember.Tim.Lawrence

In the 2nd message of the anniversary meeting, Elder Danny Wisner, pastor of Irwinville PBC in Irwinville, GA, preaches a message about the 10 virgins in Matthew 25. Taking an often-misunderstood section of scripture, Bro. Danny brings out the clear teaching on this subject – that all of the 10 represent children of God.

10.07.23.The.10.Virgins.Danny.Wisner

We experienced a joyous time of worship recently in the Anniversary Meeting at Bethlehem. I wanted to share with you a selection of songs from the various song services during that time of festive celebration of our Lord and Savior.

October.2023.Anniversary.Meeting.Song.Service

The following is a link for the individual songs:

Congregational Singing / Anniversary Meeting / Individual Tracks – Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church (bethlehempbc.org)

In the first message of the 2023 Anniversary meeting, Elder Adam Green, pastor of Old Union PBC near Hot Springs, AK, preaches about the good Samaritan. In a beautiful comparison, Brother Adam looks at how the good Samaritan is a picture of our Savior.

10.07.23.The.Good.Samaritan.Adam.Green

In part 2 of Praise from a Cave, I continue to look at the beautiful Psalm that David preached from a cave, following a close call with death. In the strangest of places and out of the deepest of despair, the Lord showed David that He was with David no matter where he went.

10.01.23.Praise.from.a.Cave.pt.2.Tim.McCool

When we prevent ourselves from giving in to temptation, it keeps us from much suffering. But when we give in, we suffer. Thankfully that is not the end. The Lord extends great mercy to great sinners. In this message, Brother Luke concludes the series on prevent, suffer, and recover. He looks at 3 amazing examples where disciples made huge mistakes. Even though they thought God was through with them, His mercy proved otherwise.

10.01.23.Prevent.Suffer.Recover.pt.3.Luke.Hagler

09.24.23.Praise.from.a.Cave.pt.1.Tim.McCool

In the next message on prevent, suffer, and recover, we see how we can suffer tremendous consequences as a result of not preventing sin. It would be much more honoring to God to suffer for serving the Lord, rather than for giving in to temptation.  The cycle of preventing, suffering and recovering is something we all deal with. In this message, Brother Luke focuses on the suffering we experience for not preventing sin.

09.24.23.Prevent.Suffer.or.Recover.pt.2.Luke.Hagler

With a belly full of holy bread and traveling with a pack of lies, David the King took the weapon of his vanquished foe, then fled into the land of the enemy. He took refuge in the last place he should have ever considered. But like David, this is what we often do – we flee to the land of the enemy, thinking there is refuge there. In this message, I continue the series on the life of David.

09.17.23.The.Land.of.the.Enemy.Tim.McCool

If we are honest, we will find ourselves sometimes preventing the consequences of sin by listening to wise counsel, while at other times we fail to make good decisions and suffer the consequences of our sins. And even in those situations when we suffer, God’s mercy often spares us further suffering and we recover. To prevent, to suffer or to recover – this is an ongoing cycle we experience. In this message, Brother Luke focuses on the preventing part.

09.17.23.Prevent.Suffer.or.Recover.Luke.Hagler

In the Life of David series, I look at David as he lies to the priest, eats the holy bread, and takes the sword of Goliath to defend himself. In a strange twist of irony, David somehow thinks that the sword of the vanquished giant, that did not protect Goliath from David’s stone, will now protect David! This is how we often think. We will quickly run to things of this world that are no protection for the child of God.

09.10.23.Dont.Use.the.Weapons.of.the.Enemy.Tim.McCool

When a man and a woman are married, in God’s eyes they become one. This is a mystery, as they are still two separate people. But the Lord is able to create a unity that did not exist before. This is true for marriages, families and churches. In this message, Brother Luke looks at how the solitary are set in families – how we go from alone to united.

09.10.23.God.Setteth.the.Solitary.in.Families.Luke.Hagler.mp3

The providence of God in our lives is amazing. But we often miss it or even miss out on it, when we fail to recognize his power and His Presence. In this message, using the example of David, I speak about the providence of God and look at how it works in our lives.

09.03.23.Trusting.In.Gods.Providence.Tim.McCool

The kingdom of God is mentioned over and over again in the New Testament. Most of the time it is referred to as something relative to here and now, and not exclusively heaven. In this message, Brother Luke relates how we are expected to press into the kingdom here and now.

09.03.23.Pressing.Into.the.Kingdom.Luke.Hagler

David went from shepherd boy to anointed king, from nobody to somebody, from zero to hero. After the Lord blessed him, as the true king of Israel, to defeat Goliath, many pitfalls and snares came to him through his fame. I believe this a very timely today, when so many desire to be influencers and famous. This message is called “The Dangers of Fame.”

08.27.23.The.Dangers.of.Fame.Tim.McCool

Some believe every event that happens, no matter how confusing or tragic it may be, is somehow the will of God. But does the Bible teach this? On the contrary, wicked acts and tragedies occur that are clearly contrary to the will of God. Certain decreed events, like the sacrifice of Christ, will occur without interference, but if we are honest with ourselves, we often find our daily walk in contradiction with God’s will. In this message, Brother Luke explains this subject, which impacts our daily fellowship with the Lord.

08.27.23.Is.the.Will.of.God.Always.Done.Luke.Hagler

Through the years, much debate has occurred over what it means to “love your neighbor as yourself.” With the backdrop of Jonathan’s loyal friendship with King David, I explore the meaning of this subject.

08.21.23.Our.Loyalty.to.Royalty.Tim.McCool

Probably the most misunderstood verse in the Bible is Romans 8:28. The true meaning of this verse provides the greatest assurance a child of God can have. But it is not what the majority of God’s children understand it to mean. In this message, Brother Luke preaches on the true meaning of Romans 8:28.

08.21.23.The.True.Meaning.of.Romans.8.28.Luke.Hagler

The account of David and Goliath is one of the most well-known events in the Bible. There is an image in our minds of a shepherd boy facing off against a 10-foot-tall giant. David was probably closer to 18, but regardless, Goliath was a frightening opponent. In this message, I look at the reality of what was really going on that day when the great face-off occurred.

08.13.23.The.Shepherd.Boy.King.Tim.McCool

David’s life was an open book. As one of the most written about characters in the Bible, there is little that we do not know. In fact, we learn more about David’s early life than even Jesus. There are great lessons to learn from the life of David. In this message, I look at the early life of the solitary shepherd boy.

08.06.23.The.Solitary.Shepherd.Boy.Tim.McCool

It is important how we see each other. All through the Bible, there are examples of seeing others incorrectly. The Lord always sees us in the right way, and we should strive to see each other as the Lord sees us. In this sermon, I look at the various ways that people viewed the blind man in John 9, including after he was healed. But Jesus saw him the right way.

07.30.23.Seeing.Each.Other.Tim.McCool

When difficult times come, usually we call for help or aid from a lot of sources. But the Lord is so often the last one we call. The truth is, that we should call upon the Lord first, because He is the One most able to help us. In this message, Brother Luke looks at the subject, “Who Are You Going to Call?”

07.30.23.Who.Are.You.Going.to.Call.Luke.Hagler

In this message, I look at the last article of faith. An old saying goes like this: “You saved the best for last.” There is no way to rank these truths, but in a way, this last article of faith may be considered as the best, just because it will happen at the last – at the end. Truly, the resurrection is the greatest hope we have. Here I look at our belief in the great culmination of all of time – the resurrection at the end of time.

07.23.23.We.Believe.in.the.Resurrection.Tim.McCool

In this message, Brother McNeil looks at examples in the scripture of how God comforts us in the midst of suffering. Life is filled with trouble and trials. Some of it we bring on ourselves, but when we suffer for serving the Lord, there is a comfort that the Lord brings to us, if we are looking to the God of all comfort.

07.23.23.Comfort.In.Suffering.McNeil.Honea

In the fundamentals of the faith series, I come to the 2nd ordinance – The Lord’s Supper. In contrast to the public baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ, this 2nd ordinance was more private and intimate. After the conclusion of the Passover meal, Jesus implemented His own funeral festival – the sacred observance of his death, burial and resurrection.

07.16.23.Gods.Funeral.Festival.Tim.McCool

Ecclesiastes 7:5 gives us good advice: It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. The songs of fools are everywhere, and not just in the form of actual music and singing. In this message, Brother Luke teaches how we should resist listening to unwise counsel, which is a form of the song of fools.

07.16.23.The.Song.of.Fools.Luke.Hagler

In the ongoing fundamentals of the faith series, I look at Article 7 of Zion Primitive Baptist Church. This particular statement of faith has to do with baptism and the Lord’s Supper. In this message, I consider the foundational teaching of believer’s baptism.

07.09.23.Believers.Baptism.Tim.McCool

To cast bread upon the water goes against nature. But the Lord commands this in Ecclesiastes, and it will yield a significant return if He blesses. The mystery of the kingdom of God often seems illogical, but our Lord often moves in ways that defy logic. In this message, McNeil Honea looks at the Lord’s spiritual investment strategy that was given to Solomon.

07.09.23.Solomons.Spiritual.Investment.Strategy.McNeil.Honea

In “Christ the Pursuer”, I look at the way Christ pursued us, like a husband pursues his bride. The Lord set the ultimate example of pursuit, in His relentless push to save us from our sins and make us his Holy Bride. On a practical note, Christ set an example for young men today who are pursuing a spouse. In the social media world of texting and messaging, it is often confusing for young ladies to know the true intentions of suitor. Hopefully, there is direction for young men by looking to Christ the Pursuer.

07.02.23.Christ.the.Pursuer.Tim.McCool

Tests of discipleship are many and varied. From dry spiritual seasons to tragedies, from persecution to temptation – there are many ways we encounter tests of our commitment to the Lord. In this message, Brother Luke focuses on an often-overlooked test of discipleship – whether or not we embrace the doctrine of Christ.

07.02.23.When.Doctrine.Tests.Your.Discipleship.Luke.Hagler.mp3

If Charity were auctioned at an auction, would anyone bid for it? As one of the most valuable possessions any child of God could ever have, is there really any value placed on it today? In this message, Brother Luke looks at the price of charity.

06.28.23.The.Price.of.Charity.Luke.Hagler

In the final message on the taking a stand series, Brother Luke looks at the aftermath of Elijah’s greatest stand. From boldly standing up to the hundreds of prophets of Baal, to running away from Jezebel, Elijah teaches us great lessons about what it means to take a stand.

06.25.23.The.Aftermath.of.Taking.a.Stand.Luke.Hagler

The word “reckon” in Romans 8:18 means “to take inventory”, like the inventory taken when someone dies. When it comes to suffering for serving our Lord, we should take inventory of our spiritual inheritance through Christ. When compared to the suffering we endure for serving him, they do not belong in the same category.

06.18.23.Time.To.Take.Inventory.Tim.McCool

Shortly after Elijah took an amazing stand against hundreds of false prophets, we find him running from one woman – Jezebel. In this message, Brother Luke observes the astonishing way in which Elijah went from a literal mountain top experience, to running from Jezebel and having suicidal thoughts under a juniper tree.

06.18.23.Running.From.Jezebel.Luke.Hagler

Every word in the Bible is important and inspired by the Holy Spirit. There are no wasted words by the Lord. It is significant that the Lord tells us Ruth and Naomi arrived back in Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest. In this message, I look at why this was so important for them, and for us to understand even today.

06.11.2.The.Beginning.of.Barley.Harvest.Tim.McCool

Over 100 life application topics are covered in the book of Proverbs. There can be no doubt that God’s Word speaks to any issue we may encounter. In this message, I take a look at 2 dangerous people that we are warned about in the Proverbs – the evil man and the strange woman.

06.04.23.Two.Dangerous.People.Tim.McCool

In the ongoing series on “taking a stand”, Brother Luke comes to the pivotal point in Elijah’s life that defined him as a prophet, who was not afraid to take a stand. In the great competition that took place before the king and all the nation, Elijah, hopelessly outnumbered, faces down the prophets of Baal in a showdown for the ages.

05.28.23.The.Great.Competition.Luke.Hagler

There are many spirits in the world. This does not just refer to demons and angels. At a football game there is the spirit of enthusiasm, or watching a movie can convey a spirit to a person, especially if it is a scary movie. When someone consumes too much alcohol, the spirit of the alcohol affects them. Basically, a spirit can be something that animates us. In this context, is the spirit that animates us good or bad? In this message, I take a look at what it means to try the spirits.

05.21.23.Try.the.Spirits.Tim.McCool

In the ongoing series on Elijah, Brother Luke Hagler presents the next message. In the coming storm the prophet would face, the Lord was equipping Elijah. Obadiah was one of the encouragers sent by the Lord to strengthen him. In the coming days, Elijah would need to remember this experience. Like Elijah, we often forget the encouragers the Lord sends our way.

05.14.23.Dont.Forget.Obadiah.Luke.Hagler

It seems that one of the most confusing issues in Christendom, is the relationship between faith and the gospel. Does the gospel impart faith to a child of God when it is preached? Many believe this, but the scripture teaches something quite different. In this message, Brother Luke presents the Bible teaching about the connection between faith and the gospel.

05.10.23.Faith.and.the.Gospel.Luke.Hagler

In the Sunday morning message of the annual meeting, Michael Gowens presents “Returning to the Garden.” The creation of the world began with our fore-parents in a garden, where paradise was lost to all of mankind. And our eternal deliverance back to the paradise of heaven occurred in a garden, when Christ arose. Until we reach the garden city of heaven, there are ways in which we, by the grace of God, can return to the garden of the Lord.

05.07.23.Returning.to.the.Garden.Michael.Gowens

In the last message of the day, Josh Coker presents the subject of suffering for the name of Christ. In order to suffer for serving God, a child of God must have a proper perspective of life. Jesus taught us to be of good cheer, even when mistreated. The only way we can do this is to understand that life is not about us, but about God’s glory.

05.06.23.Suffering.for.His.Name.Josh.Coker

In the afternoon service of the meeting, Michael Gowens presents 3 characteristics to look for when identifying a cult. This is a pressing need for God’s children to identify such groups, especially when they masquerade as Christ-based. The 3 identifying factors are 1) unaccountable leadership, 2) a mistaken view of who God is, and 3) false teaching about how we are saved.

05.06.23.Identifying.the.Cults.Michael.Gowens

In the 2nd message of the annual meeting, Michael Gowens presents an overview of the book of Acts. The first act reveals that Christ went up. The 2nd act shows the Spirit coming down. And the 3rd and final act sets forth the church going out to spread the truth.

05.06.23.Acts.in.3.Acts.Michael.Gowens

In our present age, there is a great lack of direction, a lack of purpose for God’s children. When David arrived at the battlefield – where Goliath was blaspheming the name of God – he asked, is there not a cause? God’s people need a cause, and not just any cause, but a cause that is higher than themselves. People without purpose live without hope. In this message Josh Coker, pastor of Vestavia PBC, looks at the greatest cause a child of God can have.

05.06.23.Is.There.Not.a.Cause.Josh.Coker

In this message, I look at Article 6 of Zion PBC. This is one of the truths that draws a clear line from all other teachings. The new birth occurs to every single chosen child of God, but there is confusion on how it happens. Here I look at what the Bible teaches about it, which is what practically all Baptists embraced in years gone by! And if we embrace this truth about God’s sovereignty, one can only conclude that all glory belongs to God in the new birth!

04.30.23.Called.Sanctified.Regeneratred.Tim.McCool

In the ongoing series on taking a stand, Brother Luke looks at the next miraculous event in the life of Elijah the prophet. As Elijah experienced more and more of the provision of God in hostile and dangerous times, he collected more and more tools to use in the future. In this situation, Elijah would no doubt look back and remember the widow of Zarephath.

04.30.23.Remember.the.Widows.Luke.Hagler

In the final message of the Minor Prophet series, I look at the last verses of the book of Malachi. The prophet used beautiful imagery to describe the rising of the Sun of righteousness with healing in his wings. The future sunrise of the Messiah pointed to the sun set on the old covenant.

04.26..23.The.Sun.Sets.on.the.Old.Covenant.Tim.McCool

This is a time of spiritual warfare. If we think we can sit on the sideline and watch as the war rages, we are kidding ourselves. The culture wars that are raging before our very eyes will affect us now or later. In this message, I look at the pressing need that is upon us as Christians to recognize the war, and to get into the fight.

04.23.23.War.is.Not.a.Picnic

In a recent message, I talked about how the things we say can offend others. In this message, I take a look at the brother offended – the one who has been hurt by the words or actions of another. The Lord provides clear and simple instruction about how to deal with being offended, and this is one of the tests of being a true disciple.

04.16.23.A.Brother.Offended.Tim.McCool

Continuing a series on taking a stand, Brother Luke looks in depth at the ministry of Elijah the prophet. In this message, he brings out the miraculous way that God sustained Elijah in a time of famine – an amazing providence that Elijah no doubt looked back on and remembered the ravens.

04.16.23.Remember.the.Ravens.Luke.Hagler

Can a man rob God? This is an interesting question posed by the last of the minor prophets, Malachi. While this is normally used in the sad context of those who would fleece the flock to give more money, the true context penetrates a deeper level than simply the giving of money. In this message, I take a look at the question Malachi asked.

04.12.23.Are.We.Robbing.God.Tim.McCool

A popular children’s saying goes like this: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. This is a lie. In the time we live, we see words – especially online – that can have the effect of leading someone to tragically take their own life. In this message, I look at the wise old Proverbs to help us understand the tremendous impact of our words.

04.09.23.Sticks.and.Stones.Tim.McCool

Now is the time in history when disciples of Christ must take a stand for truth. It is not the time to be silent, but in a loving, firm way, make the truth known in our lives and conversations. In this message, Brother Luke looks at how men and women through the years were able to take firm stands in the face of overwhelming political oppositions.

04.09.23.Taking.A.Stand.Luke.Hagler

There are different challenges we can take in the Bible. These challenges have to do with how much we trust the Lord or not. In this message, I present the Bible Commitment Challenge, which is a guaranteed way to clear up our thinking.

04.02.23.The.Bible.Committment.Challenge.Tim.McCool

One of the greatest accounts of the miracles of Christ is the feeding of the 5000. With very little money, a tiny amount of food, and no natural way to feed such a multitude, the Lord was not deterred. In this message, Brother McNeil Honea preaches about the ways in which the Lord even today feeds us in the wilderness that we encounter.

04.02.23.The.Lord.Feeds.in.the.Wilderness.McNeil.Honea

Sinners are going to sin. And sometimes sinners saved by grace will go off in directions that makes them appear as though they are not children of God. But the Lord has given us promises that cannot fail. In this message, Brother Luke brings the truth of God’s faithfulness to bear in the sad circumstance of wayward children of God.

03.26.23.Are.Gods.People.Always.Godly.Luke.Halger

When news is presented to us, there are multiple opinions given on how the news is to be interpreted. Most commonly we see a liberal or conservative take on the news. But when it comes to figuring out truth, whose opinion matters? In this message, Lic. McNeil Honea addresses this question.

03.26.23.Whose.Opinion.Matters.McNeil.Honea

In the next message on the minor prophets, I look at Malachi’s message to ministers. The Old Testament “minister” was the priest, who was given the charge of the spiritual welfare of the people. But God was not pleased with the way the ministry was handling itself. God’s message through Malachi to the ministry should ring true to the ministry today.

03.22.23.Malachis.Message.to.Ministers.Tim.McCool

In last week’s message I spoke about the need for change in a child of God’s life. This week I take a look at how change works. There are 2 primary lessons taught about what change looks like – to renovate our thinking and to refresh our minds. In this message, I speak about how this plays out for us when we change.

03.19.23.How.Change.Works.Tim.McCool

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.

03.19.23.Snares.Luke.Hagler

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 changed, or repented, from the way they were thinking and acting.

03.12.23.Change.Tim.McCool

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.

03.12.23.God.Is.Not.a.Concept.Luke.Hagler

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 Mercy, which is God’s answer to the off-base questions they had about Him.

03.08.23.Malachis.Monument.to.Mercy.Tim.McCool

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 Biblical view, and consider the impact music has on all of us – good or bad.

03.05.23.Its.Just.Music.Tim.McCool

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 heaven is by the Lord keeping the law for us.

03.05.23.The.Law.of.Life.Luke.Hagler

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 like the Psalmist.

02.26.23.From.Worry.to.Wonder.Tim.McCool

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.”

02.22.23.The.Graphic.Gospel.of.Zechariah.Tim.McCool

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.

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 dead body of Jesus. In this message, I look at the lengths he went to in order to get his hands on Jesus.

02.19.23.Getting.Your.Hands.on.Jesus.Tim.McCool

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 things he speaks of, involve the table. In this message, I look at the important of “Kitchen Table Evangelism.”

02.12.23.Kitchen.Table.Evangelism.Tim.McCool

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.

02.12.23.The.Rising.of.Zerah.Luke.Hagler

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.”

02.08.23.The.Branch.Beats.Babylon.Tim.McCool

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 often find ourselves trapped, but the Lord provides a path that is unexpected.

02.05.23.A.Path.In.the.Sea.Tim.McCool

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.

02.05.23.When.the.Lord.is.On.Our.Side.Luke.Hagler

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.

01.29.23.Divine.Guidance.Luke.Hagler

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.

01.25.23.The.Brand.and.the.Branch.Tim.McCool

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, but somehow difficult subject for us to comprehend in our culture today.

01.22.23.Lessons.from.Lot.Tim.McCool

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.

01.15.23.Justified.Tim.McCool

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.

01.15.23.The.Great.Scam.Artist.Luke.Hagler

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.”

01.11.23.The.Night.Visions.of.Zechariah.Tim.McCool

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 absence of any god. When we see the beauty and common sense of our true origin, we can come to no other conclusion than all glory to God.

01.08.23.Original.Sin.Tim.McCool

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 worry.

01.08.23.The.Weight.of.Worry.Luke.Hagler

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 why we must be chosen to be saved.

01.01.23.We.Believe.in.Election.Tim.McCool

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.

12.28.22.Gifts.Luke.Hagler

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 she bore. But they waited – and God was faithful then to His promise, just as He is today to us.

12.25.22.The.Lord.is.Faithful.to.His.Promises.Luke.Hagler

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.

12.18.22.The.Only.Rule.of.Faith.and.Practice.Tim.McCool

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 faithful to win the victory.

12.18.22.The.Faithfulness.of.Jesus.Luke.Hagler

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.”

12.14.22.Respect.of.Persons.Luke.Hagler

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 message, I look at the first article of faith of Zion – “The 3 in 1 God.”

12.11.22.Fundamentals.of.the.Faith.3.in.1.God.Tim.McCool

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.

12.04.22.The.Man.Christ.Jesus.Tim.McCool

11.27.22.Men.After.Gods.Own.Heart.pt.2.Tim.McCool

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.

11.20.22.Men.After.Gods.Own.Heart.Tim.McCool

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.”

11.20.22.The.Bible.Tells.the.Truth.Luke.Hagler

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?

11.13.22.Do.We.See.Jesus.Tim.McCool

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.

11.13.22.Repentance.Revives.a.Nation.Luke.Hagler

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.

11.09.22.Haggai.pt.2.The.Right.People.Tim.McCool

It is not possible to treasure things, without putting our heart into those things, or being emotionally tied to them. It can be activities, status, people, accolades – the list is endless. In our materialistic society, we treasure so many things that let us down. But in treasuring spiritual things, the Lord will never let us down. In this message, I take a look at what it means to treasure things.

11.06.22.Where.is.Your.Treasure.Tim.McCool

The Lord knows our motives. When Jesus fed the multitude in John 6, they sought him the next day only because their stomachs were growling. Jesus knew why they were there, and they were not sincerely seeking Him. In this message Brother Luke looks at the issue of our motives, and asks us the question, “Is your stomach growling?”

11.06.22.Is.Your.Stomach.Growling.Luke.Hagler

Abraham is described as the friend of God. What made him God’s friend? In this message, I take a look at what this means. Is it attainable by any child of God? Does it come with a price?

10.30.22.Being.the.Friend.of.God.Tim.McCool

As we come to the minor prophet Haggai, it is quite a different situation than with the other minor prophets. Haggai’s prophecy follows the Babylonian captivity, after 70 years of exile in Babylon, after the thriving nations of Israel and Judah were completely destroyed by God. A small band of burdened believers brave the wilderness to accomplish God’s desire – to rebuild.

10.26.22.The.Rubble.The.Remnant.The.Rebuilding.Tim.McCool

It only takes a moment to fall. When we put ourselves in certain positions, we are more prone to fall. Like David being at home when he should have been at the battle, or Peter spouting off before he took time to think about what he was saying – we can quickly make a place for temptation and the next thing you know we fall. In this message, Brother Luke looks at guarding against falling.

10.23.22.Take.Heed.Lest.You.Fall.Luke.Hagler

God created Adam to lead, but when he disobeyed God’s one command, he was cursed. Part of the curse involved what he was created to do. Now instead of Adam enjoying the blessing of why he was created, he was cursed by God to lead. This is the next sermon in the Godly Ladies and Gentlemen series.

10.23.22.Cursed.to.Lead.Tim.McCool

In the Godly Ladies & Gentlemen series, I start at the beginning, literally, with the first man Adam. What did God create man to do? What was his purpose? In this message, we can see clearly that man was created to lead.

10.16.22.Created.to.Lead.Tim.McCool

Cursing, or “cussin” as we say in the South, is everywhere. The Bible terminology is profanity, evil or corrupt communications. We have grown so accustomed to hearing or even speaking profanity until we may be numb to it. In this message, Brother Luke looks at the subject of profanity.

10.12.22.Profanity.Bro.Luke

In the Godly Ladies and Gentlemen series, I begin to look at what the Bible teaches about Godly men and boys.

10.09.22.Looking.For.a.Few.Good.Men.Tim.McCool

In the OT, the temple was a holy place. In the NT, the temple became a more localized place – the body of the child of God where the Holy Spirit in-dwells. Of course, the Lord has been in-dwelling His people for ages, but the gospel age ushered in an understanding of this like never before. And the new temple (our body) is to be a holy place. In this message, Brother Luke looks at what it means to keep our temples holy.

10.09.22.We.Are.the.Temple.Luke.Hagler

In the Ladies & Gentlemen series, I take up the subject of the great Shunemite woman of the OT. As one of the greatest women mentioned in scripture, what was it that made her so great? In this message I look at what was perhaps her greatest quality – she made room for the prophet of God.

09.25.22.Make.Room.for.the.Prophet.Tim.McCool

Mephibosheth was the crippled son of Jonathan, and grandson to the ruined kingship of Saul. His name literally means “destroying shame”. Using this backdrop, Brother Luke brings out the beautiful lesson of how our covenant-keeping God destroys our shame.

09.25.22.Destroying.Shame.Luke.Hagler

In the Ladies & Gentlemen series, I continue to look at 1 Timothy 2, focusing on where Paul refers to “women professing godliness.” What does it look like to be a Godly woman?

09.18.22.Women.Professing.Godliness.Tim.McCool