Bartimaeus Baptist Temple

Bartimaeus Baptist Temple

This podcasts consists of messages from our pastors, Sunday school lessons, and other special events that take place during our weekly services.

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  1. 18. Mai

    Message by Larry Thacker Jr from May 17: “Don’t Be Evil

    This week's study takes us through Roman 12:14-21. Paul continues teaching us what a living sacrifice looks like. Now we've come to some of the harder parts, especially that stuff about blessing people who mistreat us and doing good to our enemies. But if we look to Jesus as our example, we see that these are the things He did. He called out sin, especially hypocrisy, but he also uttered these famous words at His crucifixion, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” Verse 21 reads, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.". What does it mean to be overcome by evil. Sometimes it surely seems to prevail. Were the martyrs overcome by evil? Was Jesus overcome by evil when He died on that cross? Quite the opposite. In that sacrificial act He overcame evil with good forever. It isn't going quietly, but it must go. Until that day comes, we must contend with it. To be overcome by evil is to be drawn into it. Instead of standing against it and choosing good, we become participants in it. This passage seems to be telling us how to approach relationships with all people, not just those in the church. It humanizes our enemies and reminds us that we all start from the same place. Jesus Himself warned us that our message would not be widely accepted, but it becomes real when accompanied by behavior like this, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” What's with that last part? The imagery doesn't seem to match the spirit of the message. Paul is quoting from Proverbs 25:21-22. It is likely a reference to an Egyptian custom of carrying hot coals on one's head as a sign of contrition. The hope is that in doing good to our enemies, we draw them to a place of repentance. We invite them to become part of God's family.

    38 Min.
  2. 14. Apr.

    Message from April 12: Words to the Wild Ones

    Our study continues with Romans 11:16-24. In the last 3 chapters, Paul has been explaining the significance of Israel in god's plan of redemption. They rejected their messiah, and that rejection led to salvation for all who will believe, Jew and Gentile. Beginning in verse 13, Paul turns his attention specifically to the Gentiles. He Warns us not to think too highly of ourselves, reminding us that we draw life from Israel's root. The wording of this warning raises questions for some. Is Paul really saying that it is possible for a believer to be "cut off"? Introducing the fight of the centuries! In the blue corner, Jacobus Arminius 1560–1609.) As he enters the ring, you can hear his supporters shouting, "FREE WILL!" He would say that it is possible for someone to lose, or more properly throw away, his salvation. God gives everyone enough grace to decide, and they are predestined only in the sense that God knows the choice before they make it. In the red corner, John Calvin (1509–1564.) The champion of the modern reformed movement, he is most widely known for the view that we are all predestined and that there is not really any such thing as free will. God chose who would believe from the moment of creation and those who are offered His grace cannot refuse. As you can see from the dates, these men did not live at the same time and could not have opposed one another directly, but their fans are still duking it out. I wish we wouldn't. In fact these teachers are not so far apart as we might think. Arminius was a 2nd generation student of Calvin. The purpose of this message is not to explore their theology in depth, but to expose believers to the roots of the argument and briefly summarize the scripture that each side will reference. I've expressed an opinion, but I've provided references from both sides, freely admitting that I am not so confident as to insist that mine is the right one. To anyone truly seeking the Lord even as you struggle to make the right choices, fear not. He died and rose to save you. He will not let you fall. To those who cling to a life of sin, turn around before it is too late. Maybe you walked the isle or said a prayer one day and somebody told you that got you in. If they didn't tell you the rest, they lied! Give your heart to Jesus before it is too late. Believe that He died for your sin and was raised. Accept Him as Lord.

    42 Min.
  3. 16. März

    Message by Larry Thacker Jr from March 15: The Master Who Serves (Reprise)

    The pastor left his notes in an Uber and found these old notes in the pulpit, so some might say that God changed the message, but one thing is certain, He knew it would happen that way, so here you go. Probably not as good as the first time, but there's something in here that God may want you to hear. We drop in on the last supper as Jesus washes the feet of His disciples. We’ve always known this moment is special. Some churches even take his statement that the disciples ought to wash one-another’s feet quite literally, incorporating it into their ordinances and worship. Jesus’ instruction has more to do with the attitude than the act. Here, Jesus illustrates what true greatness is, even as his disciples are still squabbling over who among them will be the greatest. We may suppose that no one of them offered to do the job, not even for the master Himself. That would be lowering themselves to the level of a slave. But Jesus had no problem doing that. He knew who He was, and so could do what needed doing with no concern for the opinion of others. In Luke’s gospel, apparently after he has done this though Luke doesn’t mention it, he says, “…the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.” (Lk 22:26 LSB) In so doing, he also illustrates in a small way the sacrifice he is about to make. Before the next day is over, he will willingly submit to the worst torture and humiliation that humanity can imagine, all for the sake of the ones whom He loves. By this act we are saved. When peter objects to the Lord washing his feet, Jesus makes a profound statement, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” (Jn 13:8) We must be cleansed by the blood of His sacrifice, and we must also return to him each day that the dirt we accumulate by walking through this world may be washed off. We are called to serve each other in this way, as all of us who call Him Lord have been sent to do as He did, that the world may know and receive Him.

    32 Min.

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This podcasts consists of messages from our pastors, Sunday school lessons, and other special events that take place during our weekly services.