Bethany Baptist Church, Salem OR
2-8-26, Jay Messenger, Executive Director of Hope Pregnancy Clinic, "Impossible Faith".
We were pleased to welcome the new Executive Director for Hope Pregnancy Clinic, Jay Messenger, to our service today. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
2-1-26, Pastor Tim Baker, New Series: The Glory of God: The Book of Ezekiel "The Call of the Prophet", Ezekiel 1:1-3.
By the time of Ezekiel, Israel's days of wine and roses had passed. She had flourished under David and Solomon, but had become a divided kingdom, with the northern tribes of Israel taken to captivity in Assyria, and a hundred years later the southern kingdom taken into captivity in Babylon. Ezekiel was a priest in the southern kingdom, taken along with 10,000 others to Babylon in 597BC. Ezekiel's message to God's people in captivity was that God's glory was departing from them due to their sin, but that one day in the future his glory would return. Our story begins with...
1-25-26, Pastor Tim Baker, "Dedicated to God's Honor", Deuteronomy 8:11-20
Our study this month is Dedicated: being Devoted to God. The first message was on being dedicated to God’s Word, then being dedicated to God’s Church, and last week being dedicated to God’s Service. Today, I want us to focus on what it means to be dedicated to God’s Honor. What does it mean for you and me, as God’s children, to be devoted to God, honoring God in the daily lives we live? YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
1-18-26, Pastor Tim Baker, "Dedicated to God's Service", Mark 10
Our study this month is Dedicated: being devoted to God. The first message was on being dedicated to God’s Word, and last week we looked at being dedicated to God’s Church. Today, I want us to focus on what it means to be dedicated to God’s Service. What does it mean for you and me, as God’s children, to be devoted to serving God and serving others? YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
1-11-26, Pastor Tim Baker "Dedicated to God's Church", Psalm 84.
This January I want to talk about what it means to be “Dedicated” in our walk with Christ. Today, I want to encourage you to commit to joining me in 2026 to walk with Christ by being dedicated to God's church. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
1-4-26, Pastor Tim Baker, "DEDICATED: My Walk".
This January I want to talk about what it means to be “Dedicated” in our walk with Christ, our work for Christ, our worship of Christ, and our witness for Christ. Today, I want to encourage you to commit to joining me in 2026 to walk with Christ by being dedicated to Bible reading. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
12-28-25, Pastor Tim Baker, "The Marks
In our last study we looked at the Marks of Good Friends, where Paul reminded Timothy that good friends show up; they help when needed, and they warn you of danger. Those are the kinds of friends we need in life. Not perfect friends, because there are none, but good friends who stabilize our lives in this chaotic world. Paul had these kinds of friends, and he needed them. Today we will look at the final lines of 2 Timothy together and close this series on the Letters to Timothy. We’ve learned many lessons on what it means to leave yo...
12-21-25, Pastor Tim Baker, "Advent: Christmas Presence", Matthew 1:18-25
For the last three Sundays we have been reading Scripture and lighting candles for Advent without much explanation. This morning I want to give some explanation to what we’ve been doing. Advent is the season of preparation for Christ's coming, his presence with us. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
12-14-25, Pastor Tim Baker, "The Marks of Good Friends", 2 Timothy 4:9-15
Building friendships is especially important for those who want to honor God, because God made us for relationships. Jesus taught the importance of loving others and then he lived it out before their eyes. He was called “the friend of sinners.” In today’s text, we see that Paul too became a man of many deep relationships. His friendships were vast and covered a great variety of men and women in his day. His parting thoughts in 2 Timothy 4 give us some lessons on the marks of good friends. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Websit...
12-7-25, Pastor Tim Baker, "The Marks of a Strong Finish", 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Last week we looked at Paul’s powerful charge to Timothy in the opening lines of chapter 4, and in today’s text Paul switches his focus to his own life purpose. In verse 5 he charges Timothy with the words “As for you…” and now in verse 6 he says “For I.” In Greek, the word “I” is emphatic, which the NLT translates “As for me.” While young Timothy was to “preach the Word,” Paul is facing his last lap in life and knows he will soon die. His final perspective on running his race reveals three marks of a strong finish. YouTube https://www.youtub...
11-30-25, Pastor Tim Baker, "The Marks of a Faithful Pastor", 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
As we come to the final chapter of our series in the Letters to Timothy, we find some of the most eloquent, memorable declarations of Paul. He begins this final section by calling Timothy to fulfill his duties as a pastor. There are nine commands in this section that Paul wants Timothy to focus on; nine things that will mark the ministry of a faithful pastor. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
11-23-25, Pastor Tim Baker, "The Marks of a Good Education", 2 Timothy 3:10-17
In our last study in the letters to Timothy, we looked at the beginning of chapter 3 where Paul warned: “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.” 2 Tim 3:1 (ESV) We acknowledge that our society is, in some ways, falling apart before our eyes, and that we should not be caught off guard by the ways our culture is declining since we are warned about it ahead of time. We also saw that there were enemies within the church community that Paul described with 19 unflattering character traits. The goal of Paul’s warning is that Timoth...
11-16-25, Pastor Samuel Medina, "Teachings From the Second Missionary Trip of Paul", Acts 16:6-10.
We were so thankful to have Pastor Samuel Medina, and his family, as a Summer Intern for our Hispanic Ministry at Bethany this year. This was their last Sunday with us as they head off on a new venture in Savannah, GA where they have been called to Pastor a Hispanic Church. The plan was for Sam to find a church in the Northwest, but as this passage will show, sometimes our plans are not God's plans and we follow where He leads. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com...
11-9-25, Pastor Tim Baker, "The Marks of the Last Days", 2 Timothy 3:1-9
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul warned: “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” 1 Timothy 4:1–3 (ESV) Now here in his second letter, he places the problem of false teaching into a prophetic framework, warning of the dangers to come. In this warning, his focus is on the lifestyle that a...
11-2-25, Quincy Lima, "An Honorable Vessel", 2 Timothy 2:20-26.
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
10-26-25, Pastor Tim Baker "The Marks of Approved Workers", 2 Timothy 2:14-19
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
10-12-25, Pastor Tim Baker, "The Marks of Endurance", 2 Timothy 2:8-13
Last week we looked at the Marks of Spiritual Training and three metaphors of toughness: a soldier, an athlete and a farmer (2 Tim 2:1-7). In today's text we are going to see Paul tell young Timothy four things that will enable him to endure spiritually, to hang in there, to finish his course. You and I need these same things if we are going to endure to the end. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
10-5-25, Pastor Tim Baker "The Marks of Spiritual Training", 2 Timothy 2:1-7.
How are you doing, Christian? Are you developing your spiritual strength? Are you developing the spiritual strength of others by sharing life with them, teaching them to love God as you do? And are you taking your task seriously like a soldier, an athlete and a farmer? These are the marks of a godly life – living for God, making disciples, and developing your spiritual stamina so that you can stand firm regardless of what obstacles come your way. These images remind us of how discipline and devotion and diligence work together to train us for godliness and long-term service to Ch...
9-28-25, Pastor Jeremiah Puckett, "The Marks of the Merciful", 2 Timothy 1:15-18.
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
9-21-25, Pastor Tim Baker, "The Marks of Spiritual Courage", 2 Timothy 1:8-14.
Where does spiritual courage come from? Today we will look at Paul’s continued discourse with young Timothy in Ephesus. Last week we concluded the letter of 1 Timothy, and today we begin the letter of 2 Timothy, looking at the marks of spiritual courage. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
9-14-25, Pastor Jarren Baker "Material Maturity", 1 Timothy 6:17-21
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
9-7-25, Pastor Tim Baker, "The Marks of God's Man", 1 Timothy 6:11-16.
As the Apostle Paul nears the end of his first letter to young Timothy, he seems to elevate his urgency, allowing his pen to become a sword in his hand as he calls Timothy to a wartime mentality. At the same time, he greatly honors Timothy with the title "man of God." I can see Timothy pause, struggling to accept this grand title. "Me? A Man of God?" Paul will proceed to describe four things that marked this man of God. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
8-31-25, Pastor Tim Baker, "The Marks of Materialism", 1 Timothy 6:3-10
Last week we looked at the first two verses of ch. 6 where Paul tells slaves to “honor” their masters, whether they are Christian masters or non-Christian. The application of this instruction guides the believing worker in his or her attitude and conduct with their employer. Largely this is because most Roman Empire slaves were voluntary slaves, more of indentured servants than possessions of masters. As Christians “honor” their bosses in the marketplace today, the name and teaching of God gains respect. Conversely, God’s name and teaching is dishonored by poor attitudes and performance by Christian employees. Today we will focus on v...
8-24-25, Pastor Tim Baker, "The Marks of a Good Servant", 1 Timothy 6:1-2
Last week Keith Darwin concluded 1 Tim 5, looking at the marks of church elders, noting how a church is to honor them, discipline them, and select them. As we begin 1 Tim 6, we encounter two verses directed at slaves, where Paul instructs Christian slaves in Ephesus to honor and submit to their masters, linking ch. 6 with ch. 5. Some read this text and believe that because Paul tells slaves to do these things, he is therefore endorsing slavery as a practice. But is this the right way to understand this text? The ESV Expository Commentary says the answer is “no” for these reasons: YouT...
8-17-25, Keith Darwin, "Legacy of Church Elders", 1 Timothy 5:17-25
Last week we looked at the first half of chapter 5 where Paul instructed Timothy regarding the church’s responsibility to care for its own, exercising discernment within a permeating atmosphere of love. As we finish chapter 5, we shift our attention to principles and practices for dealing with church elders. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
8-10-25, Pastor Tim Baker, "The Marks of a Caring Congregation", 1 Timothy 5:1-16.Timothy
Last week we concluded 1 Tim 4, looking at the marks of young leaders, noting the Bible’s exhortation to lead by example, to build with the Bible, to know if God has called you to some ministry, and to keep your eyes on prize, the final outcome of your life of service. As we begin chapter 5, Paul will now instruct Timothy on the church’s responsibility to care for its own. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
8-3-25. Pastor Tim Baker, "The Marks of Young Leaders", 1 Timothy 4:11-16
Last week Joe Mogford led us through 1 Tim 4:6-10, on the marks of training in godliness. Today we will finish chapter 4, where Paul urges Timothy to live out his godliness by embracing his calling as a young leader. How can a young, aspiring leader possibly get traction in ministry, especially when they so often serve their elders? How can a young person successfully begin in ministry? YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
7-27-25 Peter Hudson, ABWE Colombia, "Help Wanted", Matthew 9:35-10:1
We were privileged to have Peter & Jamie Hudson, ABWE, Colombia, in our service today sharing a ministry update. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
7-20-25, Joe Mogford, "Priorities", 1 Timothy 4:6-10
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
7-13-25, Pastor Tim Baker, "The Marks of Bad Theology", 1 Timothy 4:1-5.
Last week Pastor Samuel led us through the end of 1 Timothy 3, a beautiful passage extolling the virtues of the church as the “pillar and buttress of the truth.” Today we will look at the opening of chapter 4, where Paul contrasts the beauty of truth with the ugliness of falsehood. The church has a responsibility to protect and preserve truth. Having explained the mystery of godliness, he explains the mystery of ungodliness, telling Timothy and the church to expect bad theology. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
7-6-25, Pastor Samuel Medina, "Three Things Paul Couldn't Wait to Share With His Closest Disciple", 1 Timothy 3:14-16
 How to behave in the household of God (vv. 14-15a)
 How to behave as the church of the living God (vv. 14-15b)
 How to behave as the pillar and buttress of the truth (vv. 14-15c)
"Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory." 1 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
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Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
6-29-25, David Lux, "The Marks of a Deacon", 1 Timothy 3:8-13.
This morning as we study our passage, we'll be answering a few key questions: What Is a Deacon? Where do we get the word “deacon”, and how is this word used in Scripture? What role do Deacons play in the church? What are the qualifications for the office of Deacon? How do Deacons Serve? YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
6-22-25, Pastor Tim Baker, "The Marks of Women in Ministry", 1 Timothy 2:11-15.
Today we will return to a very difficult passage at the end of 1 Timothy 2, which describes the marks of women in corporate worship life of the church. Claire Smith, in her excellent book God’s Good Design, writes: “If the difficulty of a passage of Scripture was decided by the heat of the debate surrounding it, or the number of books written on it, or the number of people attending seminars on it, 1 Timothy 2 must be one of the most difficult passages in the whole Bible. And given that much of the debate and most of the books concentrate on just...
6-15-25, Pastor Tim Baker, "A Father's Legacy", 1 Timothy3:1-7.
After instructing Timothy on the marks of prayer in 1 Tim. 2, Paul turns his attention to the marks of church leaders in chapter 3. Because the impact of leaders in God's church is high, the qualifications for leadership are equally high: “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.” 1 Timothy 3:2–3 (ESV) As this is Father's Day, the family qualifications listed for those who would serve God's church as pastors is of particular interest. Note how good church leader...
6-8-25, Wayne Mick, "The Importance of Prayer", 1 Timothy 2:1-10.
One of our Shepherds, Wayne Mick, filled the pulpit for Pastor Tim today and spoke from 1 Timothy 2:1-10 on the Importance of Prayer. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
6-1-25, Pastor Tim Baker "Paul's Legacy", 1 Timothy 1:12-20
We’ve been looking at what it means to “leave your mark,” starting with “A Mother’s Legacy” from the intro to 2 Timothy on Mother’s Day, and the “Devastating Legacy” of false teachers in the intro to 1 Timothy. Today we continue by looking at the second half of 1 Tim. 1 at Paul’s legacy. Paul is going to note five facets of his legacy, the marks God left on him and the marks he subsequently left on others. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
5-18-25, Pastor Tim Baker "A Devastating Legacy", 1 Timothy 1:1-11
THE LEGACY OF FALSE TEACHERS:
1.   The misuse of God's law. (v. 3-7)
“As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.” 1 Timothy 1:3–4 (ESV)
Pursuading false teachers (v. 5)“The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5 (ESV)
Understandin...5-11-25, Pastor Tim Baker, "A Mother's Legacy", 2 Timothy 1:1-7
A MOTHER'S LEGACY:
1.   Is a pedigree passed on to others. (v. 3-5)
“I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.” 2 Timothy 1:3–4 (ESV)
The pedigree of sincere faith (v. 5)“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as w...
9-22-24 Dr. John Mark Yeats, Corban University, Ezekiel 8
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
9-15-24 Pastor Tim's 30th Pastoral Anniversary Service
We spent this Sunday celebrating 30 years of ministry at Bethany with Pastor Tim & Marcy Baker. The service featured three guest speakers sharing their personal perspectives on why 30 years at the same church, while rare, is so beneficial. The service was followed by a reception in their honor. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/live/x0KojABkyFo?si=ibusrpnmM2_PBZ8j Website https://www.bethanybaptistchurch.com/sermons
