Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

Elijah: God's Man for Ungodly Times

On Sunday Oct 27, 2024, Pastor Gowens introduced a new, biographical study of the Old Testament prophet Elijah. This first message in the series considers 1 Kings 17:1-6 and focuses on the historical backdrop of the times in which Elijah lived and ministered.

The Parable of the Talents

The 10/20/24 sermon by Mike Gowens is the 9th and final segment in the "Kingdom Parables" series. In this message, Gowens considers Mt 25:14-30 and emphasizes that kingdom living involves investing the resources God has entrusted to individual believers for the good of His kingdom.

Down at the Feet of Jesus

This sermon by Elder Mike Gowens was delivered October 13, 2024. The text is Mt 15:30. Elder Gowens explores several narratives from the Gospels in which people in various circumstances either sat, knelt, fell or bowed at Jesus' feet. Down at the feet of Jesus is the place for every true believer.

The Ten Virgins

Pastor Gowens' sermon from October 6, 2024 is message #8 in the Kingdom Parables series. In this message he focuses on the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. The lesson taught in this parable is, namely, kingdom living means living in anticipation of the Redeemer's return. Brother Gowens insists that eschatology matters right now.

A Perpetual, Spiritual "Eddy"

Pastor Gowens' 9/29/24 sermon looks at the text in Psalm 94:19: "In the multitude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul." In the frenetic pace and incessant responsibilities of life in the modern world, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. The sheer busyness of life can keep the mind in a whirl. The Psalmist, however, learned where to find peace and comfort to calm his racing thoughts. Here's real help for anxious minds.

The Wedding Garment

In message #7 of the Kingdom Parables series, Michael Gowens considers Matthew 22:1-14. This parable teaches that participation in the King's banquet presupposes submission to the King's protocols. One may not partake of the blessings of the kingdom on his/her own terms. This message was preached on 9/22/24.

The Singing Soldier

In this message from 9/15/24, Mike Gowens considers Psalm 149:5-6 and the command to sing while we fight. Gowens develops each metaphor, beginning with the call to fight the good fight of faith, and proceeding to the importance of maintaining a joyful song, even in the midst of the fray.

The Laborers in the Vineyard

In this message from 9/8/24, Michael Gowens continues the "Kingdom Parables" series with message six. The text is Matthew 20:1-16. This parable teaches that in the kingdom of God, Christ is sovereign in dispensing blessings to His servants. There is no algorithm involved in kingdom living. Whatever compensation we receive in following Christ, however, will far exceed any investment we make. It would be accurate, in fact, to call this passage "the parable of the Generous Landowner."

The Unforgiving Servant

On Sunday 8/18/24, Elder Gowens returned to the "Kingdom Parables" study with a message from Mt. 18. Kingdom living involves human relationships, with all of the stresses and tensions those relationships might bring. In particular terms, King Jesus expects his subjects to extend the same grace to others that God has extended to them. This is message #5 in the series.

God Our Helper

The 8/11/24 sermon by Mike Gowens looks at Psalm 121:1-2. In a culture of rugged individualism, it is not always easy for people to admit they need help. But maintaining an attitude of our need for God's help is crucial to healthy discipleship. In this message, Gowens explores the several ways that God helps those that depend on Him.