Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

The Symbolism of Tabernacle Worship

Michael Gowens continues the exposition of Hebrews with message #26 in the series from Heb. 9:1-10. Drawing heavily from the contrast between the symbolic and the substantive, the figurative and the real, Gowens shows that the entire arrangement of Hebrew worship in the wilderness pointed forward to Christ, and the superiority of the New Covenant. This message was delivered on 1/30/22. 

Discipleship in Three Time-Zones

Elder Mike Gowens follows up his message from the previous week with this 1/23/22 sermon employing the same grid. The text for the sermon is Psalm 78:1-8. A healthy church (and balanced Christian life) maintains a three-fold focus: respect for past history, relevance in the contemporary culture, and a readiness for future generations. 

Salvation in Three Time-Zones

In this 1/16/22 sermon, Mike Gowens considers 2 Corinthians 1:10 in a biblical examination of the verb "to save." References in Scripture to "salvation" (or its synonym "deliverance") do not always speak of deliverance in the ultimate sense. To understand the correct sense in which a particular verse speaks of salvation, it is important to ask the question, "Saved from what?" In this message, Brother Mike looks at a number of examples in which God has saved, does save, and will save in the lives of his children.

Peter, Example of Spiritual Growth

In this 1/9/22 sermon, Mike Gowens uses 1 Peter 5 to look back at the key events in the narrative of Peter's personal history, showing how Peter communicates the lessons he had learned to others. 

Blessed are the Seed-Sowers

On 1/2/22, Michael Gowens looks at Isaiah 32:20: "Blessed are they that sow beside all waters." From the agrarian imagery, he draws lessons concerning the purpose of the gospel and the nature of biblical evangelism. Every believer is called to lavishly sow the precious seed of Divine truth, trusting God for the results.

Faith’s Victory Over Fear

Pastor Gowens' 12/26/21 message is taken from the 56th Psalm. From the historical backdrop of David's asylum in enemy territory, the Psalm develops the crippling power of fear in the believer's life. The focus of Psalm 56, however, is not on fear itself, but how David gained victory over fear by faith in God. As we look forward on the unknown tomorrow, we too may triumph over fear by faith.

The Song of Mary

Mary's "Magnificat" is one of four songs surrounding the advent of the Messiah, as recorded in Luke 1-2. In this 12/19/21 sermon, Michael Gowens emphasizes the connection of this song of praise to several Old Testament passages, as well as its God-centered tone. The incarnation of Christ is compelling cause for praise and worship to the Lord.

I Believe in the Virgin Birth

Elder Gowens delivered this sermon on Sunday, 12/12/21. Looking first at the Messianic prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, Gowens moves to the two New Testament narratives connected to this prophecy, the first in Matthew 1 and the second in Luke 1, emphasizing the important role played by the supernatural in the Christian gospel.

A New & Better Covenant

In this 12/5/21 message, Michael Gowens returns to Hebrews 8:6-13 to look more specifically at the text. He offers several reasons the New Covenant is superior to the Old. This is message #25 in the ongoing exposition of Hebrews.

Covenant: The Key that Unlocks the Bible

Mike Gowens' 11/28/21 sermon is based on Hebrews 8:6-13. In this message, Gowens develops the important concept of "covenant" as it is used in Scripture. An understanding of this theological idea is critical for grasping the meaning of the Bible, for "covenant" is the unifying theme between the Old and New Testaments. This is message #24 in the Hebrews study.