Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

Hope Revived by the Savior's Rising

On April 11, 2020, Elder Mike Gowens preaches from 1 Peter 1:1-6. Peter, the pastor of Jerusalem Church, encourages his displaced congregation by reminding them of the two great reasons he himself had to be encouraged in this unfriendly world.

A Twilight Prayer to the Risen Christ

This message by Pastor Gowens was delivered via Livecast, due to a public quarantine over concerns for health safety, on Sunday, April 5, 2020. It is based on the text in Luke 24:28-29.

Blessed are the Hungry

In this 3/15/2020 sermon, Elder Michael Gowens continues the study called "The Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character," a series of messages based on the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. Thus far, the Lord Jesus identifies his true followers by humility, contrition for sin, and an attitude of self-forgetfulness. Now, Beatitude #4, as Matthew 5:6 indicates, identifies true Christians by an attitude of spiritual ardor and longing: "Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."

Blessed are the Meek

Elder Gowens' 3/8/2020 sermon is message #3 in the ongoing "Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character" series, based on Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes. The grace of meekness is two-dimensional. Toward God, meekness is a spirit of calm and quiet submission. Toward others, meekness is a gentleness of spirit that prefers to suffer than cause offense. Is meekness, then, weakness? Not at all. Gowens insists that biblical meekness is "strength under control." The test for this message is Matthew 5:5.

Blessed are the Mourners

Elder Gowens 3/1/2020 sermon is taken from Matthew 5:4, and is message #2 in the "Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character" series. Building on the basic virtue of humility, as expressed in the first Beatitude, Jesus now shines the spotlight on the priority of contrition over sin. 

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

In this 2/23/2020 sermon, Elder Michael Gowens begins a study of the Beatitudes, called "The Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character." After a brief introduction concerning some of the salient features of Jesus' first sermon, Pastor Gowens looks at the first and most basic characteristic of Kingdom-citizens: Humility. The text for this message is Matthew 5:3.

The Case of the Dying Thief

Pastor Gowens looks at Luke 23:39-43 in this 2/9/2020 message. The thief on the cross is the epitome of sovereign grace, the tallest monument in history to redeeming love, and the greatest proof that Jesus Christ is mighty to save. For two thousand years, his case has given hope to many who have wrecked their lives by sin; it speaks comfort and cheer to many a poor sinner. Join Michael Gowens as he considers the power of grace, a prayer of repentance, and the promise of paradise.

The Temptation of Jesus

On Sunday, 2/2/2020, Elder Michael Gowens considers the account of our Savior's epochal battle with the devil, recorded in Matthew 4:1-11. Unlike the first Adam, however, the Lord Jesus Christ was victorious over the Tempter. Gowens explains the three categories of temptation presented to the Lord Jesus, drawing from this account several salient lessons for those who seek to follow Christ in discipleship.

God Incarnate: Jesus is God

Elder Mike Gowens concludes his series of studies on the attributes of God with this 12/15/19 sermon on the deity of Jesus Christ. The sermon is based on the important passage in John's Gospel known as his prologue - John 1:1-14. All of the abstract characteristics we've discussed in this series are personalized into concrete, real-life terms when we come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. Christians are people who know the Father through the Son.

The Faithfulness of God

On Sunday, 12/8/19, Elder Mike Gowens delivered message #16 in the study on the attributes of God. This encouraging message is based on Lamentations 3:22ff.