Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

The Grace & Mercy of God

This is sermon #15 in the "Knowing God" series by Elder Michael Gowens. In the gracious and merciful nature of God, there is real hope for sinners. This message was delivered to the congregation of Bethel PBC on Lord's Day morning, 12/1/19.

Knowing the End of the Story

On 1/12/2020, Elder Gowens looked at Judges 7 and the story of Gideon to extract from it an important practical lesson. Knowing how the story ends gives us courage to face life's challenges, strength to endure the pressures of the moment, and incentive to maintain our commitment to godliness when the temptation to compromise is strong. (Note: Elder Gowens had a severe case of laryngitis during the delivery of this message. We hope this issue does not present a hurdle to your enjoyment of the content of the sermon.)

The Olivet Discourse

In this 1/5/2020 message, Michael Gowens looks at the record of Jesus' prophetic sermon on the Mount of Olives recorded in Luke 21. In this message, Elder Gowens offers a simple grid for interpreting this important sermon, emphasizing the signs of the times that will point the way toward the Savior's second advent. The theme of the sermon is coming judgment, and even Paul thought that it was important for believers to be well-educated about the circumstances that will signal the Lord's glorious return.

The Goodness of God

On 11/10/19, Michael Gowens continued the series on the attributes of God with this message based on Romans 2:4. God's goodness, that is, His benevolence, generosity and kindness, is highlighted on virtually every page of holy scripture. Gowens explores God's goodness as it is displayed in the natural world, in providence, and in grace. Then he applies this truth to our lives, showing that Divine goodness has far-reaching practical implications to us.

The Holiness of God

Elder Mike Gowens' 11/3/19 sermon looks at 1 John 1:5: "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all," and moves to an illustration of this important attribute in the narrative of Leviticus 10. After defining "holiness," Gowens proceeds to discuss two appropriate reactions to this feature of the Divine nature, the first from the sheer consideration of the fact that God is unlike anything with which man is familiar, and the second from the vantage point of an understanding of the gospel. This message is part of the "Knowing God" series.

The Rock That is Higher Than I

Elder Mike Gowens' 10/27/19 pulpit offering consisted of an exposition of Psalm 61. Learn from David's response to Absalom's revolt the importance of prayer, reflection and hope for the future.

The Immutability of God

The 10/20/19 sermon by Elder Michael Gowens is message #10 in the ongoing "Knowing God" series. The text for this sermon is Hebrews 6:13-20. Gowens begins by defining the sublime theme, proceeds to establish its legitimacy via several Biblical references, and concludes by applying the implications of this Divine attribute to our lives now. How comforting to know that in a world replete with change and decay, the true and living God changes not!

The Sovereignty of God

Elder Michael Gowens' 10/13/19 sermon looks at the narrative of Nebuchadnezzar's insanity - or better yet, Nebuchadnezzar's theological education - recorded in Daniel 4:28-37, as the premier Biblical description of the sovereignty of God. Gowens defines Divine sovereignty in terms of God's absolute and ultimate authority to do always and only as He pleases. This is message #9 in the ongoing "Knowing God" series of studies.

Love Your Enemies

Elder Mike Gowens' 9/29/19 sermon is taken from Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew 5:43-48. It is a surprising precept in which our Lord reminds His disciples of the higher ethical standard required of them. Instead of responding in kind to mistreatment, Christians are called to love those who oppose them via some form of persecution. What exactly does loving one's enemies entail? How is it possible to attain such a high mark? Elder Gowens answers these questions in the course of this brief message.

The Omnipotence of God

Message #8 in the ongoing sermon series by Michael Gowens on the "Attributes of God" was delivered to the congregation of Bethel Primitive Baptist Church on 9/22/19. Gowens takes his text from Revelation 19:6, proceeding to define Divine omnipotence, then to catalog the many ways that God has showcased his almighty power. He concludes the message by applying this truth to our lives in three important ways.