Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

The Great Physician at Work

Elder David Crawford, pastor of Macclenny Primitive Baptist Church (FL), was guest minister for our June 2019 5th Weekend Meeting. His Sunday morning sermon (6/30/19) was taken from the narrative in Mark 5 concerning Jesus' ministry to the woman with a chronic medical hemorrhage and the apparently tragic circumstances of a young girl's death. Elder Crawford makes three primary points in this outstanding sermon: (1) The true identity of our Lord is revealed in each interaction with people; (2) Though the Lord's agenda is distinct from ours, His is always best; (2) He is personally tender and kind to His loved ones in their hour of affliction and pain.

Parable of the Two Lost Sons

Elder David Crawford, pastor of Macclenny Primitive Baptist Church (FL), was guest minister for our June 2019 5th Weekend Meeting. His message on Saturday evening (6/29/19) was taken from the familiar parable recorded in Luke 15 popularly known as the parable of the Prodigal Son. But Elder Crawford is careful to highlight that both of the boys in this story were prodigals, paralleling the two groups of Jesus' hearers referenced in verse 1, i.e. the "sinners" and the "Pharisees." Far from a mere retelling of this beloved parable, however, this message offers fresh insights concerning the position held by the older son, and contrasting his reluctance to sacrifice for his brother with our Elder Brother's willingness to sacrifice for us.

The Tale of Two Sad Sisters

Elder David Crawford, pastor of Macclenny Primitive Baptist Church (FL), was guest minister for our June 2019 5th Weekend Meeting. His Saturday afternoon sermon (6/29/19) was based on John 11, with special focus on the way the Lord Jesus interfaced with the grieving sisters of Lazarus. This exceptional sermon explores the different ways people respond to grief, and the tailored response of Christ to each individual's need. But more importantly, Elder Crawford finds the gospel message concerning the Person and Work of Christ in this inspired narrative. The insightfulness and pathos of this message make it one to revisit time and again.

Nehemiah's Conviction

On Saturday afternoon 6/29/19, Elder David Cothren, pastor of Angier Primitive Baptist Church (NC), delivered a brief but excellent message from Nehemiah 13. In a world that poses so many obstacles to the family and the cause of Christ, there is a great need for men and women of conscience and conviction like Nehemiah. When others in his day surrendered in compromise to the status quo, Nehemiah stood courageously for the integrity of God's house and God's law.

Brokenness

Elder David Crawford, pastor of Macclenny Primitive Baptist Church (FL), was guest minister for our June 2019 5th Weekend Meeting. His Friday night sermon (6/28/19) was taken from Genesis 3. Elder Crawford cites three personal experiences in recent pastoral ministry to illustrate the brokenness that pervades life in this world. Then he traces the cause of brokenness to Genesis 3 and the entrance of sin into this world. Finally, he looks at two New Testament passages - Mark 4:35-41 and Revelation 21 - in reference to the Divine remedy for the brokenness and alienation that touches our lives.  

Communion With Christ

June 23, 2019 was Communion Sunday at Bethel PBC, and Pastor Gowens brought a truncated message conducive to the occasion from 1 Corinthians 10:16-17. In the sermon, Elder Gowens discusses the soul-cheering privilege of fellowship with the Lord himself via (1) Prayer, (2) Meditation on God's Word, (3) the Corporate Worship of the Church, and (4) the Observance of the Communion service. Communion with Christ in the communion ordinance is an unspeakably precious benefit afforded to those who have professed true faith in Christ and the gospel of his finished work of redemption.

Joseph's Blessing

Elder Michael Gowens' 6/16/19 sermon is taken from Genesis 49:22-26. Jacob's dying benediction concerning Joseph's character and influence serves as a fitting summary of his entire life. In the vivid imagery of these verses, the Holy Spirit sketches a tale of trial and triumph, of adversity and advancement. And in reviewing the life of the patriarch Joseph, we too may find encouragement in the reminder that the mighty God of Jacob who strengthened and elevated this man from his sore afflictions is likewise the source of our strength today.

The Word Above All Earthly Powers

In the 6/9/19 message, Elder Michael Gowens considers the scene recorded in Revelation 10, in which a giant angel is depicted as holding in his hand a little book. From the details observed in this scene, Pastor Gowens proceeds to develop a bibliology, elaborating on the Authority, Preservation, Sufficiency, and Transparency of Scripture. Revelation 10 is an especially encouraging picture. It reminds us that nothing is more relevant and important in our day than the faithful and consistent teaching of the word of God.

An Arrow of Divine Justice

On Sunday, June 2, 2019, Elder Mike Gowens considers an intriguing text recorded in 1 Kings 22:34: "And a certain man drew a bow at a venture and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness." Gowens insists that this act that appeared on the surface to be purely random was, in fact, a providential expression of God's perfect justice. For people who frequently struggle with the apparent injustices and inequities of life in this world, the truth that God, in His time, will balance the scales of justice, making all wrongs right, offers rich encouragement. 

Christian, This is Your Life

Elder Mike Gowens' 5/26/19 sermon is taken from Ephesians 2:1-10, arguably the most comprehensive passage in the New Testament concerning the Doctrine of Regeneration. Gowens exposits this key passage by discussing (1) What We Were (vs 1-3), (2) What We Are (vs 4-6, 8-9), (3) What We Shall Be (v. 7), and (4) What We Ought to Be (v. 10). If a person once grasps the fact of native depravity and helplessness to remedy that tragic plight, he must necessarily agree with Paul that salvation is by grace alone, if anyone is ever saved.