Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

The Strength of Weakness

In this 9/13/2020 message, Michael Gowens considers the experience Paul relates in 2 Corinthians 12 and the paradox that Christ's strength is manifest in our weakness. Gowens traces the "weakness" motif through the two Corinthian epistles, showing that Paul not only acknowledged and embraced his personal inadequacy and weakness, but celebrated it, for in his weakness, Christ was strong. In a culture that values beauty, success and perfection, how refreshing is the reminder that weakness is not only okay but preferable!

The Joy of Salvation

Every Bible subtheme under the general category of "salvation" is a picture-word, and each contains its own attendant note of joy. In this message from May 2020, Elder Michael Gowens looks at David's prayer of repentance in Psalm 51, focusing on his request that God might restore "the joy of thy salvation" in verse 12. When a person loses the joy of salvation through sin and disobedience, he/she has lost something very precious.

Blessed are the Pure in Heart

On Sunday, 8/23/2020, Michael Gowens continues his survey of the Beatitudes with this message on 6th Beatitude, recorded in Matthew 5:8. In this message, Pastor Gowens first emphasizes the important role of the heart in the life of Christian discipleship, then proceeds to discuss the two-fold meaning of "purity." Finally, he highlights the particular blessing promised to the pure in heart, namely, a vision of God.

Encouraging God's Servant

Michael Gowens' 8/9/2020 sermon looks at Paul's arrival in Corinth, as recorded in Acts 18:1-11. Gowens traces the reasons Paul was discouraged and fearful, and the wonderful ways that God encouraged His faithful servant. Whether you are a preacher in the pulpit or a believer in the pew, this episode from the life and labors of Paul has much to teach us concerning God's method of encouraging those that struggle with loneliness, disappointment, fear and spiritual fatigue.

The Priorities of the Primitive Church

Elder Mike Gowens' 7/26/20 sermon considers Acts 2:42 as an example of the things the early church prioritized. Gowens discusses the regulative principle of church life and worship, and our conviction for conforming church faith and practice, as much as possible, to the apostolic model.

Ambassadors for Christ

The 7/19/20 message by Pastor Gowens looks at 2 Corinthians 5:20. Listen to explore this rich metaphor and its implications for living the Christian life.

Fulfilling Your Life Purpose

Elder Lonnie Mozingo, Jr., our guest minister during the 2020 Communion Meeting, delivered this message from John 15 on 6/27/2020.

The Necessity of the Holy Spirit in Worship

Elder Lonnie Mozingo, Jr. was our guest minister during Bethel's 2020 Communion Meeting. This message from Saturday morning, 6/27, is taken from John 4:19-24.

Blessed are the Merciful

On Sunday, 7/12/2020, Michael Gowens returns to the study on the Beatitudes, titled "The Distinguishing Traits of Christian Character," with this look at the 5th Beatitude. In a climate of growing hostility and retaliation, the easiest thing in the world is to allow our hearts to grow hard and critical. It is crucial, therefore, that believers model the spirit of Jesus Christ by ministering mercy to the miserable. Is compassion in short supply lately? Listen to this sermon by Pastor Gowens and rediscover tenderness of heart.

For Love's Sake

The little book of Philemon is the focus for Pastor Gowens' sermon on 7/5/2020. This letter from Paul to an influential and godly Christian man in Colossae concerning a runaway slave who was now a true Christian, has much to teach us about the healing power of God's grace in interpersonal relationships. Here is the gospel in practice.