Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

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.

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.