Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

The Baptism of Jesus

In this 11/11/18 sermon from Matthew 3:13-17, Elder Michael Gowens considers the narrative concerning the baptism of Jesus Christ. He explains that Jesus was motivated to seek baptism from John the Baptist for three primary reasons: (1) to identify himself with sinners, though Jesus himself needed no repentance; (2) to satisfy every demand of God's righteous law in the stead of His elect; (3) to inaugurate the kingdom of God. The baptism of Christ both depicts the drama of redemption and marks the beginning of the gospel church. It was also the earliest demonstration of Jesus' deity during his public ministry.

We Believe in the Holy Spirit

Elder Mike Gowens' sermon on 11/4/18 focuses on the departing Savior's encouraging promise to send the Holy Spirit, recorded in John 14:15-18. One of the distinguishing marks between the church and the world is our understanding that reality consists of more than meets the eye. A mysterious, unseen Person is at work in our lives, leading, enabling, strengthening, comforting and teaching us. The reality of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God's people is a powerful encouragement while we wait for Jesus to return.

Too Much Grace?

In this message from 10/28/18, Elder Mike Gowens looks at the narrative of the woman who was caught in adultery, recorded in John 8:2-12. The mercy and grace Jesus extends to this woman was just too much grace for the religious leaders among the Jews. It is also too much grace for many people today, but to those who have been taught the plague of their own hearts, Jesus' words of forgiveness are truly the sweetest words ever to touch mortal ears.

The Wise Preacher & His Special Book

In this 10/21/18 sermon, Elder Michael Gowens summarizes the recent study of Ecclesiastes by considering "the Preacher's" own reflection recorded in Ecclesiastes 12:9-12. Although much of the book exposes the vanity and futility of life without God, the Preacher wisely continues to teach the word of God. He knows that teaching the knowledge of God from Scripture is not in vain: "Because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge." This summary passage reminds us that a life spent in service to the Lord is not in vain, and that those who seek answers to life's many questions will find them in one place alone, the Book of books.

Taking God Seriously: The Key to Everything

On 10/14/18, Mike Gowens continued the "Themes from Ecclesiastes" series by looking at the important theme of "fearing God," one of the dominant motifs of the book. The last two verses of the book, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, provide the text for this sermon. Gowens begins by describing the decline of respect and reverence in popular culture, and proceeds to offer several biblical definitions of godly fear. He concludes with explanation of how this attitude of reverence for God is the most basic and fundamental virtue of a meaningful and productive life.

The Olive Press of Gethsemane

On Sunday 9/30/18, Elder Michael Gowens led our congregation in consideration of the emotionally-charged narrative of Jesus' agony in Gethsemane, as recorded in Matthew 26:36-46. As the Savior anticipated the monumental task before Him, he felt tremendous pressure within His soul. There is no clearer evidence of our Lord's true humanity in all of Holy Scripture than here. And there is no greater incentive to pray when we too face the pressures of life than the knowledge that our heavenly Priest can empathize with our grief, anguish and dread.

Worship: Heaven's Remedy for Earth's Sorrows

On Sunday 9/23/18, Elder Michael Gowens interrupted his mini-series in Ecclesiastes to bring a pastoral message of comfort based on Job 1:20-21. With worship canceled the previous Sunday due to the arrival of Hurricane Florence, the stresses of cleanup in the lives of our church membership, and the news of the unexpected death of one of our beloved church members since we last met together, Job's response to the calamities that befell him seemed especially appropriate for this occasion. 

Secrets to the "Better" Life

Message number three in the four part series "Themes from Ecclesiastes" looks at Ecclesiastes chapters four through seven. Elder Mike Gowens begins this 9/9/18 message in Ecclesiates 7:1-10, a passage that repeats one of the key words of the book - the word "better." Though most people pursue "the good life," the Preacher asserts that such a life in this world of trouble and sorrow is an optical illusion. Instead, he urges his young auditors to "the better life," a life marked by contentment with the necessities of life, and a life that values relationships above riches. With God at the center, life can truly be "better." 

Finding Joy in the Seasons of Life

Elder Michael Gowens' sermon on 9/2/18 focuses on the familiar passage in Ecclesiastes 3:1-15: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven..." The passage teaches that change is inevitable in every person's life. It also stresses that joy is available in the midst of life's changing scenes when the believer looks at life with a sharp focus on God and His glory. With this perspective of faith, life is seen as God's gift, and the simplest and most common tasks bring immense fulfillment and happiness.

Does Life Have Meaning?

Pastor Mike Gowens' 8/26/18 sermon looks at Ecclesiastes 1-2 and the basic human quest for significance and meaning in life. After painting the pessimistic portrait of life without God, Gowens shows that all of life is supremely meaningful when God is factored into the equation of human existence. Especially for the Christian who believes in the risen Lord, life is rich with purpose and significance. Because Christ lives, labor in His name is never futile and vain.