Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

Fathers: Modeling the Message

On Father's Day 2017 (6/18/17), Elder Michael Gowens looked at Proverbs 20:7 as the text for his sermon on the generational impact of a godly father: "The just man walketh in his integrity and his children are blessed after him." Fathers who are absent, whether physically, emotionally, or educationally, produce children who are lost and cannot find their way. Of the many responsibilities a man may have in life, none is more important than to bring up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Praying in Faith

In this 6/11/17 message, Pastor Michael Gowens considers what is perhaps the most crucial precondition for acceptable prayer - praying in faith. Two passages from the general epistle of James form the basis of this study: James 1:5-6 and James 5:13-15. The prayer of faith is not a matter of simple positive thinking or "naming and claiming" a blessing, but of confidence in God's approachability, goodness, love and power. It is also a prayer that acqueisces to His sovereign will, knowing that His way is always best.

The Sweet Old Gospel Story

Nuggets of gospel truth may be discovered throughout the Old Testament. Elder Mike Gowens finds one such gospel nugget in the narrative of 2 Samuel 14 - the story of Absalom's revolt against the throne of his father and David's incentive to bring him home again from exile. The text for this 6/4/17 sermon is 2 Samuel 14:14.

Dorcas: Feet Swift in Running to Love & Serve

The May 26, 2017 sermon by Elder Michael Gowens was taken from the narrative in Acts 9:36-42. In the church at Joppa, an obscure female disciple named Dorcas lived a life of sincere devotion to Christ by means of quiet service to others. Upon her sudden and unexpected demise, the widows and saints gathered to remember her by showcasing the many crafts in their possession from her hand, mourning the passing of this greatly beloved Christian woman. From this narrative, Elder Gowens draws multiple lessons concerning authentic Christian discipleship for believers today.

The Just Shall Live by Faith

On May 21, 2017, Michael Gowens took his text from Hebrews 10:38: "Now the just shall live by faith..." This important sentence defines a different kind of lifestyle for God's people than that which is popular in the world around us. We must be people who continue to follow God's word and trust God's promises even though feelings within, circumstances around, and consequences ahead argue against us. Soon, the Lord Jesus will return to judge the wicked and gather his own to himself. Until then, the just shall live by faith.

The Priceless Gem of a Godly Wife & Mother

Popular culture is sadly confused about gender distinctions and what constitutes genuine masculinity and femininity. In this May 14, 2017 sermon from Proverbs 31, Pastor Gowens reminds us of God's ideal for women, and challenges the popular feminist paradigm that urges women to declare independence from a husband and family. This study considers three primary features of the "virtuous woman": (1) Her Principle Virtue; (2) Her Primary Orientation; (3) Her Pricelss Reward. 

The Privilege of Prayer

In this May 7, 2017 message, Elder Mike Gowens looks at Hebrews 4:16 and the encouragement believers are given to seek the Lord in prayer. Joseph Scriven, author of the beloved hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," talked about the great "privilege" given to us "to carry everything to God in prayer." There is, indeed, no greater privilege to sinful mortals than to commune with the Father by means of the Lord Jesus Christ. Listen to this sermon and be challenged to a greater diligence and consistency in your prayer-life.

Job's Epitaph

On Sunday, May 7, 2017, Elder Mike Gowens took his text from Job 19:23-27, "Oh, that my words were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock forever..." In the face of deterioriating health and a life that had been turned upside-down, Job found comfort in three permanent facts: (1) He had a Living Redeemer; (2) He awaited a bodily resurrection; (3) He would personally see God in heavenly bliss. We too, in the face of life's losses and crosses, may discover real consolation and encouragement when we focus on these rock-solid, granite truths.

Keep in Step with the Spirit

In this 4/23/17 sermon, Elder Mike Gowens looks at Galatians 5:16-25, focusing on the imperative, "Walk in the Spirit." This is a military metaphor that suggests the image of soldiers marching in a row. It means, literally, "keep in step; go in order; march in time." Pastor Gowens encouarages us to ask ourselves the question, "Am I in step with the Holy Spirit?" in terms of five specific areas: (1) the Holy Spirit's ultimate goal; (2) the Spirit's priority for individual lives; (3) the Holy Spirit's means of ministry; (4) His context of ministry; (5) the nature of the Spirit's ministry. 

The Three Marys at the Cross (Part 2)

Pastor Michael Gowens delivered Part 2 of the message on John 19:25 on Resurrection Sunday, 4/9/17. In this sermon, he talks about Mary of Cleopas and Mary Magdalene, two of the great women of the Bible. These godly women were not only at the crucifixion, but they also experienced post-resurrection encounters with the Lord Jesus Christ. As in the case of Mary, the mother of Jesus, these two Marys also teach us lessons concerning Divine grace.