Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

Isaiah's Experience of Grace

On March 26, 2017, Michael Gowens completed his mini-series of messages in Isaiah 6 with this sermon on the prophet's "experience of grace." What is a true experience of grace? What does it look like? From this passage, we learn three essential characteristics of a genuine experience of grace.

The Three Marys at the Cross - Part 1

Elder Michael Gowens delivered this message on Sunday, 4/9/17. The text is John 19:25-27. Each of the Marys at the crucifixion teach a lesson about God's grace. Mary, Jesus' mother and the focus of this sermon, teaches a lesson concerning "the relationship of grace." In this godly woman, we learn that the relationship formed between a person and the Lord by grace transcends every natural relationship.

As Cold Waters to a Thirsty Soul

Elder Eddie Fowler, pastor of Meadow Creek PBC (Locust, NC), was our guest minister on Sunday, April 2, 2017. The text for his sermon was Proverbs 25:25: "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." Drawing comparisons from the necessity of water to physical health, Elder Fowler elaborates on the gospel and its capacity to quench spiritual thirst as an essential in the life of a child of God. 

The Worship of Heaven

In this 3/19/17 message, Pastor Gowens returns to Isaiah 6 and Isaiah's Vision of the thrice-holy God to notice the effect that such an exalted view of God has on the occupants of heaven. When the angels and redeemed see God, they fall before him in spontaneous worship. The test of true worship might be expressed by this question: "Does it resemble the worship of heaven?" They are the experts, and we may learn what it truly means to worship, in spirit and in truth, by considering the way worship is observed around God's heavenly throne. Looking at not only the Isaiah 6 passage but also the five worship scenes of the book of Revelation, Brother Mike urges us to see God "high and lifted up" and to respond in the same way they do in heaven, in authentic worship.

Isaiah's Heavenly Vision

Elder Michael Gowens looks at Isaiah 6 and Isaiah's vision of God in this 3/12/17 message to our congregation. In a world of change and uncertainty, how important it is to remember that the sovereign King of heaven and earth is still enthroned and still celebrated as the sole object of worship! Such a perspective of faith is essential for Christian people today and the "need of the hour" in the Church.

The Day the Lord Made

In this 3/5/17 sermon, Michael Gowens looks at the familiar text in Psalm 118:24: "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Elder Gowens shows that this verse is not only true every day that dawns on this world, but it especially applies to the day of redemption--the day of Christ's death and resurrection; consequently, Psalm 118:24 may apply to the Gospel "day," the Christian "Sabbath," and the Eternal Day that Christ will usher in at his second coming. 

Universal Sovereignty, Particular Redemption

On Sunday February 26, 2017, Mike Gowens took his text from John 17:2: "As Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him." This powerful passage from our Lord's intercessory prayer as he prepared to go to the cross teaches that though the Savior possesses universal power and authority, He purposed to redeem a definite and special people. The scope of his sovereignty is universal, but the extent of his grace is particular; therefore, we may be sure that all for whom He died will see His face in heavenly bliss one day. Here is one of many texts in the Bible that teaches the doctrine of limited atonement.

A Psalm for People Over 70

In this 2/19/17 message from the 71st Psalm, Elder Michael Gowens discusses the difficulties of aging and the challenge to finish strong. This Psalm reveals David's perspective on the closing chapter of his life, a perspective that serves to counsel us as we also face the twilight years of our pilgrim journey here. David kept going, because he kept trusting, kept praying, kept praising, kept growing, and kept ministering to others. Like him, you too may keep going down the home stretch of your earthly life when you see this period not as a burden and reason to complain, but as an opportunity to share your lifetime of experiential knowledge regarding the faithfulness of God.

The Song of the Astronomer

In this 2/12/17 message to the congregation of Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, Michael Gowens looks at the question in Psalm 8 and Hebrews 2, "What is man, that Thou art mindful of him, and the son of man, that Thou visitest him?" As the shepherd boy David superintended his flocks in the hill country of Bethlehem-judah, he had occasion to consider the vastness and immensity of this grand universe that God has made. And the contrast between the majesty of creation and his own apparent insignifance struck him with wonder that such a glorious God would distinguish human beings with such a position of honor. The greatest wonder of all, however, is that God would favor sinners in His grace. Though mankind has failed in the God-given task of dominion over creation, yet the Last Adam has succeeded in rescuing His people from their fallen state and condition. Nothing is so effective to drive us to our knees in worship as this sense of wonder at the grace of God in Christ.

A Compass for Navigating Your Life

Elder Mike Gowens' message on 2/5/17 is taken from Micah 6:8. Here is a compass for navigating life. Though life itself is extremely complicated, this Divinely-inspired instruction for living is refreshingly simple. Perhaps life seems especially complex because people fail to follow the counsel given in this verse. It's certainly a thought that deserves consideration. Whether you are currently frustrated by the complexities of life or not, Micah 6:8 is a fitting reminder of the basics of living a life that pleases God. Here is Pastor Mike's personal "ground-zero," a text that tends to center all of life in terms of its priorities.