Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

Count Your Blessings

Elder Michael Gowens' delivered this Thanksgiving message from Psalm 103 on 11/19/17. In this wonderful chapter, David praises God as (1) the Bountiful Benefactor (vs 1-5), (2) the Compassionate Father (vs 6-18), and (3) the Sovereign King (vs 19-22). Will you join the chorus of thanksgiving and praise to God for His many mercies and benefits to you?

Patient in Tribulation

The Christian virtue of patience is increasingly rare in our modern, "push-button" culture, especially when it comes to perseverence during unpleasant circumstances. Operating under the illusion that we should never have to suffer, many modern folks look for the quick-fix to problems--whatever it takes to escape the pain. But God's word teaches may be used to further our spiritual growth and sanctification. There are lessons to be learned in affliction that may never be learned anywhere else. Pastor Michael Gowens discusses this very practical subject in this 11/12/17 sermon based on James 1:2-4.

One Truth

Sometimes a Bible verse appears quite simple on the surface, yet upon closer examination, we discover that it contains profound truth. First Timothy 2:5 is such a verse: "For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." In this 11/5/17 message, Elder Mike Gowens shows that by applying the two affirmations in this important verse as a test of orthodoxy, every worldview is elimintated as an option in the search for truth, leaving only Christianity; furthermore, every competing school of thought within Christianity is eliminated except for the position held by those who call themselves "Primitive Baptists." 

A Key to Understanding Bible Doctrine

The 10/29/17 message by Elder Michael Gowens considers 1 Corinthians 10:1-12 and the intriguing use of two adjectives in this passage of Scripture. In verses 1-4, Paul emphasizes the word "All." Then, in verse 5, he transitions to an emphasis on the adjective "Some" (vs 6-11). Gowens employs Paul's use of these two adjectives to suggest that here we have an important key to understanding doctrine and to accurately interpreting God's word. If a child of God is once able to understand this principle, he is well on the way to embracing what Primitive Baptists believe.

God Bless You

The 10/22/17 sermon by Elder Michael Gowens looks at the Aaronic Benediction in Numbers 6:22-27. After making some preliminary comments on the subject of benedictions, Gowens considers this passage under the following three heads: (1) The Structure of the Blessing; (2) The Source of the Blessing; (3) The Substance of the Blessing. This Trinitarian Benediction is arguably the best way to express sincere concern for and interest in another person.

Christ's Three Appearances

Elder Michael Gowens' 10/15/17 sermon looks at Hebrews 9:22-28, a passage that draws on the imagery of the Jewish feast known as Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. In this passage, the apostle shows that the Lord Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, is the fulfillment of the ceremonies prescribed for that special day. He is the Priest that made the sacrifice as well as the sacrifice that was made. Further, like the scapegoat, He carried the sins of God's covenant people into an uninhabited land. Now, He has entered into heaven itself, the Holiest of all, to make intercession for the very people for whom He made sacrifice. We await his final appearance at the last day.

Christian Unity

Unity and harmony is conspicuously absent, but desperately needed, in our world. But how might it be achieved? This fallen world system believes that Christianity is the primary reason for disunity and division. The Bible, however, claims that the world's solution to confusion and strife is an optical illusion. True peace and harmony is found only in Christ and His gospel. Michael L. Gowens addresses this important theme by looking at John 17:20-23 in this 10/1/17 sermon.

Divine Guidance

Elder Michael Gowens' 9/24/17 sermon focuses on the promise of Divine Guidance. From the text in Psalm 32:8, Gowens discusses God's willingness and readiness to guide, the importance of praying for guidance, and the principles for discovering and determining the guidance of God in our lives. 

The Childlikeness of the Believer

Pastor Michael Gowens takes his text from Matthew 18:1-6 in this 9/17/17 sermon. He highlights several traits indigenous to little children that are also essential in the lives of those who seek to be authentic disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you need to be converted in any of these areas?

Saint's Delight

Elder Mike Gowens' 9/10/17 message looks at Psalm 37:4: "Delight thyself in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thy heart." This precious promise encourages God's children living in a world of tension and disappointment to make the Lord their chief object of delight. In Him, there is ample cause for delight. Have you learned to find great pleasure in the Savior?