Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

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.

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.