Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

Trusting God in the Dark

Elder Michael Gowens delivered this message on 3/20/16. It is based on the text in Isaiah 50:10-11 in which the prophet addresses the perplexing experience of a child of light walking in darkness. Here is counsel and comfort to people who may find themselves passing through a season of dark and unfriendly circumstances.

The Believer's Love for the House of God

In this 3/13/16 message, Pastor Gowens employs Psalm 84 as a model for our attitude toward the privilege of public worship in the church. This Psalm describes the joys of a "church-centered life," presenting for us one man's opinion on the beauties of the house of the Lord. In a day when the church is maligned, disregarded and deemed irrelevant, the need for believers to rediscover the beauty and value of God's house is of supreme importance.

Three New Testament Sacrifices

This 3/6/16 sermon by Elder Michael Gowens is based on Hebrews 13:10-16. Contrasting the millions of sacrifices offered under the Old Testament Levitical system with the New Covenant order of worship, Gowens highlights Christ's sacrifice on the cross as the basis of two further sacrifices the New Testament identifies as appropriate responses to His grace. Believers, like David old, must not offer to the Lord that which cost them nothing, but be ready to let go of every claim to personal privilege and possession since Jesus gave up everything for them.

Unconditional & Gospel Salvation

In this message from 2/28/16, Michael Gowens contrasts Romans 10:1-3 with Romans 11:26-29 to teach the importance of distinguishing, when interpreting Scripture, between eternal salvation and gospel salvation. He shows how the verb "to save" in God's word sometimes refers to a deliverance other than the ultimate sense of eternal salvation. Such an exercise in "right division is a hallmark of what Primitive Baptists believe.

The Finished Work of Boaz (Ruth 4)

Elder Gowens delivered the fourth and final installment of the study in the Book of Ruth to our congregation on 2/21/16. Join us as we work through the narrative of Ruth 4, observing on our journey numerous rich parallels between Boaz and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Under His Sheltering Wing (Ruth 3)

In this 2/14/16 message in the series of sermons on the Book of Ruth, Elder Gowens explores the narrative of Ruth 3. This moving scene is not only an account of human love, but also of God's redeeming love. Here is a sequel to Eden, depicting God's grace in bringing a bride to her Redeemer.

Jehovah's Lovingkindness (Ruth 2)

This 2/7/16 sermon from Ruth 2 is Part 2 in the mini-series on the Book of Ruth by Elder Michael L. Gowens. Brother Gowens emphasizes one of the key words in the book of Ruth, as well as one of the most important terms in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word "hesed" is translated by the English terms "kindness, lovingkindness, faithfulness, mercy, merciful kindness" and more in the Old Testament. It suggests the thought of "covenant loyalty, or faithful love regardless of merit." Ruth 2 is an example of how God's lovingkindness to His people may overflow in blessing from their lives to touch the lives of others.

Ruth's Choice (Ruth 1)

Elder Gowens delivered this sermon from Ruth 1 to the congregation of Bethel Primitive Baptist Church on 1/31/16. This is a chapter of "choices," each of which has its own attending consequences. Study with our pastor as he gleans numerous practical lessons from the chapter, urging us, along the way, to choose commitment to the Lord and His people.

A Divine Eulogy

In this 1/24/16 sermon, Pastor Gowens highlights three New Testament texts: Ephesians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:3, and 1 Peter 1:3, each of which employs the same formula, i.e. "Blessed be God!" He insists that the Christian has ample reason to praise God for what He has done in the past, what He is doing in the present, and what He will do in the future.

Loving God's Word

This message by Michael L. Gowens was delivered to the Bethel PBC congregation on 1/17/16. It is based on the text in Psalm 119:97: "O how I love Thy law; it is my meditation all the day." Join our pastor as he leads us in a quest to reignite personal zeal and love for the word of God.