Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

The Doctrine of Spiritual Union

The 5/12/24 sermon by Michael Gowens explores the various phases or categories of this sublime Bible doctrine that is so crucial to understanding the gospel message. Gowens begins the message by considering a passage in John 17, then spends the bulk of his time in the Pauline epistles, focusing especially on the important prepositional phrase, "in Christ."

Safe in His Love

This sermon by Mike Gowens is based on Romans 8:31-30, arguably the high note of the Roman epistle. It was delivered to the congregation of Bethel PBC in Calabash, NC on Sunday morning, April 28, 2024.

Experiencing God's Grace

The 4/14/24 message by Elder Michael Gowens is taken from 1 Peter 2:3. Reference to senses (like "taste") in the Scriptures must be understood in terms of spiritual experience. Newly born babies learn and grow principally by means of experiencing their world. Likewise, the experience of tasting that God is gracious is the catalyst for the believer to grow further toward spiritual maturity.

The Conversion of Cornelius

Brother Gowens' sermon on 4/7/24 looks at Acts 10 and the character sketch of the Roman centurion named Cornelius. The description given of this outstanding man indicates that he was already a born again child of God, even before Peter preached the gospel to him. What a comfort to know that God has people in every nation, many of whom are yet unevangelized! May He bless us to reach them with the good news of the God that saved them.

The Only Miracle You Will Ever Need

Elder Gowens' 3/31/24 message is based on Matthew 12:38-40. The only sign, or miracle, necessary for the believer is the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Because He lives, you can face tomorrow.

In Pursuit of a Manly Faith

The Priority of Prayer in the Church

This is My Story

"Preaching is not only proclamation, but it is also witness." In this message from Psalm 66:18, Pastor Gowens enlists this definition of the joy of preaching to give personal witness to the Lord's goodness to him. He does so by tracing his own story through salient Scripture passages.

Becoming a Disciple of Jesus Christ (Part 3): Nathanael's Surprise

Brother Gowens' 3/3/24 sermon is the third and final in a short series of messages from John 1:35-51. In this message, he considers how the Lord Jesus overcame Nathanael's skepticism.

Becoming a Disciple of Jesus Christ (Part 2): Philip & Nathanael

Brother Gowens' 2/25/24 message continues the look at John 1:35-51 in which Jesus gathers the first disciples to himself. Andrew and John were seekers. Peter was encouraged to follow Jesus by the faithful testimony of his brother. But Philip was not seeking or demonstrating any interest in the Lord. Instead, Jesus sought him out and called him to follow. Like Philip, many contemporary disciples must say, "He sought me and found me; I am a Christ-follower today because of pure grace."