Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

The Shepherd As Protector & Provider

This 8/13/23 sermon by Michael Gowens is the eighth and final message in the Shepherding the Flock series. In it, Michael focuses on Paul's warning of "grievous wolves" that would threaten the flock both from the outside world and from within the Christian community itself. In order to counter the danger, the shepherd must be committed to the word of God as his principal tool for defending God's sheep.

Paul the Exemplary Pastor

We often think of Paul as the premier theologian of the New Testament, or the Church's most prolific evangelist. But in Acts 20, we see his pastor's heart. This message by Michael Gowens was delivered July 30, 2023. It is the seventh sermon in the "Shepherding the Flock" series.

It Shall Be Well With the Righteous

Elder Gowens' text on 7/23/23 was Isaiah 3:10-11, a passage in which the prophet is instructed to tell the righteous that a glorious future awaits him. But who are "the righteous," and how is it that they may look forward with hope and assurance? Gowens explores these questions in this message of comfort.

The Shepherd as Guardian - Part 1

In the ongoing topical series on shepherding the flock, Mike Gowens considers the importance of guarding oneself. Taking his cue from the imperative repeated in both Acts 20:28 and 1 Timothy 4:16 - "Take heed to thyself" - Gowens argues that the most basic need in shepherding is tending one's own spiritual life. This sermon is #6 in the series and was delivered on July 16, 2023.

Paul’s Confession of Faith

There is what appears to be an incidental statement in Acts 27:23, as Paul addresses the captain, crew and fellow passengers on the ship to Rome. It is the compound clause, "...whose I am, and whom I serve." Elder Gowens insists that we pause to consider this statement that we might otherwise tend to skim over in reading the narrative, for it is a personal "confession of faith." And it is the reason Paul modeled such peace and poise of spirit in this mighty storm. This sermon was delivered 7/2/23.

Grace & Goodness

In this fourth and final message from our special meeting, Elder Sam Bryant considers Ephesians 2:1-10. This sermon was delivered on Sunday morning, June 25, 2023.

Present Suffering & Coming Glory

In this third message from our June Communion Meeting, Elder Sam Bryant begins in Romans 8:18 and proceeds to emphasize the glorious future awaiting God's children, as outlined in verses 28-39. This sermon was delivered on Saturday afternoon, 6/24/23.

Bless the Lord, O My Soul!

In this second sermon from our special Communion Meeting, guest minister Elder Samuel Bryant considers Psalm 103:1-14. This sermon was delivered on Saturday morning, 6/24/23.

In Everything Give Thanks

Elder Sam Bryant was our visiting minister for our annual Communion Meeting. This first sermon, preached on Friday 6/23/23, is based on 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

The Father as Family Shepherd

Elder Gowens' 6/18/23 sermon looks at Ephesians 6:4 in a special sermon on fatherhood. In a very real sense, a father is called to pastor the little flock that is his respective family. That means, in specific terms, he is to lead them, protect them and provide for them.