Shows
Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsPaul's Secret of JoyBr Gowens' 11/9/25 sermon looks at Philippians 1:12ff and is message #6 in the Exposition of Philippians series. This vulnerable, autobiographical passage is Paul's effort to alleviate the Philippian's concern for his well-being. He answers their obvious concerns regarding his emotional health by explaining his unique perspective on the adverse circumstances in which their love offering found him. Instead of sinking in despair, Paul exudes a triumphant spirit of joy in Christ.
2025-11-2445 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsPaul's Prayer for the Philippians, Part 2The 11/2/2025 message by Mike Gowens is the fifth sermon in the Exposition of Philippians series. Br Gowens considers once again Paul's prayer in the salutation to the Philippian Church, a prayer appearing in Phi. 1:3-11. The content of his prayer consists of two parts: 1) Thanksgiving (vs 3-6), 2) Intercession (vs 8-10).
2025-11-1950 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsPaul's Prayer for the PhilippiansMichael Gowens' 10/26/25 sermon considers Philippians 1:3-11, focusing particularly on Paul's thanksgiving for this church and the rich history he shared with them. This is message #4 in this expository study.
2025-11-1141 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Joy of Fellowship with the SaintsBr Gowens' 10/19/25 sermon considers Philippians 1:3-8, as he elaborates on the mutual love between Paul and this church. Even though he is in prison, Paul exudes a joy in Christ that transcends his circumstances.
2025-10-3044 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsStrength for the JourneyElder Gowens' sermon from 10/12/25 is based on Isaiah 40:31. In a day when so many are losing heart, the inspired prophet reminds us to wait on (that is, to look to in total dependence) the Lord. When we do so, God promises strength to face impossible circumstances, urgent assignments and routine, daily tasks.
2025-10-2435 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsRejoicing at MidnightIn this second message introducing an exposition of Philippians, Mike Gowens returns to Acts 16 and the account of the founding of the Philippian Church, a church born in triumphant joy. That theme will be the dominant note when Paul writes his epistle to the church some 12-14 years later. This sermon was preached on October 5, 2025.
2025-10-1445 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsA Church is Born in PhilippiWith the 9/28/25 sermon by Michael Gowens, our congregation embarks on an extended journey through Paul's epistle to the Philippians. Before we actually look at the text in Philippians, however, we consider the founding of this special church as recorded in Acts 16.
2025-10-0746 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Lord is My Portion ForeverIt has been said that "Christianity is Christ." The person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ is the sum and substance of both Divine Revelation and personal faith. In this 9/21/25 message from Psalm 73:26, Michael Gowens reminds us that the Lord himself is the best and ultimate blessing.
2025-09-3046 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsPortrait of a Healthy ChristianElder Gowens returns to 1 Timothy 1:5 to more specifically consider the three items which comprise the goal of apostolic doctrine: charity toward others, a good conscience toward oneself, and faith toward God. This sermon was delivered on 9/14/25.
2025-09-2645 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsWhy We Teach the Word of GodThe 9/7/25 sermon by Mike Gowens focuses on 1 Timothy 1:5 and the intriguing clause "the end [or goal] of the commandment." The preaching and teaching of God's truth in Scripture is intended to have a practical impact on personal spiritual growth. Gowens explains that teaching the Bible is the primary function of the church.
2025-09-1541 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsGathering the OutcastsThis 8/24/25 sermon by Mike Gowens is based on Isaiah 56:8. The Lord God, like a good Shepherd, gathers those considered by the world to be misfits and undesirables to Himself. His followers are poor and afflicted people who, among the great, are unfit to shine. Truly, the gospel of grace is the only message that will suit the sensible sinner's case.
2025-09-0353 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsHow God Measures GreatnessThis sermon by Michael Gowens was delivered on August 17, 2025. It is based on Jesus' words concerning John the Baptist in Matthew 11:7-11. Tracing the various titles ascribed to John in Scripture, Br Gowens discovers four reasons he was termed "the greatest among them that are born of women."
2025-08-2547 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsSanctified SpeechOn Sunday, August 10, 2025, Elder Gowens considers the subject of "practical sanctification" from Ephesians 4:22-32, focusing specifically on the importance of speaking in a God-honoring and edifying way. The tongue may very well be the area in which our commitment to holiness is most evident.
2025-08-1848 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsWhile You Are Waiting for HeavenThe 8/3/25 sermon considers Revelation 22:7-15, from which passage Mike Gowens draws four practical helps for believers while they await the eternal state. This "application" section of the Revelation answers the question "What should believers do in the meantime, i.e. before the consummation of all things?"
2025-08-1844 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsAn Overview of the Book of RevelationBr Gowens' 7/27/25 sermon considers Revelation 17:14, a text that summarizes the message of this book. In this big-picture look, Gowens first explores the purpose of Revelation, then the theme of the book.
2025-08-0549 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsTwo Essential Life QuestionsIn this 7/13/25 sermon, Michael Gowens considers the thrilling account of Saul's encounter with the risen Christ on Damascus Road, recorded in Acts 9:1-6. His two questions, "Who art Thou, Lord?" and "What would'st Thou have me to do?" are basic and fundamental to the life of Christian discipleship.
2025-07-2946 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Providential Preservation of God's WordElder Tim McGrady was our guest minister on 7/20/25. In this edifying sermon, Elder McGrady lays out a compelling case for the Divine preservation of God's word.
2025-07-2935 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Lord is My ShepherdIn the Sunday morning (6/29/25) service of our 2025 Annual Meeting, visiting preacher Elder Samuel Bryant considers the profoundly simple and simply profound 23rd Psalm.
2025-07-2938 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsYour Identity in ChristElder Samuel Bryant was the guest minister for our 2025 Annual Meeting. In the Saturday afternoon service (6/28/25), Br Sam exposits Ephesians 1:1-11.
2025-07-2929 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsSpiritual WarfareElder Samuel Bryant was the guest minister for our 2025 Annual Meeting. In the second message of the weekend (Saturday morning, 6/28/25), Brother Bryant exposits Ephesians 6:10ff.
2025-07-2945 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsCome Boldly to the Throne of GraceElder Samuel Bryant was the guest minister during out 2025 Annual Meeting. This first message was delivered on Friday evening, 6/27/25, and is based on Hebrews 4:14-16.
2025-07-2932 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsOn the Road to Assurance: No SeparationThe 7/6/25 sermon by Mike Gowens is the 6th and final message in the Romans 8 study called "On the Road to Assurance." This message focuses on vs 31-39, emphasizing the comforting truth of the Divine Preservation of the Saints, or the doctrine of eternal security. God's elect ones are safe in His love. Nothing can separate us from Him for all eternity. This passage offers six arguments for the security of the saints.
2025-07-1748 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsOn the Road to Assurance: No OppositionThe 6/22/25 message by Michael Gowens is based on Romans 8:28-32 and is #5 in the "On the Road to Assurance" series from this glorious chapter. "God is for us" is Paul's inspired declaration, and because He is for us, none may successfully oppose. How may the believer know that God is on his/her side? Both the everlasting covenant (vs 28-30) and the gift of His own Son at the cross (v. 32) affirm the fact.
2025-07-1150 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Rare Find of a Faithful ManIn this Father's Day sermon (6/15/25), Michael Gowens considers Proverbs 20:1-7, a passage that gives several characteristics of a faithful man. What is the outcome of such a man's life? The godly husband and father exerts a multi-generational impact for good upon his family.
2025-07-0344 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsOn the Road to Assurance: No ComparisonThis message, #4 in the series on Romans 8, considers verses 18-27, and was delivered on Sunday, 6/8/25. Everyone, even God's children, experiences the pain of living in a world under the curse of sin. No one is immune from suffering. But the believer may face life's struggles in hope of the glory that awaits him.
2025-06-2350 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsOn the Road to Assurance: No DominionBr Gowens' 6/1/25 message from Romans 8:5-17 is the third in a study on Romans 8 titled "On the Road to Assurance." In this sermon, Gowens addresses the tension between the child of God's legal standing before God and his practical struggle with "the flesh," or indwelling sin. But just as God has provided the righteousness of Christ to resolve sin's penalty, He has also provided the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to break sin's power.
2025-06-1650 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsOn the Road to Assurance: No CondemnationBrother Gowens' 5/25/25 sermon is a continuation of the series of messages on Romans 8. In this message, Gowens considers verses 1-4, a passage that expresses the very heart of the gospel message, and shows the relationship between the truths of justification/regeneration--the objective ground of salvation--and the believer's quest for subjective assurance.
2025-06-1146 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsRomans 8: The Believer's 'Magna Carta'In this 5/18/25 sermon, Mike Gowens offers a survey, or overview, of Romans 8, arguably the premier chapter on Christian assurance in the Bible. He insists that Paul's emphasis on "freedom" is best understood against the tension described at the end of Romans 7. This is message #1 in a mini-series of studies from this tremendous chapter.
2025-06-0346 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Hand that Rocks the CradleThis message from 5/11/25 is a tribute to the mother of King Lemuel, from Proverbs 31. This unnamed woman made a tremendous impact on the young prince, and the lessons she taught him were included for our benefit in the final chapter of Solomon's Proverbs. So many unnamed wives and mothers have taught the most valuable life lessons to their little ones, behind the scenes and out of the limelight. But no one has the potential to influence the wider world to a greater degree than a wise and godly mother.
2025-05-2647 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe God of Hills & ValleysBrother Gowens' 5/4/25 message was based on 1 Kings 20:28. The Syrian army believed that if they could lure the Israelites into the valley, they would prevail in battle. But God would not allow such a defamatory claim to be perpetuated. Although Ahab was a wicked King, God, motivated by a supreme concern for His own glory, determined to give Ahab and his army the victory. The narrative teaches the important lesson that God is not limited by any circumstance.
2025-05-2048 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsPsalm 2: The Bible's Meta-NarrativeWhat is the big picture of Holy Scripture? How may one make sense of world history? In this 4/27/25 sermon, Michael Gowens explores Psalm 2, a passage which distills and crystallizes the answer to these questions in summary form. This Psalm is a sort of meta-narrative, comprehending the message of the entire Bible in a dozen or so Divinely-inspired verses.
2025-05-1250 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsSurprised by JoyThe 4/20/25 sermon by Elder Gowens is based on John 20:19-29, one of the half-dozen post-resurrection appearances of the Lord Jesus Christ. This Resurrection Sunday message is a reminder of the breathtaking fact of the empty tomb and the several reasons we have to live surprised by joy.
2025-05-0549 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsIn Pursuit of HappinessIn this 4/13/25 sermon, Michael Gowens traces the "blessed man" statements through the Psalms to discover the reasons for his blessedness, or fulfillment in life.
2025-04-3047 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsWith Privilege Comes ResponsibilityThis 4/6/25 message by Mike Gowens is the third and final segment in the mini-series on "Church Membership." Gowens considers the parable of the wedding feast in Matthew 22 as the springboard for the sermon, stressing the importance of compliance with the banquet protocols if one will enjoy the privileges of the banquet. This very practical message emphasizes a half-dozen responsibilities that attend membership in the church.
2025-04-2648 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsMembership Has Its PrivilegesThe 3/30/25 message by Michael Gowens is Part 2 in a mini-series on "Church Membership." This sermon, based on Revelation 22:14ff explores several benefits of membership in the church.
2025-04-1447 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsA Friendly Invitation to Unite with the ChurchOn Sunday, March 23, 2025, Mike Gowens began a mini-series of 3 messages on the subject of "Church Membership." This message, sermon #1 in the series, is based on Moses' conversation with his brother-in-law Hobab, in Numbers 10:29-32. Gowens invites believers to join with the church on its pilgrimage to their God-given inheritance.
2025-04-1451 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsPrisoners: Helpless, Helped & HopefulThe 3/16/25 sermon by Michael Gowens is based on Zechariah 9:11-12. This powerful Messianic passage contains the heart of the gospel message. Making an important distinction between the indicatives and imperatives of Scripture, Gowens proceeds to preach the gospel from this text.
2025-04-0144 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsUnashamed of the GospelBrother Gowens' 3/16/25 sermon considers Paul's profession in Romans 1:16 and emphasizes four main reasons believers should not be ashamed of Christ, his gospel or his church.
2025-03-2546 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsElijah's Honorable DischargeOn Sunday, 3/2/25, Elder Gowens delivered the last message in the Elijah series. This message taken from 2 Kings 2 emphasizes both doctrinal and practical lessons that may be gleaned from the dramatic account of Elijah's translation to heaven.
2025-03-1746 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsElijah Restored to the Lord's ServiceThe 2/23/25 message by Mike Gowens is #13 in the Elijah study. Gowens considers practical lessons from God's reinstatement of Elijah in the wake of his bout with despondency. This sermon is based on 1 Kings 19:13-21.
2025-03-1348 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsA Still, Small Voice at SinaiThis 2/16/25 sermon by Michael Gowens continues the narrative of Elijah's despondency in 1 Kings 19. God is very kind and gentle with his weary servant, giving him a fresh revelation of Himself to encourage him on his way. This is message #12 in the Elijah series.
2025-03-0450 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsElijah Under the Juniper TreeIn the 11th sermon in the Elijah series, Mike Gowens considers the reasons for Elijah's despondency in the aftermath of the victory on Mt Carmel. Like us, the prophet was very human, but God addresses his spiritual fatigue with tenderness and grace. This message was delivered on Lord's Day morning, 2/9/25.
2025-02-2649 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsElijah & the God Who AnswersThis sermon, based on the narrative in 1 Kings 18:41-46, was delivered 2/2/25. Elder Gowens returns to the theme of prayer, the dominant feature of Elijah's life and ministry, in this focus on the ending of the three-and-one-half-year drought. This is message #10 in the "Life & Times of Elijah" series.
2025-02-1749 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsElijah & the Battle of the GodsThis 2/2/25 message by Michael Gowens focuses on the premier event in the life of the prophet Elijah, i.e. the contest high atop Mt Carmel with the 850 false prophets of the State. Everything in the narrative has been moving to this moment of crescendo in which the question of "Which is the true God, Baal or Jehovah?" will be resolved once and for all. This is message #9 in the Elijah series.
2025-02-1351 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsElijah's Second Appearance Before King AhabElder Gowens' 1/26/25 sermon looks at 1 Kings 18:1-16. After three years in hiding, Elijah is sent back to King Ahab in lieu of ending the drought. From this passage, Gowens extracts a number of practical lessons as well as a doctrinal lesson concerning the encouraging doctrine of the remnant.
2025-02-0549 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsElijah & the Raising of the Widow's SonElder Gowens' 1/12/25 sermon looks at the narrative in 1 Kings 17:17-24. The unexpected trauma of the death of her son brought both the widow woman and the prophet Elijah to a point of spiritual crisis. This painful experience, however, led to tremendous spiritual blessings, and stands as an example to us of the glorious future awaiting us.
2025-01-3051 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsElijah & God's Sovereign GraceIn this message from 12/8/24, Michael Gowens examines the narrative in 1 Kings 17:8-16 concerning God's provision for Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath. The Lord Jesus cites this episode in Luke 4 as a case study of God's sovereign grace.
2025-01-2444 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsGood Cheer for the New YearIn this message from 1/5/25, Mike Gowens considers Nehemiah 8:10 before moving to four New Testament references to the exhortation, "Be of good cheer." A disposition toward cheerfulness is basic and fundamental to spiritual strength. In this message, Br Gowens reminds us of the reasons we have to "cheer up" as we face the unknown tomorrow.
2025-01-1739 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsWhat is the Christian Life?In this message from 12/29/24, Michael Gowens considers Galatians 2:20 to answer the question, "What is the Christian life?" From this familiar verse, Gowens extracts four characteristics of authentic Christian living, as well as the dominant feature of the Pauline example, namely, the Christ-centered nature of Christian living.
2025-01-0846 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsChrist the WordThis sermon by Mike Gowens was delivered on Sunday, 12/22/24. Gowens focuses on the prologue to John's Gospel (Jno 1:1-18), showing how John captured both his Jewish and his Greek readers with this important concept of the Divine Logos. In a logical progression of thought, John identifies the Word as the Son of God, names him Jesus Christ and reveals that this One who was both with the Father and coessential with the Father from all eternity past is the Lamb God provided as the sin-bearer.
2024-12-3143 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsWonderful is His NameOn Sunday 12/15/24, Michael Gowens considered the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6 and explored the several ways that Messiah's name is wonderful.
2024-12-2650 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsTrusting the God of ProvidenceElder Gowens' sermon on 12/8 is message #5 in the Elijah series. In this message, Gowens looks at 1 Kings 17 and the account of Elijah at the Brook Cherith, drawing several practical lessons from the narrative as well as an overarching doctrinal lesson concerning Divine providence.
2024-12-2645 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsElijah & the Power of PrayerMessage #4 in the Elijah series by Elder Mike Gowens was delivered on Sunday, 12/1/24. In this sermon, Gowens considers James 5:16-18 in which Elijah is cited as the premier example of the power of prayer.
2024-12-1250 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsLiving Before the Face of GodIn this message from the Elijah series, Mike Gowens considers a single phrase in 1 Kings 17:1: "...before Whom I stand..." Elijah was God-conscious. He lived all of life in the presence of God. Study along as Br Gowens explores the implications of this important concept.
2024-12-0645 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsPray With ThanksgivingIn this 11/17/24 message, Michael Gowens considers Philippians 4:6-8, focusing on the phrase "with thanksgiving." It is appropriate to make requests of God, but such petitionary prayer should always be framed in thankfulness of the Lord's manifold mercies.
2024-11-2545 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Lord God of ElijahWhat was the secret of Elijah's courage and holy boldness? In this 11/3/24 sermon, Elder Gowens traces the answer to that question to the prophet's conviction that Jehovah is the true and living God. The scripture text for message #2 in this series is 1 Kings 17:1.
2024-11-2544 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsElijah: God's Man for Ungodly TimesOn Sunday Oct 27, 2024, Pastor Gowens introduced a new, biographical study of the Old Testament prophet Elijah. This first message in the series considers 1 Kings 17:1-6 and focuses on the historical backdrop of the times in which Elijah lived and ministered.
2024-11-0644 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Parable of the TalentsThe 10/20/24 sermon by Mike Gowens is the 9th and final segment in the "Kingdom Parables" series. In this message, Gowens considers Mt 25:14-30 and emphasizes that kingdom living involves investing the resources God has entrusted to individual believers for the good of His kingdom.
2024-11-0648 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsDown at the Feet of JesusThis sermon by Elder Mike Gowens was delivered October 13, 2024. The text is Mt 15:30. Elder Gowens explores several narratives from the Gospels in which people in various circumstances either sat, knelt, fell or bowed at Jesus' feet. Down at the feet of Jesus is the place for every true believer.
2024-10-2338 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Ten VirginsPastor Gowens' sermon from October 6, 2024 is message #8 in the Kingdom Parables series. In this message he focuses on the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. The lesson taught in this parable is, namely, kingdom living means living in anticipation of the Redeemer's return. Brother Gowens insists that eschatology matters right now.
2024-10-1941 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsA Perpetual, Spiritual "Eddy"Pastor Gowens' 9/29/24 sermon looks at the text in Psalm 94:19: "In the multitude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul." In the frenetic pace and incessant responsibilities of life in the modern world, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. The sheer busyness of life can keep the mind in a whirl. The Psalmist, however, learned where to find peace and comfort to calm his racing thoughts. Here's real help for anxious minds.
2024-10-0949 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Wedding GarmentIn message #7 of the Kingdom Parables series, Michael Gowens considers Matthew 22:1-14. This parable teaches that participation in the King's banquet presupposes submission to the King's protocols. One may not partake of the blessings of the kingdom on his/her own terms. This message was preached on 9/22/24.
2024-10-0950 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Singing SoldierIn this message from 9/15/24, Mike Gowens considers Psalm 149:5-6 and the command to sing while we fight. Gowens develops each metaphor, beginning with the call to fight the good fight of faith, and proceeding to the importance of maintaining a joyful song, even in the midst of the fray.
2024-09-2746 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Laborers in the VineyardIn this message from 9/8/24, Michael Gowens continues the "Kingdom Parables" series with message six. The text is Matthew 20:1-16. This parable teaches that in the kingdom of God, Christ is sovereign in dispensing blessings to His servants. There is no algorithm involved in kingdom living. Whatever compensation we receive in following Christ, however, will far exceed any investment we make. It would be accurate, in fact, to call this passage "the parable of the Generous Landowner."
2024-09-1642 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Unforgiving ServantOn Sunday 8/18/24, Elder Gowens returned to the "Kingdom Parables" study with a message from Mt. 18. Kingdom living involves human relationships, with all of the stresses and tensions those relationships might bring. In particular terms, King Jesus expects his subjects to extend the same grace to others that God has extended to them. This is message #5 in the series.
2024-08-2845 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsGod Our HelperThe 8/11/24 sermon by Mike Gowens looks at Psalm 121:1-2. In a culture of rugged individualism, it is not always easy for people to admit they need help. But maintaining an attitude of our need for God's help is crucial to healthy discipleship. In this message, Gowens explores the several ways that God helps those that depend on Him.
2024-08-1948 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Active & Passive Obedience of ChristRomans 5:19 is the text for this 8/4/24 sermon by Michael Gowens. Although eternal salvation is not by "works of righteousness which we have done," it is by the obedience of Jesus Christ in the stead of His elect that they are made righteous. By his perfect obedience in life, Christ fulfilled the precept of God's law; by his submission to God's will in his death, Christ satisfied the penalty due to our sins.
2024-08-1339 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsWisdom From the End of the RoadIn this message from Ecclesiastes 12, Michael Gowens explores the most basic philosophical question, i.e. What is the purpose of life? The human writer, who calls himself "the Preacher," is standing (as it were) at the entrance to the cemetery as he delivers his sermon to a group of young people. He offers these who are just beginning the journey the benefit of the wisdom he has gathered on the path of long experience.
2024-08-0548 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsSaved by Grace AloneIn this 7/21/24 sermon, Mike Gowens explores 2 Timothy 1:9-10, one of several comprehensive summaries of sovereign grace in the New Testament. In this passage, we may see Salvation Planned, Accomplished, Applied and Reported.
2024-07-2940 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Mustard Seed & the LeavenPastor Gowens' fourth message in the Kingdom Parables series was delivered on July 7, 2024. This parable teaches that growth, expansion and even dominance is intrinsic to the Kingdom of God. God intends his kingdom to grow from inconspicuous and uneventful beginnings to a position of pervasive and ever-increasing influence. For those that think Christianity is intended to be a very private thing, this parable affirms that the very opposite is the case.
2024-07-1846 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Wheat & the TaresIn this message from 6/30/24, Mike Gowens returns to Matthew 13 in the "Kingdom Parables" series. This parable teaches that the kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future prospect. In its present form, it exists in a state of conflict and tension. Bible students think of this fact as the "militant" phase of the kingdom. The future kingdom will be the "triumphant" phase.
2024-07-0936 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsWho Hath Believed Our Report?Br Gowens' text for this 6/23/24 message is Isaiah 53:1. Like the prophet Isaiah who bemoans the general unpopularity of his prophetic message among the people, those who proclaim the true gospel also have occasion to lament the fact that it is frequently rejected and dismissed by the masses. In this message, Gowens explores the reasons that true believers tend to be in the minority.
2024-07-0347 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsTurn Your Heart Toward HomeElder Gowens' message on Father's Day (6/16/24) considers the intriguing language of the last two verses of the Old Testament: "...and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to their children, and the heart of the children to the fathers..." (Mal. 4:6). The ministry of John the Baptist aimed to foster repentance at a grass roots level in the first and most basic institution that God ordained, i.e. the family. Once again today, the need is great that people "turn their hearts toward home."
2024-06-2646 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Sower, the Seed & the SoilsElder Mike Gowens' sermon from 6/9/24 returns once more to Matthew 13 in consideration of another of Jesus' "kingdom parables." This parable concerns the most basic component in the life of discipleship, i.e. the regular reception of the word of God into an honest and good heart. Brother Gowens insists that it is simply not possible to live a productive Christian life without ongoing exposure to God's word.
2024-06-1944 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Hidden Treasure & Pearl of Great PriceIn this first sermon in a series on the Kingdom Parables (delivered 6/2/24), Michael Gowens emphasizes the importance of evaluating the kingdom of God and making the personal sacrifices necessary to procure such a priceless treasure. The text for this message is Matthew 13:44-46.
2024-06-1451 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsA Lost Sheep FoundBrother Gowens' 5/26/24 sermon, once again, considers Jesus' ministry at Jericho on his way to the cross. The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 is the basis of this message in which the transforming power of Jesus Christ is on display. Here is the Good Shepherd "seeking and saving" one of His own beloved sheep.
2024-06-0851 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsJesus of Nazareth Passeth ByThe 5/19/24 sermon by Mike Gowens considers Luke 18:35-43 and focuses on the first of two ministry encounters Jesus had with people in Jericho. Our Lord and his disciples are proceeding to Jerusalem where he will be tried and sentenced to death. Yet Jesus "stands still" to resolve a physical need in the life of a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. When Jesus passes by, he brings transformation to the lives of his little children.
2024-05-2749 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Doctrine of Spiritual UnionThe 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."
2024-05-2146 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsSafe in His LoveThis 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.
2024-05-1349 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsExperiencing God's GraceThe 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.
2024-04-2338 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Conversion of CorneliusBrother 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.
2024-04-1644 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Only Miracle You Will Ever NeedElder 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.
2024-04-0941 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsIn Pursuit of a Manly FaithThis 3/24/24 sermon by Michael Gowens is an exposition of 2 Peter 1:1-11, with a primary focus on the seven virtues that should adorn the essential grace of faith in the believer’s life. Pastor Gowens makes a case for the view that the main idea in the context, and the one that ties these virtues together, is the idea of manliness, or robust discipleship.
2024-04-0150 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Priority of Prayer in the ChurchA sermon based on Isaiah 56:7, delivered by Elder Michael Gowens on March 17, 2024.
2024-04-0147 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThis 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.
2024-03-1943 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsBecoming a Disciple of Jesus Christ (Part 3): Nathanael's SurpriseBrother 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.
2024-03-1950 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsBecoming a Disciple of Jesus Christ (Part 2): Philip & NathanaelBrother 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."
2024-03-0447 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsBecoming a Disciple of Jesus ChristMichael Gowens' 2/18/24 sermon looks at John 1:35-51, the account of the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and the first disciples He gathered to Himself. Like these first disciples, we too may have different stories in terms of coming to the decision to follow the Lord Jesus, but the call to be like the Master - the goal of discipleship - is the same from person to person.
2024-02-2749 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsWeep Not: Relief for the Burden of GriefPastor Gowens' 2/11/24 sermon continues the "Traveling Light" series with a look at the death of Lazarus in John 11.
Grief, and particularly the grief of bereavement, is a debilitating burden. But several helps to deal with painful loss emerge from this dramatic account - Christ's love, God's truth and Hope in the resurrection.
2024-02-2051 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsFret Not: Unburdening Your Heart of AnxietyIn this 2/4/24 sermon, Mike Gowens takes a look at Psalm 37 and the oppressive burden of anxiety. This important chapter specifically addresses anxiety arising when injustice seems to prevail, offering Biblical counsel concerning what not to do (the negative) and what to do (the positive).
2024-02-1245 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsSin Not: Unburdening Your ConscienceThis 1/28/24 sermon is the third in the topical series titled "Traveling Light." Elder Gowens' text is 1 John 2:1-2. In this message, Michael defines a three-fold solution to alleviate the heavy burden of guilt and shame that so many people carry in the conscience.
2024-02-0548 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsI Will Build My ChurchPastor Gowens' 1/21/24 sermon takes a look at Matthew 16:13-20, a strategically important passage in the New Testament. It is one of two places in the four Gospels in which reference is made to "the church." Here we discover the priority the Lord Jesus places on his church, and an encouraging promise regarding its longevity.
2024-02-0549 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Battle is the Lord'sElder Gowens' message on 1/14/24 is taken from 2 Chronicles 20 and the encouraging story of King Jehoshaphat's response to the news of an approaching enemy. Here is an illustration of how faith in God resolves our fears.
2024-01-2351 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsFear Not: Unburdening Your MindThe 1/7/24 sermon by Mike Gowens is based on 2 Timothy 1:7, continuing the theme of "traveling light" from the previous Sunday. Fear cripples and paralyzes a person. It is an extremely heavy burden to bear. What is the secret for releasing the burden of fear? The text offers a three-fold solution to unnecessary fear.
2024-01-1643 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsTraveling LightElder Gowens' sermon on 12/31/23 is based on Matthew 11:28-29. Whether we are thinking in physical or emotional terms, human beings tend to accumulate what the Bible calls "stuff." In this message, Brother Gowens encourages the congregation to unburden their lives of unnecessary baggage and to take instead the easy yoke of following the Lord Jesus.
2024-01-0843 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsChrist the King: His Lowly ComingThis sermon by Michael Gowens from 12/24/23 is based on Isaiah 11, a prophecy of the coming King. The Messianic King, however, will not initially resemble any other king in human history. His arrival on the stage of history will be, in fact, unimpressive and unspectacular, so far as men are concerned; nevertheless, He is the penultimate King.
2024-01-0138 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsImmanuelIn this 12/17/23 message, Mike Gowens considers another of the wonderful names of Jesus. The text for this message is Matthew 1:18-23.
2023-12-3150 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsPrince of PeaceOn Sunday 12/10/23, Michael Gowens led the Bethel congregation in consideration of the wonderful name of Jesus, "Prince of Peace" (Is. 9:6-7). Where Jesus Christ reigns as King, peace prevails. And it prevails in two dimensions: 1) in heaven, and 2) on earth. Gowens explains this two-fold blessing of Christ's gift of peace in this message.
2023-12-2046 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsThe Purpose of the GospelOn 12/3/23, Pastor Gowens brings the final message in the topical series "Things Most Surely Believed Among Us." Following up on the previous message, he once more addresses the utility of the gospel. Regular exposure to the preaching of the gospel will exercise a saving influence in the life of the believer.
2023-12-1146 minBethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist SermonsWe Believe the Gospel Saves the SavedIn message #5 of the "Things Most Surely Believed Among Us," Elder Mike Gowens compares Romans 1:16 and 1 Corinthians 1:18 as he explains our conviction at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church concerning the purpose of the gospel. The gospel is not a well-meant, general offer to all of mankind, but a proclamation of Christ's redemptive work to the born-again child of God. As such, it exercising a powerful, saving influence in the believer's life.
2023-12-0746 min