Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

In this 12/7/25 message from "The Names of Jesus" series, Michael Gowens explores this theologically rich and significant title. Unlike pagan religions that emphasize a direct and unmediated experience of the divine, Biblical Christianity affirms the necessity of mediation if human beings - and sinful human beings at that - may approach the thrice-holy God. The incarnation of Christ means that the...

Br 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....

The 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). 

Michael 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.

Br 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.

Elder 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.

In 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.

With 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.

It 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.

Elder 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.

The 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.

This 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.

This 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."

On 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.

The 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?" 

Br 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. 

In 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.

Elder 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.

In 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.

Elder 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.

Elder 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.

Elder 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.

The 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 sec...

The 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...

In 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.