Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

This sermon by Michael Gowens, delivered on 4/26/26, focuses on Philippians 3:3. Gowens first develops the New Testament emphasis on "spiritual" Israel, then proceeds to describe the three distinctive traits that mark true worshipers of God. This is message #22 in the expository series on Philippians. 

This message from the Philippians study was delivered by Mike Gowens on 4/12/26. The text is Phi. 3:2-3. This is sermon #21 in the series.

This 4/12/26 sermon by Michael Gowens is #20 in the Exposition of Philippians series. It is based on Philippians 3:2, a text that introduces the challenge that false teaching in general, and legalism in particular, poses to Christian joy. Paul will continue to develop this contrast between an emphasis on righteousness by human works and righteousness by Christ's finished work in following verses.

This 4/5/26 sermon by Michael Gowens is based on 2 Corinthians 4:7-18, a passage in which the apostle Paul traces the Christian basis of perseverance to the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

On Sunday, 3/29/26, Elder Gowens considered the account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, as recorded in Matthew 21:1-11. This deliberate and staged event was our Lord's debut as the true Davidic King and the fulfillment of the messianic prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. Gowens explores a number of lessons from the powerful symbology of this event.

This 3/15/26 sermon from the exposition of Philippians is based on Philippians 3:1. Pastor Gowens extracts from the text two important safeguards designed to protect the precious treasure of Christian joy: 1) The Safeguard of Repetition; 2) The Safeguard of Reflection.

This 3/8/26 message by Mike Gowens from the Philippians series takes a look at the clause in Phi. 2:12 - "...with fear and trembling." Gowens sketches a Biblical portrait of "godly fear" and shows how this reverential attitude is a priority in living the Christian life. 

In this 3/1/26 sermon from the Philippian series, Michael Gowens considers Philippians 2:19-30 and Paul's tribute to two exemplary Christians - Timothy and Epaphroditus. These two men embody the selfless and sacrificial nature of Christian discipleship, and serve as role models for the rest of us to emulate.

In this message from 2/22/26, Elder Gowens considers Philippians 2:17-18 and the third mark of authentic Christian living highlighted in this important section. The Christian life involves selfless service and sacrifice toward Christ and others. Gowens spends the bulk of this sermon developing the paradoxical nexus between the apparently opposite concepts of sacrifice and joy. This is message #16 in the exposition of Philippians.

Mike Gowens' sermon on 2/15/26 is based on Philippians 2:14-16 and emphasizes the importance of non-conformity in living the Christian life. Discipleship involves witnessing the light of Jesus Christ in a dark world. Although verbally witnessing the truth of the gospel is important, the emphasis in this passage concerns the non-verbal witness of a transformed life. Like torchbearers in a relay before an athletic contest in ancient Greece, Christians are called to carry the light of Christ into the darkness of this world. This is message #15 in the Philippians study.

Br Gowens continues his exposition of Philippians with this 2/8/26 message from Philippians 2:12-13. This important text explains a dynamic of fundamental importance, namely that the life of Christian discipleship necessarily originates from the life that God works within the heart. The inward man, in other words, is the wellspring from which everything else in the Christian life must flow.

In this sermon from 1/25/26, Michael Gowens considers the rich theology in Philippians 2:5-11, with a special focus on the doctrine of Christ's ascension. The entire passage is underpinned by the language of a master plan, a covenant of redemption, in the fulfillment of which Jesus Christ was highly exalted by God the Father. This is message #13 in the exposition of Philippians.

Elder Gowens' 1/18/26 sermon is based on Philippians 2:5-11. In the context of Paul's ethical call to spiritual unity, the apostle cites the example of Christ's radical humiliation as the model for Christian humility. This rich Christological passage embodies the very heart of the Gospel message. This is message #12 in the exposition of Philippians.

In this message from 1/11/26, Michael Gowens considers Philippians 2:1-4, Paul's exhortation for spiritual unity in the church, by means of three questions: What does harmony & peace look like in the church? Why is it important? How can unity be achieved? This is sermon #11 in the Exposition of Philippians series.

This message by Elder Mike Gowens, message #10 in the Philippians study, was delivered on Sunday, 1/4/26. It is based on Phi. 1:27-30, a passage in which Paul exhorts the saints at Philippi to make it their priority to live in a way that reflects the gospel they profess. Paul employs three metaphors of discipleship to explain what that means in specific terms.

Br Gowens' 12/28/25 sermon once again considers Philippians 1:20-26 with a particular focus on the believer's unique perspective on life and death. Paul models this perspective in this very vulnerable passage as he anticipates the possibility of his own martyrdom. 

The 11/23/25 message by Br Gowens is the eighth in the expository study through Philippians. The text from Phi. 1:18-26 is arguably one of the most personal and vulnerable in the Pauline epistles, as Paul expresses his hopeful perspective on his own future. The passage functions as both a window into Paul's own heart and mind and a mirror to challenge us to adopt the same outlook.

In this 11/16/25 message from Philippians 1:12-20, Michael Gowens takes another look at Paul's explanation of his response to his trials. He writes with a pastoral concern to alleviate any concerns the Philippians had for his spiritual welfare, giving them a glimpse into his heart of peace and joy in the Lord. This is message #7 in this expository study.

Br Gowens' sermon on 12/14/25 is another episode in the "Names of Jesus" series, focusing on this sublime name revealed in Isaiah 9:6. Gowens connects this name to the rich description of the Holy Spirit in John 14:16 and explores the various nuances of Jesus (and the Holy Ghost) as the "Comforter."

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 Lord Jesus is uniquely qualified to be the one and only mediator.

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. Instead of sinking in despair, Paul exudes a triumphant spirit of joy in Christ.

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 security of the saints.

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 the fact.

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.

This 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. 

Br 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.

Brother 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.

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.

This 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.

Brother 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.