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The Bethel Pulpit
Listen to messages delivered to the congregation of Bethel Primitive Baptist Church
IIn James 5:10-11, Job is given as an example of someone that persevered in suffering. But how, we wonder, did he keep going in the face of so many setbacks? In this 4/28/19 message, Elder Michael Gowens seeks to answer that question as he turns to the Old Testament book of Job to consider four great supports to faith in the midst of adversity. Job's case teaches us that we don't live by explanations. We live by faith.
Length 47 mins
In morning worship on 4/21/19, Elder Michael Gowens begins with the inspired, historical record of the resurrection of Jesus in Mark 16:1-14. He then proceeds to ask how the fact of the resurrection is relevant to believers today. Why is the resurrection of Jesus important? Brother Mike answers the question in three ways: (1) It is theologically significant; (2) It is pastorally significant; (3) It is eschatalogically significant. In other words, the relevance of the resurrection of Jesus arises from its relation to the doctrine of Christ's Person and Work, its spiritual value to the believer in the face of the many soul-struggles he experiences in life, and what it teaches us concerning the future and the ultimate question of the end of the world.
Length 46 mins
Elder Mike Gowens turns to Ephesians 4:31 - 5:2 to encourage the cultivation of loving, interpersonal relationships in this 4/14/19 sermon. Who has not felt the sting of relational tension? Who has not frequently felt defeated as he/she fails to interact Christianly with other people in the home, the church, the work place and the community? No area of life has the capacity to produce greater happiness than healthy relationships with the people that God has placed in our lives. Equally true is the fact that nothing tends to produce greater pain and distress than when those relationships break down. This passage offers practical instruction for dealing with other people, a subject relevant to each of us.
Length 49 mins
In this 4/7/19 sermon, Elder Mike Gowens looks at Isaiah 51:1-3 and the exhortation to God's people to reflect on their humble and inauspicious beginnings. Why is it important to frequently reflect on one's roots? What is the benefit of recalling one's personal history in weakness and helplessness and sin? The benefits of remembering where you came from and comparing it to the place God has brought you are two-fold: (1) It keeps one grounded in humility and gratitude; (2) It provides comfort, encouragement and hope for the future, for the God that has so graciously blessed you heretofore also promises to guide and provide for you in the future.
Length 46 mins
In this 3/31/19 message, Elder Mike Gowens looks at the narrative in Matthew 17:1-9 to extract from it a Biblical Christology, or doctrine of the Person and Work of Christ, as well as a pastoral application concerning the bright future that awaits every heaven-born soul. Unlike Peter, James & John who witnessed this supernatural transformation of Jesus' appearance, we presently live by faith, not by sight. One day, however, we will see Him as He is, in all of his glory and splendor. Until then, we have a more sure word of prophecy to direct and to guide on the journey home.
Length 48 mins
The 3/10/19 sermon by Michael Gowens draws from the narrative of Genesis 3:1-15 concerning the Fall of man into sin. This chapter is really the thesis statement of the entire Bible. Apart from an understanding of Genesis 3, it is impossible to make sense of why the world is in its present condition of conflict and tension, and to answer the question of why suffering and pain is so prevalent in human history. Genesis 3, consequently, is basic and fundamental to a theistic, or Biblical, worldview. It reminds us that we are not in Eden any more. Against the darkness of man's tragic failure, however, a Divine ray of light breaks upon the scene, for God reveals at the very moment of man's failure His provision to send a Second Man, through whom paradise lost will be restored.
Length 51 mins
In this 3/24/19 message, Elder Michael Gowens returns to Genesis 11 to complete the study on Genesis 1-11 by considering the contrast between the city of man in Genesis 11 and the hope for the city of God, the development of which theme begins in Genesis 12. This eschatological note of paradise restored is integral to the Biblical worldview, and is the basis of the believer's future hope even though the present order of things is in such confusion and disarray. This final "big idea" - the consummation of all things - developed in the first several chapters of the Bible provides a fitting summary to this brief study.
Length 53 mins
On Sunday, March 17, 2019, Elder Mike Gowens continued his studies in the first eleven chapters of Genesis by considering the narrative of Babylon and the building of its great tower, recorded in Genesis 11:1-9. This scene demonstrates the negative effect sin exercises on civilization and society. Since the Fall (recorded in Gen. 3), every part of God's world has been corrupted, even culture. Fallen man wants nothing more than to be left alone--to live his life and pursue his plans apart from God. But such an ambition is sure to fail, for God will not forever suffer the sinful rebellion of fallen humanity.
Length 49 mins
In this 3/3/19 sermon, Michael Gowens continues the survey of Genesis 1-11 by considering the creation narrative in Genesis 1 and 2 from the philosophical perspective of meaning and purpose. Gowens argues that the fact of creation presupposes that life is purposeful, then proceeds to insist that the intricate design in the universe - both on a macro and a micro scale - reinforces the idea of purpose. Finally, he focuses on the creation of man and explains the four-fold purpose of human existence: 1) Fellowship with God; 2) Relationships; 3) Vocation; 4) Worship. Again, we see from this section of Divine Revelation just how relevant and pertinent God's word is to our times.
Length 44 mins
Elder Mike Gowens begins his 2/24/19 message by looking at Matthew 16:13-15 and drawing from this passage an important biblical principle, namely, true faith is a personal matter. Until a person overcomes the temptation to fit in with the crowd, follow opinion polls and to court the approval of the world, he will never be an authentic disciple of Jesus Christ. The question that ultimately matters is not "what do people think?" but "what do I believe?"
Length 45 mins
On 2/17/19, Elder Michael Gowens continues the study he began last week, returning to Genesis 1-11 to glean from these important chapters the basic emphases intrinsic to a Biblical Worldview. In this message, he deals primarily with theology proper, the queen of the sciences and the foundation for everything else. Because our world refuses to begin at the beginning, nothing else makes sense. But when a person begins with God, everything else around him begins to make sense. Do you possess a Biblical Worldview?
Length 49 mins
In a moment of candor, most people would likely admit that there are numerous things about life in this world that prove to be an occasion for fear. But what if I told you about One who was more mysterious, more powerful and more intimidating than the many things that frighten us about the phenomena of nature? Even further, what if I said that this One is in the business of solving impossible problems, reclaiming lost causes, mending broken lives, and restoring lost hope? This 1/27/19 message by Elder Michael Gowens looks at the unsolvable, terrifying case of the Wild Gadarene (recorded in Mark 5:1-20) as an object lesson of the principle that if a person fears the Lord, there is no reason to be afraid of anything else.
Length 45 mins
In this 2/10/19 sermon, Mike Gowens considers the first chapter of Genesis as the foundation of social order. Relativism, the idea that there is no concrete foundation for either truth or ethics but that personal preference and the situation governs thought and behavior, is wreaking havoc on our world. Pastor Gowens takes on the godless philosophy of relativism by arguing for the premise that because God exists as Creator of all, philosophical and moral absolutes also exist. Reality demands acknowledgment of these absolute truths. *Note: We regret that due to a technical failure with recording equipment, the final ten minutes of the message was not recorded.
Length 37 mins
Elder Michael Gowens' 2/3/19 sermon is based on the narrative recorded in Mark 4:21-43. In the two miraculous healings recorded in this passage, the Lord Jesus demonstrates his sovereign power over disease and death with an incomparable level of compassion and pity. Unlike modern-day celebrities, Jesus never secluded himself to the ivory towers, but interacted personally with real-life people who needed his touch. Still, he takes notice of individuals in their need, moving to alleviate their sorrows and transform their lives.
Length 51 mins
Elder Michael Gowens' 1/20/19 message is based on the narrative of the storm on the Sea of Galilee recorded in Mark 4:35-41. Gowens gleans numerous doctrinal and practical lessons from this passage, not the least of which are these two: (1) Because the Lord Jesus has power to calm the storms we encounter, we must never allow excessive fear to overtake and rule our lives; (2) Because the Lord Jesus possesses greater power than our problems, the best response is to fall before him in reverential worship.
Length 49 mins
Elder Mike Gowens' 1/13/19 sermon looks at an expression in Exodus 19:6 in which God's people are identified as "a kingdom of priests." Gowens insists that maintaining the balance between the personal privilege of approaching God as a priest and the corporate responsibility of living together with other believers in a kingdom is critical to healthy church life. Understanding the priesthood of each believer challenges the dangerous extreme of clericalism. Understanding the community nature of the kingdom of God curbs the kind of unaccountable extremes that are so prevalent today among religious mavericks who tend to strike out on their own apart from the fellowship of the church.
Length 49 mins
On the first Sunday of 2019 (1/6/19), Michael Gowens looks at 1 Corinthians 5:17-21 in a message on the ultimate "new beginning." If the new year will be happy and productive to us as God's people, it is important that we live lives consistent with the new nature that God has implanted in our hearts. Otherwise, we will simply repeat the sins and errors of the kind of people we were before grace made us new.
Length 43 mins
Elder Michael Gowens' 12/23/18 sermon considers the visit of the Magi and the gifts they brought to the newborn King, as recorded in Matthew 2:1-11. Who were these "wise men"? What was the significance of the gifts they presented to the infant Messiah? Gowens attempts to answer these questions and more in this 51 minute message delivered to the congregation of Bethel PBC on the Sunday before Christmas.
Length 51 mins
On the last Sunday of 2018 (12/30), Elder Mike Gowens looks at John 13:1: "Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end." This verse is a kind of theme for the unfolding sequence of events revealed in the narrative recorded in John 13-17. The setting is the upper room and the atmosphere is one of tension, bewilderment and uncertainty about the future. Against the dark background of the disciples' weakness, however, the unchanging and undaunted love of Christ is on full display. As we come to the end of one year and the beginning of another, no theme is more sublime and important than the love of Jesus for his own.
Length 47 mins
The Christian gospel is not a message of human ascent to God but of Divine descent to man. In this 12/16/18 sermon, Elder Mike Gowens looks at Philippians 2:5-11, one of the premier Christological passages of the New Testament. Why is the state of Christ's humiliation so important? What exactly did the self-humbling of Christ entail? Just how far down the ladder of humiliation did he descend? It is only as one begins to understand just how much He gave up to save His people from their sins that the true meaning of the incarnation and the cross come into focus.
Length 50 mins
In this 11/25/18 sermon from the book of Esther, Elder Michael Gowens highlights the comforting theme of Divine Providence. The message begins with a reading from Esther 6:1-11. This book is distinguished as one of only two books in the canon of Scripture that never once mentions the name of God. But though the name of God is conspicuous by its absence in these pages, the hand of God is at work throughout the narrative. Even so, in our lives, we may not see overt evidence of God's activity, but He is present nonetheless, "standing somewhere in the shadows, keeping watch above His own." Esther reminds us that when God is silent, He is still there, and He is at work.
Length 45 mins
Elder Mike Gowens' 12/2/18 sermon looks at an interesting sentence in Isaiah 41:20 as he continues thoughts introduced last week concerning the Providence of God. The biblical narratives of Moses' birth and Joseph's rise to a position of prominence illustrate the fact that God moves in this world in mysterious ways. Happy is the individual who has learned to recognize when God is at work and to give him the glory for His wise and gracious providential care.
Length 46 mins
On Sunday, 11/18/18, Michael Gowens brought a Thanksgiving message from Psalm 95. The people of God have much for which to praise God in thankful song. When they assemble together in corporate worship, the Lord himself inhabits their praises. Nothing is so soul-cheering and faith-building as the privilege of collective worship with the church.
Length 51 mins
In this 11/11/18 sermon from Matthew 3:13-17, Elder Michael Gowens considers the narrative concerning the baptism of Jesus Christ. He explains that Jesus was motivated to seek baptism from John the Baptist for three primary reasons: (1) to identify himself with sinners, though Jesus himself needed no repentance; (2) to satisfy every demand of God's righteous law in the stead of His elect; (3) to inaugurate the kingdom of God. The baptism of Christ both depicts the drama of redemption and marks the beginning of the gospel church. It was also the earliest demonstration of Jesus' deity during his public ministry.
Length 49 mins
In this message from 10/28/18, Elder Mike Gowens looks at the narrative of the woman who was caught in adultery, recorded in John 8:2-12. The mercy and grace Jesus extends to this woman was just too much grace for the religious leaders among the Jews. It is also too much grace for many people today, but to those who have been taught the plague of their own hearts, Jesus' words of forgiveness are truly the sweetest words ever to touch mortal ears.
Length 49 mins
Elder Mike Gowens' sermon on 11/4/18 focuses on the departing Savior's encouraging promise to send the Holy Spirit, recorded in John 14:15-18. One of the distinguishing marks between the church and the world is our understanding that reality consists of more than meets the eye. A mysterious, unseen Person is at work in our lives, leading, enabling, strengthening, comforting and teaching us. The reality of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God's people is a powerful encouragement while we wait for Jesus to return.
Length 52 mins
On 10/14/18, Mike Gowens continued the "Themes from Ecclesiastes" series by looking at the important theme of "fearing God," one of the dominant motifs of the book. The last two verses of the book, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, provide the text for this sermon. Gowens begins by describing the decline of respect and reverence in popular culture, and proceeds to offer several biblical definitions of godly fear. He concludes with explanation of how this attitude of reverence for God is the most basic and fundamental virtue of a meaningful and productive life.
Length 51 mins
On Sunday 9/30/18, Elder Michael Gowens led our congregation in consideration of the emotionally-charged narrative of Jesus' agony in Gethsemane, as recorded in Matthew 26:36-46. As the Savior anticipated the monumental task before Him, he felt tremendous pressure within His soul. There is no clearer evidence of our Lord's true humanity in all of Holy Scripture than here. And there is no greater incentive to pray when we too face the pressures of life than the knowledge that our heavenly Priest can empathize with our grief, anguish and dread.
Length 49 mins
In this 10/21/18 sermon, Elder Michael Gowens summarizes the recent study of Ecclesiastes by considering "the Preacher's" own reflection recorded in Ecclesiastes 12:9-12. Although much of the book exposes the vanity and futility of life without God, the Preacher wisely continues to teach the word of God. He knows that teaching the knowledge of God from Scripture is not in vain: "Because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge." This summary passage reminds us that a life spent in service to the Lord is not in vain, and that those who seek answers to life's many questions will find them in one place alone, the Book of books.
Length 48 mins
Message number three in the four part series "Themes from Ecclesiastes" looks at Ecclesiastes chapters four through seven. Elder Mike Gowens begins this 9/9/18 message in Ecclesiates 7:1-10, a passage that repeats one of the key words of the book - the word "better." Though most people pursue "the good life," the Preacher asserts that such a life in this world of trouble and sorrow is an optical illusion. Instead, he urges his young auditors to "the better life," a life marked by contentment with the necessities of life, and a life that values relationships above riches. With God at the center, life can truly be "better."
Length 51 mins
Elder Michael Gowens' sermon on 9/2/18 focuses on the familiar passage in Ecclesiastes 3:1-15: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven..." The passage teaches that change is inevitable in every person's life. It also stresses that joy is available in the midst of life's changing scenes when the believer looks at life with a sharp focus on God and His glory. With this perspective of faith, life is seen as God's gift, and the simplest and most common tasks bring immense fulfillment and happiness.
Length 51 mins
On Sunday 9/23/18, Elder Michael Gowens interrupted his mini-series in Ecclesiastes to bring a pastoral message of comfort based on Job 1:20-21. With worship canceled the previous Sunday due to the arrival of Hurricane Florence, the stresses of cleanup in the lives of our church membership, and the news of the unexpected death of one of our beloved church members since we last met together, Job's response to the calamities that befell him seemed especially appropriate for this occasion.
Length 48 mins
Pastor Mike Gowens' 8/26/18 sermon looks at Ecclesiastes 1-2 and the basic human quest for significance and meaning in life. After painting the pessimistic portrait of life without God, Gowens shows that all of life is supremely meaningful when God is factored into the equation of human existence. Especially for the Christian who believes in the risen Lord, life is rich with purpose and significance. Because Christ lives, labor in His name is never futile and vain.
Length 55 mins
In this 8/17/18 sermon, Elder Mike Gowens looks at the narrative of the man born blind in John 9. Jesus dispelled the darkness in this man's life. The Pharisees were not happy about the miracle, and excommunicated the man from the synagogue. The joyful man, however, was undeterred by the fear of man. He refused to live under the burden of legalism, for Jesus had transformed his life. Though he didn't know much at first, he knew one thing very well: "Whereas I was blind, now I see."
Length 51 mins
On Sunday 8/12/18, Elder Michael Gowens looks at Luke 4:16-31 and the first recorded public sermon Jesus delivered in his hometown synagogue at Nazareth. Jesus' message of sovereign grace angered the proud townsfolk in Nazareth, but it was truly good news to the Lord's humble poor elsewhere in his travels. Sovereign grace is still considered "the gospel" by those who know themselves to be poor and needy sinners.
Length 52 mins
Archived Sermons
(Messages by Michael L. Gowens unless otherwise noted)
Access the link to listen or download
Tears in God's Bottle (Ps. 56:8)
- 7/22/18
Irresistible Grace (Acts 9:1-9)
- 7/15/18
The Martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 7:54-60)
- 7/18/18
Love in Action (1 Cor. 13)
- 7/1/18
Loving Life (Marty Smith - Jas 3:10-11)
- 6/24/18
Help My Unbelief (Mk. 9:14-29)
- 6/17/18
Who is My Neighbor? (Lk. 10:25-42)
- 6/3/18
Champion Warfare (1 Sam. 17)
- 4/29/18
Paul's Last Words (2 Tim. 4:6-8) - 3/26/18
Fear Not Little Flock (Lk. 12:32) - 3/11/18
Abraham, the Friend of God (Jas. 2:23) - 2/25/18
Come Before Winter (2 Tim. 4:9-21) - 2/18/18
God is Love (1 Jno. 4:7-19) - 2/11/18
The Apparent Absence of God (Ps. 77) - 1/28/18
Be Zealous (Rev. 3:15-19) - 1/14/18
The Believer's Checkbook (Phi. 4:19) - 12/31/17
Behold the Lamb (Jno. 1:29) - 12/24/17
Behold the Man (Jno. 19:5) - 12/17/17
Behold the Servant (Is. 42:1-4)
- 12/10/17
Be Still My Soul (Ps 46)
- 12/3/17
Count Your Blessings (Ps 103)
- 11/19/17
Patient in Tribulation (Jas. 1:2-4)
- 11/12/17
One Truth (1 Tim. 2:5)
- 11/5/17
God Bless You (Num. 6:24-26)
- 10/22/17
Christ's Three Appearances (Heb. 9:22-28)
- 10/15/17
Divine Guidance (Ps. 32:8)
- 9/24/17
Christian Unity (Jno. 17:20-23)
- 10/1/17
Saint's Delight (Ps. 37:4)
- 9/10/17
Christian Ethics (Rom. 12:1-2)
- 9/3/17
The Folly of Idolatry (Hos. 14:8) - 8/20/17
When Creature-Helps All Fail (Ps. 12:1)
- 8/13/17
A Heart Governed by God's Peace (Col. 3:15)
- 8/6/17
Things to "Consider" (Sam Bryant)
- 7/29/17
Called by God (Rom. 1)
- 7/16/17
Pressing into the Kingdom (C. McCool)
- 6/25/17
When Jesus is in the House (C. McCool)
- 6/24/17
Praying in Faith (Jas. 1:5-6)
- 6/11/17
The Privilege of Prayer (Heb 4:16)
- 5/7/17
Job's Epitaph (Job 19:23-27)
- 4/30/17
Isaiah's Experience of Grace (Is. 6)
- 3/26/17
The Worship of Heaven (Is. 6)
- 3/19/17
As Cold Waters to a Thirsty Soul
(Eld. Fowler)
- 4/2/17
Isaiah's Heavenly Vision (Is. 6)
- 3/12/17
The Day the Lord Made (Ps. 118:24)
- 3/5/17
A Psalm for People Over 70 (Ps. 71)
- 2/19/17
Dress for Spiritual Success (Is. 52:1)
- 1/22/17
The Pharisee & The Publican (Lk. 18)
- 1/15/17
The Gospel According to Gabriel (Lk. 2:1-14)
- 12/25/16
The Savior's Easy Yoke (Mt. 11:28-30)
- 12/18/16
Man of Sorrows, What a Name! (Is. 53:3)
- 12/11/16
Glory in His Grace (Jer. 9:23-24)
- 11/27/16
Worship Involves Thanksgiving (Heb. 13:15)
- 11/20/16
The Believer's "City of Refuge" (Heb. 6:18)
- 10/30/16
The Christian's Call to Courage (Eph. 6:10)
- 10/23/16
Be Filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18ff)
- 10/2/16
The Perfect Love of God (1 John 4)
- 9/17/16
Your Identity in Christ (1 Peter 1-2)
- 8/28/16
Encouraging Timothy (2 Tim. 1:1-11)
- 8/21/16
Serving God for Nought (Job)
- 8/14/16
The Minister's Charge (Bryce Lowrance)
- 7/31/16
Grace Plus Nothing (Bryce Lowrance)
- 7/29/16
Never a Man Like Jesus
- 7/17/16
Enoch, Man for Our Times (Jude 14)
- 7/10/16
A Father's Greatest Legacy (Heb. 11:21)
- 6/19/16
Yokes: Heavy & Easy (Ricky Harcrow)
- 6/25/16
Come, Join the Chorus! (Ps. 107)
- 6/12/16
Spiritual Memorials (Jos. 4:1-11)
- 5/29/16
Casting Care (1 Pet. 5:7)
- 5/22/16
Our Sufficiency in Christ (Col. 2:8-10)
- 5/15/16
No Other Name (Acts 4:12)
- 4/24/16
Revelation: Seeing the Big Picture
- 4/10/16
Heaven's Library (Revelation)
- 4/3/16
A Resurrection Gospel (Jno 20)
- 3/27/16
Trusting God in the Dark (Is. 50:10-11)
- 3/20/16
The Finished Work of Boaz (Ruth 4)
- 2/21/16
Under His Sheltering Wing (Ruth 3)
- 2/14/16
Jehovah's Lovingkindness (Ruth 2)
- 2/7/16
Ruth's Choice (Ruth 1)
- 1/31/16
Loving God's Word (Ps. 119:97)
- 1/17/16
Seven Evidences of Grace (Mt 3; Mt. 4)
- 1/10/16
Awaiting the Second Advent (1 Ths. 1:10)
- 12/27/15
The Man of Our Hopes (Is. 9:6-7)
- 12/20/15
Emmanuel: The Majesty & The Mercy (Mt. 1:23)
- 12/13/15
The Tie That Binds (Phi. 1:5)
- 11/29/15
An Attitude of Gratitude (Col. 3:15-17)
- 11/22/15
Source of Spiritual Stability
by Eld. Ronnie Loudermilk - 10/28/15
God's Great Faithfulness (Lam. 3:22-23)
- 11/1/15
Help for Fainters (Judges 8:4)
- 10/25/15
Hand in Hand With Jesus (Is. 41:13)
- 10/4/15 (39 mins)
- 9/27/15 (50 mins)
Living Epistles (2 Cor. 3:3)
- 9/20/15 (48 mins)
Jacob's Ladder & The Providence of God (Jno. 1:51)
- 9/6/15 (45 mins.)
There is Rest for the Weary (Heb. 4:9-11)
- 8/30/15 (48 mins.)
The Gospel in Simplicity (Ephesians)
- 7/12/15 (50 mins)
Following Christ to True Freedom (Jno. 8:31-36)
- 7/5/15 (41 mins)
The Preciousness of Christ (1 Pet. 2:7)
- 6/28/15 [45 mins}
The Most Important Question in the World (Ps 24)
- 6/14/15 [45 mins]