Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons

Legalism: A Thief of Joy

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.

Because He Lives

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.

The Triumphal Entry of Jesus

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.

Safeguards Against the Thieves of Joy

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.

The Joy of Fearing God

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.