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Bethel Pulpit - Primitive Baptist Sermons
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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.





