The Bible Speaks Today

“Today, if you will hear his voice, harden not your hearts…” Hebrews 3:7  I. The Battle for the Bible In a very real sense, Christianity is the religion of a book – a book, however, of no mere human origin, but … Read More

New Testament Summaries

by Michael L. Gowens Matthew:  The first of the four gospel narratives regarding the life and ministry of Jesus.  Matthew writes for a Jewish audience, quoting extensively from Old Testament prophecy to show that Jesus is the anticipated Messiah.  The concept of the … Read More

How To Interpret The Bible

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15  Recently I sat in a hospital waiting room visiting with a family whose daughter was ill. This, … Read More

The Two Phases of Sancitification

“…to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints…” 1 Cor. 1:2 Like every Bible subject, the doctrine of sanctification must be “rightly divided” (2 Tim. 2:15). References to this theme, in other words, must be interpreted … Read More

Justification: Precisely Defined

Adapted from two messages preached by Michael L. Gowens, September 14, 2003 at Lexington Primitive Baptist Church, Lexington, Kentucky. Please bear in mind that the following sermonic material has been edited only minimally. “Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It … Read More

Does Man Have a Free Will?

“The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Romans 8:7  Man, created in God’s image, possesses a mind, a heart, and a will. The mind, or intellect, allows … Read More

Christ The Only Mediator

Most discussions of the 1832 separation within Baptist ranks focus on the practical issues dividing the two camps, i.e. mission societies, Sunday Schools, and various parachurch organizations. It is true that the Black Rock Address said very little about doctrine. … Read More

Revelation: The Big Picture

“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3 No portion of God’s word has evoked more conjecture, diversity of … Read More

The Place of the Gospel

“I declare unto you the gospel…by which ye are saved if you keep in memory what I have preached unto you.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 What is the difference between Primitive Baptists and other Baptists?” I’m sure that like me, a number … Read More