Sermons on Dear Abby:

Lesson 1: What We Believe About The Bible

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 3, 2003

Series: Foundational Doctrines of the Faith

A. THE BIBLE IS DESCRIBED AS THE GREATEST BOOK IN THE WORLD. 1. It is the greatest in subject matter. 2. It is the greatest in influence on lives and nations. 3. It answers man’s greatest need: salvation. B. EIGHT THEMES TO DESCRIBE THE BIBLE. 1. Revelation – refers to the act of God, which ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 4: How To Know There Is A God

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 3, 2003

Series: Foundational Doctrines of the Faith

A. INTRODUCTION 1. Accepts. The Bible never tries to prove God, "In the beginning God created" (Gen. 1:1). 2. They want proof. We intuitively know there is a God, but that is not enough for others. 3. God took the initiative. "The light shined in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not" ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 7: What We Believe About Salvation

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 3, 2003

Series: Foundational Doctrines of the Faith

Salvation is divided into two sections, first what Christ did on the historic cross, i.e., salvation past; and second what Christ does for someone today, i.e., salvation present. The past is redemption, reconciliation, forgiveness and propitiation. The present is conversion, regeneration and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:6-17

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 11: What We Believe About Eschatology

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 3, 2003

Series: Foundational Doctrines of the Faith

A. INTRODUCTION 1. Eschatology literally means “the study of last things. 2. Two doctrineal sections of Eschatology. a. The study of God’s final judgments and the eternal state, Heaven and Hell. b. Future events on earth (Rev. 1:19). 3. Abuses in Eschatology. a. Date-setting. b. Making ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:19, Titus 3:12-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Bible And Retirement: Lesson 5: Playing To Win

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 30, 2004

Series: The Bible and Retirement

A. THE END OF THE GAME IS RETIREMENT 1. Retirement doesn’t happen at a chronological age, but at your age of choice. Retirement should be dreamed, planned, and worked for, then enjoyed. 2. Life is a journey to retirement. - You are gonna get in the game whether you want to or not. - You are in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Denomination: Baptist

40 Days Of Purpose: Week 2 – Worship: You Were Planned For God's Pleasure

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 30, 2004

“It’s not about you.” -Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life

A. HOW DO WE LIVE A LIFE OF WORSHIP, A LIFE PLEASING TO GOD? “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:30

Denomination: Baptist

40 Days Of Purpose: Week 3: You Were Formed For God's Family

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 30, 2004

“When we place our faith in Christ, God becomes our Father, we become His children, other believers become our brothers and sisters, and the church becomes our spiritual family.” -Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life

A. INTRODUCTION MEMORY VERSE “. . . so in Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:5) B. THE FIVE BUILDING BLOCKS FOR FELLOWSHIP “Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:5-16

Denomination: Baptist

40 Days Of Purpose: Week 5: Ministry: You Were Shaped For Serving God

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 30, 2004

“You were put on earth to make a contribution. You weren’t created just to consume resources – to eat, breathe, and take up space. God designed you to make a difference with your life” -Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life

Review: Week one: Why am I on earth? Existence. Week two: What has God planned for me? Significance. Week three: How must I get along with others? Sharing. Week four: What is God doing in my life? Character. Week five: What does God want me to do? Serve. MEMORY VERSE “Each one should use whatever ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:30-37

Denomination: Baptist

Candles Teach Us About Mothers

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Sep 14, 2004

Mothers Day: Candles Teach Us About Mothers

A. KINDS OF CANDLES - Atmospheric candles to create a mood. Some mothers’ attitudes permeate the house with their godliness and goodness. - Candles to celebrate. Some mothers celebrate the life and passage of events with meaning, i.e., Christmas, weddings, anniversaries. - Food candles that create ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 31:18

Denomination: Baptist

(Lesson 4) Elijah: An Encounter Out Of Discouragement

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 10, 2003

Elijah ran into the desert because Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him. He encountered God, not in a mighty force to destroy the evil rule of Jezebel, but in a still, small voice to send Elijah back into service.

A. INTRODUCTION: I KINGS 19:3-18 1. Miraculous food. God provided for Elijah’s needs. "The ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook" (I Kings 17:6). 2. Miraculous source. "The barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:3-18

Denomination: Baptist

(Lesson 9) Peter: A Backslider Restored To Service

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 10, 2003

Peter denied the Lord through boasting and pride. After breakfast on a beach, Jesus restored him to service and he became a bold preacher on the day of Pentecost.

A. PETER’S BACKSLIDING 1. Cause boasting. "I will lay down my life for thy sake" (John 13:37). 2. Jesus’ response warning. "Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily Verily, I say unto thee, the cock shall not crow till thou hast denied me thrice" (John 13:32). 3. Effort flesh. "Smote the ...read more

Scripture: John 13:32-37

Denomination: Baptist

What Burns Your Heart?

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 11, 2003

"They said one to another, did not our hearts burn within us, while he talked with us by the way and while he opened to us the scriptures" (Luke 24:32).

A. INTRODUCTION ( Luke 24:13-21) On Easter Sunday afternoon, Jesus met two disciples who were returning home from Jerusalem. The reports of the empty tomb confused and discouraged them. Jesus explained to them the message of the resurrection. "They said one to another, did not our hearts burn ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-21

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 2: Learning From Failure

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 11, 2003

Abraham’s Journey of Faith

A. INTRODUCTION 1. Abram was the Friend of God, also called A Man of Faith, but was also a man of failure. 2. God called Abram to the land. "Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him" (12:4). But God didn’t call him to Egypt. (silence). 3. Two strengths. Two things reflected Abram’s ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 4: Faith That Makes You Fight

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 11, 2003

Abraham’s Journey of Faith

A. INTRODUCTION: GENESIS 19:1-24 1. Huge Opposition. "Four kings fought against five kings" (Gen. 14:9 ELT). The four kings from the Chaldees represented the largest known civilization. 2. Former Masters. The kings of the Jordan River Valley had formerly been in servitude. "Twelve years they ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 19:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 6: Renewed Promise

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 11, 2003

Abraham’s Journey of Faith

A. INTRODUCTION (Genesis 17:1-27) 1. Rebellion. What does the number 13 imply? "Abraham was eighty-six-years-old when Ishmael was born" (16:16 ELT). "When Abraham was ninety-nine-years-old, the Lord the Almighty appeared to him" (17:1). 2. Outside God’s will. What was God’s plan for Ishmael? "As ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 17:1-27

Denomination: Baptist