Sermons on Deare:

(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

Lesson 9: Faith's Realization

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 11, 2003

Abraham’s Journey of Faith

A. INTRODUCTION: GENESIS 21:1-8 1. How long ago had God promised Abraham a son? Twenty-five years. "Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed out of Haran" (12:4). 2. How old was Abraham when Isaac was born? One hundred years old. "Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 21:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 11: Faith Tested

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 11, 2003

Abraham’s Journey of Faith

A. INTRODUCTION: GENESIS 22:1 1. What were the four great trials of separation in Abraham’s life? a. Family. "Get thee out of the country, and from thy kindred" (12:1). b. Lot/Nephew. "Separate thyself from me" (13:9). c. Ishmael. "Cast out this bondwoman and her son" (21:10). d. Isaac. "Take thy ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Nehemiah: Building And Battling

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 14, 2003

Nehemiah was the Persian king’s Cup Bearer. Even though he was a servant, he was trusted to be a leader.

A.INTRODUCTION (Nehemiah 1-6) 1.After the Babylonian captivity was over, two men helped restore the city of Jerusalem. a.Zerubbabel built the TEMPLE. b.Nehemiah built the WALLS. 2.This is the first of two lessons about Nehemiah (his name means comfort of the Lord) who was the Persian king’s Cup ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Characteristics Of A Good Mother

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 14, 2003

Many women throughout the Bible serve as great examples of godly mothers.

A. WHAT A GOOD MOTHER DID. EXODUS 2:1-10 1. She married right. "A man of the house of Levi . . . took to wife a daughter of Levi" (v.1). 2. She chose life. "The woman conceived and bare a son" (v.2). 3. She had eyes of faith. "She saw him, that he was a goodly child" (v.2). "By faith . . . ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Broken Body Of Jesus (Part 1)

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 14, 2003

"The Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: and when He had given thanks, He break it, and said, ’Take eat; this is My body which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of Me’" (I Cor. 11:23).

"The Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: and when He had given thanks, He break it, and said, ’Take eat; this is My body which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of Me’" (I Cor. 11:23). A. WHY BREAD IS A SYMBOL OF HIS DEATH 1. Death. "Except a corn of wheat fall ...read more

Scripture: John 6:35-56

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