Sermons on Safe Towns:

Christianity Is A Transformational Movement Lesson 10 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 7, 2025

The source of Christianity’s power to transform cultures is found in followers of Christ who are connected to Christ.

A. INTRODUCTION 1. Karl Marx called Christianity “the opiate of the people.” He blamed Christianity for the lack of social progress as defined in his Communist ideology. But history proves otherwise. 2. Biblical Christianity has a transformational energy. “These who have turned the world ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:6, Acts 4:13, 2 Corinthians 5:17

Denomination: Baptist

Introduction Lesson 1 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 8, 2025

The Eight Miracles in John

1. Why are there four gospels? To tell a complete story of Jesus. 2. Why does Mark have the most miracles? To show a powerful servant. 3. Why does John have the fewest miracles? Each has an explanation. 4. John is a Jewish mystic who uses “7” in his writings. There are “7” miracles in John plus ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:14

Denomination: Baptist

John 2:1-11 Lesson 2 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 8, 2025

Jesus showed evangelism and education begins with home and family.

1. When did the miracles happen? On the seventh day. Day 1: “The Pharisees question John the Baptist” (1:19-28). Day 2: “The next day John saw Jesus coming” (1:29). Day 3: “The next day John stood with two of his disciples” (1:35). Day 4: “The day following ... Jesus found Philip” (1:43). Day ...read more

Scripture: John 2:11

Denomination: Baptist

Healing The Nobleman's Son Lesson 3 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 8, 2025

First miracle in Cana.

A. BACKGROUND: JOHN 4:46-54 1. Spring time. Jesus is returning from Jerusalem and the Passover (2:13). 2. Did miracles in Jerusalem. “When He (Jesus) was in Jerusalem at the Passover . . . they saw the miracles which He did” (2:23). 3. Ministry to the woman at the well. “The woman then left ...read more

Scripture: John 4:46-54

Denomination: Baptist

Healing A Crippled Man At Bethesda Lesson 4 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 8, 2025

Why does God not heal everyone?

A. INTRODUCTION: JOHN 5:1-18 1. Springtime and Passover. “There was a feast of the Jews and Jesus went up” (John 5:1). 2. John’s purpose is belief. John doesn’t include 50 weeks of Jesus’ life to include events to motivate belief. “These things (signs) are written that ye might believe” ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Feeding The 5000 Lesson 5 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 8, 2025

What is known about Jesus? He uses that which is available.

A. INTRODUCTION: JOHN 6:1-14 1. When did this miracle occur? Spring time. “The Passover, a feast for the Jews, was near” (v. 4). 2. Who was involved? Mostly men. “Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord your God . . . at the feast of the unleavened bread” (Deut. ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Calming The Storm Lesson 6 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 8, 2025

Jesus gives us courage in the storm before the circumstances are changed.

“Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone. Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and ...read more

Scripture: John 6:15-21, Hebrews 12:11

Denomination: Baptist

The Man Born Blind Lesson 7 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 8, 2025

Why people get sick.

A. INTRODUCTION: JOHN 9 1. Where did the action take place? Temple entrance. “As Jesus passed by” (9:1). a. Blind could not enter the Temple. b. Normally begged. 2. What was the background? Crisis. “They (the Jews) took up stones to cast at him” (8:59). Aorist active subjunctive, i.e., ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Raising Lazarus From The Grave Lesson 8 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 8, 2025

Jesus weeps with us.

1. When did this miracle occur? Winter after Purim, December (John 10:22) and before Passover (John 11:55). 2. Where did the miracle occur? Bethany, east of Jerusalem (11:1). 3. Why does Jesus wait? “When He (Jesus) had heard . . . He abode two days in the same place” (11:6). a. Our agendas are ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:8, John 11:41

Denomination: Baptist

Miracles Of The 153 Fish Lesson 9 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 8, 2025

This is one miracle in the count of 37 (8 in John).

1. Where did the miracle take place? Near Tiberias (John 6:1). 2. Name all the disciples in verse 2 (Peter, Thomas the Twin, Nathanael, James, John, Andrew and Philip (John 1:40, 43-44). 3. Why did Peter say, “I go a fishing?” Note the four possible answers: a. Peter was the ring leader. b. He was ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-14, Philippians 4:13

Denomination: Baptist

Honesty Is A Choice Lesson 6 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 8, 2025

Honesty is a choice, not a natural growth sequence in life.

“Tell the truth to your neighbor as you expect him to tell you the truth” (Luke 6:13, ELT). 1. You must choose to always do right. a. When corrupt business executives had an opportunity to make millions, they did it because they never made a decision to be ethical. b. If you wait until the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:13

Denomination: Baptist

Conversion Lesson 1 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 13, 2025

Three stories of Peter meeting Jesus.

A. INTRODUCTION 1. Viewed from many perspectives: conversion, saved, born again, prayed to receive Christ, repent, became a Christian, __________. 2. Three stories of Peter meeting Jesus: John 1:41-42 Mark 1:16-18 Luke 5:1-11 At Baptism After temptation After first ...read more

Scripture: John 1:41-42, Mark 1:16-18, Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Peter Walks On Water Lesson 2 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 13, 2025

Jesus leads us to face a storm to strengthen our faith.

A. INTRODUCTION: MATTHEW 14:22-33 “Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Baptist

Peter Confesses Jesus Is God Lesson 3 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 13, 2025

Jesus asked questions about His humanity. “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man am?”.

A. INTRODUCTION 1. “When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’ So they said, ‘Some [say] John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

Peter Denies Jesus Lesson 4 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 13, 2025

Why Peter fell.

A. INTRODUCTION: MATTHEW 26:33-35, 69-75 1. Jesus warned that some followers would deny Him. “Smite the shepherd, and the sheep . . . will flee” (v. 31). 2. Peter impulsively compares self to others. “Though all men shall be offended . . . yet will I never” (v. 33). 3. Peter impulsively boasted ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:33-35, Matthew 26:69-75

Denomination: Baptist