Sermons on Speck And Log:

Faith In Action: "When The Spirit Takes Over”

Contributed by Imelda Mesa on Sep 27, 2022

My success and your success depend on how much you and I let the Holy Spirit take the reign of our lives. When the Holy Spirit takes over, He changes everything. Nothing stays the same.

Last week was a challenge; today is encouragement. This year, you will face tons of mountain-like challenges, and you will be tempted to draw strength and strategies on your human force and intellect, and social connection that are readily available at your disposal. But it's an encouragement ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 4:6-10, Ezra 3:2-8, 1 Corinthians 12:7-10, John 18:37

Denomination: Foursquare

The Miracles In John: Lesson 7: The Man Born Blind

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Nov 17, 2005

“Neither this man nor his parents, sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him” (9:3).

A. INTRODUCTION: JOHN 9 1. Where did the action take place? Temple entrance. “As Jesus passed by” (9:1). a. Blind could not enter 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., some had ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Miracles In John: Lesson 9: Miracles Of The 153 Fish

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Nov 17, 2005

“without Me you can do nothing” in John 15:5 is seen here. “With Christ we can do all things” (Phil. 4:13). The presence of Christ in our lives makes the difference.

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 ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Miracles In John: Lesson 2: John 2:1-11

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 6, 2005

As the second lesson on the series of the Miracles in John, this sermon details John 2:1-11.

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¡¨ ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Miracles In John: Lesson 4: Healing A Crippled Man At Bethesda

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 20, 2005

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” (20:31).

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” (20:31). 3. ...read more

Scripture: John 5:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Miracles In John: Lesson 5: Feeding The 5000

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 25, 2005

Principles and key ideas to learn from the miracle of feeding the five thousand

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. 16:16). ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Character Of Joshua Series

Contributed by Greg Stine on Jul 16, 2001

CHaracteristics demonstrated by Joshua that allowed God to use him so mightily

Joshua 1:1-9 Intro: O.T. often not understood because of structure, etc. Primary theme of the O.T. - scarlet thread of redemption woven throughout the fabric of the whole, in the person of the promised Messiah. Gen. 3:15 - 1st promise of Messiah, called the protoevangelum. Sets stage for conflict ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 1:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Need For Encouragement Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on Dec 6, 2007

Everyone needs a pat on the back from time to time, but we are also to be the one giving the pat on the back from time to time.

The Need for Encouragement 1 Samuel 23:15-18 Intro Jonathan’s experience with David illustrates the reality of the ministry of encouragement. Romans 15:5 says “May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.” So, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 23:15-18

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 5: Backsliding In Ministry

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 20, 2008

When You Backslide

A. WHEN YOU BACKSLIDE 1. Backsliders stop walking in the Spirit. “Let us walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). “The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul” (1 Samuel 16:14). “The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways” (Proverbs 14:14). How to Walk in the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 7: Dealing Pratically With Backsliding

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 27, 2008

Practical examples on backsliding.

A. NEVER SAVED IN THE FIRST PLACE – JUDAS 1. They may follow Jesus. “Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil” (John 6:70)? 2. They may do many religious works. “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:16-18

Denomination: Baptist

Being Successful In 2009

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 2, 2009

How to be successful in the coming year.

A. INTRODUCTION “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8). 1. Think ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

It Takes Love To Grow - Light The Fire 2 Series

Contributed by Spencer Homan on Nov 19, 2009

This is the second in our "Lighting the Fires of Pentecost" sermon series focusing on keeping our fires lit through diligence and perseverance.

Psalm 22:25-31 25 From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you will I fulfill my vows. 26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the LORD will praise him-- may your hearts live forever! 27 All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Ephesians: Wealth, Walk, And Warfare: Lesson 8

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 24, 2009

Putting on the full armor of God in preparation for spiritual victory.

A. INTRODUCTION: EPHESIANS 6 1. After becoming servants, we must also become soldiers. 2. The war of spiritual dimensions, “in the heavenlies” (v. 12). Paul is a prisoner, “in chains” (v. 20). 3. Sister book to Joshua, i.e., an outward battle for land, Ephesians an inward ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12-20

Denomination: Baptist

Today's New Journey

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Aug 31, 2009

You can’t change where you have come from, but you can change where you’re going.

Today’s New Journey Elmer L. Towns A. WE’RE ALL ON A JOURNEY 1. You can’t change where you have come from, but you can change where you are going. 2. Your future destination doesn’t need to be a carbon copy of your past, nor does God want it to be. 3. God wants to give you a new path and a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14

Denomination: Baptist

Sent:the Missional Church

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Sep 1, 2009

Consumer Christianity and the Big Cross

A. THE CHURCH AT PHILIPPI 1. What was great about this church? a. Christ-centered. “For me, living is Christ” (Phil. 1:21, CSB). b. Partners with Paul. “I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you . . . because of your partnership in the gospel from the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-21

Denomination: Baptist