Sermons on Town:

Building Dynamic Faith Lesson 5: Today Counts

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 18, 2006

As you come to understand God’s unique calling for your life, you will be asked to exercise your faith and vision along the way.

A. WHAT’S YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE? 1. Salvation. “The Lord is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (I Peter 3:9). 2. To grow spiritually. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification” (I Thess. 4:3, NASB). 3. To properly use your spiritual gifts. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:17

Denomination: Baptist

How We Got Our Bible Lesson 1: Background

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 18, 2006

How We Got Our Bible: Background

1. What language was used to write the Bible? a. Hebrew – bold, simple, straight forward, beautiful. b. Greek – exact, expressive, minute colors. • Originally thought “Holy Ghost language.” • Koine Greek is common everyday language. This made the Word of God immediately available to all c. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:27

Denomination: Baptist

How We Got Our Bible Lesson 2: Why I Believe The Bible Message

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 18, 2006

We can only expect that a loving and wise God would reveal a plan of redemption to man powerful enough to save him.

A. INTRODUCTION 1. Christianity is a religion of the book. 2. What happens when you give up the authority of the Bible? a. You have no final proof for your faith. b. You will deny its contents. c. Your life is a rudderless ship in a stormy sea at the mercy of every wind (opinion) that ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

How We Got Our Bible Lesson 3: What We Believe About The Bible

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 18, 2006

The Bible is the greatest in subject matter i.e., Jesus Christ, the greatest in influence on lives and nations, and it answers man’s greatest need: salvation.

A. THE BIBLE IS DESCRIBED AS THE GREATEST BOOK IN THE WORLD 1. It is the greatest in subject matter i.e., Jesus Christ. 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 ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:18

Denomination: Baptist

How We Got Our Bible Lesson 4: Arguments For God's Existence

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 18, 2006

Arguments for the existence of God.

1. The Bible does not attempt to prove God, but accepts His existence, i.e., “In the beginning God . . .” (Gen. 1:1). 2. “I could no longer disbelieve.” –Sheldon Vanauken -------------------------------- Five Self-Evident Truths (That do not need proof) 1. There is a God with complete power and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

What To Do After The Big Day

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 19, 2006

We should work as hard after a big day as we did to get to the big day. Pentecost is our example of what a church should do after a (Big) day.

A. AFTER THE 50TH TRBC ANNIVERSARY AND SANCTUARY DEDICATION We should work as hard after a big day as we did to get to the big day. Pentecost is our example of what a church should do after a (Big) day. 1. Dangers we face. • Thinking our momentum will guarantee success. • Thinking our past ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42

Denomination: Baptist

The Seven I Ams Lesson 1: I Am The Bread Of Life

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 19, 2006

The Seven I AMs of Jesus

A. AN INTRODUCTION TO THE “I AMs” 1. There are 7 + 1 (7 is the number of perfection; 8 is the number of new things). 1. I am the bread of life – John 6:37. 2. I am the light of the world – John 8:12. 3. I am the door – John 10:9. 4. I am the good shepherd – John 10:11. 5. I am the resurrection ...read more

Scripture: John 6:37

Denomination: Baptist

The Seven I Ams Lesson 2: I Am The Light Of The World

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 19, 2006

The Seven I AMs of Jesus

A. INTRODUCTION 1. This is the second “I AM” given by Jesus. 2. Why did Jesus use “LIGHT” on this occasion? a. Early in the morning as the sun arose. “And early in the morning (before sunrise) He (Jesus) came again into the temple” (8:2). b. The priest lit the candle stand in the ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:5

Denomination: Baptist

The Seven I Ams Lesson 3: I Am The Door

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 19, 2006

The Seven I AMs of Jesus

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture” (John 10:9). 1. Definition: (a) A passage into a room, Jesus is the way into Heaven, (b) A barrier usually turning on a hinge. Jesus keeps out those who will not believe. (c) An opportunity, i.e., ...read more

Scripture: John 10:9

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 2: Looking For Signs

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 30, 2006

A sign points primarily to the supernatural activity of God to send a message to people. “Communication between the visible and invisible world.” ISBE

A. WHY THERE WILL BE SIGNS 1. Definition: A sign points primarily to the supernatural activity of God to send a message to people. “Communication between the visible and invisible world.” ISBE 2. There have always been signs. a. The rainbow, a sign that the earth won’t be flooded again. b. Moses ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:3

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 3: Actual Signs

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Nov 8, 2006

WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS OF THE LORD’S RETURN?

A. WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS OF THE LORD’S RETURN? 1. Signs in nature, i.e., “There shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes” (Matt. 24:7). 2. Signs in society. Lawlessness, violence, sexual immorality, greed, selfish pursuit, pleasure seekers, rebellion, despair (II Tim. 3:1-4). 3. Signs ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:7

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 4: The Best And Worst Of Times

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Nov 13, 2006

The top ten Best and Worst of Times in regards to Christ’s return.

A. THE TOP TEN BEST OF OUR TIMES 1. More people to reach for Christ. “Most assuredly, I say to you . . . the works that I do he will do also; and greater [works] than these he will do, because I go to My Father” (John 14:12). 2. Easier travel from any place to all places. “Many shall run to and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:9

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 2: An Announcement Of Preparation

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jan 23, 2007

An important duty of angels is to bring messages. Their name means “messenger” (Heb. 1:14). They tell believers the good news and we must tell unbelievers.

A. ANGELS PREPARE ZECHARIAH: LUKE 1:5-25 1. Silence. There were 400 silent years when no voice or miracles were sent from heaven. Angels only appear in history when God re-directs His program. 2. A forerunner is predicted (Luke 1:11-14, 18-20, ELT), “Zechariah was in the sanctuary when an angel ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-25

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 3: The Angels Announce Christ's Birth

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jan 23, 2007

AN ANGEL ANNOUNCES TO JOSEPH

A. AN ANGEL ANNOUNCES TO JOSEPH 1. Joseph was not involved physically, but his emotions, reputation and outward life were severely influenced by Mary’s pregnancy. 2. A pregnancy cannot be long hidden. Who found out? “She was found with child” (Matt. 1:18). 3. Matt. 1:18-25, ELT. “When Mary was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 4: Angels Protect Baby Jesus

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jan 23, 2007

“He who dwells in the secret place of prayer of the Most High, will abide in the protective shadow of the Almighty” (Ps. 91:1).

1. There were many attempts to kill Jesus before He went to the cross; and Herod killing the babies in Nazareth was one of them. (Killed maybe 20 babies). 2. This lesson shows the work of guardian angels. “These little ones . . . their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is ...read more

Denomination: Baptist