Sermons on Town:

What Pain Teaches You: Lesson 2: The Problems Of Pain

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 20, 2006

“If God were good, He would wish to make His creatures perfectly happy and if God were almighty He would be able to do what He wished. But the creatures suffer pain; therefore does God lack goodness or power, or both?” -C. S. Lewis

A. THREE MYTHS ABOUT PAIN 1. God’s children are not supposed to suffer pain. 2. If I hurt, there must be something wrong with me. 3. If I hurt, there must be something wrong with God. B. WHY PAIN? 1. “If God were good, He would wish to make His creatures perfectly happy and if God were ...read more

Scripture: Job 11:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

What Pain Teaches You: Lesson 3: What To Do In Pain

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 20, 2006

“Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom

A. GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF PAIN OR SUFFERING 1. God created a perfect man and placed Him in a perfect environment. 2. Pain and suffering are the consequences of living in a fallen world. “To the woman He said: ‘I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Denomination: Baptist

Building Dynamic Faith: Lesson 3: The Prayers Of Many

Contributed by Elmer Towns on May 15, 2006

The Christian life is relationships: first with God and second with people.

A. WHAT I WANT YOU TO LEARN! 1. That two people praying together is both powerful and practical to get answers to prayers. 2. To get a burden to begin praying with a prayer partner who challenges you to pray for even bigger things. 3. Apply the power of agreement-prayer to see God actively work ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9

Denomination: Baptist

Building Dynamic Faith: Lesson 4: Thinking The Unthinkable

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jun 23, 2006

God has promised to do the impossible in response to prayer. Let us recognize that throughout life, God has already done the humanly impossible. Realize God wants to do exceeding and abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.

A. STATEMENTS ON PRAYER BY JERRY FALWELL (as taught by Jonathan Falwell). 1. Prayer can do anything God can do . . . and since God can do anything, prayer is omnipotent. 2. “Nothing of eternal significance ever happens apart from prayer.” 3. “Faith begins where man’s power ends.” 4. There are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 5: How To Test The Spirits

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Dec 6, 2006

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

A. TEN THINGS WE CAN KNOW ABOUT ERROR “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6, Ezekiel 8:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 2

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 26, 2006

This lesson looks at suffering through the laws of natural growth, proposed by Henry Drumonoud.

A. THE LAW OF MOTION: “Every body will continue in a uniform motion in a straight line, except when an outward force changes it.” 1. Sometimes God sends suffering into our life to cause us to change our direction. a. Joseph was prepared to save the world. “Ye thought evil against me; [but] God ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 3: Worship While Suffering

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 26, 2006

“Worship is giving to God the worth that is due Him” –Old Definition

“Worship is giving to God the worth that is due Him” –Old Definition A. WHEN TO WORSHIP 1. Worship when the worst calamity hits. “Then Job arose and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground and worshipped” (1:20). a. Completely humbled. b. Completely prostrate on ...read more

Scripture: Job 10:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 1: Trim Your Lamps

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 26, 2006

The parable of the 10 virgins (bridesmaids) is interpreted as Israel’s preparation for the Lord’s glorious return. However, the principle of getting ready for His return applies to us today.

A. INTRODUCTION: MATTHEW 25:1-13 The parable of the 10 virgins (bridesmaids) is interpreted as Israel’s preparation for the Lord’s glorious return. However, the principle of getting ready for His return applies to us today. B. TWENTY-TWO LESSONS FROM THE TEN BRIDESMAIDS 1. There is only one bride; ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

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 7: I Am The Vine

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Sep 22, 2006

“I am the vine, you [are] the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

“I am the vine, you [are] the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). A. THE VINE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT 1. Israel was God’s vineyard. “The vineyard of the Lord of Hosts is the house of Israel” (Isa. 5:7). 2. God did everything ...read more

Scripture: John 15:5

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 1: Some Answers To Suffering

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 6, 2006

“Behold, happy [is] the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty” (Job 5:17).

A. QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES 1. Human. Why do the innocent suffer? Answer: Sin. The answer Job’s friends gave. 2. Justify. What is the point in serving God if bad things happen? Answer: Can you keep your faith in a good, long, sovereign God when all around you fails? 3. Blame. What is God ...read more

Scripture: Job 5:17

Denomination: Baptist

The Miracles In John: Lesson 1: Introduction

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Sep 20, 2005

THE EIGHT MIRACLES OF JOHN

A. Why are there four gospels? To tell a complete story of Jesus. B. Why does Mark have the most miracles? To show a powerful servant. C. Why does John have the fewest miracles? Each has an explanation. D. John is a Jewish mystic who uses ¡§7¡¨ in his writings. There are ¡§7¡¨ miracles in John plus ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Prayer Of Healing

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Mar 29, 2006

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-16

Denomination: Baptist