Sermons on Town:

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

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

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

Lessons From Peter's Life: Lesson 3: Peter Confesses Jesus Is God

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 4, 2008

This week we continue our series with an examination of Peter’s Confession, Role, and Rebuke.

Pastor’s Bible Class Thomas Road Baptist Church Lessons From Peter’s Life Dr. Elmer L. Towns Lesson 3: Peter confesses Jesus is God February 3, 2008 A. INTRODUCTION 1. “When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

Lessons From Peter's Life: Lesson 4: Peter Denies Jesus

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 11, 2008

Sometimes the most effective way to learn is from the mistakes of others.

Pastor’s Bible Class Thomas Road Baptist Church Lessons From Peter’s Life Dr. Elmer L. Towns Lesson 4: Peter Denies Jesus February 10, 2008 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. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:33-75

Denomination: Baptist

Lessons From Peter's Life: Lesson 5: God Uses People Who Make Mistakes

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 18, 2008

God can use us in our mistakes and weakness just as He used Peter.

Pastor’s Bible Class Thomas Road Baptist Church Lessons From Peter’s Life Dr. Elmer L. Towns Lesson 5: God Uses People Who Make Mistakes February 17, 2008 INTRODUCTION – REVIEW 1. Indecisive: It took three calls to get Peter, What lesson did he learn? Commitment. 2. Unbelief: Peter sank in ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Praying Paul's Letters: Lesson 1

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 25, 2008

What can we learn from the figure of Paul and the letters he wrote?

Pastor’s Bible Class Thomas Road Baptist Church Praying Paul’s Letters Dr. Elmer L. Towns Lesson 1 February 24, 2008 A. WHO WAS PAUL? 1. Tentmaker. What was his father’s occupation? Acts 18:1-2. 2. Tarsus. Where was Paul born? (Turkey) 3. Legalistic. What can be said of his ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Praying Paul's Letters: Lesson 2

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Mar 6, 2008

What valuable insights can we gain from praying Paul’s letters?

Pastor’s Bible Class Thomas Road Baptist Church Praying Paul’s Letters Dr. Elmer L. Towns Lesson 2 March 2, 2008 A. WHY ARE LETTERS IMPORTANT TO US? 1. Hope. Picture a soldier overseas waiting for his name to be called. 2. Information. What’s going on at school/home? 3. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:23

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 2: Stewardship

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 11, 2007

Because God called us, we have an opportunity. “A man . . . called his own servants” (v. 4). “Faithful is He who calls you” (I Thess. 5:24).

“For [the kingdom of heaven is] like a man traveling to a far country, [who] called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-29

Denomination: Baptist