Sermons on Town:

Writing Your Dream/Vision

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 1, 2006

“Vision . . . is a clear mental image of a preferable future, imparted by God to His chosen servants and is based upon an accurate understanding of God, self, and circumstance.” -George Barna, The Power of Vision

THREE ASPECTS OF VISION “Vision . . . is a clear mental image of a preferable future, imparted by God to His chosen servants and is based upon an accurate understanding of God, self, and circumstance.” -George Barna, The Power of Vision 1. God. Your vision comes from God, it is not thought up. 2. ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 23:7

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 6: The Coming Cultural Earthquake

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Nov 27, 2006

Don’t reject God who has spoken to us in the Word. Those who rejected God in the past did not escape His punishment, and you also will not escape if you do not listen and obey. God’s message is like an earthquake, because He promised, “Next time, I will

Hebrews 12:15-18 Don’t reject God who has spoken to us in the Word. Those who rejected God in the past did not escape His punishment, and you also will not escape if you do not listen and obey. God’s message is like an earthquake, because He promised, “Next time, I will shake not only the earth, ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:15-18

Denomination: Baptist

What Pain Teaches You: Lesson 1: When Pain Comes

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 13, 2006

Two kinds of pain. Physical pain. “Her pains came upon her” (I Sam. 4:19). Mental pain. “It was painful to realize the wicked purpose” (Ps. 73:16, ELT).

1. The most obvious observation, pain hurts! 2. Definition from Webster, (1) “Localized physical suffering associated with bodily disorder or disease or injury.” (2) Basic bodily sensation, induced by noxious stimulus, received by naked nerve endings, characterized by physical discomfort and ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

The Prayer Of Healing (Part 2)

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

A. WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT HEALING 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 ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

Praying The Proverbs: Lesson 1: The Fool

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Mar 29, 2006

Do everything possible to get a fool out of your life. “Cast out the fool and contention will leave” (22:10). Paul says, “What part has a believer with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living Go

A. ABOUT PROVERBS 1. A proverb is a brief pithy saying or popular saying that encapsulates a practical truth in one or two lines. Notice “verb” is part of the word Proverbs suggesting action. 2. Purpose: “Apply your heart to knowledge so you will gain wisdom.” a. Knowledge: learning a lot of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:15-16

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