Sermons on Albert Ellis:

"Because Jesus Lives"

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Apr 17, 2006

An Easter Message that declares the resurrection of Jesus as a historical fact.

“Because Jesus Lives” -The Resurrection is a Historical Fact- Mark 16:1-7 Matthew 28:18-20 In His closing remarks before his ascension into heaven Jesus gave this promise, “I’ll be with you always to the very end of the age.” Our hope today is the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. He is alive ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-7

Denomination: Free Methodist

Energized For Victorious Living

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Sep 5, 2006

Before Jesus ascended into heaven He gave His disciples the promise that He would send the Holy Spirit to fill them and empower them so they could continue His work and ministry on earth.

Energized for Victorious Living “Come Thirsty” John 7:37-39 As we celebrate this Labor Day weekend it’s a good time to reflect on our work. Whatever your work is you should be able to work and bring glory to God. If you’re retired your retirement should be lived to bring glory to God. When ...read more

Scripture: John 7:37-39

Denomination: Free Methodist

What It Means To Be A Committed Leader

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Sep 10, 2006

There are no insignificant ministries in the church. Every person serving in the church make up a network of volunteers for Jesus.

What It Means to be a Committed Leader I Corinthians 3:5-6 This past week I received the following “Christian One Liners” in an e-mail. Don’t let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case. Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:5-6

Denomination: Free Methodist

What It Means To Be A Fully Devoted Disciple

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Sep 18, 2006

There is a difference in the life-style of a fully devoted disciple and one who is not fully devoted.

What it Means to be a Fully Devoted Disciple Luke 9:23-26 Luke 9:57-62 There is a difference in the life-style of a fully devoted disciple and one who is not fully devoted. When I think of my life as a new Christian I was like a roller coaster. I was up and down in my spiritual life. I had ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-26

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Positive Side Of Doubt

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Oct 4, 2006

There is a positive side of doubt. When doubts push us to study and examine why we believe what we believe the searching can help us grow spiritually.

The Positive Side of Doubt -How Doubts can help you grow spiritually- Apostle’s Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 1:2-4

Denomination: Free Methodist

Characteristics Of A Missional Church

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Nov 13, 2006

The early church described in Acts 2 is a model for churches today. It was a Missional Church.

Characterists of a Missional Church Acts 2:41-47 What has been your experience in attending church? Has your experience been pleasant and exciting or boring and frustrating? My first memory of church was the small church located across the street from our house in Gypsum, Kansas. On Sunday ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:41-47

Denomination: Free Methodist

When Jesus Returns Will He Find Us Faithful

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Feb 6, 2007

We may do many great things in our life-time according to the standards of this world. But the paramount question we all must face is this, “When Jesus returns will he find us faithful?”

When Jesus returns will He find us faithful? (The Command of Jesus – “Teaching to Obey”) Matthew 28:19 Luke 17:22-30 Here are some announcements that appeared in church bulletins. Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:22-30

Denomination: Free Methodist

How Worldly Love Compares To Biblical Love

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Feb 9, 2007

There are many things that Biblical loves pushes a person not to do. Biblical love sets boundaries.

Ho w Worldly Love Compares to Biblical Love I Corinthians 13:4-7 The late Charles Schultz in his comic strip, “Peanuts” teaches a lot of common sense about life. Schultz has Lucy asking Charlie Brown a question: “You know what I don’t understand?” Then she answers her own question, “I don’t ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Denomination: Free Methodist

How To Overflow In Rich Generosity

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Feb 20, 2007

The way the churches in Macedonia responded to helping the Christians in Jerusalem is a guide for the living and giving of all Christians. Paul’s instruction to the Christians in Corinth can be our guide to “Overflowing in Rich Generosity.”

How to Overflow in Rich Generosity -Discover the Grace of Giving- II Corinthians 8:1-7 I want you to turn to the person sitting next to you and say one word, “Stewardship.” Ask each other what the first word is that comes to your mind. A steward is a “guardian,” “manager,” “provider,” II ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-7

Denomination: Free Methodist

Jesus Our Promised Messiah

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 4, 2006

Like John the Baptizer we need to be reminded from time to time that Jesus is our promised Messiah.

Jesus our Promised Messiah Matthew 11:1-6 John the Baptizer was now in prison for preaching about the Kingdom of God. He sent his disciples to ask Jesus question: “Are you really the Messiah we’ve been waiting for, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Matthew 11:3 NLT) This question ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:1-6

Denomination: Free Methodist

A Fully Devoted Disciple

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 12, 2006

This message was given at memorial service for a long-time member of the Willow Vale Community Church.

Virgil Lorenz – A Fully Devoted Disciple Memorial Service December 9, 2006 When I reflected on the life and family of Virgil Lorenz there were several scriptures that came to my mind. For the past nine years I have served as Virgil’s pastor and believe that Virgil modeled what a fully devoted ...read more

Scripture: John 3:30

Denomination: Free Methodist

One Stop Shopping

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 24, 2006

There is only one place I know where we can go for one-stop shopping and fill the void in a person’s heart and life. The place is actually a person – Jesus.

“One Stop Shopping” Isaiah 9:1-7 At our stage of life with 4 children and 14 grandchildren Carollyn and I try to keep our Christmas shopping simple. When our children were younger we would race from store to store trying to buy the latest toy for our children. Do any of you remember the Cabbage ...read more

Denomination: Free Methodist

Jesus The True Light Of Christmas

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 24, 2006

Ever since the brightness of heaven flooded the hills of Bethlehem; and the far off twinkling star guided Eastern wise-men to the new born King…Christ has been the Light of the world, and we have celebrated Christmas with colorful lights.

Jesus the True Light of Christmas John 1:1-9 Isaiah 9:1-2 The Apostle John in his Gospel the first chapter gives us a description of the person and work of Jesus Christ. :”In the beginning was the Word, (Jesus) and the Word (Jesus) was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-9

Denomination: Free Methodist

Unwrap The Gift Of Joy This Christmas

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 24, 2006

The angel said, “I bring you good news.” Christ is our good news of great joy.. Regardless of the circumstances, the pain, or problems, we look to Jesus, He is our good news. In Christ we can face life with optimism and joy.

Un-wrap the Gift of Joy this Christmas Luke 2:10 “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” The angel said, “I bring you good news.” Christ is our good news of great joy.. Regardless of the circumstances, the pain, or ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:10, Luke 3:10-11

Denomination: Free Methodist

"Be A Barnabas"

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Sep 7, 2004

Everyone needs a Barnabas. We all need someone to come along beside us and give us encouragement. This message encourages every Christian to be a Barnabas.

Be A Barnabas Acts 9:19-30 Everyone needs a Barnabas. We all need someone to come along beside us and give us encouragement from time to time. We don’t need someone to come up to us and give us a litany of everything that is wrong with us. We need people to build us up and encourage us. When ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:19-30

Denomination: Free Methodist