Sermons on Albert Ellis:

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

Living A Generous Life

Contributed by Ray Ellis on May 21, 2008

There are two ways to approach life, with a clenched fish or an open hand. A clenched fist person says: “All I have, I have gained on my own.” An opened hand person says, “All I have, God has provided and blessed. I am just a manager of all God has gi

Living a Generous Life Exodus 4:1-5 It took God speaking to Moses from a burning bush to get the attention of Moses and make a life-changing impact on Moses. Moses was about 40 years old when he left Egypt and fled to Midian and there he worked as a Shepherd 40 years for the Priest of Midian, ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 4:1-5

Denomination: Free Methodist

Launch Out To Deep Water

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jun 2, 2008

From a Human perspective the world seems hopeless, but with Jesus there are no hopeless situations.

“Launch Out Into the Deep” Luke 5:1-7 From 1980 to 1988 we lived in Florida and I traveled the State of Florida working with our Free Methodist churches. When not traveling we attended the St. Petersburg FMC. One gentleman in the church gave me a standing invitation. Anytime I wanted to go ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-7

Denomination: Free Methodist

People Of The Word

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 3, 2005

Why don’t more people take time to read and study God’s Word. This coming year let’s make Jesus our model. Become a "People of the Word."

People of the Word -Let the Word of Christ Dwell in your richly- Colossians 3:16-17 Our model for Christian growth is Jesus. Jesus grew “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52) Throughout his life Jesus sought guidance from scripture and obeyed the written Word of ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:16-17

Denomination: Free Methodist

Gifts That Are Not Soon Forgotten"

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 3, 2005

The Birth of Christ is about God gift of salvation in the person of Jesus, His only begotten Son. Gifts that we give and receive at Christmas are often forgotten, but the gifts that surround the birth of Jesus are gifts that cannot be forgotten.

“Gifts That Are Not Soon Forgotten” Luke 2:8-20 The Birth of Christ is about God gift of salvation in the person of Jesus, His only begotten Son. Gifts that we give and receive at Christmas are often forgotten, but the gifts that surround the birth of Jesus are gifts that cannot be forgotten. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Free Methodist

"Turn Stress Into Strength"

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 10, 2005

There is a common experience for every person in all nationalities andcultures. Everyone experiences stress. By God’s grace and making wise choices we can turn stress into strength.

“Turn Stress Into Strength” Ruth 1:1-22, 4:13-17 Romans 8:28 John 16:33 There is a common experience for every person in all nationalities and cultures. We all experience stress. We all have to learn to live with stress. The highest times of stress in a person’s life include: Death in the ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-22

Denomination: Free Methodist

Forward In Faith

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 17, 2005

As we enter 2005 we are going forward this year in faith. James 4:2 says, “You have not because you ask not.” This year we want to ask BIG. We want to go forward in faith and take God at His Word.

Forward in Faith in 2005 We have much to praise God for as we plan for the coming year. At the end of 2004 we ended the year with a balance of $2,000.00. We had tithes and offerings that totaled $2,000 more than our expenses. At the end of 2003 we ended the year with deep red-ink. Our theme ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:6

Denomination: Free Methodist

Christian Hospitality

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 17, 2005

The most important thing you can do in serving the Lord is not serving the Lord. Living for Jesus is more about “being” than “doing.”

Christian Hospitality Luke 10:38-42 James 2:1-4 The most important thing you can do in serving the Lord is not serving the Lord. Living for Jesus is more about “being” than “doing.” When I was a student at Central College I had a classmate who was an outstanding student. After he graduated ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Free Methodist

Your Greatest Freedom

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jul 2, 2007

This message responds to the 21st century views in America that believe all truth is relative.

Your Greatest Freedom -Truth Will Set You Free John 8:31-36 As we celebrate the 4th of July this week we need to praise God that for now we are still “A Nation under God.” We live in a country founded upon the principles of freedom. For the past 230 years America has been led for the most part ...read more

Scripture: John 8:31-36

Denomination: Free Methodist

Life's Greatest Influences

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jul 16, 2007

This message examines scripture that describes Life’s Greatest Influences. Three influences lead people away from God and one influence leads people to God.

Three Verses One -Life’s Greatest Influences- Matthew 13:18-23 This morning I want to examine scripture that describes Life’s Greatest Influences. I’m titled the message, “Three Verses One.” I want us to look at three influences that lead people away from God and one influence that leads people ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:18-23

Denomination: Free Methodist

Prepare For Summer Spiritual Harvest

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jun 11, 2007

This message focusing on challenging the congergation to participate in reaching out for a summer harvest.

Let’s Prepare for a Summer Harvest Matthew 9:37-38 What are your plans for this summer? Are you planning on spending extra time with your family and relatives? Are you planning a vacation to have fun in the sun? This summer I want us to think about preparing for a summer harvest. I have ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38

Denomination: Free Methodist

Fathers: Bless Your Family

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jun 18, 2007

The scriptures teach that a father’s blessing makes a great difference on the life of a son or daughter getting his blessing.

Fathers: Bless Your Family Matthew 3:16-17 Our attitudes toward our father tend to change over the years. My Father When I Was …. 4 years old: My daddy can do anything. 5 years old: My daddy knows a whole lot. 6 years old: My dad is smarter than your dad. 8 years old: My dad doesn’t ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17

Denomination: Free Methodist