Sermons on Ray Charles:

The Three Cs Of Discipleship

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jun 8, 2009

Becoming a Christ follower is conditional. We have the choice to say, “Yes” or “No” to becoming a disciple of Jesus. Jesus said, “If anyone will come after me…” Jesus gives the invitation and then leaves the choice up to us.

The Three “Cs” of Discipleship Luke 9:23-26 During my twelve years of ministry here the mission of the Willow Vale Church has been: “Bringing people to Jesus, loving, equipping and sending them out to make more and better disciples.” Jesus gave us the mission and purpose of the church ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-26

Denomination: Free Methodist

Making Room For Christ At Christmas

Contributed by Ray Swift on Dec 2, 2009

Instead of trusting in a stimulus package or a health care reform system that only creates false hope, believers can prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the hope of the world.

FBMB November 29, 2009 Sunday Morning Making Room for Christ at Christmas Luke 2: 36-38 Intro.: I have a big announcement to make this morning. No it’s not about someone being pregnant, it’s not about a sports team going to a bowl game, it’s not a new stimulus package, it’s not about the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:36-38

Denomination: Baptist

The 5 P's Of Sunday School

Contributed by Ray Swift on Dec 2, 2009

An overview of concepts and principles that make up the Sunday School that will keep its focus. Presented in a training session.

FBMB March 6, 2005 Sunday School Training Make Up Session The 5 P’s of Sunday School Intro.: Welcome to the Sunday School training make up session. Welcome teachers and other SS leadership. Welcome to those who are not-yet in SS leadership roles. Your time here today is important and I’m going ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2-5

Denomination: Baptist

Is Right Still Right?

Contributed by Ray Swift on Dec 2, 2009

What does the Bible teach about what is right? Why believers need to know right, learn right and do right?

FBMB February 22, 2009 Sunday Morning “Is Right Still Right?” Daniel 1:8; 3:18 Intro.: Ever since God created man and gave him the ability to think – we have consistently made wrong decisions. From Adam to Abraham, from Moses to Matthew to Mary, from Joseph to Jonah to John. From the Bible to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

This Is My Story

Contributed by Ray Swift on Dec 2, 2009

A message that deals with the change God makes when one gives their life to Christ in faith and the end result of sharing that story with others.

FBMB October 11, 2009 Sunday Morning This Is My Story Deuteronomy 6:23; 9:1 Intro.: Today we continue in our message theme series, “This Is My Story.” Every believer is being encouraged to write their story of how they met Christ and how Christ changed their life. Also want to encourage you to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Finding Strength For The New Year

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 28, 2009

A message on finding strength during times of personal and national crisis and challenge. Given the last Sunday in 2009.

Finding Strength for the New Year Where do you find strength in times of personal and national challenges? Where do you find strength when a member of your family has a pre-mature death? How do you make it through hurtful experiences that are not justified? Last November I attended a church ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 22:1-5

Denomination: Free Methodist

The God Of Beginning Again

Contributed by Ray Swift on Jan 4, 2010

A New Years message that focuses on keeping our eys on the goal and Scripturally managing our time.

FBMB January 3, 2010 Sunday Morning “The God of Beginning Again” Judges 8:4 Intro.: Welcome to 2010. Today we crossed over the threshold for another year. Just as a new year has started I would like to remind you that the God of another year is a God of wonderful and amazing grace. He is the ...read more

Scripture: Judges 8:4

Denomination: Baptist

"What You Talkin' About, Jesus?"

Contributed by Paul Ray on Aug 10, 2009

Throughout the Gospel of John you will find Jesus using simple, yet clever, analogies about wind, water, bread, wine, doors, shepherds, light, – etc. Each instance was a teaching moment - created by misunderstandings among His audience.

August 2, 2009 “What You Talkin’ About, Jesus?” John 4:7-15 / John 3:1-9 A few years ago there was a situation comedy, Diff’rent Strokes, where two cute young black boys were living, as adopted brothers, in an upperclass white family, and invariably there would come a time in each ...read more

Scripture: John 4:7-15

Denomination: Congregational

Show Love, Don't Grumble

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Sep 7, 2009

Biblical basis for having a ministry of encouragement.

-Show Love, Don’t Grumble- Philippians 4:6-8 Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight O Lord my strength and my redeemer.” I Peter 4:8-9, “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.” ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 19:8-14

Denomination: Free Methodist

God's Grace Sends You Walking

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Mar 5, 2007

God is for you and not against you whatever your situation. God’s grace is sufficient for you.

“God’s Grace Sends Us Walking” Ephesians 2:8-9 Romans 5:8 An ad for the U.S. Marines pictures a sword, and beneath it the words: “Earned, not given.” If you want to become a Marine, be prepared to earn the right to be called a “Marine” through sacrifice, hardship, and training. If you get it, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9

Denomination: Free Methodist

Who Knows Jesus And Does It Matter?

Contributed by Ray Mckendry on Mar 5, 2007

Discovering who Jesus is and why it matters to your life.

Who Knows Jesus and Does It Matter? Luke 4: 1-13 4:1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 4:2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

What Jesus Taught About Sin

Contributed by Ray Mckendry on Mar 12, 2007

An examination of Luke 13 to see what Jesus taught about the nature of sin.

“There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 13:2 And Jesus answered and said to them, "Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 13:3 "I tell ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Of What Kind Of Spirit Are You?

Contributed by Ray Mckendry on Mar 12, 2007

The effective work of the Holy Spirit in the believer according to Jesus’ words in John 15:26-27, & 16:4b-15

John 15:26-27, & 16:4b-15 WHEN THE HELPER COMES… 15:26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.” 16:1 "These ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Paul's Story Can Become Your Story

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Mar 19, 2007

Many of the teachings of Jesus were in the form of stories. There is power in a story. Everyone has a story. If given a chance everyone likes to tell his/her story.

Paul’s Story Can Become Your Story -Journey to the Cross and Beyond- Acts 9:1-6 Many of the teachings of Jesus were in the form of stories. There is power in a story. Everyone has a story. If given a chance everyone likes to tell his/her story. There are some words that when you hear them, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-9

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Rebel Son And The Loving Father

Contributed by Ray Mckendry on Mar 19, 2007

Jesus’ purpose is to teach us that we have become lost in sin through our own wilful actions and that God has loved us back to Himself.

The Rebel Son and the Loving Father THE MESSAGE: Lk 15:11 “Then he said, ‘There was once a man who had two sons. 12 The younger said to his father, “Father, I want right now what’s coming to me.” 13 It wasn’t long before the younger son packed his bags and left for a distant country. There, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Baptist