Sermons on Ray Charles:

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

Reaching Out In Love

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Oct 3, 2005

Jesus would have us as a local church to get involved in outreach for Kingdom growth.

Reaching Out in Love I Thessalonians 2:8 (New Century Version) “Because we loved you, we were happy to share not only God’s good news with you; but even our own lives.” A year ago we did a survey of 350 homes in our community. In our survey we asked several brief questions: 1. How long have ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Denomination: Free Methodist

Go On To Spiritual Maturity

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Oct 10, 2005

As Christians we are not to be satisfied to remain as baby Christians we are to keep growing in knowledge and understanding of the things of God.

Go on to Spiritual Maturity Philippians 1:9-11 (NLT) In this passage of scripture the Apostle Paul gives the admonition: “Keep on growing.” During the past year have you grown in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ? 2 Peter 3:18, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:9-11

Denomination: Free Methodist

Partners In Ministry

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Oct 17, 2005

God created each of us for a purpose. God endowed us with certain gifts, unique to us alone. We can use these gifts for the building up of the Body of Christ or use them for selfish ends.

Partners in Ministry Philippians 2:1-4 – People matter to God and should matter to you. I Peter 4:10 - “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” I Corinthians 3:9 “We work together as partners who belong to ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-4

Denomination: Free Methodist

The New Year Is Aglow With Opportunities Series

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Nov 1, 2005

This sermon looks at Daniel as a model for living in the world but not compromising to the world.

The New Year is Aglow with Opportunities Daniel 1:1-7 Romans 5:1-8 (Message) As we enter the 21st Century in America we are faced with many challenges and opportunities. As a Christian we are rowing upstream against a society that is basically anti-Christian. Many things about the future are ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-7, Romans 5:1-8, Romans 5:6-21

Denomination: Free Methodist

A Command With A Promise

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Nov 1, 2005

A message to the family using Exocus 20:12 "Honor your father and mother..."

A Command With A Promise Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." Introduction Last Sunday evening we had a helpful video and lively discussion on the topic: "How to Really Love Your Child." Tonight the video and ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:12

Denomination: Free Methodist

A Forgotten Word In The 21st Century

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Nov 1, 2005

The goal of this message is to show that A life of contentment is being committed to marginal living.

A Forgotten Word in the 21st Century Philippians 4:10-13 There are a number of words that are not forgotten in our 21st Century culture: Success – “How to achieve and maintain success” is a popular subject. “Bull” and “Bear” are topics that are debated. Power, Popularity, Poverty, Rich, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:10-13

Denomination: Free Methodist

God Guides Your Tomorrows

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Nov 1, 2005

A message to youth from proverbs 3:5-6.

God Guides your Tomorrows - God has a Plan for Your Life- Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight (or will direct your paths)." How does a person find God’s will? Random ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6

Denomination: Free Methodist

Barriers And Antidotes To Healthy Relationships

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Nov 15, 2005

Our goal as a congregation is to build healthy relationships so together we can make a greater impact upon our surrounding community.

Barriers and Antidotes to Healthy Relationships Philippians 2:5-11 Romans 12:5 “Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other.” (God’s Word Translation) For the past month we have been involved in “40 Days of Community.” The goal of our study has been to build healthy ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

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

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

Develop Your Life Plan For 2007

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 8, 2007

There are five areas of your life you can set goals as you develop your life plan and map for the coming year.

Develop Your Life Plan for 2007 -Living the Life God Meant for you to live- James 4:14-15 Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you,, plans to give you hope and a future.” Proverbs 16:9 “In his heart a man plans his course, ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17

Denomination: Free Methodist

"Until He Comes"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Jan 9, 2007

The Scriptures specifically tell us what we are to be doing "Until He Comes".

“Until He Comes” Introduction: Do you remember those dreaded words your Mother would say to you when you were a child? “Wait until your Father comes home!” It was a long, anxious, dreary wait, wasn’t it? Jesus told us that He’s coming back. But, it doesn’t have to be with dreaded anticipation, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:11-13

Denomination: Baptist

Fulfilling God's Vison By Connecting With Our Community

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 16, 2007

In this passage in Luke Jesus makes it clear that His Vision for His followers and the church is to connect with the surrounding community.

Fulfilling God’s Vision by Connecting with Our Community Luke 9:1-6 In this passage in Luke Jesus makes it clear that His Vision for His followers and the church is to connect with the surrounding community. Jesus sent out his twelve apostles and gave them power and authority to cast out demons ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:1-6

Denomination: Free Methodist