Sermons on Ray Steadman:

What Is A Christian?

Contributed by Ray Pritchard on Jul 3, 2007

So what is a Christian? The answer is not as easy as you might think. Everything depends on how you define the word.

What is a Christian? 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10 A friend sent me an email telling about a question posed to her by a co-worker. Here is the exact text of the question: How is a Christian defined? It used to be that if you were not Jewish or Hindu or Buddhist, you were a Christian, whether Catholic or ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Grumblers Anonymous

Contributed by Ray Pritchard on Jul 3, 2007

I have done a lot of thinking about the problem of how to evaluate your own success in the ministry. We can say that we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others. That’s true, but we do it anyway.

Grumblers Anonymous Matthew 20:1-16 (I preached this sermon at the Spring Bible Conference at New Brunswick Bible Institute, April 26-29, 2007. The conference ended with the graduation ceremonies. This message was part of my series on the parables of Jesus.) I want to make a few predictions ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Father, Forgive Them

Contributed by Ray Pritchard on Jul 5, 2007

There is another way to say it. Jesus forgives people we wouldn’t forgive if we were God. And he saves people we would immediately send to hell.

Father, Forgive Them Luke 23:34 Here is part of an email from a friend: Do you have any suggestions for getting rid of bitterness? What do you do when you are dealing with a situation where you cannot go to the person and discuss the issue with them? Of course, we both know that that is the ideal ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:24

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Where Is Jesus When We Need Him?

Contributed by Ray Pritchard on Jul 5, 2007

It is Sunday. Jesus is dead. And they are going home. Their question is our question, only slightly rephrased. Where is Jesus when we need him? Where did he go? Why did he leave us?

Where is Jesus When We Need Him? Luke 24:13-35 Earlier this week I took a bike ride along the Natchez Trace. Exiting at Friendship Road, I rode a mile or two and came to Friendship Baptist Church, a neatly-kept brick building at the intersection of two country roads. Behind the church there was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Independent/Bible

When Christians Disagree

Contributed by Ray Pritchard on Jul 5, 2007

Christians disagree about almost everything. And when we disagree, we usually start a new church.

When Christians Disagree Acts 15:36-41 Christians disagree about almost everything. And when we disagree, we usually start a new church. Which reminds me of a story I heard a few years ago. A Scottish Presbyterian is rescued after many years of living alone on a desert island. When he is picked ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:36-41

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Ballistic Christianity

Contributed by Ray Pritchard on Jul 5, 2007

If God ever truly begins to do things we’re not used to, the world as we know it will be turned upside down.

Ballistic Christianity Matthew 9:35-38 It must have been about twenty-two years ago that our family attended a week-long Bible conference at a Christian conference center near North Platte, Nebraska. A family in the church I pastored in Garland, Texas paid for all our expenses so we could make ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:35-38

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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

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

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

Who Is A Disciple Of Jesus?

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 22, 2007

Jesus gave gives clear teaching on what the conditions are to become a disciple in Luke 9:23-24.

“Who is a Disciple of Jesus?” Matthew 28:19-20/ Luke 9:23-24 Jesus gave the command to all His followers, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”Matthew 28:19 Making disciples is a process, “Going” ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-24

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Gospel Rooster

Contributed by Ray Mullinax on Apr 26, 2007

Here is one rooster that really entered the ministry!

The Gospel Rooster Luke 22:60-62 Here is one rooster that really entered the ministry! He has been called a sanctified (set apart) rooster. Jesus foretold of his crowing (preaching) Notice some things about this unusual rooster: I. He Did What He Could ~ “This rooster crowed” Ephesians 4:11, “And ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:60-62

Denomination: Baptist