Sermons on Ray Steadman:

What Faith Is

Contributed by Ray Mckendry on Aug 20, 2007

From the Faith Chapter, a reminder that faith comes from hearing God’s word and obeying it.

What Faith Is Heb 11:1-16 Introduction This is the great chapter on faith. It is the greatest example of faith in the whole Bible. In the last few verses of the previous chapter, the writer outlines how the Hebrew Christians in Rome needed to persevere in their faith. “Therefore do not cast away ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

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

How To Celebrate Thanksgiving

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Nov 20, 2006

Thanksgiving and joy are linked together. When we focus on thanksgiving and praise we enjoy the attitude and spirit of joy in our life.

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving Leviticus 23:34-40 Luke 17:11-19 When I check out the comics in the newspaper I look at two comic strips: Peanuts and Garfield. My top comic strip is Peanuts, written by the late Charles Schulz. Schultz describes the lives and relationships of Charlie Brown, Lucy, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

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

Christian Life - Winners Are Finishers

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Aug 2, 2004

The Christian Life is much like a person in training to participate in the Olypic Games in Athens this summer, 2004.

Christian Life – Winners are Finishers -Set a Spiritual Goal- Hebrews 12:1-2 Have you noticed that you sometimes do better when you have people cheering for you as you compete in sporting events? I remember one of the first basketball games I played in when I was Junior High age. My dad was ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Denomination: Free Methodist

"Are You Ready For The Rapture?"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Aug 6, 2004

Jesus will come ... He will come quickly ... we have a responsibility while we wait ... we are to look for Him with eager anticipation.

“Are You Ready For The Rapture?” INTRODUCTION: I begin this morning a SERIES on “The Rapture”. In the weeks ahead we will take a look at “The Signs of His Coming” … “What Jesus Expects Us To Do Until He Comes” … “What It Will Be Like For The SAVED/LOST Immediately After The Rapture”. Do you ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:3-4

Denomination: Baptist

Become A Committed Follower Of Jesus

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Aug 9, 2004

Our lifelong goal is to become more and more like Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 helps us on that journey.

Become a Committed Follower of Jesus Hebrews 12:1-2 Philippians 3:12-14 As we “Go for the gold” in our Christian life our goal is Christ-likeness. The Hebrew writer challenges us to keep the goal before us and not forget it. “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

Denomination: Free Methodist

Turn Life's Challenges Into Positive Life Lessons

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Aug 16, 2004

By the grace of God you can turn your failures and challenges in life into positive life lessons.

Turn Life’s Challenges Into Positive Life Lessons Hebrews 12:1 Introduction: Pastor Ray comes from the back of the church down the aisle with a back pack and carrying a number items including: small TV, tennis racquet, cell phone, etc. I’m sorry I’m late but I am slowed down by the weights I ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Free Methodist

"Fellowship In The Church"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Aug 17, 2004

Used as a Homecoming message, this sermon examines the 3 objectives of the church: Doctrine, Fellowship, and Prayer.

“Fellowship In The Church” INTRODUCTION: TODAY, we’re going to take a POSITIVE look at the church. Too often, the church gets a “bad rap”. Some people might have a NEGATIVE view of the church. BUT … I don’t see it that way. Have you ever NOT WANTED to come to church? STORY: One Saturday ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42

Denomination: Baptist

"What Are The Signs Of The Last Days?"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Aug 17, 2004

To see the soon return of our Lord, we just need to look at what the visible church, the established church will be like just before the Rapture.

“What Are The Signs Of The Last Days? 2 Timothy 3:1-5 INTRODUCTION: We CONTINUE our series on “The Rapture”. Sunday Morning, we saw that Jesus is coming … He is coming quickly … AND … it could be SOON. In the meantime, we have a RESPONSIBILITY, as we await His return with JOYOUS ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

"Immediately After The Rapture - The Saved"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Aug 19, 2004

Continuing in a series on "The Rapture" ... This message answers the question "What is in store for the Christian immediately after the Rapture?"

“Immediately After The Rapture – The SAVED” INTRODUCTION: Read 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 One day, a great event is going to take place … the RAPTURE of the Church. Jesus Christ will return, and take His Church … His Bride … all the saved … back home to be with Him forever. It could happen at any ...read more

Denomination: Baptist