Sermons on Ray Stedman:

Prerequisites For Christian Discipleship

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Sep 10, 2007

What does Jesus mean when he said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me?” Luke 9:23

Prerequisites for Christian Discipleship Luke 9:23-26 The call of Jesus to be a disciple is a demanding call. The word “disciple” is related to the word “discipline.” A disciple is a learner and one who is teachable. A disciple is in training and following the instructions of a teacher. In ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-26

Denomination: Free Methodist

Unchanging Faith In A Changing World

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Sep 17, 2007

If the Apostles were living today I believe they would see all the advancement in technology as more ways to get the good news of the gospel out to the world.

Unchanging Faith in a Changing World I Peter 3:13-17 If the Apostles were living today I believe they would see all the advancement in technology as more ways to get the good news of the gospel out to the world. Researchers tell us that over 50% of Americans own cell phones, 70% own personal ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-17

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

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

Good News Of Great Joy

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 4, 2008

The message of Advent and the birth of Jesus are about joy. Joy is not found in gifts but in the Person, Jesus Christ.

Good News of Great Joy Luke 2:8-20 One of my favorite Christmas Carols is “Joy to the World, the Lord has come.” The message of Advent and the birth of Jesus are about joy. The angel announced to the shepherds: “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior, yes, the Messiah the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Free Methodist

God's Mission And Vision

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 14, 2008

God’s Mission is twofold: "To seek and to save the lost and make disciples of all people groups."

God’s Mission & Vision for the WVCC 2008 Numbers 13 There are many indicators that this will be a year of growth and outreach for the Willow Vale Community Church. Many of you are involved in prayer triplets that will meet ten times between December 16th to March 23; a hundred days of ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 13:1-26

Denomination: Free Methodist

God Still Speaks Today

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 22, 2008

Prayer is as much about listening as it is about talking to God. This message encourges members of the congregation to participate in small prayer groups.

God Still Speaks Today I Samuel 3:1-10 In First Samuel we find the people of Israel have gone back to their old ways of being indifferent toward their Creator. Their leader at the time was the high priest, Eli, an old man whose eyesight has begun to go bad. Unless something changes Eli will ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-10

Denomination: Free Methodist

Sustaining The Ministry Series

Contributed by Ray Mckendry on Feb 4, 2008

Introduction to the central truths of the gospel of Christ in order to maintain the ministry of the word of God among everyday believers.

Sustaining the Ministry: Introduction to the Book of ROMANS Rom 1:1 “Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

How A Loving Parent Can Build A Loving Family

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Feb 11, 2008

By studying the lives of Mary and Joseph we can learn how we can build a loving family.

How A Loving Parent Builds a Loving Family Luke 2:41-52 We don’t have a lot of information on the home life of Jesus. From the Biblical account of the home of Jesus we know that his parents were loving and caring parents. From birth to 12 Jesus had both parents at home. Sometime between the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:41-52

Denomination: Free Methodist

A Time For Personal Spiritual Renewal

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Feb 19, 2008

The natural drift in our Christian life is toward spiritual dryness, apathy and indifference. When we get into a spiritual rut – a grace with the ends knocked out - we are ready for a time of renewal.

A Time For Personal Spiritual Renewal Matthew 4:1-4 The natural drift in our Christian life is toward spiritual dryness, apathy and indifference. When we get into a spiritual rut – a grace with the ends knocked out - we are ready for a time of renewal. Out natural tendency is to drift from ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-4

Denomination: Free Methodist