Sermons on Ray Stedman:

Finding And Keeping Joy In A Joyless World

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Oct 17, 2003

Thanksgiving reminds us to choose a life of praise and thanksgiving. A life of praise and thanksgiving means the difference between a life of optimism or a life of pessimism.

Finding and Keeping Joy in a Joyless World Psalm 100 As we approach a day set aside for national Thanksgiving God’s Word reminds us that we need to give God heartfelt thanksgiving. Thanksgiving from your heart is the way to find and keep joy in your life. On December 4, 1619 38 English settlers ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 100:1-5

Denomination: Free Methodist

Living In A Lions Den Without Being Eaten

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Oct 17, 2003

We find helpful foundational teachings in Daniel 5 and 6 to help us survive attacks of our enemy. Who is our primary enemy: The Bible says, Satan goes about like a roaring lion."

Living in the Lions Den Without Being Eaten Daniel 5:1-6:28 Has there been a time in your life you felt you were under attack? One of the times in my life and family that I experienced attacks from evil happened when I was pastor of the FMC in Taylor, Michigan. (Myrtle Hannah) We find helpful ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 5:1-2

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Local Church - God's Missionary People

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Oct 20, 2003

The DNA of the Local Church is made up of core values, vision and mission. If someone were to walk up to a member of the church and ask: "What is the mission of this church?" What would you answer be?

The Local Church – God’s Missionary People CHURCH SIGNS The best vitamin for a Christian is B1." "Soul food served here." "Tithe if you love Jesus! Anyone can honk!" "Beat the Christmas rush, come to church this Sunday!" "Don’t wait for the hearse to take you to church." "Don’t give up. Moses ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:12-13, Matthew 5:14-16

Denomination: Free Methodist

"Don't Lose Your Key"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Oct 21, 2003

Every Christian has a "key" of the gospel ... that will unlock the door to the Kingdom of Heaven. We need to use it through the proclamation of the Word of God.

“Don’t Lose Your Key” Matthew 16:13-20 INTRODUCTION: We continue in our series on ‘Great Events In The Life And Ministry Of Jesus’. Jesus is getting closer to the cross – 16:21 Jesus wants the Disciples to see how far they’ve come … SO … He asks – 16:15 o If they are going to establish the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

"Jacob - The Man Who Wrestled With God"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Oct 21, 2003

In Jacob, we see that we wrestle with the same problems as he does. We have the same weaknesses. And, God has the same lessons for us.

“Jacob – The Man Who Wrestled With God” INTRODUCTION: It’s interesting to study the people of the Bible. We find out that they’re not much different than we are. They dressed different … ate different things … different culture … different times … BUT … the same in so many ways. We can SEE ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"Transfigured With Christ"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Nov 5, 2003

This message takes a practical look at the Transfiguration, and gleans lessons for Christian living.

“Transfigured With Christ” Matthew 17:1-8 INTRODUCTION: We continue in our series on ‘Great Events In The Life And Ministry Of Jesus”. This is one of the greatest, and perhaps one of the most complex, occurrences in the life of Christ. There are several ways we can look at the Transfiguration. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

"From Failure To Faith"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Nov 5, 2003

There is a connection between POWER and PRAYER. When even limited faith is focused on the power of Jesus, He can do great things in your life.

“From Failure To Faith” Mark 9:14-29 INTRODUCTION: We continue in our series on ‘Great Events In The Live And Ministry Of Christ’. Jesus had just come from the mountain-top experience of the Transfiguration (last Sunday’s message). Jesus had allowed his glory to shine through, as He and the ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:14-29

Denomination: Baptist

The Challenge Of Turning Critics Into Friends

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Mar 13, 2006

Job learned how to handle criticism and with God’s help turned his critics into friends.

The Challenge of Turning Critics into Friends Job 23:10-14 How do you handle criticism? Job had his share of critics. He learned to handle his critics with class. God helped Job turn his critics into friends. In fact God encouraged his critics to become prayer partners with Job. Job ...read more

Scripture: Job 23:10-14

Denomination: Free Methodist

Finding Hope In Time Of Adversity

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Mar 20, 2006

During a time of adversity, pain and darkness, Job speaks words like jewels of diamonds and apples of gold. In the life of Job we can find hope.

Finding Hope in times of Adversity Job 19:25-27 During a time of adversity, pain and darkness, Job speaks words like jewels of diamonds and apples of gold: “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I ...read more

Scripture: Job 19:25-27

Denomination: Free Methodist

"The Crucifixion: Through The Eyes Of The Soldiers"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Apr 3, 2006

Many viewed the crucifixion. This message gives the story of the crucifixion "Through The Eyes Of The Soldiers".

“CRUCIFIXION – From The Eyes Of A Soldier” INTRODUCTION: There are many CHARACTERS involved in the crucifixion: · 4 women at cross: Mary, Mary Magdalene, Mary wife of Clopas, Salome (Mary’s sister) … John. · Pilate, Herod … JUDAS who betrayed Jesus … PETER who denied Jesus … BARABBAS who was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:22

Denomination: Baptist

"Resurrection Reactions"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Apr 11, 2006

Have you ever looked at the various emotions and reactions to the resurrection of Jesus? They might sruprise you. This message deals with the emotions involved in the resurrection.

“Resurrection Reactions” INTRODUCTION: 1st Easter was very EMOTIONAL time. · A FRIEND had just been executed as criminal. · Roman Soldiers everywhere … atmosphere was tense & uncomfortable. · Disciples were frightened & confused. · Passover time … thoughts on death … sacrifices … deliverance ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

"Because Jesus Lives"

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Apr 17, 2006

An Easter Message that declares the resurrection of Jesus as a historical fact.

“Because Jesus Lives” -The Resurrection is a Historical Fact- Mark 16:1-7 Matthew 28:18-20 In His closing remarks before his ascension into heaven Jesus gave this promise, “I’ll be with you always to the very end of the age.” Our hope today is the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. He is alive ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:1-7

Denomination: Free Methodist

Minister One To Another

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Sep 26, 2005

This messager describes several ways we carry out the command to "Minister One to Another."

Minister One to Another Romans 12:3-5 Ecc. 4:9-10 I Thess 5:11 The Apostle Paul in his writings teaches that we are to “minister to one another.” One of the hardest times in my life was when I started high school in a new city, Sterling, Kansas. I moved from Gypsum to Sterling a city four times ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:3-5

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Christian Life - An Exciting Adventure

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Sep 27, 2005

This message is a testimony of how God guides our life as ministers of the Gospel.

The Christian Life—An Exciting Adventure Matthew 4:18-22 Jesus gives the invitation: “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Where God Guides He provides The Christian life is an exciting adventure. I have learned over the years that ”Where God guides He provides.” When you open a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22

Denomination: Free Methodist

Honor The Overlooked

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Sep 27, 2005

This message consider the Shepherds that first heard of the birth of Jesus. The message gives honor to those who are often overlooked.

Honor the Overlooked Luke 2:8-20 This morning I want to consider the Shepherds that first heard of the birth of Jesus. I want us to give honor to those who are often overlooked. Abraham Lincoln once said, "Die when I may, I want it said of me by those who know me best that I have always ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Free Methodist