Sermons on Ray Vander Laan:

Every Knee Shall Bow

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Mar 22, 2002

An evangelistic message declaring that a day is coming when every knee shall bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

“Every Knee Shall Bow” Philippians 2:1-11 A day is coming that will be unlike any other day in world history. Philippians 2:10-11, “At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of god the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11

Denomination: Free Methodist

How To Thrive Spiritually

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Mar 22, 2002

Everyone needs a mentor and friend to accomplish all that God calls them to do.

“Friendships – the way to Thrive Spiritually” Acts 9:10-19 What is it that helps you survive and thrive spiritually in a world that is not friendly to Christians? Most of us would have to answer: Family and friends. Our family and friends have been our primary encouragers to survive ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-18

Denomination: Free Methodist

What It Means To Be A Christian

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jun 4, 2002

"The Disciples were called Christians First at Antiioch."

What It Means to Be a Christian Acts 11:19-26 Verse 26c “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” The US News reported on a poll taken in America. People across America were asked the question? “Are you a Christian?” 86% said, “Yes I am.” If you asked the same people what it ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-8

Denomination: Free Methodist

Father: Build Up Sacred Walls Around Your Family Series

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jun 18, 2002

Fathers that build sacred walls bring unity to the family and not alienation.

Fathers: Build Up Sacred Walls Around Your Family Nehemiah 2:11-18 Nehemiah is well known for his abilities as a leader. He not only built up walls to protect families he also built up people. Nehemiah built sacred walls to provide security for the people of Jerusalem. This is the calling of ...read more

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Joy Of Finding What Was Lost

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Nov 4, 2002

When one person comes to faith in Jesus there is rejoicing in heaven. Who are sinners and who are the righteous are described in this message.

“The Joy of Finding What Was Lost” Luke 15 The primary thrust of Jesus’ mission on earth was finding lost people. Jesus said: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:10) Jesus was not talking about finding people who were lost as they were traveling from one city to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-31

Denomination: Free Methodist

How To Overcome Temptation

Contributed by Ray Searan on Nov 15, 2002

This is a sermon that explains how christians can overcome temptation.

How to Overcome Temptation Text: Matthew 4:1-11 Subject: Temptation Theme: How to overcome temptation Introduction: Lead Sentence: There are many temptations in life that we must overcome. 1. For example, when we go out fishing we must overcome the temptation to catch more ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

Thanksgiving & Joy

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Nov 21, 2002

The First Family, Mary and Joseph, modeled the qualities of Thanksgiving and Joy.

Thanksgiving and Joy Modeled by the First Family Luke 1: 26-56 As we enter this Thanksgiving and Advent season I want us to look at the First Family – Joseph and Mary – as a family that modeled “thanksgiving and joy.” Luke chapters1 and 2 the background is given about the miracle of two births – ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-56

Denomination: Free Methodist

James - Apostle Of Passion

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jul 28, 2003

In serving the Lord you can either look at what you are doing as a ministry or a job. When ministry becomes a job you lose the passion God wants you to possess.

James – Apostle of Passion Luke 9:51-56 In serving the Lord you can either look at what you are doing as a ministry or a job. When ministry becomes a job you lose the passion that God wants you to possess. My first ministry assignment as full-time pastor was in Kansas City, Kansas. I was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:51-56

Denomination: Free Methodist

Blessed Assurance - Evidence #8 Series

Contributed by Ray Scott on Jul 29, 2003

Continuing in our series on the EVIDENCES that give you the ASSURANCE of salvation ... Opposition from the world is evidence of salvation.

BLESSED ASSURANCE – Evidence #8 “Opposition From The World” 1 John 3:11-13 INTRODUCTION: We continue in our SERIES on the EVIDENCES that can give us the ASSURANCE of our salvation. We have seen, so far: EVIDENCE #1 – A TRUE Christian will have a relationship with Jesus. EVIDENCE #2 – A TRUE ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:11-13

Denomination: Baptist

Blessed Assurance - Evidence #9 Series

Contributed by Ray Scott on Jul 29, 2003

Continuing in our series on EVIDENCES that give you th ASSURANCE of salvation ... Access to the Throne Room of God in prayer gives assurance of salvation.

BLESSED ASSURANCE - Evidence #9 – “Our Prayer Life” – 1 John 3:19-24 INTRODUCTION: We continue in our SERIES on EVIDENCE that gives us the ASSURANCE of our salvation. So far, we have seen: EVIDENCE #1 – A TRUE Christian will desire a relationship with Jesus. EVIDENCE #2 – A TRUE Christian will ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:19-24

Denomination: Baptist

"What If ...?"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Jul 31, 2003

Asking "What if ...?" brings a lot of worry into our life. Instead, ask "Who now?". King Jehoshaphat found the key to giving the battle over to God.

“What If ….?” 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 INTRODUCTION: NOTICE the TITLE of the message this morning. We say this a lot, don’t we? “What if …?” causes a lot of NEEDLESS worry in our lives. I’m guilty of doing this, as I’m sure a lot of you are. We hear it a lot: On September 11, 2001, I received a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30

Denomination: Baptist

"How To Handle Failure"

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Aug 6, 2003

How a person handles failure can mean the difference between living a life of victory or living a life filled with bitterness, hostility and anger.

The Apostle Paul -How to Handle Failure- 2 Cor. 4:7-9 2 Cor. 11:24-30 Introduction How a person handles failure can mean the difference between living a life of victory or living a life filled with bitterness, hostility and anger. In the first church I served as pastor in Kansas City I got ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, 2 Corinthians 11:24-30

Denomination: Free Methodist

Being Optimistic In A Pessimistic World

Contributed by Ray Scott on Aug 7, 2003

We live in a negative world. The Bible is full of positives. In the parable of the Prodigal Son & the Elder Brother, we see both optimism & pessimism.

“Being Optimistic In A Pessimistic World” INTRODUCTION: There are many books on POSITIVE THINKING. The book “The Power Of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale was required reading when I was a student at Trinity College. There are all kinds of “helps” out there to help us maintain a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Baptist

Sacrificing My Body

Contributed by Ray Scott on Aug 7, 2003

Paul begs us to present our bodies as a "living sacrifice". This message tells us WHAT that means ... and HOW to do it.

“Sacrificing My Body” Romans 12:1-2 INTRODUCTION: We live in a world where sacrifices are made every day. Soldiers are sacrificing their lives over in Iraq. Mothers making sacrifices for their children. Teachers making sacrifices to teach in our schools. Missionaries sacrificing their time, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Being Positive In A Negative World

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Apr 19, 2002

When the Apostle Paul preached on Mars Hill in Athens he cemonstrated how to be positive in a negative world.

“Being Positive in a Negative World” Apostle Paul -A bridge builder not a builder of walls- Acts 17:16-34 When the Apostle Paul preached on Mars Hill in Athens Greece he demonstrated how to be positive in a negative world. When we look at all that is happening around the world, in our cities and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:16-34, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Denomination: Free Methodist