Sermons on Ray Vander Laan:

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 Wonder Of Christ's Birth

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 8, 2003

Why was the time when Jesus was born the right time? Why did God choose the land of Palestine as the birth place of Jesus? Why was 5 BC the year Jesus was born and not some other year?

The Wonder of Christ’s Birth -In the Fullness of Time- Galatians 4:4 Luke 2:1-7 The story is told about a man who got tired of the Christmas hoopla. All the frantic haste and the crass commercialism disgusted him. So, he decided not to go along with the crowd. Among other things, he decided not ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:4-7

Denomination: Free Methodist

"Christmas Questions"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Dec 9, 2003

Here are some "Christmas Questions" ... NOT to question God ... BUT to better understand WHY He planned the birth of His Son the way He did.

“Christmas Questions” INTRODUCTION: This morning, I want to ask some “Christmas Questions” … WHY? I’ve always had a questioning mind: LIKE: o How can a brown cow, eat green grass, and give white milk? o If man evolved from apes, why do we still have apes? o If a man stands in the middle of the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Why Does God Allow Hardship In Our Lives

Contributed by Ray Carver on Dec 13, 2003

Have you ever look around at your life and simply asked: WHY? Have hardships and trials ever come into your life for seemingly no reason? Hear are a few possible reasons why.

WHY DOES GOD ALLOW HARDSHIP IN OUR LIVES? Text: Psalm 73:1-2 Intro: Have you ever look around at you life and simply asked: WHY? Have hardships and trials ever come into your life for seemingly no reason? I want to share a few things from my own personal experience, only to illustrate the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 73:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

"What If There Were No Christmas?"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Dec 16, 2003

In "the fullness of time" God sent His Son, Jesus to the earth as a babe in a manger. This devotional (before a Communion Service) explores HOW God prepared the world for Jesus.

“What If There Were No Christmas?” INTRODUCTION: Read Galatians 4:4-5 Christmas is this Thursday. We have waited 361 days for it. It seemed like it would never get here … and NOW … it’s coming too fast! It’s not easy to forget Christmas … VISA keeps reminding you … for months to come! One man ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:4-5

Denomination: Baptist

"Christmas Surprises"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Dec 16, 2003

This brief message was used after our Sunday Morning Christmas Cantata ... to wrap up the Christmas story ... and prepare hearts so there will be no SURPRISES when we must face Jesus.

“Christmas Surprise” INTRODUCTION: Christmas is full of surprises! Gifts are tightly wrapped in multi-colored paper, so you don’t know what’s inside until you open them (UNLESS, you peeked!). We get “surprise gifts” … o Like that tie that you’ll never wear. o Like the underwear you got as a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-33

Denomination: Baptist

"Bethlehem"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Dec 16, 2003

This Christmas message explores the little town of Bethlehem ... how God had prepared Bethlehem for 1700 years for the birth of His Son, Jesus.

“Bethlehem” INTRODUCTION: We think of Bethlehem ONLY as the birthplace of Jesus. Some might even realize that King David was born there. BUT … Bethlehem is mentioned 53 times in Scripture. There are actually 2 BETHLEHEM’s mentioned in the Bible: o NORTH – in Galilee – only 7 miles from ...read more

Scripture: Micah 5:2

Denomination: Baptist

The Supernatural Power Of Christ's Birth

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 23, 2003

Everything about the birth of Jesus was supernatural. There was the miraculous conception. “Mary was conceived of the Holy Spirit.” It was unheard of for a virgin girl to become pregnant by the Holy Spirit.

The Supernatural Power of Christ’s Birth Matthew 1:18-23 Isaiah 9:6-7 Everything about the birth of Jesus was supernatural. First, there was the miraculous conception. “Mary was conceived of the Holy Spirit.” It was unheard of for a virgin girl to become pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Second, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-23, Isaiah 9:6-7

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Gifts Jesus Gives At Christmas

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 23, 2003

The whole meaning of the Advent season prior to Christmas is this: a gift from God is on the way. The basic reason we offer Christmas gifts to each other is to honor and reflect the only perfect gift ever offered—the gift of God through a Bethlehem baby n

The Gifts Jesus Gives at Christmas Matthew 2:10-11 The whole meaning of the Advent season prior to Christmas is this: a gift from God is on the way. The basic reason we offer Christmas gifts to each other is to honor and reflect the only ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:10-11

Denomination: Free Methodist

"Have A Healthy New Year"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Dec 23, 2003

We need an annual SPIRITUAL check-up, just like we need an annual PHYSICAL check-up. In Psalm 26, David shows us his chart, as he goes to the Great Physican for his spiritual check-up.

“Have A Healthy New Year” Psalm 26 INTRODUCTION: The new year is almost upon us. We often greet each other, “Have a healthy and prosperous New Year!” Tonight, I want us to take a look at having a “Healthy New Year”. Sometimes we need an annual SPIRITUAL check-up, just like we need an annual ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 26:1-12

Denomination: Baptist