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

Be Bold Take A Step Of Faith

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Apr 7, 2003

God is not only our Comforter, but from time to time He is our discomforter. We need to take a bold step of faith and move out of our comfort zones.

Be Bold Take a Step of Faith Luke 1:26-38 Matthew 14:22-33 This morning we are looking at two Biblical examples of individuals that moved beyond their comfort zones. Mary the Mother of Jesus by faith was willing to accept God’s plan for her life and move beyond her comfort zone and waited ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Free Methodist

Believing Is Seeing

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Apr 14, 2003

Thomas called Didymus the Twin is an example of all who say, "I’ll believe it when I see it." Jesus encourages us to believe and then we will see.

“Believing is Seeing” -All Things With God are Possible- John 20:24-31 For the average person when it comes to Christian Faith the person says “I’ll believe it when I see it.” This morning we’re looking at the life of Thomas (called Didymus) – meaning the Twin. I remember talking to one of the ...read more

Scripture: John 20:24-31

Denomination: Free Methodist

"Smoke And Mirrors Or An Empty Tomb"

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Apr 17, 2003

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is either smoke and mirrors or a historical fact, the tomb is empty.

“Smoke and Mirrors or an Empty Tomb” I Corinthians 15 The resurrection of Jesus Christ is either smoke and mirrors or a Historical Fact – the Tomb is empty. People have various viewpoints concerning the person of Jesus Christ. Many are set in their ways and refuse to objectively examine the ...read more

Denomination: Free Methodist

The War With Iraq

Contributed by Ray Scott on May 1, 2003

What does God think about war in general ... the war in Iraq in particular?

“The War With Iraq” INTRODUCTION: Romans 13:1-5 Several things we need to consider: 1.- We must face the reality of evil in the world. There are some people that you just can’t negotiate with … because they are EVIL. War is never good … and should be avoided unless it is absolutely the last ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Road To Heart Burn Series

Contributed by Ray Scott on May 1, 2003

The disciples on the Road to Emmaus experienced their heart burning within them ... they experienced the resurrected Lord!

“The Road To Heart Burn” (The Road To Emmaus – Luke 24:13-35) INTRODUCTION: Luke Chapter 24 – all turn Today is “Senior Adult Sunday”! Senior Adults have traveled down a long road … some for 60 – 70 – 80 years. They have had a lot of adventures along the way … experienced a great many ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Baptist

"Raising Kids In An X Box Generation"

Contributed by Ray Ellis on May 5, 2003

Proverbs 22:6 gives to Biblical Principles that when applied to the Christian home provide Biblical values in a post modern generation.

“Raising Kids in an X Box Generation” -Children are gifts from the Lord- Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.” If you compare the amount of time our children and grandchildren are spending playing games or watching videos or ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 22:1-6

Denomination: Free Methodist

A Mother's Day Card From God

Contributed by Ray Scott on May 5, 2003

This sermon is designed to encourage Mothers, not increase their guilt or anxiety about Mother’s Day, which can be a traumatic day for some people.

“A Mother’s Day Card From God” Proverbs 31:10 INTRODUCTION: Today is “Mother’s Day”! I have a PROBLEM with Mother’s Day! It’s not that I don’t LIKE Mother’s Day … or that I DISAGREE with it … or that I DREAD it. My PROBLEM is … that I don’t know how to preach a good Mother’s Day ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 31:10

Denomination: Baptist

Child Dedication Service

Contributed by Ray Scott on May 5, 2003

This is a Child Dedication Service, after a Mother’s Day message.

CHILD DEDICATION SERVICE HAVE PARENTS/CHILDREN COME FORWARD God sees children as important … so do these parents. Ps. 127:3 says: “Behold, children are a gift of the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward.” Some gifts have some strings attached … some do not. In this case, God’s gifts to you ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 127:3

Denomination: Baptist

Fish Or Cut Bait

Contributed by Ray Scott on May 12, 2003

When Jesus appeared to the 7 Disciples after His resurrection at the Sea of Galilee, He wanted them to be busy while they waited for His coming.

“Fish Or Cut Bait” TEXT: John 21:1-14 INTRODUCTION: We continue in our series on the Post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus. This is the 3rd appearance that Jesus makes to His 11 Disciples after His resurrection (21:14) … not counting the appearance to the 2 on the Road to Emmaus (not 2 of the ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-14

Denomination: Baptist