Sermons on Ray Vander Laan:

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

Fulfilling God's Vison By Connecting With Our Community

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 16, 2007

In this passage in Luke Jesus makes it clear that His Vision for His followers and the church is to connect with the surrounding community.

Fulfilling God’s Vision by Connecting with Our Community Luke 9:1-6 In this passage in Luke Jesus makes it clear that His Vision for His followers and the church is to connect with the surrounding community. Jesus sent out his twelve apostles and gave them power and authority to cast out demons ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:1-6

Denomination: Free Methodist

Get On A Roller Coaster

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Aug 13, 2007

The roller coaster and the Christian life have a lot in common. Both have their ups and downs.

Get on the Roller Coaster -Encouraging Words for New and Growing Christians- I Timothy 1:1-3 The roller coaster and the Christian life have a lot in common. Both have their ups and downs. I enjoy a good roller coaster ride. When our children were growing up I enjoyed riding on the “Blue ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:1-7

Denomination: Free Methodist

Stress Can Save Your Life

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Aug 20, 2007

If someone tells you that he is free from all stress or anxiety, he is either a fool or a liar. We all have to learn to live with a certain amount of stress and tension.

Stress Can Save Your Life Psalm 55 Have you heard the Jamaican song: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy!” Can you picture a Jamaican man who is enjoying a stress free life? He lives a life always on vacation. There’s no stress, no concerns, no bills to pay, no children to shuttle from place to place, no ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 55:1-22

Denomination: Free Methodist

What Faith Is

Contributed by Ray Mckendry on Aug 20, 2007

From the Faith Chapter, a reminder that faith comes from hearing God’s word and obeying it.

What Faith Is Heb 11:1-16 Introduction This is the great chapter on faith. It is the greatest example of faith in the whole Bible. In the last few verses of the previous chapter, the writer outlines how the Hebrew Christians in Rome needed to persevere in their faith. “Therefore do not cast away ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Women Shaped By God

Contributed by Ray Ellis on May 14, 2007

Mother’s Day Message using the examples of two Old Testament and two New Testament women shaped by God.

Women Shaped by God Proverbs 31:30-31 “Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.” Max Lucado in his book, Next Door Savior, says that Moms are a breed ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 31:30-31

Denomination: Free Methodist

Marriage: Discord Or Harmony

Contributed by Ray Ellis on May 21, 2007

In music the discords set your teeth on edge and make you unable to enjoy the music. An orchestra in harmony is pleasing to listen to and inspiring. Marriages in discord are merely surviving and not thriving.

Marriage: Discord or Harmony Genesis 2:18-25 “God said, it is not good for man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him.” (18) God brought all the animals of creation before Adam, but no companion could be found among them. “So the Lord God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:18-25

Denomination: Free Methodist

Face The Future Withou Compromise

Contributed by Ray Ellis on May 21, 2007

As a young person that faces the future you will have many decisions to make. Will you make decisions in the light of eternity or compromise and conform to the values of this world?

Face the Future Without compromise Daniel 1:1-20 Ephesians 5:15-20 NLT Ephesians 5:15-20 reminds me of the motto: Only one life, Will soon be past; Only what’s done for Christ Will Last. As you face the future you will have many decisions to make. Will you make decisions in the light of ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-20

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Gospel Rooster

Contributed by Ray Mullinax on Apr 26, 2007

Here is one rooster that really entered the ministry!

The Gospel Rooster Luke 22:60-62 Here is one rooster that really entered the ministry! He has been called a sanctified (set apart) rooster. Jesus foretold of his crowing (preaching) Notice some things about this unusual rooster: I. He Did What He Could ~ “This rooster crowed” Ephesians 4:11, “And ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:60-62

Denomination: Baptist

Making Love Last In The Home Series

Contributed by Ray Ellis on May 7, 2007

I John 3:18-24 gives clear teachings and guidelines on how to make love last in the home and family.

“Making Love Last in the Home” I John 3:18-24 During the month of May we are focusing on the home and family. From Biblical and secular history the slogan that says “As the Family goes so goes the Nation” is more than a slogan it is a fundamental truth. Nations rise or fall according to the ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:18-24

Denomination: Free Methodist

God's Word Has Power To Change Lives

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jun 14, 2004

This message tells about the transforming power of God’s Word to change lives. Ideas for this message were glended from the "Ezra Network."

God’s Word Has Power to Change Lives Hebrews 4:12-13 2 Timothy 3:16 God’s Word has power to change lives because it message is about Jesus the World and Person Changer. How important is the Word of God to you? Is it something you take for granted? Is it something you can do without and all you ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 7:10, Hebrews 4:12-13

Denomination: Free Methodist