Sermons on Ray Vander Laan:

Unforced Errors

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jul 15, 2005

Romans 8 the Apostle Paul goives guidance for minimizing the unforced errors of sin in a person’ls life.

Unforced Errors Romans 8:1-4 The 2005 Wimbledon Tennis Championship concluded last Sunday. In the Women’s final Venus Williams defeated Lindsey Davenport. In the Men’s final Federer defeated Andy Roddick. The French Open was held last month with the final championship men match between Federer ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:1-4

Denomination: Free Methodist

Good Newsis For Sharing

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jul 18, 2005

God’s plan is for HIs followers to tell others the good news of Jesus Christ. This sermon focuses upon I Peter 3:15 to motivate Christians to be prepared to be witnesses for Christ.

Good News is for Sharing I Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” II Kings 7 Fear strikes at the heart of anyone who goes for ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-17

Denomination: Free Methodist

Putting Coals Of Fire On Difficult People

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Aug 1, 2005

This message tells us how to treat people who hurt you. Romans 12:14-21 describes how to deal with difficult people.

”Putting Coals of Fire on Difficult People” Romans 12:14-21 When someone hurts you how are you to respond? With revenge or love? Before Christ the Old Testament law was “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” Jesus brought a new level of ethical law, the law of love. The word “revenge” ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:14-21

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Lifestyle Of Christ Followers

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Aug 8, 2005

As Christ followers Paul instructs us how to walk and life a Christ honoring life. There are certain things we are to "put off" and certain things we are to "put on."

The Lifestyle of Christ Followers Ephesians 4:25-32 For all Christ followers the Bible sets certain standards of living. Ephesians 5:15 says, “Be careful how you walk – not as unwise but as wise making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil.” When walking it is important to see ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32

Denomination: Free Methodist

Community - God Design For Helping People

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Aug 29, 2005

God’s Design is for the local church to be a loving and caring community. This message encourages people to get involved in a small group.

Community – God’s Design for Helping People I Peter 2:9-10 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-10

Denomination: Free Methodist

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

Who Is A Disciple Of Jesus?

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jan 22, 2007

Jesus gave gives clear teaching on what the conditions are to become a disciple in Luke 9:23-24.

“Who is a Disciple of Jesus?” Matthew 28:19-20/ Luke 9:23-24 Jesus gave the command to all His followers, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”Matthew 28:19 Making disciples is a process, “Going” ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-24

Denomination: Free Methodist

Welcome Home

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Oct 16, 2006

Jesus told three parables about lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost son. The stories highlight the truth that missing people matter to God. God places tremendous value on every individual. All heaven rejoices when one person repents and turns to God.

“Welcome Home” Luke 15:11-27 Those of you who have had or currently have sons can closely identify with the story Jesus told about a rebellious son. The rebellious son was the teenager and the other son was obedient and probably in his twenties. In Luke chapter 15 Luke records that Jesus made ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-27

Denomination: Free Methodist

Jesus Our Promised Messiah

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 4, 2006

Like John the Baptizer we need to be reminded from time to time that Jesus is our promised Messiah.

Jesus our Promised Messiah Matthew 11:1-6 John the Baptizer was now in prison for preaching about the Kingdom of God. He sent his disciples to ask Jesus question: “Are you really the Messiah we’ve been waiting for, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (Matthew 11:3 NLT) This question ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:1-6

Denomination: Free Methodist

A Fully Devoted Disciple

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 12, 2006

This message was given at memorial service for a long-time member of the Willow Vale Community Church.

Virgil Lorenz – A Fully Devoted Disciple Memorial Service December 9, 2006 When I reflected on the life and family of Virgil Lorenz there were several scriptures that came to my mind. For the past nine years I have served as Virgil’s pastor and believe that Virgil modeled what a fully devoted ...read more

Scripture: John 3:30

Denomination: Free Methodist