Sermons on Ray:

"Jesus Teaches About Priorities"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Nov 25, 2003

The Bible is so vast ... we can’t possibly memorize it all. Let’s not use this as an excuse for not living righteous lives. Jesus gives us ONE VERSE as a guide to live by.

“Jesus Teaches About Priorities” Matthew 6:33 INTRODUCTION: We CONTINUE in our SERIES on “Lessons Jesus Taught”. We have seen what Jesus taught about: the Holy Spirit, Prayer, the Tongue, Thanksgiving, Repentance. This morning, we will see what Jesus teaches about “Priorities”. Everybody needs a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:33, Luke 14:15-20

Denomination: Baptist

"John - The Forgotten Cousin At Christmas"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Dec 2, 2003

John the Baptist often gets overlooked in Christmas sermons. John introduces the ministry of Jesus. Christians are to continue the ministry of Jesus.

“JOHN – The Forgotten Cousin At Christmas” Luke 1:6-66 INTRODUCTION: Christmas sermons always deal with the birth of Jesus … as well they should. HOWEVER, His cousin John gets left out a lot, when it comes to Christmas sermons. John is only 6 months older than Jesus. What did John and Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:6-66

Denomination: Baptist

"Examining Christmas Traditions"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Dec 2, 2003

This is an informal Wednesday Night Bible Study, examining why we celebrate Christmas on December 25th, what year Jesus was really born, what the Inn was like, and who the Wise Men were.

“Examining Christmas Traditions” (A Wednesday Night Bible Study) INTRODUCTION: TONIGHT, I want us to informally take a closer look at just a few of the Christmas traditions. I. WHEN WAS JESUS BORN? A. The Year Throughout history, calendars have been dated according to important historical ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-23

Denomination: Baptist

"Uncommon Birth"

Contributed by Ray Scott on Dec 2, 2003

The birth of Jesus was like no other ... because God planned it! This message reviews some of the uncommon aspects of the birth of Jesus.

“Uncommon Birth” Matthew 1:18 – 2:23 INTRODUCTION: People celebrate Christmas in different ways. There are different family traditions … different customs … BUT … the SAME BIRTH! Things sure have changed over the past 2000 years: o NOW – Santa comes at night … presents are opened as soon as ...read more

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 Work Of The Holy Spirit And Church Revitalization Series

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jul 12, 2002

Church Growth is the Supernatual Work of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit and Church Revitalization Dr. Ray W. Ellis The work of the Holy Spirit is vital to the revitalization of a local church. The entire process of revitalization is based on seeking spiritual health prayer and the energizing work of the Holy Spirit. Without the presence of the Holy ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Free Methodist

On Tiptoe With Joy Series

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jul 29, 2002

"The Disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit." Sermon describes the person and work of the Holy Spirit

On Tiptoe with Joy Acts 13:52 “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” There’s something significant about Luke writing that the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Paul and Barnabas were sent out as missionaries by the church in Antioch – Acts ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:52

Denomination: Free Methodist

Faith To Be A Risk Taker Series

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jul 29, 2002

From the life of Ruth we discover helpful principles to apply faith to the challenges of everyday life.

Faith to be a Risk Taker Ruth 1:1-18 My message this morning is about a young woman that had faith to be a risk taker. Have you moved to a new area where you didn’t really know anybody except those moving with you. Moving and making new friends and adjusting to a new area are challenging ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-18

Denomination: Free Methodist

Live In The Light Of Eternity Series

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jul 29, 2002

Principles are given to young people to help them make decisions and live in the light of eternity.

Live in the Light of Eternity Hebrews 12:1-3 The title of today’s message, “Live in the Light of Eternity” is a good word for all of us, and especially for young people. The Hebrew writer is saying: “Fix your eyes on Jesus – make decisions in the the light of eternity. Don’t make decisions ...read more

Denomination: Free Methodist

Living A Life Without Compromise

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Aug 6, 2002

You can life a live without compromise by making several commitments.

Living A Life Without Compromise Daniel 1:1-20 The life of Daniel is the story of a young man that “Lived a Life Without Compromise.” The setting for the book of Daniel is during the third year reign of Jehoidakim king of Judah. Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon occupied the territory of Judah. ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-20

Denomination: Free Methodist