Sermons on Ray:

The Three Cs Of Discipleship

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jun 8, 2009

Becoming a Christ follower is conditional. We have the choice to say, “Yes” or “No” to becoming a disciple of Jesus. Jesus said, “If anyone will come after me…” Jesus gives the invitation and then leaves the choice up to us.

The Three “Cs” of Discipleship Luke 9:23-26 During my twelve years of ministry here the mission of the Willow Vale Church has been: “Bringing people to Jesus, loving, equipping and sending them out to make more and better disciples.” Jesus gave us the mission and purpose of the church ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-26

Denomination: Free Methodist

Finding Strength For The New Year

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Dec 28, 2009

A message on finding strength during times of personal and national crisis and challenge. Given the last Sunday in 2009.

Finding Strength for the New Year Where do you find strength in times of personal and national challenges? Where do you find strength when a member of your family has a pre-mature death? How do you make it through hurtful experiences that are not justified? Last November I attended a church ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 22:1-5

Denomination: Free Methodist

The God Of Beginning Again

Contributed by Ray Swift on Jan 4, 2010

A New Years message that focuses on keeping our eys on the goal and Scripturally managing our time.

FBMB January 3, 2010 Sunday Morning “The God of Beginning Again” Judges 8:4 Intro.: Welcome to 2010. Today we crossed over the threshold for another year. Just as a new year has started I would like to remind you that the God of another year is a God of wonderful and amazing grace. He is the ...read more

Scripture: Judges 8:4

Denomination: Baptist

The Ones Whom God Loves

Contributed by Ray Mckendry on Oct 23, 2009

To show that God loves the world that is in rebellion against Him and that gratitude to Him ought to be the response to His grace. The application of the Law of God seems to be the only thing that brings some people to see their need of Christ.

"The Ones Whom God Loves" JOHN 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." It’s a wonderful truth. It is gospel truth; truth in a nutshell. The Lord says He loves the world. “For God so loved the ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-17

Denomination: Baptist

Branches Broken Off And Branches Grafted On

Contributed by Ray Mckendry on Nov 4, 2009

To show that while gentiles have not suffered as God’s people, the Jews, have suffered, we cannot be arrogant or unbelieving and presume upon God but must come together with the Jews in humble faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. The Sadness of the Broken off Branches and the Future Triumph (15,16,23,24,26,27) What a storm we might have seen or experienced! The images in this part of Romans speak so clearly to the sadness of the situation of those branches broken off from the Tree. Have you seen trees whose branches ...read more

Scripture: Romans 11:15-26

Denomination: Baptist

Life's Greatest Influences

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jul 16, 2007

This message examines scripture that describes Life’s Greatest Influences. Three influences lead people away from God and one influence leads people to God.

Three Verses One -Life’s Greatest Influences- Matthew 13:18-23 This morning I want to examine scripture that describes Life’s Greatest Influences. I’m titled the message, “Three Verses One.” I want us to look at three influences that lead people away from God and one influence that leads people ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:18-23

Denomination: Free Methodist

Launch Out To Deep Water

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jun 2, 2008

From a Human perspective the world seems hopeless, but with Jesus there are no hopeless situations.

“Launch Out Into the Deep” Luke 5:1-7 From 1980 to 1988 we lived in Florida and I traveled the State of Florida working with our Free Methodist churches. When not traveling we attended the St. Petersburg FMC. One gentleman in the church gave me a standing invitation. Anytime I wanted to go ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-7

Denomination: Free Methodist

Steps To Life Transformation

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jun 9, 2008

Is life transformation possible, or is the possibility of persons making a radical change in their behavior, character and outlook on life merely a fantasy? Is life transformation a fairytale or a fact?

Steps to Life Transformation Luke 5:8-11 Romans 12:1-2 Is life transformation possible, or is the possibility of persons making a radical change in their behavior, character and outlook on life merely a fantasy? Is life transformation a fairytale or a fact? In the original story of the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:8-11

Denomination: Free Methodist

Spiritual Fathers

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jun 16, 2008

I John 2:12-14 gives three levels of spiritual maturity, “Children, Young Men, and Fathers.”

“Spiritual Fathers” I John 2:12-14 Today we honor fathers. One thing that helps us as parents is not to take life or our children too seriously. Having lots of humor keep us on track. A father was reading Bible stores to his young son. He read, “The man named Lot was warned to take his wife ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:12-14

Denomination: Free Methodist

Jesus Turned A Funeral Into A Celebration

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jun 30, 2008

Jesus made it clear in His teachings that you are not really ready to live until you have faced the reality of death.

Jesus Turns a Funeral into a Celebration (Theme for this message came from "Outflow" by Sjogren and Ping) Luke 7:11-17 Can you imagine the shock of the widow of Nain and the crowd surrounding the funeral procession when Jesus walked up and stopped the procession? Jesus saw the widow and had ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:11-17

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

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