Sermons on Ridge:

Nicodemus At Night

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jul 24, 2023

We all need to grow & deepen our understanding of the great passages of scripture. The 3rd chapter of John is one of the greatest. It tells us of a man named Nicodemus.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK NICODEMUS AT NIGHT TEXT: John 3:1-17; Rev. 22:5; John 1:4-5; Romans 6:4-6; Acts 2:37-41 (This ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-17, Revelation 22:5, John 1:4-5, Romans 6:4-6, Acts 2:37-41  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Palm Sunday – His Triumphal Entry!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Apr 10, 2022

The event that is so much a part of this day, Palm Sunday, is recorded in all 4 of the Gospels, but this morning I’m going to use pictures from FreeBibleImages.com while I‘m reading Luke's account, found in Luke 19:28-40.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (These PowerPoints include pictures from FreeBibleImages.com. They are free with certain slight restrictions. Please ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:28-40, Zechariah 9:9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"that's All I Want!"

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Mar 2, 2020

Yes, the 23rd Psalm sustains us in hours of difficulty & trial. But I would like to consider it in a slightly different way this morning. I’d like you to see in this psalm three great reasons to be thankful to God.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK TEXT: Psalm 23; Philippians 4:11-12 For nearly 30 centuries the 23rd Psalm has been one of the best known ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:24-25, Philippians 4:11-12, Psalm 32:6-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Little Foxes - Mother's Day

Contributed by Melvin Newland on May 14, 2023

A lot of little foxes have crept in & changed the modern picture of the family. As a result, today’s homes are often not what God intended them to be.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK TEXT: Song of Solomon 2:15; Ephesians 4:31-32; 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Yes, today we’re celebrating Mother’s ...read more

Scripture: Song of Songs 2:15, Ephesians 4:31-32, 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Love Test

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Aug 1, 2002

It’s easy to say that we love God, isn’t it? As long as we don’t probe any deeper than that. But the Bible does probe deeper than that, & it asks more questions than just that one.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED - 2018) TEXT: 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 11:26?31 A. I'm not thrilled about taking tests, & I'm glad my years of schooling are behind me. At my age the tests I take now are stress tests & EKGs & hearing ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23, 1 Corinthians 11:27-31, 2 Corinthians 13:5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Dark Places Of The Earth

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Aug 2, 2002

Our Lord said, “Go into all the world & preach the good news to every creature.” What is that good news? I think it consists of two things that need to be proclaimed - that would really be “good news” to the world today.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2017) TEXT: Psalm 74:20 A. The scripture passage that I want us to consider this morning is found in the 74th Psalm. It is a beautiful &, at the same time, a tragic psalm. In it the Psalmist is speaking to the people of ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-17, Psalm 74:20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God Suffers Too!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Aug 19, 2002

It's easy for some people to have a “pity party” & end up feeling so depressed about themselves & what is happening in their lives. Sometimes they even cry out, “Where is God? Why isn’t He doing something about this?”

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Revised: 2020) TEXT: Isaiah 63:7-9; Exodus 3:7-8 ILL. The story is told that there were two young Boy Scouts who were twins & did not quite live up to their Scout Oath. They stole things, swore, & ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 63:7-9, Exodus 3:7-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When You're Down!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jun 22, 2005

Jesus says that part of the solution to a troubled heart is trust, and He tells His apostles to trust in 3 things: "First of all, trust in My presence. Secondly, trust in My promises. Thirdly, simply trust in Me."

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Revised: 2018) TEXT: John 14:1-6; John 12:13,19 A. Have you ever had one of those days when everything goes wrong? It ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-6, John 12:13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Simon's New Name Series

Contributed by Rick Stacy on Jun 27, 2005

4th of 7 messages on the transformation of Simon into Peter. This message focuses on the blessing and responsibility of confessing Jesus as Lord.

Simon’s New Name Ricky vs. Richard. My mother wanted Ricky. My dad wanted Richard in case I grew up to be a minister. Now that I’m a preacher I prefer Rick – or maybe “Flash”. Just kidding! That was Charlie Brown’s secret desire – to be called “Flash” by his friends and of course Lucy ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

He Could Have Saved Himself!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Dec 19, 2000

Their conclusion was this: "He saved others, but He can’t save himself!" That was their conclusion, a logical conclusion, but a false conclusion.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2016) TEXT: Matthew 21:1 11; Luke 19:39 40; John 12:19; Mark 15:25 32 A. Next Sunday is Palm Sunday, but since so much happened during His last week, we're going to look at Palm Sunday today. Then next week ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 15:25-32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Are You Drinking With The Cup Of Faith Series

Contributed by A.t. Stewart on Aug 16, 2004

If we are going to find soul satisfaction by drinking from the Living Fountain, we must use the cup of faith.

FINDING SOUL SATISFACTION BY DRINKING FROM THE CUP OF FAITH Ps 54:1-13 I. WE ALL ARE SEEKING SOUL SATISFACTION. A. Everyone is 1. No matter what country they live in 2. No matter what their economic condition 3. No matter what their educational level B. None of these things matter 1. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 65:1-13

Thanks, Dad!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jun 15, 2003

Let’s talk about the positive aspects of fatherhood. And to do that, I call your attention to the familiar story of the prodigal son, & especially to the father of the prodigal son.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2017) (This sermon is largely my adaptation of an excellent sermon by Dennis Slaughter, former Minister of Valley View Christian Church, Dallas, TX.) TEXT: Luke 15:11-31 Well, today is Father’s Day, as you have been reminded ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:8, Luke 15:11-31

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Blessed Is The Nation... Part 1

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jun 17, 2003

We’ve gone a long ways away from our roots as Americans. So, one of my goals is to do a little bit of educating. People need to know this, & if they don’t hear it at church, where will they hear it?

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Much of this sermon and the following one, "Blessed Is the Nation...Part 2," came from books by David Barton, and excerpts from other sermons. At the time I prepared this sermon I was much more ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 33:12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Hate The Sin, Love The Sinner

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 10, 2001

I want us to see Jesus - His attitude toward sin, and His attitude toward sinners. And in order to do that, let's look at 3 people and their encounters with Jesus.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Revised: 2022) TEXT: Matthew 9:10-13; John 4:1-42; Luke 7:36-50, 19:1-10 ILL. There is a story about a pilgrim standing outside heaven, longing to enter, watching as others were ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:10-13, John 4:1-42

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Radical Love!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 14, 2001

Your faith, what you have been taught, what you believe about God & His will for your life, makes all the difference in the way you act, in the values you hold dear, & in the standards that guide your life.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2019) TEXT: Matthew 5:38-41; Luke 23:34 A. Fifty-two years ago Ethel & I became acquainted with Dr. Vijai & Pushpa Lall of India. The story of their family’s introduction to Christianity & their ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-41, Matthew 27:54, Luke 23:34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ