Sermons on Sum:

A Song Of Thanksgiving

Contributed by T. Michael Crews on Feb 16, 2001

The Why, What, and Who of Gratitude

A SONG OF THANKSGIVING My four-year-old likes to say the blessing at mealtimes, usually repeating the same short prayer: "Thank you, God, for this gracious food. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen." One evening, however, he thanked the Lord for the birds, the trees, each of his friends, and asked ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 92:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Motherhood Today

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Feb 19, 2001

It’s difficult being a Christian mother today. But as hard as that may be, we need to realize that difficulties are not unique to our time. In every age Motherhood has had it's share of difficulties.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2017) TEXT: Luke 1:26-38 ILL. Most of you are familiar with the Calvin & Hobbes comic strips. Well, on one Mother's Day, Calvin is pictured standing by ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13, Luke 1:26-38, Psalm 127:3

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Memorial Day - A Time To Remember

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Feb 21, 2001

There are special days & times in the Bible designed to help us remember specific events. I want to call your attention to 3 of them & see how God uses them to jog our memories.

MELVIN NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Revised: 2012) A. What do you think of when you think of Memorial Day - the beginning of summer vacation, barbecues in the back yard, family get-togethers? In most churches Memorial Day is ignored because it is not one of ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 4:4-7, Genesis 9:11-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What's Next?

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Feb 26, 2001

Now I realize that whenever the subject of death comes up, many people try to avoid discussing it, reluctant even to think about it. But not all people are that way.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2016) TEXT: Revelation 21; Psalms 90:10 A. Have you ever tried to picture what it will be like right after you die? After you breathe your last breath? After you heart beats its last beat? What do you think ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 90:10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

It Is Pentecost!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Mar 13, 2001

Pentecost was a once-in-history event, when the church was born. So let’s consider three things we learn from "Pentecost."

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2022) TEXT: Acts 2:1-16 A. We celebrate the birth of Jesus & most of the world pauses to celebrate Christmas with us. We celebrate His resurrection, & much of the world recognizes Easter as a very special ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-13, Acts 2:1-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Facing Our Fears

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Dec 19, 2000

If God can deliver the Psalmist from his fears, then He can do it for us today, too.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER CENTRAL CHRISTIAN, BROWNSVILLE, TX A. We’re 4 weeks into the new year, & it is natural for us, as we try to peer into the future, to wonder if we should be excited about its potential, or should we be quaking in fear because of its uncertainties? ILL. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:4, Psalm 34:4-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Run The Race!

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Dec 20, 2000

Finishing the race is critically important to all of us who would be followers of Jesus. And Hebrews 12:1-3 contains at least 3 pieces of advice that will help each of us faithfully run the race that is before us.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (Revised: 2011) ILL. The 1992 Summer Olympics featured two tremendously heart-rending moments. American sprinter Gail Devers, the clear leader in the 100 meter hurdles, tripped over the last barrier. She agonizingly pulled herself to her knees ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3, Psalm 5:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christmas - God's Perfect Timing

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Dec 20, 2000

Your life & mine are in the hands of God, & He keeps the clock! So let’s think about God’s perfect timing in the O.T., in the life of Jesus Christ, and in our lives, too.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2017) TEXT: Galatians 4:4-5 ILL. There is a familiar song that begins with these words: “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go.” It is a beautiful song that brings back a lot of memories. One stanza ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:11, Galatians 4:4-5, Acts 17:26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Palm Sunday - At The Foot Of The Cross

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 3, 2001

Four women loved Jesus so much that they were willing to risk their own lives to be near Him as He hung there upon the cross.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2017) TEXT: John 19:25-27; Matthew 27:40-42 A. As you know, today is celebrated throughout the Christian world as "Palm Sunday" in remembrance of that day nearly 2,000 years ago when Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:40-42, John 19:25-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Mother’s Day - Security Or Insecurity?

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 3, 2001

Let’s talk about family security, and the lack of it; about the things that cause insecurity and the things that can develop security in the home.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK A. Today is Mother’s Day, a day on which mothers are specially honored. Many receive cards or flowers or candy as husbands & children try to show them just how much they are loved & appreciated. And many restaurants will ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:18-21, Ephesians 5:25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Christmas - Season For Giving & Receiving

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 5, 2001

As Christmas comes, we think, "Maybe it’s not impossible. Maybe we really could have hearts filled with love. Maybe we really could be kind to each other, & not just once a year, but all year long."

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER RIDGE CHAPEL, KANSAS, OK (REVISED: 2017) TEXT: Luke 2:8-14 ILL. It's Christmas time, & Lucy comes in where Charlie Brown is standing & says, "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown. 'Tis the season of peace on earth & good will toward men. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

New Year Assurance In Paul's Triumph Song

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Jan 6, 2001

The Christians in Rome were apprehensive as to the future so Paul diagnoses the Problem and finds the Solution in Christ which gives us assurance in entering the New Year.

NEW YEAR ASSURANCE IN PAUL’S TRIUMPH SONG "What will this year bring?" I expect that all of us in our private thoughts, or even spoken, have wondered what’s in store for us. I can’t tell you what will happen, but I suspect that 2008 will be much like 2007. The Earth has been circling the sun a ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28-39

Denomination: Baptist

God Wants Us To Be Sure

Contributed by Melvin Newland on Jan 7, 2001

In this day & age it is sometimes difficult to know what is true. But surely, there are some things we can count on, some things we can know for sure.

MELVIN M. NEWLAND, MINISTER CENTRAL CHRISTIAN, BROWNSVILLE, TX A. What do we know for sure? In this age of contemporary uncertainty it is difficult to know what is true, because what was considered true yesterday may not be considered true today. ILL. For example, for a ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:15-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Old Testament's Doubting Thomas

Contributed by Darryly Mcauley on Oct 18, 2000

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: We are being conditioned out of neccesity to be sceptical people.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: We are being conditioned out of neccesity to be sceptical people. We are always told that if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. I heard this week, and maybe you did as well about an 81 year old man who was con'd out of $40,000 by a Canadian con artist. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-21

Naomi - A Case History Of God's Providence Series

Contributed by Owen Bourgaize on Oct 18, 2000

Naomi suffered three bereavements and yet proved God’s providential care.

There’s a striking phrase in our reading from the book of Ruth - "The Lord came to the aid of his people" (1:6). The Authorized Version puts it: "The Lord has visited his people." All of us have known the problems as well as the joys of life - and they come at all stages in life’s journey. Are ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-7

Denomination: Baptist