Sermons on Formal Equivalence:

Prayer And Formal Requests

Contributed by Steven Boyns on Feb 4, 2006

For the last few weeks we’ve been sharing with you a series of messages on one of the most crucial practices of every Christian – that of prayer. And we said from the beginning, that the action of prayer ought not be viewed as an option for the Christian

For the last few weeks we’ve been sharing with you a series of messages on one of the most crucial practices of every Christian – that of prayer. And we said from the beginning, that the action of prayer ought not be viewed as an option for the Christian, but as an obligation. And prayer, as it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

About Formalism In Worship.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Mar 31, 2023

It is not good when our worship is nothing more than a formality, rather than an engagement with the One whom we are supposedly worshipping.

ABOUT FORMALISM IN WORSHIP. Psalm 50:7-15. Taken as a whole, the content of this Psalm appears as a court case, with El Elohim Yahweh, “the Mighty God the LORD” (cf. Psalm 50:1) presiding as Judge (cf. Psalm 50:6) - and God’s covenant people in the dock (cf. Psalm 50:5). Here the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 50:7-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Translations And Twbts Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on Jul 3, 2018

In this message we will talk about english translations and the 2 common philosophies - formal and dynamic equivalent. And we will also talk about TWBTS (the why behind the story)... Like why did Jesus come and how do we get in on it.

Translations and T.W.B.T.S. #UnderstandingTheBible For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Did He Promise An R71000? Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Oct 24, 2020

To prove Christ never promised: the rapture, 7-years of tribulation, and 1000-year reign, at His Second Advent. This doctrine is all religious nonsense, conceived by misinterpretation of keys, symbols, and prophecies: in the Old Testament and the Book of Revelation.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. Did He Promise an R71000? Introductory Remarks. 1. In this lesson today, we will be discussing the theme: “Did He Promise an R71000?" This is the eighth lesson in the sermon-series entitled: "Re-digging in Old Wells." There will be many others bearing this ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why Is It Unwise To Underestimate People With Less Formal Education?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

In this passage we read, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13) There is a tendency for the formally educate

In this passage we read, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13) There is a tendency for the formally educated to look down on those without formal ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:13-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Covenant People In The Dock.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Apr 30, 2022

When He calls His covenant people to judgment, those bound to Him by sacrifice, it is not necessarily something to strike terror into our hearts: because that covenant is true, and that all-sufficient sacrifice is Jesus.

COVENANT PEOPLE IN THE DOCK. Psalm 50:1-8, Psalm 50:22-23. “A Psalm of Asaph,” reads the superscription. Asaph was a chief musician contemporary with King David (1 Chronicles 16:4-7). Asaph is also referred to as a ‘seer’ (2 Chronicles 29:30). Taken as a whole, the content of this ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 50:1-8, Psalm 50:22-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Triumphant Joy Defended Series

Contributed by Derrick Strickland on Mar 19, 2016

Paul reminds us that our Joy must be defended against things that rob of us of Joy.

NTRO: 1. So far Paul has taught us that it’s important for us to understand or define triumphant Joy, then he revealed to us how we can refine or develop that Joy… but tonight Paul sees it important to remind us that our joy must always be defended. 2. It may came as no surprise for ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-21

Denomination: Pentecostal

Bible Study And Study Tools Series

Contributed by Vince Miller on May 30, 2018

The Bible is a living, and active collection of books breathed out by God. Studying it is essential to being a disciple of Jesus. Today men will learn the structure of the Bible, tools for studying the Bible, translations of the Bible.

Now I've got to tell you, this isn't the favorite subject of many men, and it's not all that inspiring. But I've got to say to you every time I do this in one of our Resolute groups; men walk away going, "Wow. I'm so glad I understand that now." Today's sermon is going to give you a brief overview ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Transformative Authority Of Scripture

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Nov 2, 2024

Short lesson about the authority of the Bible and handout. I used ChatGpt to help write both.

Sermon Title: The Transformative Authority of Scripture Introduction: What Does it Mean to Have Authority? Opening Thought: Authority can often feel like a heavy or even oppressive word. When something has authority, it has a claim on us, a right to direct our thoughts, our lives, and even our ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Denomination: Pentecostal

Let Holy Spirit Help Lead In Formal And Informal Settings

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

General John Galvin, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe was asked what was it like to be in charge of a variety of forces. His reply: “I often feel like the director of a cemetery. I have a lot of people under me but nobody listens

Learning to Lead in Formal and Informal Settings (I Cor 9:19-27) Some leaders are comfortable in formal settings but are awkward informally relating to people. Jonathan Edwards, the former President of Princeton Seminary was dismissed as the Pastor of his local church for that very reason. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:21-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Abraham's Obedient Faith

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 17, 2023

Is there a difference between works of the law and works of faith? Many Christians confuse the two as one, but they are not. Let's let the Bible answer the question.

A false equivalence is bad logic. It occurs when we believe that the same word in different contexts means the same thing. This happens in Christian discussions of the word works. We solve the confusion by asking what kind of “works” is being discussed. Is it works of the law or works of obedient ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Is Official, Or Formal Church Membership In A Local Church According To Scripture? – Part 1 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on May 2, 2025

This begins a 4 part study of local church membership in the New Testament. Is a formal church membership biblically required in our churches? Was it required in the first century churches? We will examine scriptures and practices for those answers.

IS OFFICIAL, OR FORMAL CHURCH MEMBERSHIP IN A LOCAL CHURCH ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURE? – PART 1 What is church membership? What does the New Testament teach about church membership? Is this a requirement for us in local churches or must we submit ourselves to a practice of man and denominational ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Ephesians 5:29-30, Acts 2:47, Acts 2:44, Romans 12:4-6, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Philippians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1, Colossians 1:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Is Official Or Formal Church Membership In A Local Church According To Scripture – Part 2 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on May 3, 2025

Formal church membership that involves special membership and voting rights is contentious. In this Part 2, I open up the matter to show how out of sync the matter is with the membership of the one Body of Christ, and the discrimination. We delve into some scriptures to bring this out.

IS OFFICIAL OR FORMAL CHURCH MEMBERSHIP IN A LOCAL CHURCH ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURE – PART 2 In Part 1 we looked at the practice some churches have of there being an official local church membership that divides “members”, adherents and attendees into “MEMBERS” and “NON-MEMBERS” depending if one has ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10, Romans 16:17, 1 Corinthians 6:15, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 1 Corinthians 12:18-20, 1 Corinthians 12:24-25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Is Official/Formal Church Membership In A Local Church According To Scripture? – Part 3 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on May 7, 2025

Regarding this matter of formal church membership, it is examined alongside mainly Ephesian verses. The subject is opened up to understand the New Testament practice of being members of one another and the equality in the Body of Christ. Membership of Christ’s Body covers it all.

IS OFFICIAL/FORMAL CHURCH MEMBERSHIP IN A LOCAL CHURCH ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURE? – PART 3 Part 3 (there are 4 parts) continues to look at various scriptures in this study of formal church membership over and above the one membership that unites all believers into one Body, and makes them all ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:26-28, Ephesians 2:13-16, Ephesians 2:19-22, Ephesians 3:5-6, Ephesians 4:3-7, Ephesians 4:11-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Is Official/Formal Church Membership In A Local Church According To Scripture? – Part 4 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on May 7, 2025

This is the final part and we look at a numbers of issues here as well as two statements from Internet sites on why membership is important. Over and over I am opposing this notion that commitment is connected with official membership. It is judgemental and untrue. I hope this is of some value.

IS OFFICIAL/FORMAL CHURCH MEMBERSHIP IN A LOCAL CHURCH ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURE? – PART 4 We have been looking at some passages of scripture from Paul’s writings and in vain, do we look for even the slightest suggestion that a church has official membership that discriminates among the Christians ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:29-30, Philippians 4:1-3, 3 John 1:9, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 2 Corinthians 2:6, Hebrews 13:7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational