Sermons on Formalism:

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

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

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

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

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

The Ministry Of Music And Worship Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Aug 2, 2025

Worship and music are not mere church formalities; they are sacred ministries that connect humanity to divinity.

THE MINISTRY OF MUSIC AND WORSHIP By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Chronicles 25:1-7 Supporting Texts: Psalm 150:1-6, John 4:23-24, 2 Chronicles 5:12-14, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16 INTRODUCTION: Worship and music are not mere church formalities; they are sacred ministries that connect ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 25:1-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Hurry Up God

Contributed by Wayne Lawson on Sep 8, 2025

Psalm 70 is the 911 call of the Prayer book. It is short – urgent - stripped of all formality.

TITLE: HURRY UP, GOD! SCRIPTURE: PSALM 70 Over the course of my life I have always heard the saints say – “YOU CAN’T HURRY GOD.” The Chicago Mass Choir made that saying a hit song. I’ve sometimes wondered, when faced with this prayer on the page, if it isn’t a little presumptuous to be telling ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

Praise Him

Contributed by Nathan Johnson on Feb 27, 2009

True praise to God is more than a formal exercise; it is a heartfelt way of living that expresses itself in exultation to God.

Praise Him Griffith Baptist Church – 3/1/09 P.M. Service Text: Psalm 47 Key verse: Psalms 47:1 - O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. Premise: True praise to God is more than a formal exercise; it is a heartfelt way of living that expresses itself in ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 47:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

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

Consecrated Life - Evangelism Series

Contributed by Donald Stanley on Nov 23, 2008

There is an evangelism program that 100% of Christians can be involved in and effective in. This program involves no formal training and is long-term effective.

Joshua 3:5 5 Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.” • Consecrate = To be set apart, Holy, Sanctified. • Before the people could follow God into the Promised Land, they had to separate themselves from all that was unholy. o They ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 3:5

Denomination: Baptist

Lessons For Living

Contributed by Curtis Kittrell on Apr 17, 2002

Book III of the Psalms, a collection formalized at the time of the Exile, features the teaching psalms (maskil) of Asaph, a Levite who led a choir that praised God.

LESSONS FOR LIVING PSALMS 73–78 “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all Your works and consider all Your mighty deeds” (Ps. 77:11–12). Book III of the Psalms, a collection formalized at the time of the Exile, features the ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal