Sermons on Formalism:

Dedicating What Belongs To God Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 15, 2025

This chapter teaches us that what is built for God must be formally committed to God. Dedication is not a mere ceremony—it is a spiritual act of submission, recognition, and consecration.

DEDICATING WHAT BELONGS TO GOD By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Kings 8:1-66 Supporting Texts: 2 Chronicles 6:12-42; Romans 12:1; Psalm 132:7-9; Hebrews 13:15; John 2:17 INTRODUCTION: 1 Kings 8 is one of the most powerful and spiritually charged chapters in the Old Testament. After years of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 8:1-66

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Mentoring Men Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 2, 2004

Teaching does not have to be in a formal setting; in fact, the best kind of learning takes place in every day life, when we simply speak spiritual truth.

As we turn today to Titus 2, the focus, as John MacArthur states, “changes from the pastors to the people, from the elders to everybody, and from the leadership to the laity.” Specifically, Paul’s passion is for people to live out the transforming power of the gospel and not to look like the “same ...read more

Scripture: Titus 2:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Religion Without Relationship Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Aug 29, 2025

Without God’s Word, people create their own religion.

RELIGION WITHOUT RELATIONSHIP By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Judges 17 Key Verse: Judges 17:5–6 –“And the man Micah had an house of gods, and made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest. In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

What Not To Wear

Contributed by John Mayes on Jan 17, 2006

Why would a king invite the good and the bad to a formal party and then reject one of his guest because he was not dressed as well as the others? Click here and find out!

What not to wear. The Learning Channel, (TLC) has a program where a person gets picked to come on their show and receive $5,000.00 to use on a complete fashion makover. There is one catch: The ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

Shavuot Sunday

Contributed by Mike Fogerson on Oct 8, 2012

Today is Pentecost Sunday. It has been faithfully celebrated at Catholic & liturgical (formal/high) churches for centuries but many Protestant/Evangelical congregations do not give it as much as a nod.

Shavuot Sunday Dr. Mike Fogerson June 27, 2012 Introduction: A You may not know it (or its significance) but today is Pentecost Sunday. 1 It has been faithfully celebrated at Catholic & liturgical (formal/high) churches for centuries but many Protestant/Evangelical congregations do not give it ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 23:15-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Now Condition

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Mar 7, 2013

Once we are saved we have laid down the old and and put on a new person. The sermon shares how are now condition is different from its formal condition.

Our Now Condition 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 WE are saved redeemed, forgiven, justified, fixed for entrance into the kingdom, Reconciled, the old account is settled, God is content with are now condition. If we have accepted Jesus we have what I call a Now Condition: 1. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Denomination: Methodist

Baptsts And Church Membership Series

Contributed by Nathan Eyland on Mar 14, 2005

This is a fictional account of a young lady, Michelle Peterson. The purpose of this story-preaching is to try and demonstrate some of the reasons why Baptists developed a formal church membership along the lines that they did.

This is a fictional account of a young lady, Michelle Peterson. The purpose of this story is to try and demonstrate some of the reasons why Baptists developed a formal church membership along the lines that they did. Michelle Peterson was born in London, August 5th 1615. Her parents were traders. ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:8-13

Denomination: Baptist

Follow The Leader To His Trial Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Mar 30, 2021

There were two trials the night Jesus was arrested. One was illegal but formal. The other trial was in the court of public opinion. Peter didn't do so well in his trial.

You can hear the audio of the sermon at: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697261/8241541 ? During the pastorate of Henry Ward Beecher in Indianapolis he preached a series of sermons upon drunkenness and gambling, incidentally scoring the men of the community who profited by these sins. During the ensuing ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:33-34, Matthew 26:58, John 18:19, Mark 14:69, Luke 22:61-62  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Does Prayer Even Work

Contributed by Jeff Poor on May 11, 2017

Prayer isn't a wish list. Prayer isn't a formal conversation. Pray is a vulnerable, honest, and raw conversation with God. God doesn't want the information, He wants the conversation.

Title: Does Prayer Even Work? Text: Matthew 6:5-13 Bottom Line: Prayer isn’t a wish list, it’s the foundation to a relationship. Intro A couple years ago I was asked to be in a wedding in Iowa. An other buddy of mine was also in the wedding and we decided we would fly out a day or two early and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-13, Psalm 22:1-2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Ritualism Versus Spiritual Reality Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on May 20, 2010

God desires to curb the trend toward formalism in religion which is satisfied with meeting external observation. To obey the moral precepts & principles of the word is infinitely more important than ceremonies & man-made traditions.

ZECHARIAH 7: 1-7 RITUALISM VERSUS SPIRITUAL REALITY [Ezra 6:1-11] The seventh and eighth chapters are the third distinct division of the prophecy. In the first portion was the call to national repentance and turning to the Lord for His Covenant blessings. After a national turning to God ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 7:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Ten Commandments For Raising Children

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Jul 24, 2016

These Israelite parents were to teach their children obedience morning and night, so these words would not become a matter of formal legalism, but a response based upon understanding. Remember obedience is formed when its a way of life.

Ten Commandments for Raising Children Deuteronomy 6:6-7NKJB What My Parents Taught Me: My parents taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE: "If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside - I just finished cleaning!" My parents taught me RELIGION: "You better pray that will come out of ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

Ten Commandments For Raising Children

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Aug 1, 2016

These Israelite parents were to teach their children obedience morning and night, so these words would not become a matter of formal legalism, but a response based upon understanding. Remember, obedience is formed when its a way of life.

Ten Commandments for Raising Children Deuteronomy 6:6-7NKJB What My Parents Taught Me: My parents taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE: "If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside - I just finished cleaning!" My parents taught me RELIGION: "You better pray that will come out of ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

How To Study The Bible Like A Pro - Class #1 - Course Objective, Goals, Content, And Introduction Series

Contributed by Dr. Craig Nelson on Sep 13, 2022

There are many different opinions about what the Bible says on a subject that can cause confusion. Some people doubt whether they can truly understand the Bible without a formal education from a Bible school or Seminary.

Course Requirements 1. Your hard work and faithfulness to consistently read the Bible. I want to encourage you to commit to this course of study for the next few weeks. You must be willing to lay aside preconceived notions, denominational distinctives, and favorite interpretations. 2. A Hungry ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:15, Ezra 7:10, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Ephesians 3:14-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Does Revival Terry #2

Contributed by Dale Carter Sr. on Jul 7, 2021

Intro: On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence which formally proclaimed the 13 colonies as independent. The war, however, continued as Britain was not willing to give up its North American colonies.

Why Does Revival Terry? Series #2 Dale Carter Sr Harvest Fellowship Community Church July 4, 2021 John 8:31-36 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 ...read more

Scripture: John 8:31-36, Exodus 12:5

Denomination: Pentecostal

Children Dedication Series

Contributed by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije-Misigaro Joel on Jul 24, 2023

Children's dedication refers to the act of formally committing a child to a specific religious or spiritual path. It often involves a ceremony or ritual where parents or guardians make promises to raise the child according to their beliefs and values.

CHILDREN DEDICATION Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel, July 24, 2023 "And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord." Luke 2:22 INTRODUCTION Children's dedication ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:22

Denomination: Pentecostal