Sermons on Formality:

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

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

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

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

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

The Lost Sons - Part 2 Series

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Aug 18, 2019

Last week we took a look at the younger son found in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Today we'll be taking a look a the older son and always with our eyes fastened on the Father!!!

The Lost Sons (Part 2) Please stand as we read our newest memory Scripture together … John 14:23-24 “Jesus said, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home with him. “He who does not love Me will not obey My teaching. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:21-32

Denomination: Nazarene

Dishonoring The Lord

Contributed by Rodelio Mallari on Jan 1, 2011

The lesson for us in this Bible study is very clear and simple – God as our Father and Master is never pleased with just any religious ceremonies, formalities and rituals. God would only accept the best of the time, abilities, talents, and offerings from

Intro: The Lord is great (Psa. 145:3) over all the earth. Here, God’s people failed to properly honor Him. Since Israel was supposed to fear God and love Him wholeheartedly (Deut. 6:3, 5), the severity of her spiritual condition was truly alarming. Again, the Lord reminds and rebukes Israel. ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 1:6-10

Denomination: *other

Life Under Oath - Matthew 5:33-37 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Aug 17, 2024

Everything you ever say is under oath, as if you swore by God himself that it’s true. This message will help you grasp how important truthtelling in every detail of life is. It also explains the legitimate purpose of formal oaths.

Matthew 5:33-37 "Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.' 34 But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37

God's Pattern For The Church Thessalonica

Contributed by David Parks on Jun 2, 2004

We look at our society and see great confusion about the nature of the church. Is it a worshiping society of people who come together once a week for cold formal pomp and circumstance. . . . Or, is it a place we come for a wild tumultuous emotional rele

God’s Pattern for the Local Church: Thessalonica TEXT: 1 Thessalonians 1:3-8 INTRODUCTION: 1. If you read the paper or watch Television you know that we live in a time of great moral, ethical, political and religious confusion. 2. For example, our nation is now struggling with the question of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:3-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ