Sermons on Better Substance:

Hollow Hosannas

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Mar 27, 2010

Hosanna! For some these shouts of praise were true expressions of worship; for others they were hollow hosannas – hollow hosannas which were empty words that outwardly appeared beautiful but lacked substance. Is the praise we offer only hollow hosannas?

Hollow Hosannas Text: Matthew 21:1-17 Introduction: On the Sunday before His crucifixion Christ entered the city of Jerusalem riding upon a donkey while a multitude of people “went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Why Jesus Knew That Sometimes Things Are Allowed To Get Worse Before They Can Get Better

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. Jesus knew that God often uses tragedy to cause people to look to heaven for solutions to their problems.

1. Jesus knew that God often uses tragedy to cause people to look to heaven for solutions to their problems. The Savior said, "Every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." (Jn. 15:2) Thank the Lord to for His pruning of certain habits, thoughts and ...read more

Scripture: John 15:2

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Jesus Taught That Sometimes Things Must Get Worse Before They Can Get Better

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Sometimes the Lord allows conditions to get worse so He can make us better. No one goes through life without difficulties. In order to get our attention; the Lord may allow adversity to bring out the best or the worst in our attitudes - depending on our p

No one goes through life without difficulties. In order to get our attention; the Lord may allow adversity to bring out the best or the worst in our attitudes - depending on our perspective. The Lord is far more interested in developing our character than in seeing us succeed in our jobs. God is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:23-28, Exodus 5:22-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Book Of Acts, Part 4- Something Better Than Gold (Or Rise Up And Walk) Series

Contributed by Mark Strauss on May 4, 2006

In Acts 3 we meet a man whose life is about to change. •For over forty years his life has been the same (4:22). •But now he is about to receive the greatest gift of his life.

Something Better Than Gold (or, Rise up and Walk) The Healing of the Lame Man Acts 3 For all of us there are momentous events in our lives that change us forever. •Meeting that special person you will “Your eyes meet across the room...” •Having your first child; or adopting first child. You hold ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-26

Denomination: Baptist

Top Ten Reasons Why Easter Jesus Is Better Than Christmas Jesus – Part 2

Contributed by Peter Pilt on Apr 28, 2019

This was a creative way we presented the Easter Story. We looked at the ways that Easter Jesus is better than Christmas Jesus and then decorated the auditorium half as Easter and half as Christmas. It worked very well.This post is Part Two of Top Ten Reasons.

During Easter 2019, I preached a creative message on Good Friday and Easter Sunday looking at the The Top Ten Reasons why Easter Jesus is better than Christmas Jesus. Now I understand that Christmas and Easter Jesus are the same Jesus…but the point I am trying to make is that the world is more ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-9, 1 Corinthians 15:14, Romans 6:5-7, Hebrews 9:11-14, 1 Peter 1:3, Acts 2:22-25, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Hebrews 10:19, John 14:15, Ephesians 1:19-21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

It's Better To Get Ripped Off (1 Corinthians 6:1-11) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Feb 6, 2022

If your brother in Christ rips you off, eat the money. If you can't, or aren't willing, go to the elders, not the legal system. Also, a warning: the unrighteous don't inherit God's kingdom

I'd like to begin today by reading something from John G. Lake, somewhere in The Collected Writings of John G. Lake: "Beloved, there is a deep, passionate yearning in my soul that above all else this congregation may set forth, to the praise of God, such a character of righteousness in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11

Designed For Life

Contributed by Brian Williams on Jul 29, 2023

When we better understand who God is, how and why the universe was designed, then we will better understand ourselves, where we came from, our destination, and how and why we were designed.

Today we are continuing in our apologetics series on: “What do you believe?” We have been looking at the world and universe from a logical or philosophical perspective and about the evidence for the existence of a Creator God. We will be looking at two passages of Scriptures. One in Isaiah and the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:13-17, Isaiah 44:24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Moments Of Decision - Part One Series

Contributed by J. Yeargin on Feb 17, 2003

Wouldn’t you agree with me that we really do need to be a better testimony for Christ, and to be better prepared to speak boldly for our Savior and Lord?

MOMENT OF DECISION - Part Two - Last week we began looking at the powerful testimony of the Apostle Paul. In the book of Acts, we saw the strength and courage of Paul as he testified to the Roman Governor, Felix. No doubt, Paul was faced with imprisonment and perhaps being executed for his ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:18-22, Acts 26:28

Denomination: Assembly Of God

What Is God Like (Part 1) Series

Contributed by Jimmy Dillon on May 17, 2013

This sermon explores 13 character traits about God. In order to better worship Him, we must have a better understanding of What He is Like.

(Dynamics of Worship Series) What is God Like? (part 1 of 2) Matthew 4:10 Introduction Last week, we looked at answering what worship is from the perspective of the bible We saw that Jesus desires worshippers of Spirit and Truth and there must be a balance of these in order to truly worship God ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:10

Denomination: Baptist

Becoming A Garbage Dump

Contributed by Saumiman Saud on Jun 23, 2025

A patient person is better than a warrior, one who controls his temper is better than one who takes a city. (Proverbs 16:32)

BECOMING A GARBAGE DUMP A patient person is better than a warrior, one who controls his temper is better than one who takes a city. (Proverbs 16:32) News Tempo recorded that in 2012 Indonesia produced 262 million liters of waste per day. If the population of Indonesia is considered to be 250 ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 16:32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Salty Christians Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on May 7, 2012

What influences you and what kind of influence are you on others? In the final portion of Mark Chapter 9, Jesus describes a common substance: salt. It is either salty or flavorless. When it comes to you affect on your environment are you salt or unsalt?

Leading up to this portion of Mark 9, Jesus has taken a young child and put them into his arms. Somehow I picture him placing the child in front of Him and wrapping his arms around their front. The disciples can see both the child and the Messiah standing together. That stance of loving protection ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:38-50

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Characteristics Of Our God

Contributed by Jim Parisi on Jun 23, 2002

Who is this God we serve? How do I get to know him better?

The Characteristics of our God HHM May 19, 2002 A. The Essence and Substance of God: Who is this God we serve? How do I get to know him better? Thru – Personal Relationship When we want to learn about someone what do we do??? We ask about them, we do some research; we can even have them ...read more

Scripture: John 4:24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Bow's, Arrows & Strings

Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on Jun 24, 2017

This is a message about working together across generational barriers. The Bow's need the Arrows and they both need the String...

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 7  Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. 8  There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:14, Mark 16:15, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Ephesians 4:17-32, Ephesians 4:1-16, Luke 12:13-21, Ecclesiastes 4:7-12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Church Of God

Improving Your Social Life: Three Essential Communications Skills

Contributed by Cary Paulk on Mar 14, 2002

A Sermon that gives practical helps on being better communicators.

Improving Your Social Life: Three Essential Communications Skills James 1:19-20 Introduction: [A young man once approached Socrates to ask if the philosopher would teach him the gift of oratory. His request was then followed by an incessant stream of words until, finally, Socrates placed his hand ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

Playing For God

Contributed by Jim Kane on Mar 24, 2003

The function of fellowship is to be a better member of God’s family.

This morning we continue toward the conclusion of our series on God’s vision for us, “A fully following and faithfully functioning church.” We spent the month of January looking at the lives of 10 Biblical characters and how they illustrate what it means to fully follow God. And we have spent the ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:1-16

Denomination: Church Of God