Sermons on Grant:

Are We Bearing Fruit?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 19, 2022

Where is God when bad things happen? Purpose: Let’s discuss time and chance, and God giving us one last chance to repent. Plan: Let’s look at what Jesus said in Luke 13:1-9.

Where is God when bad things happen? Purpose: Let’s discuss time and chance, and God giving us one last chance to repent. Plan: Let’s look at what Jesus said in Luke 13:1-9. Martyrs “There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Prodigal Or Judgmental

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 20, 2022

Imagine someone who wasted his inheritance on wild living, went broke, was homeless, smelled like a pig and just wanted to come home? Purpose: Let’s look at the prodigal son. Plan: Let’s examine Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.

Hymns: You Raise Me Up (Joshua 5); Forgiven (Psalm 32); We Are Standing on Holy Ground (2 Corinthians 5); Father I Have Sinned (the Prodigal Son Song). Readings: Joshua 5:9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Prelude: Imagine someone who wasted his inheritance on wild living, went broke, was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, Luke 15:11-32

Denomination: Baptist

Giving

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 2, 2022

One of the greatest secrets of the universe is in Jesus’ words, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:35) Do we give extravagantly to God or our leftovers? Let’s look at Mary’s anointing of Jesus in John 12:1-8.

One of the greatest secrets of the universe is in Jesus’ words, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:35) Do we give extravagantly to God or our leftovers? Let’s look at Mary’s anointing of Jesus in John 12:1-8. “Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Easter & Mary Magdalene

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 12, 2022

It was early the Sunday morning of Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:1-18). That time of year, mornings could be a little chilly, so Mary probably wrapped herself up against the cool early air as she headed towards the garden tomb.

It was early the Sunday morning of Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:1-18). That time of year, Jerusalem could be just over 20°C (about 70°F on the old scale) during the day. Early that morning it may have been about 10°C (50°F), so Mary probably wrapped herself up against the cool ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

No Condemnation In Christ

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 15, 2023

Are we all condemned to hell because of our human weakness in the flesh? Let's find out in Romans 8.

Are we all condemned to hell because of our human weakness in the flesh? Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Romans 8:1-2 NASB) Was God’s law weak ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Special Vessels

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 25, 2023

How does God choose some to be special vessels and others not? Let's find out in Romans 9.

How does God choose some to be special vessels and others not? Are the chosen people Jews or Christians or both? Let’s begin by asking, did Paul love his fellow Jews? I’m speaking the truth in Christ—I’m not lying, as my conscience assures me with the Holy Spirit: 2 I have great sadness and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Beyond Prejudices (Matthew 28)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 2, 2023

Jesus told us to get out of our comfort zones and spread the good news. How are we doing?

The Great Commission challenges Christians to go beyond national and tribal prejudices. Let’s look at Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 28:16-20. They Worshiped Him Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Denomination: Baptist

Belief In Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 5, 2023

Is belief in Jesus important for both Jews and Gentiles?

What makes people acceptable to God? Let’s begin with Paul’s prayer for Israel? Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire is for Israel’s salvation. That’s my prayer to God for them. (Romans 10:1 CEB) What was Israel’s biggest issue? Can Christians have the same problem? I know they love God, but ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Countercultural Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 8, 2023

Did Jesus seek to be culturally relevant or bring new faith to an old culture? Were there people who criticized and ridiculed Him? Let’s find out in Matthew 9:9-26.

Did Jesus seek to be culturally relevant or bring new faith to an old culture? Were there people who criticized and ridiculed Him? Let’s find out in Matthew 9:9-26. How did Jesus call some of His disciples? Is that a picture for anyone who chooses to follow Him? As Jesus passed on from there, He ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-26

Denomination: Baptist

Has God Rejected Israel?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 12, 2023

Has God rejected Israel? Let's let Paul answer that question in Romans 11.

Paul answers an important question. So I ask you, has God rejected his people? Absolutely not! I’m an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. (Romans 11:1 CEB) Were some in Israel faithful? God did not turn his back on his chosen people. Don't you remember reading in ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Living Sacrifices

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 16, 2023

How can we apply the sacrificial laws in the Spirit to Christian worship? Let's find out in Romans 12.

How do we apply the spirit of the sacrificial laws to Christian worship? Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. (Romans 12:1 NASB) Have worldly values ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Obedient Citizens

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 21, 2023

Leaders of nations that oppress Christians are only hurting themselves by persecuting their best citizens. Let's look at why in Romans 13.

Leaders of nations and communities that oppress Christians don’t realize that they are harassing some of their most loyal citizens. A Christian value is to be obedient citizens? We obey civil laws because God wants us to. Every person should place themselves under the authority of the government. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Christian Liberty

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 30, 2023

How do we handle the freedom we have in Christ? Let's find out in Romans 14.

Christ gives us liberty, but some are weak, and causing unnecessary offense is an abuse of that Christian freedom. How should we treat those who are weak in faith? Welcome the person who is weak in faith—but not in order to argue about differences of opinion. (Romans 14:1 CEB) What about food ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Christians Together

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 8, 2023

How was life in the early church? Let's find out in Romans 15 and 16.

Paul concludes his topic of patience over non-essentials with a glimpse of the early church. If our faith is strong, we should be patient with the Lord's followers whose faith is weak. We should try to please them instead of ourselves. 2 We should think of their good and try to help them by ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What Is The Church?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 16, 2023

A town gathering and a few word pictures help us understand what is meant by the word church.

What is the church? A Gathering The early church borrowed a Greek term, ?????s?a (ekklésia), meaning a gathering of citizens. Thus we call the study of the church ecclesiology. Can it describe a local church? To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:2

Denomination: Baptist