Sermons on Grant:

Lesson 43: Subversive Preaching Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 27, 2018

How to subvert a popular theological misconception.

Lesson Goal In this lesson I hope to teach you how to subvert a popular notion. Lesson Intro The sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) is subversive, but wise in avoiding hot political issues. Many preachers around the world get themselves into political trouble by trying to subvert the legally ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Bearing Fruit

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 20, 2019

Where is God when bad things happen? Are people who die in calamities and atrocities just getting what they deserve? Let’s discuss time and chance, and God giving us one last chance to repent. Let’s look at what Jesus said in Luke 13:1-9.

Where is God when bad things happen? Are people who die in calamities and atrocities just getting what they deserve? Let’s discuss time and chance, and God giving us one last chance to repent. Let’s look at what Jesus said in Luke 13:1-9. Unless You Repent Luke 13:1-3 Now on the same occasion ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

A Bankrupt Son Returns Home

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 25, 2019

What would we think about someone who had spent all his inheritance on wild orgies, went bankrupt, dressed in rags, smelled of pig dung and wanted to come home? That’s our story today. It’s about a father and two sons and is found in Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.

What would we think about someone who had spent all his inheritance on wild orgies, went bankrupt, dressed in rags, smelled of pig dung and wanted to come home? That’s our story today. It’s about a father and two sons and is found in Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32. The Wild Child Luke 15:11b-13 “A man had ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Giving Extravagantly

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 2, 2019

How extravagantly do we give? Do we give God our best 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) It’s a simple gauge as to how blessed we are. Are we generous? How extravagantly do we give? Do we give God our best or our leftovers? Let’s look at Mary’s anointing of Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Passion (According To Luke)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 10, 2019

How can humanity ever escape the stupidity with which we have ruled this planet? Why doesn’t God just toss us all away and start over? A merciful God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit made a plan to save us from ourselves. Let’s look at that plan’s darkest hours in Luke 22:14-23:56.

How can humanity ever escape the stupidity with which we have ruled this planet? Why doesn’t God just toss us all away and start over? A merciful God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit made a plan to save us from ourselves. Let’s look at that plan’s darkest hours in Luke 22:14-23:56. Luke 22:14-18 “I ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Great Reversal

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 26, 2016

Do we even care? Or are we so busy accumulating wealth and looking for healing for ourselves, that we don't even see the destitute poor?

Intro Are compassion and money incompatible? Goal Let’s learn how important God considers our care of the less fortunate. Sermon Plan Let’s discuss Luke 16:19-31, an unnamed rich man and a famous beggar, Lazarus. We will learn about the dangers of the hard-hearted, selfish use of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Denomination: Baptist

Faith Like A Mustard Seed

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 2, 2016

How much faith does it take to do great things for God?

Intro Jesus had described true discipleship. The Son of Man had nowhere to lay his head. Those who put family first need to put the kingdom first. Wavering or looking back makes one not fit. The cost of following him is everything. We must carry our cross and give up possessions. How could anyone ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:5-10

Denomination: Baptist

Persistent And Demanding Prayer

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 11, 2016

Do we persist with God? Do we give up and not bother to pray because we do not believe that he will hear?

Intro Do we persist with God? Do we give up and not bother to pray because we do not believe that he will hear? Goal Let’s learn that God sometimes will only hear persistent, demanding prayers. Sermon Plan We will discuss prayers for ourselves, aggressive prayer and God’s justice ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus As Refugee

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 25, 2019

Mistreatment of others is part of every nation’s history. Let’s recognize humanity’s mistreatment of foreigners and innocent children, and Jesus as the world’s only hope, in Matthew 2:13-23.

Mistreatment of others is part of every nation’s history. Let’s recognize humanity’s mistreatment of foreigners and innocent children, and Jesus as the world’s only hope, in Matthew 2:13-23. Flee to Egypt Matthew 2:13-15 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Denomination: Baptist

Receive The Word

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 29, 2019

Who is the Word? Do we receive the Word? Does the Word live with us? Let’s look at Jesus’ pre-existence as God and how we receive Him in John 1:1-18.

Who is the Word? Do we receive the Word? Does the Word live with us? Let’s look at Jesus’ pre-existence as God and how we receive Him in John 1:1-18. Jesus is God John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Mystery Of Baptism

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 5, 2020

The Baptism of Christ set us an example of a ceremony which has become the norm for Christians. Baptism is also the subject of some division and much misunderstanding. Let’s explore the mystery of baptism. Let’s look at Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:13-17.

The Baptism of Christ set us an example of a ceremony which has become the norm for Christians. Baptism is also the subject of some division and much misunderstanding. Let’s explore the mystery of baptism. Let’s look at Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:13-17. Leadership Matthew 3:13 Then Jesus came ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 44: A Complete Sermon Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 28, 2018

Learn elements of a complete sermon

Lesson Goal Learn some elements of a complete sermon. Lesson Intro We have discussed many varieties of sermon types so far, but what makes for a complete sermon? Are there elements which make for a balanced approach to preaching? Lesson Plan This chapter introduces a number of counselors with ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:3-9, Acts 26:12-14, Acts 22:11-13

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 45: Preach Praise Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 30, 2018

How to preach a doxology sermon, a sermon praising God

Lesson Goal In this lesson I hope to present some elements of a doxology sermon which gives praise to God. Lesson Intro Augustine wrote about three kinds of sermon, the subdued sermon for teaching, the elegant sermon for praise and the majestic sermon for exhortation. We have already covered the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson 46: Preach In Grand Style Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 3, 2018

How to preach a grand or majestic sermon

Lesson Goal In this lesson I hope to teach the grand style or majestic sermon. Lesson Intro The Romans considered rhetoric to exist on three levels. Low style rhetoric was didactic, teaching. Middle style rhetoric was pleasing, entertaining. But grand style rhetoric was stirring, rousing and ...read more

Scripture: John 17:14-18, Acts 8:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Conquering Power

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 5, 2018

How do we know we love God? How do we know we love God’s children? How do we conquer evils of the world? Let's learn what it means to live an overcoming life. Let's look at 1 John 5:1-6.

Prelude How do we know we love God? How do we know we love God’s children? How do we conquer evils of the world? Let's learn what it means to live an overcoming life. Let's look at 1 John 5:1-6. 1 John 5:1 Loving God’s Children 1 John 5:1 says, “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:1-6

Denomination: Baptist