Sermons on Granted:

Entering Forgiveness

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 11, 2021

Where does repentance lead us? Repentance leads us into forgiveness. What does forgiveness mean for us now?

Prelude Where does repentance lead us? Repentance leads us into forgiveness. What does forgiveness mean for us now? Purpose: Let us look at the importance of knowing forgiveness as we live each day. Plan: We will look at Luke 24:36b-48; Acts 3:12-19; and 1 John 3:1-7 focusing on the topic of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:36-48, Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Spiritual Bullying

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 14, 2021

What role does our loving concern for the consciences of our Christian brothers and sisters play? Can Paul’s discussion of food offered to idols help? What does knowledge without love produce? What does love produce? How can knowledge alone that an idol is nothing lead to unloving acts?

What role does our loving concern for the consciences of our Christian brothers and sisters play? Can Paul’s discussion of food offered to idols help? What does knowledge without love produce? What does love produce? How can knowledge alone that an idol is nothing lead to unloving acts? 1 ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Hidden Wisdom

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 9, 2021

In Corinth, what kind of preaching was Paul inspired to use as the most effective?

In Corinth, what kind of preaching was Paul inspired to use as the most effective? 1 Corinthians 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. Many would be tempted to try and electrify a new crowd with “lofty ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Transfiguration

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 12, 2021

What wonderful things can happen in small groups? Who do we listen to and obey? Can we glimpse eternity in a small group? Let’s examine these questions by looking at Mark 9:2-9.

What wonderful things can happen in small groups? Who do we listen to and obey? Can we glimpse eternity in a small group? Let’s examine these questions by looking at Mark 9:2-9. The Transformation What can happen when only a very few are gathered together? Mark 9:2 Now after six days Jesus took ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:2-9

Denomination: Baptist

Why Ash Wednesday

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 16, 2021

Does lent serve any purpose for a Protestant?

Prelude Does lent serve any purpose for a Protestant? Purpose Let’s look at several reasons for a Christian to fast and pray. Plan We’ll look at the topic of fasting in Joel 2, Psalm 51, 2 Corinthians 5-6 and Matthew 6. Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 Joel 2:1 Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:1-2, Psalm 51:1-17, Matthew 6:1-6, Joel 2:12-17, Matthew 6:16-21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Lent, Time Apart

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 18, 2021

Why should we take time apart before Easter? What is the purpose of Lent?

Prelude Why should we take time apart before Easter? What is the purpose of Lent? Purpose Let’s see the value of quiet times apart for prayer, fasting, meditation and reflection. Plan Let’s look briefly at Jesus’ wilderness experience before beginning His ministry, in Mark 1:9-15. The ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:9-15

Denomination: Baptist

Take Up Your Cross

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 23, 2021

As people run headlong into a world going nowhere, escaping reality in their hedonistic lifestyles, are we ashamed of Jesus and His words? Are we ashamed of suffering as Christians? Let’s look at Jesus’ countercultural instructions in Mark 8:31-38.

Prelude As people run headlong into a world going nowhere, escaping reality in their hedonistic lifestyles, are we ashamed of Jesus and His words? Are we ashamed of suffering as Christians? Purpose Let’s see the value of taking up our cross and denying ourselves. Plan Let’s look at Jesus’ ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: Baptist

Clear The Building

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 4, 2021

Let’s look at the most important purpose for our church building. Let’s learn Jesus’ reason for driving the merchants out of the temple court in John 2:13-25.

Prelude What kind of worship do we have here? Is it just a cabaret with Christian songs? Is it easy worship without self-sacrifice, or is it real worship from the heart? Purpose Let’s look at the most important purpose for our church building. Plan Let’s learn Jesus’ reason for driving the ...read more

Scripture: John 2:13-25

Denomination: Baptist

Church Leaders (1 Corinthians 3)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 11, 2021

Now comes that chapter that many congregations would not want to hear. Let’s listen to what God’s minister has to preach to the Corinthians. Could it apply to us too?

Now comes that chapter that many congregations would not want to hear. Let’s not be like rebellious people, “Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits” (Isaiah 30:10 KJV). Let’s listen to what God’s ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Not Condemned

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 11, 2021

What is the way to life? Why do some reject it? Is their motive logical or emotional? Purpose: Let’s understand the significance of faith in Christ. Plan: Let’s look at condemnation and salvation in John 3:14-21.

Prelude What is the way to life? Why do some reject it? Is their motive logical or emotional? Purpose: Let’s understand the significance of faith in Christ. Plan: Let’s look at condemnation and salvation in John 3:14-21. John 3:14 The Exalted Cross As we read John 3:14 “as Moses lifted up the ...read more

Scripture: John 3:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

Becoming Humble Churches (1 Corinthians 4)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 15, 2021

Paul suggests that though we don’t look to men, we ought to be humble, love and respect the faulty ministers over us in the Lord as we look to what God is doing.

Paul suggests that though we don’t look to men, we ought to be humble, love and respect the faulty ministers over us in the Lord as we look to what God is doing. 1 Cor 4:1-5 Ministers of Christ 1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Communion At Home

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 7, 2020

Please take a moment to be sure that you have a morsel of bread and a small cup of wine or grape juice handy. If you need to, now would be the time to take a moment and prepare these elements. If possible, find a quiet place and begin.

Please take a moment to be sure that you have a morsel of bread and a small cup of wine or grape juice handy. If you need to, now would be the time to take a moment and prepare these elements. If possible, find a quiet place and begin. Let’s hear the Great Commandments, and examine our hearts. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Good Friday At Home

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 7, 2020

A guide for those who are shut in due to many different reasons during this paschal season.

GOOD FRIDAY at HOME Choose some appropriate music to play in the background if you wish, but silence is preferable. If there are two or more of you, you may wish to have one say the lead part and another say the second part. If alone, just say both parts out loud or read them to yourself. Christ ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Easter At Home

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 7, 2020

Many people are at home with no means of participating in Easter celebrations. Here is one way to have Easter at home, even alone, if needed.

Sing: Because He Lives <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M-zwE33zHA> Reading: Ezekiel 37:3-14 3 And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.” 4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Who Is God? Part 2

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 8, 2020

How can we understand how great God is? How good is God? How near is God to us right now? How high above us is God? How is God one? Why does God use the imagery of a Father when that offends so many today? How is Jesus also God? How is the Holy Spirit God? Let's discuss.

How Near or Far is God? Immanence — God’s nearness The Bible quotes God as saying that He fills heaven and earth or as other translations put it, he is everywhere. "Can a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?" declares the LORD. "Do I not fill the heavens and the ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 23:24

Denomination: Baptist