Sermons on John Spong:

Knowing Jesus

Contributed by Anthony Zibolski on Sep 4, 2015

There is a difference between knowing of Jesus and knowing Jesus. When we truly know Jesus, we will not have a problem serving and loving Jesus.

Knowing Jesus John 1:1-1:18 Introduction- Last week we looked at the Potter and the clay. We saw that the Lord was speaking to the nation of Israel, and then to us as we allow the Lord to mold and make us more in the image of God. We saw that if you have a hard time believing that He could ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-13

Denomination: Nazarene

The Smartest Unlearned And Ignorant Men In Town! Series

Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Sep 21, 2014

Peter & John were simple fishermen. When they gathered a following by preaching Jesus, the Jewish leaders judged them to be "unlearned & ignorant." Far from it! They were wise and learned in the most important things to know, the subject of this sermon.

The Smartest Unlearned and Ignorant Men in Town! Series: Acts Chuck Sligh September 21, 2014 This sermon was inspired by and adapted from a skeleton outline in “The Most Valuable Men in Town” on page 71 of Preach for a Year. (NOTE: There is a PowerPoint presentation for this sermon ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

The First Baptist Preacher Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 9, 2014

“It’s not about me. It’s all about Jesus.” If you make that your motto, then you’re on your way to understanding what abundant life is all about.

INTRODUCTION Most towns in America have a “first Baptist church.” That means they were the first Baptist church organized in a particular city. For instance, First Baptist Church Tyler was established in 1848, two years after Tyler became a city. They are our mother congregation and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Predecessor From God

Contributed by Dr. Jeffrey Dukeman on Dec 3, 2018

John the Baptist was a predecessor from God at Jesus' Baptism. We today should reflect on all those who have preceded us and helped us to know God, and we should also strive to be predecessors from God for others.

Historian David Barton has an interesting discussion in an article entitled “Christmas—as Celebrated by the Presidents.” Barton writes, Even though Christmas did not become a national holiday until 1870, it has a centuries old history in America. Interestingly, in colonial America, the southern ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-20

We Interrupt Your Slumber For This Important Announcement

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Dec 5, 2018

What is signified by the birth of John the Baptist?

We Interrupt Your Slumber for this Important Announcement! Luke 1:67-80 It had been a long time since Israel had heard the voice of God speaking through one of His prophets. It had been 400 years since Malachi, the last of the prophets had spoken. This prophet had spoken of a restoration of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:67-80, Luke 1:68-79, Isaiah 40:3

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Dec 7, 2018

We, like John are called to prepare the way of the LORD, for His return.

Prepare Ye the Way of the LORD. Luke 3:1-6 About thirty years had passed since the flurry of excitement over the birth of John the Baptist and the strange reports from the shepherds of Bethlehem about another birth. The world soon forgets and returns to its normal drudge. Many of those who had ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-6, Isaiah 40:3-5

Denomination: Independent/Bible

In The Beginning

Contributed by Hiram Withers on Dec 8, 2018

As we celebrate Christmas, it is important to be reminded who we are celebrating.

“In the beginning.” The bible being made up of 66 books, when we hear these three words our minds often go to the book of Genesis yet, there is another book in the Bible the starts exactly the same way. There are only two books in the Bible the start this way one describes the creation of the ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1

What God's Word Tells Us About Baptism Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jul 9, 2018

God's Word helps us understand: 1. the method of baptism. 2. the meaning of baptism. 3. the motive for baptism.

What God's Word Tells Us about Baptism The Book of Acts - Part 65 Acts 18:24 - 19:5 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - July 13, 2016 INTRODUCTION: *Here's a serious question that may sound silly: Was John the Baptist a Baptist? The answer is that in a way he was, but certainly not ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Zachariah's Song

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Nov 2, 2019

Even though this song is sung at the birth of John the Baptist, the song is not about him.

Zachariah’s Song Luke 1:67-79 The people of Israel had not heard the prophetic word from Yahweh for about 400 years. Malachi, the last of the prophets had promised that the LORD would send a messenger before Him to prepare the way of the Lord’s coming. The “Old” Testament ends with the promise of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:68-79, Luke 1:67-79

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Less Looks Like Series

Contributed by Dr. Dave Hartson on Nov 12, 2019

Less is more with God. It is the guiding force for the life of John the Baptist, but it should be the guiding force for our lives as well.

Introduction For the last two weeks, I have been trying to show you that there is a Biblical principle that we need to have integrated into our life. And that principle is: Less is more with God. It is the guiding force for the life of John the Baptist, but it should be the guiding force for our ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:2-8

Denomination: Baptist

Second Sunday Of Advent, Year A

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Nov 12, 2019

How would you like to receive a Christmas card with the figure of John the Baptist on it, saying— You “brood of vipers” (Matthew 3:7)?

How would you like to receive a Christmas card with the figure of John the Baptist on it, saying— You “brood of vipers” (Matthew 3:7)? The expression means malice. He reminded them of God’s wrath, which is not the emotion of anger, but God’s holiness that brings judgement in its train of glory. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12

Denomination: Catholic

Fear Not, Just Believe Series

Contributed by Denn Guptill on Dec 1, 2019

This series looks at the various "Fear Nots" in the Christmas story. It begins with Garbriel's admonintion to Zechariah to not be afraid.

Fear and Christmas aren’t words that I would think go together. Maybe Halloween and Fear, or birthdays and fear. But Christmas and fear? I mean, really what is there to fear about Christmas? Well, according to those in the know there is plenty to fear about Christmas. If you are selaphobic, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-15

Denomination: Wesleyan

Zacharias’ Prophecy Of The New Covenant Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Dec 9, 2019

Zachariah’s son was the prophet God chose for a key role in the drama of the ages. Jesus was to do the work of deliverance; John was to prepare the way for Him.

LUKE 1:76-80 ZACHARIAS’ PROPHECY OF THE NEW COVENANT In the first part of Zechariah’s Song he has exalted God for establish His glorious covenants starting with Abraham and then for bringing His covenants into glorious fulfillment through the coming of the Messiah. The Hymn then blesses God ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:76-80

Denomination: Baptist

Point Them To Jesus

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Apr 22, 2020

Churches easily get struck in a rut and decline. John the Baptist serves as a model for vital ministry: focus on Jesus above all else.

Last week we started looking at the ministry of John the Baptist. He was a prophet. He cared for the spiritual health of his nation with all of his heart. He saw clearly what needed to be done and he spoke out what people needed to hear, boldly, without any sugar coating. His boldness was what ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:15-18

It' Not About Us

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Apr 22, 2020

We love our church traditions and are proud of the good things we do. But our calling is to honor Jesus above ourselves and change any tradition to better point people to Jesus, like John the Baptist.

One of the fun parts of the Christmas season is getting letters from old friends and learning how their kids are turning out. Erik, whom I confirmed years ago, is in the Air Force now. Annie is a commercial artist. Allen, who used to get bullied, is a police officer now. Tim is married, with ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-17