Sermons on Permissive Will:

Abraham, Father Of The Faithful

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 17, 2018

Why was Abram’s name changed to Abraham? Why is he called father Abraham? How did Abraham become father of the faithful?

Prelude Why was Abram’s name changed to Abraham? Why is he called father Abraham? How did Abraham become father of the faithful? Purpose: Let’s look at the life of Abraham and discover why he is called a father to those who believe. Plan: We’ll look at Genesis 12-25 and the life of a patriarch ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Mystery Of Baptism

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 9, 2017

How can we differentiate between our preferences for baptism and Christ's commands?

Intro The Baptism of Christ was a forerunner to a ceremony which has become the norm for Christians. Baptism is also the subject of some division and much misunderstanding. Goal Let’s explore the mystery of baptism. Plan We will look at Matthew 3:13-17 and Jesus’ baptism. Matthew 3:13 Then ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

Last Place

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 15, 2020

What would Jesus say about first and last place? Let’s examine the puzzle behind Jesus blessing those in last place in Matthew 20:1-16.

What would Jesus say about first and last place? Let’s examine the puzzle behind Jesus blessing those in last place in Matthew 20:1-16. Wine Industry Parable Matthew 20:1 For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. The Gospel ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

Eternal Treasures

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 24, 2020

Is our focus on earthly kingdoms or the kingdom of God? How much do we treasure the things of God? Let’s examine heaven’s treasure in Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52.

Is our focus on earthly kingdoms or the kingdom of God? How much do we treasure the things of God? Let’s examine heaven’s treasure in Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52. The Kingdom of Heaven is … (Matthew 13:31 NKJV) The kingdom of heaven is like a small seed. It will grow large. Like leaven it affects ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:31-52

Denomination: Baptist

Walk On Water

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 29, 2020

Who do we look to for help when we seem to be all alone and in total darkness as life tosses us about? Let’s understand that the One who loves us will come to our rescue. Let’s look at the story of a small boat in a stormy sea in Matthew 14:22-33.

Who do we look to for help when we seem to be all alone and in total darkness as life tosses us about? Let’s understand that the One who loves us will come to our rescue. Let’s look at the story of a small boat in a stormy sea in Matthew 14:22-33. Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Baptist

Suffering And Hope

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 5, 2018

Have we ever been ostracized by family? Have we ever been falsely accused even by a few religious people? Do we suffer in other ways? Let’s learn to appreciate the majority of our church family that shares our suffering and our hope.

Intro Have we ever been ostracized by family? Have we ever been falsely accused even by a few religious people? Do we suffer in other ways? Purpose: Let’s learn to appreciate the majority of our church family that shares our suffering and our hope. Plan: Let’s look at Mark 3:20-35 and 2 ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:20-35

Denomination: Baptist

Well Done!

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 14, 2017

What does God expect us to do with what Heaven has given us? Do we take risks using our gifts or hide them for safekeeping? Why hasn’t God given to us all equally?

Prelude What does God expect us to do with what Heaven has given us? Do we take risks using our gifts or hide them for safekeeping? Why hasn’t God given to us all equally? Purpose: Let’s see what God expects us to do with our gifts. Plan: Let’s look at the Parable of the Talents in Matthew ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Baptist

Can The Rich Be Saved?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 4, 2021

Do we value the things of God more highly than the things of this world? What is Jesus’ opinion on the most valuable things in life? Let’s look at Jesus’ instructions after a rich man turned away from Him in Mark 10:17-31.

Prelude Do we value the things of God more highly than the things of this world? Purpose: What is Jesus’ opinion on the most valuable things in life? Plan: Let’s look at Jesus’ instructions after a rich man turned away from Him in Mark 10:17-31. The Advantages of Wealth The wealthy are often ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Denomination: Baptist

How Is Your Bow And Arrow?

Contributed by Roy Fowler on Apr 17, 2021

John is answering a question about what we will look like when Christ returns. Then moves to sin.

Sermon Title: How is your bow and arrow? Scripture Text: 1 John 3:1-7 Illustration: -A story about a younger sister: “Kerry, seven years old, was taken aside by her two older sisters. They said it’s time you knew our family secret.” “Mom isn’t really our mom,” they continued. “Our real mother ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:1-7

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Accusing Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 4, 2021

Was Jesus ever falsely accused? Purpose: Did He face vilification? Plan: Let’s look at how Jesus handled unfair criticism in Mark 3:20-35.

Intro Was Jesus ever falsely accused? Purpose: Did He face vilification? Plan: Let’s look at how Jesus handled unfair criticism in Mark 3:20-35. Is our Faith Crazy? Are Christians nuts because of their self-sacrifice? Mark 3:20 Then the multitude came together again, so that they could not so ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:20-35

Denomination: Baptist

What Do I Want Jesus To Do For Me? Series

Contributed by John Dobbs on Mar 5, 2020

How would you answer if Jesus asked, “What would you like me to do for you?” In our text two different people are asked that question.

WHAT DO I WANT JESUS TO DO FOR ME? Mark 10:32-52 Introduction How would you answer if Jesus asked, “What would you like me to do for you?” In our text two different people are asked that question. Jesus uses this as a teaching moment, and we must listen! Mark’s gospel is a gospel ‘on the move’ - ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:32-52

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Is God’s Will An Inscrutable Mystery? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 21, 2020

Many complain that God's will is impossible to discern. God proclaims here, though, that He is regularly and clearly speaking through His prophets.

KEEPING US IN THE DARK? Is God’s will an inscrutable mystery? - Amos 3:3-7. - It is a common complaint that God’s will is an inscrutable mystery? Who can discern that hand of God? Who can understand the mind of the Lord? - And so many presume that because it is an impossibility to understand ...read more

Scripture: Amos 3:3-7

Denomination: Baptist

A Place For You

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 7, 2020

Do we sometimes feel like we don’t belong? We really belong somewhere else, somewhere wonderful. How do we get there? Let’s find the way to the place where we truly belong in John 14:1-14.

Do we sometimes feel like we don’t belong? We really belong somewhere else, somewhere wonderful. How do we get there? Let’s find the way to the place where we truly belong in John 14:1-14. John 14:1-2 (NKJV) “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Shepherds And Harvests

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 3, 2020

What do tending sheep and harvesting crops have to do with church? Let’s look at some important farm lessons that apply to our local church in Matthew 9:35-10:8.

What do tending sheep and harvesting crops have to do with church? Let’s look at some important farm lessons that apply to our local church in Matthew 9:35-10:8. Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Confessing Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 6, 2020

Do we stand for what is right or do we let the world bully us into silence about our faith? Are we courageous disciples?

Do we stand for what is right or do we let the world bully us into silence about our faith? Are we courageous disciples? Let’s examine confessing Jesus in the midst of opposition in Matthew 10:24-39. “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-39

Denomination: Baptist