Sermons on Sponge:

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

Love (1 Corinthians 13)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 6, 2021

What is the “more excellent way” that Paul was inspired to show? Let's find out in 1 Corinthians 13.

What is the “more excellent way” that Paul was inspired to show? The Greek word agapé does not always mean divine love as is commonly believed. It can even refer to the wrong kind of love. Men loved darkness (John 3:19), the praise of men more than God (John 12:43), or this world (2 Timothy ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Revelation 1

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 19, 2020

What is Revelation all about? What are the mysterious creatures and other symbols supposed to mean? This is a series for personal and group Bible Studies discovering the real secrets in the book of Revelation.

What is Revelation all about? What are the mysterious creatures and other symbols supposed to mean? This is a series for personal and group Bible Studies discovering the real secrets in the book of Revelation. Most of the quotes are from the Public Domain King James Bible, not because I ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Revelation 2

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 25, 2020

Let’s move into an exciting lesson about the churches that we attend, mirrored in seven ancient churches.

Let’s move into an exciting lesson about the churches that we attend, mirrored in seven ancient churches. Ephesus Revelation 2:1-3 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Revelation 3

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 31, 2020

As we study the last of seven churches, let’s notice how much they look like some modern churches.

As we study the last of seven churches, let’s notice how much they look like some modern churches. Sardis Revelation 3:1 This church is not indicted for corruption, nor harassed by persecution. It was far worse. It was dead or almost dead, as are many modern western churches. As faith without ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Biblical Leaven

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 10, 2018

The Bible uses leaven to symbolize how both good and bad things grow in our lives. Let's put in the good leaven and leave out the bad, because either one can fill our lives.

Prelude The Bible uses leaven to symbolize how both good and bad things grow in our lives. It’s important for us to know the difference, so that we make sure that the good things in our lives grow and not the bad. Purpose: Let’s learn about the meaning of leaven in the Bible. Plan: We’ll look at ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:13-21

Denomination: Baptist

Out Of The Heart

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 19, 2018

Are we so blinded by our church buildings and our rituals that we don’t see God? Are we blinded by the world’s sinfulness? Are we noble like the Bereans, studying our Bibles daily to see what God says?

Prelude Are we so blinded by our church buildings and our rituals that we don’t see God? Are we blinded by the world’s sinfulness? Are we noble like the Bereans, studying our Bibles daily to see what God says? What defiles us? Let’s look at Matthew 15:10-20 and see what Jesus has to say about ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:10-20

Denomination: Baptist

A Foreigner Preached Repentance

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 3, 2018

What business does a foreigner have telling any nation to repent? Jonah was such a foreigner, but he ran away because he despised Assyria. Are we running away from God? Are we bigoted against other nations?

Prelude What business does a foreigner have telling any nation to repent? If his name is Jonah, it’s God’s business. But, Jonah ran away because he despised Assyria. Are we running away from God? Are we bigoted against other nations? Purpose: Let’s learn that God cares even for our enemies. Plan: ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Watchfulness

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 7, 2017

What must we do to prepare for Christ’s Coming? Should we closely follow world events, research prophecy and draw up wildly speculative timelines? Is there something spiritual that we should be looking at in ourselves?

Prelude What must we do to prepare for Christ’s Coming? Should we closely follow world events, research prophecy and draw up wildly speculative timelines? Is there something spiritual that we should be looking at in ourselves? Our purpose is to learn how to prepare for His Coming. Our plan is to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

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

Repentance Of A Con Man

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 28, 2019

Can a con man change? Is it possible for a rich man with ill gotten gains to enter heaven? Let’s look at Luke 19:1-10 and one such man’s repentance.

Can a con man change? Is it possible for a rich man with ill gotten gains to enter heaven? Let’s look at Luke 19:1-10 and one such man’s repentance. Wealth Luke 19:1-4 Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. 2 There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Dead Or Alive?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 2, 2019

What happens after death? What happens between death and the return of Christ? Let’s discuss the Sadducees, an ancient marriage custom and resurrection questions in Luke 20:27-38.

What happens after death? What happens between death and the return of Christ? Where are our loved ones? Let’s understand that God is the God of the living because to him all are alive. Let’s discuss the Sadducees, an ancient marriage custom and resurrection questions in Luke ...read more

Scripture: Luke 20:27-38

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Be Deceived

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 13, 2019

Jesus said the gates of hell will not destroy His Church (Matthew 16:18). He was not talking about a building. People are the Church. Let’s look at Luke 21:5-19 and discuss fear and enduring to the end.

Jesus said the gates of hell will not destroy His Church (Matthew 16:18). He was not talking about a building. People are the Church. Let’s look at Luke 21:5-19 and discuss fear and enduring to the end. Not One Stone Luke 21:5-6 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:5-19

Denomination: Baptist

Studying God

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 22, 2022

Theos (θεός) is Greek for God. So, studying God is called theology. What does the Bible reveal about God?

Theos (?e??) is Greek for God. So, studying God is called theology. What does the Bible reveal about God? Is God a Spirit? “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24 KJV) Does Jesus reveal that God is gentle? “... for I am gentle and humble ...read more

Scripture: John 4:24, Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Baptist

Is God Three & One?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 27, 2022

The word Trinity is not found in the Bible, but is the concept there? How can God be both three and one?

The word Trinity is not found in the Bible, but is the concept there? How can God be both three and one? God’s Oneness The central prayer of Jewish prayer life is the Shema Yisrael (??? ?????) after its first words in Hebrew, “Hear, O Israel.” “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Matthew 28:19

Denomination: Baptist