Sermons on Sponge:

Preparation For Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 2, 2022

Let’s understand the circumstances of Jesus' birth and John the Baptist’s preparatory ministry.

Let’s look at the New Testament book of Matthew, which contains the best commentary about the law of Moses, and its application in the spirit for Christians. First, let’s understand the circumstances of Jesus' birth and John the Baptist’s preparatory ministry. Names Names used to be ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' Keys To Lasting Happiness

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 4, 2022

What are the secrets of happiness, not just fleeting merrymaking, but that true, permanent happiness, called blessedness? They are not really so secret, but found in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5).

What are the secrets of happiness, not just fleeting merrymaking, but that true, permanent happiness, called blessedness? They are not really so secret, but found in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5). Poor in Spirit “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3 ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus And The Law

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 5, 2022

Jesus condemned whoever sets aside the least of God’s commands. Let’s examine Jesus’ commentary on the law in the sermon on the mount and understand the spirit of the law.

Jesus condemned whoever sets aside the least of God’s commands. Let’s examine Jesus’ commentary on the law in the sermon on the mount and understand the spirit of the law. You ARE Salt and Light “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' Commands

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 5, 2022

The Ten Commandments are important, but are we aware of the commandments of Christ? Let’s look at some of Jesus’ commands in the Gospel of Matthew.

The Ten Commandments are important, but are we aware of the commandments of Christ? Let’s look at some of Jesus’ commands in the Gospel of Matthew. Repent What was an important focus of Jesus’ preaching? “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Parables Of Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 8, 2022

Why did Jesus preach in parables? It’s because people really don’t want the truth. Let's look at Jesus' parables in Matthew.

Why did Jesus preach in parables? It’s because people really don’t want the truth. “All of them have stubborn minds! They refuse to listen; they cover their eyes. They cannot see or hear or understand. If they could, they would turn to me, and I would heal them.” (Matthew 13:15 CEV) Shepherds We ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Miracles Of Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 8, 2022

Christians are a miracle-believing people. All existence is due to a series of divine miracles, and some are extraordinary miracles. What lessons can we learn from the miracles that Jesus performed?

Christians are a miracle-believing people. All existence is due to a series of divine miracles, and some are extraordinary miracles. What lessons can we learn from the miracles that Jesus performed? A Leper What did Jesus say when healing a leper? “Jesus said to him, ‘Don’t say anything to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Remember Your Baptism

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 4, 2022

Is it important to remember your baptism? Purpose: Let us examine history’s most important baptism and see some relevant lessons for our own baptism. Plan: We will look at the baptism of Jesus in Luke 3:15-22.

Intro Is it important to remember your baptism? Purpose: Let us examine history’s most important baptism and see some relevant lessons for our own baptism. Plan: We will look at the baptism of Jesus in Luke 3:15-22. Baptism with the Holy Spirit “Now as the people were in expectation, and all ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:15-22

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' First Miracle

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 10, 2022

What was the first epiphany or miracle in your life? A Jewish wedding and fine wine entailed a surprise divine encounter. Let’s encounter the kingdom of God pictured in God’s provision for a marriage. Let’s examine how a wedding at Cana portrays an epiphany of the kingdom of God in John 2:1-11.

Prelude What was the first epiphany or miracle in your life? A Jewish wedding and fine wine entailed a surprise divine encounter. Purpose: Let’s encounter the kingdom of God pictured in God’s provision for a marriage. Plan: Let’s examine how a wedding at Cana portrays an epiphany of the kingdom of ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Healing And Freedom

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 20, 2022

What did Jesus bring for the poor, the brokenhearted, the blind, and the oppressed? Is there a year of release for those who suffer? Let’s examine Jesus' words in Luke 4:14-21.

Prelude What did Jesus bring? What about the poor, the brokenhearted, the blind, and the oppressed? Is there a year of release for those who suffer? Let’s examine Jesus' words in Luke 4:14-21. Power of the Spirit “Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

Xenophobia

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 23, 2022

An angry hatred of immigrants is popular. Purpose: Yet God’s promise to Abraham was that in him ALL nations would be blessed. Plan: Let’s see how Jesus challenged xenophobia in Luke 4:21-30.

Prelude An angry hatred of immigrants is popular. Purpose: Yet God’s promise to Abraham was that in him ALL nations would be blessed. Plan: Let’s see how Jesus challenged xenophobia in Luke 4:21-30. No Acceptance And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:21-30

Denomination: Baptist

A Catch Jesus Provides

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 30, 2022

Do we experience Jesus while we’re working? Are we ready for church growth? Do we see daily miracles? Let’s find out in Luke 5:1-11.

Prelude Do we experience Jesus while we’re working? Are we ready for church growth? Do we see daily miracles? Let’s find out in Luke 5:1-11. Fishermen “So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

God Introduces Himself Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 3, 2022

Who is God? In the very first verse of the Bible, God is introduced as Elohim (Genesis 1:1), an intensive plural, meaning mighty, or very great. Later, God introduces Himself to Abram with the words, “I am the Lord [Yahweh].” (Genesis 15:7)

Who is God? In the very first verse of the Bible, God is introduced as Elohim (Genesis 1:1), an intensive plural, meaning mighty, or very great. Later, God introduces Himself to Abram with the words, “I am the Lord [Yahweh].” (Genesis 15:7) With the same words He introduces Himself to Moses (Exodus ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1, Genesis 15:7, Isaiah 42:8

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon On The Plain

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 10, 2022

Have you noticed that Jesus often contradicts popular ideas, because He taught us to worship God also with our minds? Perhaps He gave the Sermon on the Plain after the Sermon on the Mount. It contains some contrasting thoughts. Let’s look at Luke 6:17-26.

Prelude Have you noticed that Jesus often contradicts popular ideas, because He taught us to worship God also with our minds? Perhaps He gave the Sermon on the Plain after the Sermon on the Mount. It contains some contrasting thoughts. Let’s look at Luke 6:17-26. A Level Plain “And He came down ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:17-26

Denomination: Baptist

Why Love Our Enemies (Luke 6)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 15, 2022

Christians are to love their enemies. What does that mean? Let’s examine what Jesus says in Luke 6:27-38.

Prelude Christians are to love their enemies. Purpose: What does that mean? Plan: Let’s examine what Jesus says in Luke 6:27-38. Do Good, Bless, Pray “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:27-38

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of Festival Laws Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 22, 2021

Ancient Hebrews used a lunar-solar calendar, easy to observe in the sky as a new moon began a new month. Throughout the calendar year there were ritual observances of locally relevant harvests and commemorations of notable events. How is this relevant for Christians?

The ancient Hebrew year was observed using a lunar-solar calendar with 12 and 13 months over a 19 year cycle. This was easy to observe in the sky as a new moon began a new month. Throughout the calendar year there were ritual observances of locally relevant harvests and commemorations of notable ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:23-25, Romans 14:5-6

Denomination: Baptist