Sermons on Sponges:

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

The Spirit Of Sacrificial Laws Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 20, 2021

Offerings were given often in Israel. One of those special offerings was the Passover lamb (Numbers 28:16). How does any of the sacrificial system apply to the Christian in the spirit? Paul gave the Romans a basic principle that applies the law in spirit.

Burnt offerings (Numbers 28:2-6) and grain and drink offerings (Numbers 28:2-8) were given often, as well as a whole liturgy of other offerings throughout the years. One of those special offerings was the Passover lamb (Numbers 28:16). How does any of the sacrificial system apply to the Christian ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of Sacrificial Laws Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 20, 2021

Offerings were given often in Israel. One of those special offerings was the Passover lamb (Numbers 28:16). How does any of the sacrificial system apply to the Christian in the spirit? Paul gave the Romans a basic principle that applies the law in spirit.

Burnt offerings (Numbers 28:2-6) and grain and drink offerings (Numbers 28:2-8) were given often, as well as a whole liturgy of other offerings throughout the years. One of those special offerings was the Passover lamb (Numbers 28:16). How does any of the sacrificial system apply to the Christian ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of Truth-Telling Laws Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 20, 2021

In the Old Testament vows were taken very seriously. There was a positive and negative side of this topic. Let's look at these laws and see what the spirit of the law against lying is for Christians.

In the Old Testament vows were taken very seriously. The positive side of this topic in the Old Testament was that a vow was taken more seriously than many modern written contracts. The negative side of this topic in the Old Testament was that at least two people died due to foolish vows and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of Purity Laws Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 20, 2021

Is there any spiritual application of purity laws from the old covenant? Let's examine spiritual purity.

Purity laws included not eating unclean animals (Leviticus 11), not eating or touching dead animals (Leviticus 11:29-31), quarantining mothers after childbirth and menstruating women (Leviticus 12:2; 15:19-24), and men with an abnormal discharge (Leviticus 15:2-15). In the New Testament Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:38-41

Denomination: Baptist

Then Jesus Came

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 20, 2021

Can a blind person see what many cannot? Let’s discover what a blind man saw that the disciples could not. Let’s see what happened to the blind son of Timaeus after Jesus came in Mark 10:46-52.

Prelude Can a blind person see what many cannot? Purpose: Let’s discover what a blind man saw that the disciples could not. Plan: Let’s see what happened to the blind son of Timaeus after Jesus came in Mark 10:46-52. Blind Bart Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with His ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of Giving-Laws Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 21, 2021

The giving laws in the Old Testament contain principles which are still valid for the Christian. Let's take a look at ancient godly principles which we can learn from today.

Giving was assessed and mandated in ancient Israel. Giving of firstfruits (Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 19:23-25), corners of fields for the poor (Leviticus 19:9), and leftover olives and grapes for the poor (Deuteronomy 24:20-21). All this helps us as Christians understand an important principle of ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:8-10, Mark 12:41-44

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of The Sabbath Year Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 21, 2021

Let’s explore the spirit of the laws of land rest and jubilee found in the Old Testament. These are laws that even good Christians will object to, because we are too selfish to even contemplate them.

Let’s explore the spirit of the laws of land rest and jubilee found in the Old Testament. These are laws that even good Christians will object to, because we are too selfish to even contemplate them. An agricultural sabbath was mandated for the whole of the seventh year (Leviticus 25:2-7, 20-22) ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Baptist