Sermons on Sponges:

We Preach Christ Not Ourselves

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 1, 2018

How are we to understand the New Testament? Are some of its instructions now irrelevant to us? Should we preach ourselves, our denomination, or popular opinion which contradicts the New Testament?

Prelude How are we to understand the New Testament? Are some of its instructions now irrelevant to us? Should we preach ourselves, our denomination, or popular opinion which contradicts the New Testament? Purpose: Let’s examine the popular notion that we can ignore or reinterpret clear New ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:5-12

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

Jesus, Lamb Of God

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 12, 2018

What does salvation have to do with a lamb? How did Jesus become the Lamb of God?

How is God’s purpose hinted at from earliest human history? What does it have to do with a lamb? Let’s look at how Jesus, the Lamb of God was slain from the beginning and how it culminates in Revelation 22. Genesis 4:4 “Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

True Greatness

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 19, 2018

Who are the true greats? You may be surprised that you know many personally.

Who are the true greats? You may be surprised who they are because you know many of them by name. They live in your neighborhood. Let’s find out what the basic ingredient of true greatness is. Let’s look at Mark 9:30-37, what Jesus has to say. Jesus Mark 9:31 “The Son of Man is to be delivered ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:30-37, Isaiah 53:6, Isaiah 53:12, Philippians 2:5-8

Denomination: Baptist

God Cares For The Little Guy

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 25, 2018

Have you ever felt like you were unimportant? How do we treat those weak in the faith, the little ones?

Have you ever felt like you were unimportant? How do we treat those weak in the faith, the little ones? Let’s understand Jesus’ attitude towards believers whose faith is still small in Mark 9:38-50. Do Not Hinder Mark 9:38-39 John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:38-50

Denomination: Baptist

Communion Confusion

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 2, 2018

Is communion a sacrament, ordinance or memorial? Are bread and wine mere symbols or is there something deeper?

Is Communion a sacrament, an ordinance, or a memorial? Are bread and wine mere symbols or is there something deeper? Let’s look at what Jesus said in Luke 22:14-27. Passover Luke 22:14 “When the hour had come, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him.” The appointed hour that the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:14-27

Denomination: Baptist

Rest From Our Burdens

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 10, 2018

Where do we find true rest in a world gone crazy? Like Israel do we find true rest in a Sabbath or a land? Is there a land anywhere in this world where we can find true rest from all our problems and worries?

Where do we find true rest in a world gone crazy? Like Israel do we find true rest in a Sabbath or a land? Is there a land anywhere in this world where we can find true rest from all our problems and worries? Let’s find out what our true rest is, by looking at Hebrews 4. Is His Rest the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Who Commands The Morning?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 16, 2018

When bad things happen, and we accuse God of being unjust, are we ready for His answer?

When bad things happen, and we accuse God of being unjust, are we ready for His answer? Job had suffered terribly and demanded an audience with God to question His fairness. God now begins to challenge Job in Job 38. Let’s listen in. Words without Knowledge Job 38:2 “Who is this that darkens ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Do We See God

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 25, 2018

Do we see God’s power in the Church and the world or just problems? Do we complain to God but not worship Him? All that can change the moment we see God for who He is. Let’s look at Job 42 and what happened after Job saw who God is.

Do we see God’s power in the Church and the world or just problems? Do we complain to God but not worship Him? All that can change the moment we see God for who He is. Let’s look at Job 42 and what happened after Job saw who God is. Job’s final chapter must be seen in light of the first chapters. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Inheritance Of The Saints

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 30, 2018

What is awaiting us in eternity because of our faith in Jesus?

What is the inheritance of the saints, those made holy by God? What is awaiting us in eternity because of our faith in Jesus? Let’s look at several passages that reveal our wonderful future. [a scripture flipping sermon,] Psalms 2:7-8 “...the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Two Kinds Of Religion

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 5, 2018

In the midst of church scandals, can we look beyond human sins and see God at work? We religious leaders are the object of Jesus’ greatest criticisms; will we listen?

In the midst of church scandals, can we look beyond human sins and see God at work? We religious leaders are the object of Jesus’ greatest criticisms; will we listen? Let’s discuss the two ways of being, the takers and givers in the context of Mark 12:38-44. Outward Show Mark 12:38-39 In His ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Baptist

Heathen Believers (The Magi) Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 28, 2020

Do some Christians disbelieve God? Let’s see how non-Christians can put some long-time believers to shame. Let’s look at the failure of many believers and the faith of novices in Matthew 2:1-12.

Intro: Do some Christians disbelieve God? Goal: Let’s see how non-Christians can put some long-time believers to shame. Plan: Let’s look at the failure of many believers and the faith of novices in Matthew 2:1-12. The Herods Matthew 2:1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' Baptism

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 5, 2021

Why did Jesus get baptized? What can we learn from Jesus’ baptism? Let’s look at what the Father, Son and Holy Spirit did at Jesus' baptism in Mark 1:4-11.

Prelude: Why did Jesus get baptized? Purpose: What can we learn from Jesus’ baptism? Plan: Let’s look at what the Father, Son and Holy Spirit did at Jesus' baptism in Mark 1:4-11. Baptism with the Holy Spirit Mark 1:8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:4-11

Denomination: Baptist

God's Call

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 12, 2021

God can interrupt us via an epiphany, a theophany, or a revelation to call us. Let’s learn about God’s call. Let’s look at Jesus calling Philip and Nathaniel in John 1:43-51.

Prelude: God can interrupt us via an epiphany, a theophany, or a revelation to call us. Goal: Let’s learn about God’s call. Plan: Let’s look at Jesus calling Philip and Nathaniel in John 1:43-51. Philip John 1:43-45 The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-51

Denomination: Baptist

Power Of Fasting

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 18, 2021

There is a powerful secret that every Christian needs to know, especially in troubled times. Let’s learn about the right and wrong use of fasting. Let’s see what the inspired Word of God says about it.

Prelude: There is a powerful secret that every Christian needs to know, especially in troubled times. Purpose: Let’s learn about the right and wrong use of fasting. Plan: Let’s see what the inspired Word of God says about it. Exodus 34:27-28 27 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write these words, for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:19-21, Matthew 6:16-18, Acts 13:1-3

Denomination: Baptist