Sermons on Sponges:

God's Call (Part 2)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 18, 2021

What is our call to? What does the call of some early disciples teach us about our call from God? We will learn that our call is first and foremost to a change of heart, to believe. We will look at the call of Simon, Andrew, James and John in Mark 1:14-20.

Prelude: What is our call to? What does the call of some early disciples teach us about our call from God? Purpose: We will learn that our call is first and foremost to a change of heart, to believe. Plan: We will look at the call of Simon, Andrew, James and John in Mark 1:14-20. The Gospel Mark ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:14-20

Denomination: Baptist

Healing Evils

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 25, 2021

In a broken world, many evils try to own us. Is there healing for the evils that have taken us captive? Let’s learn about the healing that Jesus brings. Let’s look at Jesus healing a man possessed by evils in Mark 1:21-28.

Prelude: In a broken world, many evils try to own us. Is there healing for the evils that have taken us captive? Purpose: Let’s learn about the healing that Jesus brings. Plan: Let’s look at Jesus healing a man possessed by evils in Mark 1:21-28. Mark 1:21 Then they went into Capernaum, and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:21-28

Denomination: Baptist

Unity & Humility Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 4, 2021

Can the division and boasting in Corinth be a lesson for our local church? What about Paul would make us want to study this letter?

Can the division and boasting in Corinth be a lesson for our local church? What about Paul would make us want to study this letter? 1 Cor 1:1-9 To Saints 1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, Paul’s calling was as any ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Healing All Things

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 5, 2021

Where are we going in our spiritual lives? Do we trust Jesus to lead the way? Let’s learn to follow Jesus wherever he leads. Let’s look at Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law in Mark 1:29-39.

Prelude: Where are we going in our spiritual lives? Do we trust Jesus to lead the way? Purpose: Let’s learn to follow Jesus wherever he leads. Plan: Let’s look at Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law in Mark 1:29-39. Mark 1:29-31 Simon’s M-i-L Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:29-39

Denomination: Baptist

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 24, 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

Entering Forgiveness

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 11, 2021

Where does repentance lead us? Repentance leads us into forgiveness. What does forgiveness mean for us now?

Prelude Where does repentance lead us? Repentance leads us into forgiveness. What does forgiveness mean for us now? Purpose: Let us look at the importance of knowing forgiveness as we live each day. Plan: We will look at Luke 24:36b-48; Acts 3:12-19; and 1 John 3:1-7 focusing on the topic of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:36-48, Acts 3:12-19, 1 John 3:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

Spiritual Bullying

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 14, 2021

What role does our loving concern for the consciences of our Christian brothers and sisters play? Can Paul’s discussion of food offered to idols help? What does knowledge without love produce? What does love produce? How can knowledge alone that an idol is nothing lead to unloving acts?

What role does our loving concern for the consciences of our Christian brothers and sisters play? Can Paul’s discussion of food offered to idols help? What does knowledge without love produce? What does love produce? How can knowledge alone that an idol is nothing lead to unloving acts? 1 ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Sacrificing Our Rights

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 27, 2021

What rights do we have? What rights was Paul willing to give up for the gospel? What freedoms are we willing to sacrifice in love of God and neighbor?

What rights do we have? What rights was Paul willing to give up for the gospel? What freedoms are we willing to sacrifice in love of God and neighbor? 1 Corinthians 9:1-18 Rights 1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I am not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Abide In The Vine

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 30, 2021

Jesus prayed that we remain in unity, but from the beginning there have been divisions. What creates unity? Let’s find out in John 15:1-8.

Prelude: Jesus prayed that we remain in unity, but from the beginning there have been divisions. Purpose: What creates unity? Plan: Let’s find out in John 15:1-8. The True Vine John 15:1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” Jesus describes himself as the true vine, sometimes ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Abide In Christ's Love

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 4, 2021

We often think of love as the number one rule of a Christian life. But, does Jesus place a different emphasis on it than many may think? Purpose: Let’s discover Jesus’ different emphasis on love. Plan: Let’s note Jesus' words in John 15:9-17.

Prelude We often think of love as the number one rule of a Christian life. But, Jesus places a different emphasis on it than many may think? Purpose: Let’s discover Jesus’ different emphasis on love. Plan: Let’s note Jesus' words in John 15:9-17. Abide in My Love John 15:9 “As the Father ...read more

Scripture: John 15:9-17

Denomination: Baptist