Sermons on Sponges:

Revival And Failure Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 6, 2021

Let's look at five examples of revival that began well, but failed.

Let's look at five examples of revival that began well, but failed. 1) Solomon's Revival and Failure Can a man begin with revival and end up back in the world? Solomon asked God for wisdom and knowledge, so God granted his wish and gave him incredible wealth as well (1 Kings 3). ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Revival Under Ezra And Nehemiah Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 8, 2021

Ezra and Nehemiah both took important roles in a revival of the Jews after their Babylonian captivity. What important lessons can we learn?

Ezra and Nehemiah both took important roles in a revival of the Jews after their Babylonian captivity. What important lessons can we learn? 1) Ezra’s Revival Is marrying within the faith an important decision if we want lifelong revival in our families? Revival among Jewish captives in Babylon ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Revival In Politics, Church And Marriage Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 8, 2021

Can revivals reach worldly politics as well as righteous people? How do lovers picture a revival? Let's look at Esther, Job and the Song of Songs.

Can revivals reach worldly politics as well as righteous people? How do lovers picture a revival? Let's look at Esther, Job and the Song of Songs. 1) Esther’s Revival Can God provide revival even through normal worldly politics? Esther, a Jew, became queen to Persian King Ahasuerus, but evil ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Revivals Of Isaiah And Jeremiah Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 9, 2021

Let's look at the oft criticized message of God's prophets and the blessing that prophets bring. Let's examine specifically Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Let's look at the oft criticized message of God's prophets and the blessing that prophets bring. Let's examine specifically Isaiah and Jeremiah. 1) Isaiah’s Revival Can trials and tribulations be forecasters of a soon-coming revival? Prophecies of judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Difficult Words

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 10, 2021

The most difficult words that Jesus ever uttered are easy to understand but hard to do. Let’s see how they would solve some of humanity's biggest problems. Let’s examine the selfless life in Mark 8:27-38.

Prelude The most difficult words that Jesus ever uttered are easy to understand but hard to do. Purpose: Let’s see how they would solve some of humanity's biggest problems. Plan: Let’s examine the selfless life in Mark 8:27-38. The Anointed One Mark 8:29-30 “He said to them, ‘But who do you ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38

Denomination: Baptist

Revival In Heaven's Kingdom Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 12, 2021

Is the hope of revival in this world's governments or a heavenly kingdom? Let's look at prophecies of revival in Ezekiel and Daniel.

Is the hope of revival in this world's governments or a heavenly kingdom? Let's look at prophecies of revival in Ezekiel and Daniel. 1) Ezekiel’s Revival Is the hope of spiritual revival prophesied even in the Old Testament? Ezekiel wrote to a rebellious nation in captivity about a ...read more

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 16, 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

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

Out Of The World

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 10, 2021

In all the world’s religions and philosophies are there real alternatives or just varieties of the same worldly way of life? Let’s see that there are only two ways, God’s and the world’s. Let’s look at John 17:6-19.

Prelude In all the world’s religions and philosophies are there real alternatives or just varieties of the same worldly way of life? Purpose: Let’s see that there are only two ways, God’s and the world’s. Plan: Let’s look at John 17:6-19. Out of the World John 17:6 “I have manifested Your name ...read more

Scripture: John 17:6-19

Denomination: Baptist