Sermons on Sponges:

Conflict

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 17, 2016

Is conflict always avoidable? Is conflict always a sign of failure? Can good come from conflict?

Intro Is conflict always avoidable? Is conflict always a sign of failure? Can good come from conflict? Goal I want us to learn that conflict is a part of the full Gospel message. Sermon Plan We will discuss Luke 12:49-56, a world on fire, family conflict and interpreting the times. Luke ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-56

Denomination: Baptist

You Are Set Free

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 22, 2016

Are we truly free in Christ or are we still in a state of bondage?

You are Set Free Intro Are we truly free in Christ or are we still in a state of bondage? Goal Let’s learn that religious bondage is every bit as bad as slavery. Sermon Plan Let’s discuss Luke 13:10-17 healing, the Sabbath and freedom. Luke 13:10 One Sabbath day as Jesus was ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

Who Will Never Die?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 1, 2017

Let’s examine John 11:1-45, the resurrection of Lazarus and the One who dares to call himself “the resurrection and the life.”

Intro What kind of life would we lead if we were guaranteed not to die? How would we live if we knew already that we were immortal? Goal Let’s realize that immortality is a reality in Christ. Plan Let’s examine John 11:1-45, the resurrection of Lazarus and the One who dares to call himself ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-45

Denomination: Baptist

Yashá Na!

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 8, 2017

How does Palm Sunday introduce a new perfect government, the government of God?

Intro Christianity teaches that God is love. Jesus showed this throughout his ministry culminating in the epitome of Godly love on the cross. Pontius Pilate is a caricature of all the false gods of the ancient and modern world. Jesus’ Palm Sunday parade into Jerusalem mocks false Roman gods and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Resurrection Faith

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 11, 2017

3 reactions to Jesus' resurrection

Intro What is your reaction to the resurrection? Goal Let’s learn about some typical reactions to the resurrection. Plan We will look at John 20:1-18 and three reactions to Jesus’ resurrection. John 20:1-5 They Have Taken Away the Lord Mary Magdalene was from Magdala a wealthy town on Lake ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Awakening To Ministry Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 23, 2017

As Jesus stood in their midst and proclaimed peace, Jesus was also about to send them forth.

Intro When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection did He really establish confession to a priest? Goal Let’s understand what Jesus said and how it was understood in early church history. Plan Let’s look at John 20:19-31 and Jesus’ appearance to the disciples. John 20:19 Peace ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Baptist

Awakening To The Bread Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 25, 2017

The journey to Emmaus is a mystery. Along the way we meet a stranger and He explains the Scriptures to us. Then He breaks bread and the mystery is revealed.

Intro The journey to Emmaus is a mystery. Along the way we meet a stranger and He explains the Scriptures to us. Then He breaks bread and the mystery is revealed. Purpose Let’s introduce the stranger who accompanies us on life’s journey. Plan Let’s look at Luke 24:13-35 and the mystery on the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Baptist

Awakening To Baptism Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 3, 2017

How does entering the sheepfold by the door picture baptism?

Intro How do we become part of Christ’s flock and what does He do with His sheep? Goal Let’s realize that Jesus brings His sheep together. Plan Let’s look at John 10:1-10 and see how baptism makes us part of the faith community. John 10:1 The Sheepfold We can learn a lot about Christianity ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Becoming On With Christ Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 13, 2017

Let’s see how that Christians belong somewhere very special and how we get there.

Intro Have you ever felt like something is missing? What are we looking for? Jesus offers us an answer. Purpose Let’s see how that Christians belong somewhere very special and how we get there. Plan Let’s examine John 14:1-14 to see our permanent home and the way there. John 14:1-2 The ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Becoming One In Spirit Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 20, 2017

Has God already unified His Church in a way that those who focus on church politics miss?

Intro When we think of church unity, we think of political unity, yet in the greatest sense is the Church already unified? Purpose Has God already unified His Church in a way that those who focus on church politics miss? Plan Let’s look at John 14:15-21 and how the Holy Spirit unifies ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-21

Denomination: Baptist

Becoming One In Ministry Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 27, 2017

When Jesus prayed, what was central on His mind?

Intro When Jesus prayed, what was central on His mind? Purpose We actually have record of one of Jesus’ most important prayers and what He prayed about. Plan Let’s look at what was on Jesus’ mind in His important prayer in John 17:1-11. John 17 How we Got Jesus’ Prayer Part of the Lord’s ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Rivers Of Living Water

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 29, 2017

Let’s understand how Christians live like rivers of flowing water.

Intro How should we live in the world? Are we to live stagnant, isolated lives? Purpose Let’s understand how Christians live like rivers of flowing water. Plan We will examine John 7:37-39 and Jesus’ instructions on being rivers of living waters. John 7:37 If Anyone Thirsts In John 7:37 ...read more

Scripture: John 7:37-39

Denomination: Baptist

Into All The World

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 8, 2017

Jesus said to to go, make, baptize and teach what?

Intro Among the notable sayings of Jesus are the Great Commandments and the Great Commission. Purpose Let’s look at the Great Commission that Jesus gave to His Church. Plan Let’s explore this in Matthew 28:16-20. Matthew 28:19 Go In Matthew 28:19 the first verb in the Great Commission is to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Denomination: Baptist

Sheep & Harvesting

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 13, 2017

What do tending sheep and harvesting crops have to do with church?

Intro What do tending sheep and harvesting crops have to do with church? Purpose Let’s look at some farm lessons that apply directly to the local church. Plan Let’s look at two agricultural metaphors for the church’s work in Matthew 9:35-10:8. Matthew 9:35-36 Shepherdless Sheep In Matthew ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Insults

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 21, 2017

How do we handle insults and family opposition to us being a Christian?

Intro Are we men and women of God or mice? Do we stand for what is right or do we let the world push us around and tell us to be quiet about our faith? Goal Let’s learn to be courageous disciples. Plan Let’s examine Matthew 10:24-39 and how to stand up against opposition to our faith like ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-39

Denomination: Baptist