Sermons on Sponges:

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

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

Forgiving

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 6, 2020

How often should we forgive? Let’s explore the difficulty and necessity of forgiving from the heart. Let’s look at what Jesus taught about forgiving in Matthew 18:21-35 and Hosea 1-3.

How often should we forgive? Let’s explore the difficulty and necessity of compassion and mercy, forgiveness from the heart. Let’s look at what Jesus taught about forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-35. How Often Forgive Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Baptist

Revelation 4

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 11, 2020

Let’s take a look at John’s vision of heaven in Revelation 4.

Let’s take a look at John’s vision of heaven in Revelation 4. Heaven Revelation 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Revelation 5

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 11, 2020

Let’s look at John’s vision of the scroll with seven seals and of every creature in heaven and earth worshipping God in Revelation 5.

Let’s look at John’s vision of the scroll with seven seals and of every creature in heaven and earth worshipping God. The Scroll Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. A scroll written on both ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Last Place

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 15, 2020

What would Jesus say about first and last place? Let’s examine the puzzle behind Jesus blessing those in last place in Matthew 20:1-16.

What would Jesus say about first and last place? Let’s examine the puzzle behind Jesus blessing those in last place in Matthew 20:1-16. Wine Industry Parable Matthew 20:1 For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. The Gospel ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Denomination: Baptist