Sermons on Sponges:

New Heaven & Earth (Revelation 21)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 26, 2020

Now the good news continues. After the defeat of all corruption and evil, a new heaven and a new earth are described in Revelation 21.

Now the good news continues. After the defeat of all corruption and evil, a new heaven and a new earth are described in Revelation 21. Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. Foretold by Isaiah ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The River Of Life (Revelation 22)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 27, 2020

Let’s now look at the joyful conclusion of all things, pictured in a pure river of water of life, and the tree of life, access to which will be regained. We also read the last written words of Jesus, “Surely I am coming quickly.” All this is recorded in Revelation 22.

Let’s now look at the joyful conclusion of all things, pictured in a pure river of water of life, and the tree of life, access to which will be regained. We also read the last written words of Jesus, “Surely I am coming quickly.” All this is recorded in Revelation 22. Revelation 22:1 And he shewed ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Way To Zion

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 30, 2020

Prelude: How do we prepare for the Lord’s Coming? How did John prepare? What is the way back to God? Purpose: Let’s discuss the way from worldly Babylon to heavenly Zion. Plan: Let’s look at John the Baptist’s message in Mark 1:1-8.

Prelude: How do we prepare for the Lord’s Coming? How did John prepare? What is the way back to God? Purpose: Let’s discuss the way from worldly Babylon to heavenly Zion. Plan: Let’s look at John the Baptist’s message in Mark 1:1-8. Mark 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Your Testimony Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 8, 2020

Is our conversation consumed by self or trivialities? Let’s learn to talk about Jesus. Let’s look at the example of John whose focus was not self, but telling about the Light, in John 1:6-28.

Prelude: Is our conversation consumed by self or trivialities? Purpose: Let’s learn to talk about Jesus. Plan: Let’s look at the example of John whose focus was not self, but telling about the Light, in John 1:6-28. [Note: the beginning verses of this chapter are wisely reserved for Christmas ...read more

Scripture: John 1:6-28

Denomination: Baptist

Mary's Faith

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 14, 2020

What can we learn from a teenager? What can we learn from her faith? Let’s learn about the simplicity of trust in God. Let’s look at Mary’s faith in Luke 1:26-38.

Prelude: What can we learn from a teenager? What can we learn from her faith? Purpose: Let’s learn about the simplicity of trust in God. Plan: Let’s look at Mary’s faith in Luke 1:26-38. Luke 1:26-28 Gabriel Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Baptist

Two Senior Saints Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 22, 2020

What can we learn from senior saints who have lived just and devout lives? Let’s honor elderly church members. Let’s look specifically at Simeon and Anna in Luke 2:22-40.

Prelude: What can we learn from senior saints who have lived just and devout lives? Purpose: Let’s honor elderly church members. Plan: Let’s look specifically at Simeon and Anna in Luke 2:22-40. Elderly Leviticus 19:32 says, “You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:22-40

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

Woman, Why Are You Weeping?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 3, 2021

The story setting is early on that Sunday morning after Jesus’ resurrection.

The story setting is early on that Sunday morning after Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:1-18). This time of year, Jerusalem can be just over 20°C (about 70°F on the old scale) during the day. Early that morning it may have been about 10°C (50°F), so Mary probably wrapped herself up ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Married & Single Christians

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 8, 2021

What wisdom would married and single Christians want to consider?

What wisdom would married and single Christians want to consider? 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 Christian Marriages Is celibacy good or bad? 1 Corinthians 7:1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. What should single people do if they continually ...read more

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