Sermons on Sponges:

Communion Confusion

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 2, 2018

Is communion a sacrament, ordinance or memorial? Are bread and wine mere symbols or is there something deeper?

Is Communion a sacrament, an ordinance, or a memorial? Are bread and wine mere symbols or is there something deeper? Let’s look at what Jesus said in Luke 22:14-27. Passover Luke 22:14 “When the hour had come, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him.” The appointed hour that the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:14-27

Denomination: Baptist

Rest From Our Burdens

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 10, 2018

Where do we find true rest in a world gone crazy? Like Israel do we find true rest in a Sabbath or a land? Is there a land anywhere in this world where we can find true rest from all our problems and worries?

Where do we find true rest in a world gone crazy? Like Israel do we find true rest in a Sabbath or a land? Is there a land anywhere in this world where we can find true rest from all our problems and worries? Let’s find out what our true rest is, by looking at Hebrews 4. Is His Rest the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Who Commands The Morning?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 16, 2018

When bad things happen, and we accuse God of being unjust, are we ready for His answer?

When bad things happen, and we accuse God of being unjust, are we ready for His answer? Job had suffered terribly and demanded an audience with God to question His fairness. God now begins to challenge Job in Job 38. Let’s listen in. Words without Knowledge Job 38:2 “Who is this that darkens ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Explains The Law

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 11, 2017

Jesus explains the laws on murder, adultery and bearing false witness

Intro If we could read a commentary on the Old Testament from Jesus Christ how would that be? Well, we actually have that in the Sermon on the Mount. Goal Let’s see the intent of the law by its author, the One who is God with us. Sermon Plan Let’s examine Matthew 5:21-37, the laws on murder, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-37

Denomination: Baptist

Giving And Loving

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 16, 2017

an eye for an eye, insults, generosity, enemies, borrowers and God’s love

Intro Did Jesus tell us to be as perfect as God? How is that possible? Goal Let us understand the measure of love God expects. Sermon Plan We will examine Matthew 5:38-48, an eye for an eye, insults, generosity, enemies, borrowers and God’s love. Matthew 5:38 “You have heard the law that says ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48

Denomination: Baptist

Beyond The Grave

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 26, 2017

The Transfiguration helps us look beyond our decaying, earthly existence to our metamorphosis into joyful, bright children of God

Intro What does life look like beyond the grave? Goal Let’s examine our transformation now and its eternal result. Plan We will look at the transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-9 and its application in transforming our lives today. Matthew 17:1 Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Great Temptations

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 3, 2017

Let’s learn how Jesus battled temptations and won.

Intro Life is filled with trials and temptations. Sometimes we fail. Jesus too was faced with great temptations, but he succeeded. Goal Let’s learn how Jesus battled temptations and won. Plan We will look at the testing of Christ in Matthew 4:1-11. Matthew 4:1-2 Led by the Spirit We read in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Evangelism At The Well

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 19, 2017

Let’s see that the Gospel flows from ordinary people who have had an encounter with Jesus.

Intro What kind of people are able to spread the Gospel? Goal Let’s see that the Gospel flows from ordinary people who have had an encounter with Jesus. Plan Let’s examine John 4:5-42 and the woman at the well. John 4:5 Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field ...read more

Scripture: John 4:5-42

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