Sermons on Sponges:

God With Us, God Saves

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 14, 2019

What was Jesus’ birth really like? Let’s understand the circumstances of Jesus' birth. Let’s look at Joseph's dilemma, the meanings of Jesus' names and whether or not Mary remained a perpetual virgin in Matthew 1:18-25.

What was Jesus’ birth really like? Let’s understand the circumstances of Jesus' birth. Let’s look at Joseph's dilemma, the meanings of Jesus' names and whether or not Mary remained a perpetual virgin in Matthew 1:18-25. Joseph’s Dilemma Matthew 1:18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus As Refugee

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 25, 2019

Mistreatment of others is part of every nation’s history. Let’s recognize humanity’s mistreatment of foreigners and innocent children, and Jesus as the world’s only hope, in Matthew 2:13-23.

Mistreatment of others is part of every nation’s history. Let’s recognize humanity’s mistreatment of foreigners and innocent children, and Jesus as the world’s only hope, in Matthew 2:13-23. Flee to Egypt Matthew 2:13-15 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Denomination: Baptist

Receive The Word

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 29, 2019

Who is the Word? Do we receive the Word? Does the Word live with us? Let’s look at Jesus’ pre-existence as God and how we receive Him in John 1:1-18.

Who is the Word? Do we receive the Word? Does the Word live with us? Let’s look at Jesus’ pre-existence as God and how we receive Him in John 1:1-18. Jesus is God John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Mystery Of Baptism

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 5, 2020

The Baptism of Christ set us an example of a ceremony which has become the norm for Christians. Baptism is also the subject of some division and much misunderstanding. Let’s explore the mystery of baptism. Let’s look at Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:13-17.

The Baptism of Christ set us an example of a ceremony which has become the norm for Christians. Baptism is also the subject of some division and much misunderstanding. Let’s explore the mystery of baptism. Let’s look at Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:13-17. Leadership Matthew 3:13 Then Jesus came ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Lamb Of God

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 14, 2020

What are we here for? What is the purpose of the church? Let’s understand how important pointing to Jesus is. Let's look at John the Baptist’s example of pointing to the Lamb of God in John 1:29-42.

What are we here for? What is the purpose of the church? Let’s understand how important pointing to Jesus is. Let’s look at John the Baptist’s example of pointing to the Lamb of God in John 1:29-42. The Lamb of God John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb ...read more

Scripture: John 1:29-42

Denomination: Baptist

Do We Really Follow Jesus?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 22, 2020

The light of God shone in a small fishing village. Some received it. Let’s look at the place where Christian discipleship began, and how they were ready to drop everything to follow the Light of the world, in Matthew 4:12-23.

The light of God shone in a small fishing village. Some received it. Let’s look at the place where Christian discipleship began, and how they were ready to drop everything to follow the Light of the world, in Matthew 4:12-23. Capernaum Matthew 4:12-13 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:12-23

Denomination: Baptist

Secrets Of Happiness

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 22, 2020

What are the secrets of happiness? Are they really secrets or just ignored? Let’s understand secrets of true, permanent happiness, found in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12.

What are the secrets of happiness? Are they really secrets or just ignored? Let’s understand secrets of true, permanent happiness, found in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12. Poor in Spirit Matthew 5:1-3 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus And The Law

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 2, 2020

Jesus condemned whoever sets aside the least of God’s commands. What does that mean? Let’s learn what our relationship to the law is. Let’s examine salt, light and the law in Matthew 5:13-20.

Jesus condemned whoever sets aside the least of God’s commands. What does that mean? Let’s learn what our relationship to the law is. Let’s examine salt, light and the law in Matthew 5:13-20. You ARE Salt Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus And The Law, Part 2

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 10, 2020

Imagine a commentary on the Old Testament by Jesus Christ. It would be the best, and we have one in the Sermon on the Mount. Let’s begin to understand the intent of the law by its author. Let’s look at murder, adultery and bearing false witness in Matthew 5:21-37.

Imagine a commentary on the Old Testament by Jesus Christ. It would be the best, and we have one in the Sermon on the Mount. Let’s begin to understand the intent of the law by its author. Let’s look at murder, adultery and bearing false witness in Matthew 5:21-37. Murder Matthew 5:21-26 “You have ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-37

Denomination: Baptist

Do We See God

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 25, 2018

Do we see God’s power in the Church and the world or just problems? Do we complain to God but not worship Him? All that can change the moment we see God for who He is. Let’s look at Job 42 and what happened after Job saw who God is.

Do we see God’s power in the Church and the world or just problems? Do we complain to God but not worship Him? All that can change the moment we see God for who He is. Let’s look at Job 42 and what happened after Job saw who God is. Job’s final chapter must be seen in light of the first chapters. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Inheritance Of The Saints

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 30, 2018

What is awaiting us in eternity because of our faith in Jesus?

What is the inheritance of the saints, those made holy by God? What is awaiting us in eternity because of our faith in Jesus? Let’s look at several passages that reveal our wonderful future. [a scripture flipping sermon,] Psalms 2:7-8 “...the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Two Kinds Of Religion

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 5, 2018

In the midst of church scandals, can we look beyond human sins and see God at work? We religious leaders are the object of Jesus’ greatest criticisms; will we listen?

In the midst of church scandals, can we look beyond human sins and see God at work? We religious leaders are the object of Jesus’ greatest criticisms; will we listen? Let’s discuss the two ways of being, the takers and givers in the context of Mark 12:38-44. Outward Show Mark 12:38-39 In His ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Baptist

The Thanksgiving List

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 13, 2018

Are we anxious? Are we worried about tomorrow? Let’s see how writing a long, long, long thanksgiving list can help.

Are we anxious? Are we worried about tomorrow? Let’s see how writing a long, long, long thanksgiving list can help. Let’s see what God has to say about fretful thoughts in Matthew 6:25-33. Matthew 6:25 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-33

Denomination: Baptist

A Kingdom Not From Here

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 19, 2018

Is Jesus a king? How does Jesus compare to government leaders of this world? What is the truth of Jesus’ reign?

Is God’s kingdom meant to just rule in our hearts or is there more to it? Is Jesus a king? How does Jesus compare to government leaders of this world? What is the truth of Jesus’ reign? Let’s examine Pilate’s questioning of Jesus in John 18:33-37 and what Jesus had to say about His kingdom. King ...read more

Scripture: John 18:33-37

Denomination: Baptist

The Second Coming

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 29, 2018

How do we react to signs of the end of the age? How would Jesus encourage us to proceed. Let’s examine Jesus’ prophecy in Luke 21:25-36.

How do we react to signs of the end of the age? How would Jesus encourage us to proceed. Let’s examine Jesus’ prophecy in Luke 21:25-36. Lift Luke 21:25 “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves” ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:25-36

Denomination: Baptist