Sermons on Sponges:

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

Tainted Tithes

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 15, 2019

Is all money filthy lucre, somehow tainted? Is our contaminated money usable for heavenly purposes? Let’s learn that our tainted tithes can be used for heaven. Let’s discuss a shrewd business manager and his wise use of filthy money in Luke 16:1-13.

Should we boycott corporations with dirty money, or is all money filthy lucre, somehow tainted? Is our contaminated money usable for heavenly purposes? Let’s learn that our tainted tithes can be used for heaven. Let’s discuss a shrewd business manager and his wise use of filthy money in Luke ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Wealth Test

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 22, 2019

Why is money such a common topic in Jesus’ preaching? Could it be that our wealth is a test? Could the way we handle money reveal whether we choose heaven or hell for all eternity? Let’s discuss this and the Great Reversal in Luke 16:19-31.

Why is money such a common topic in Jesus’ preaching? Could it be that our wealth is a test? Could the way we handle money reveal whether we choose heaven or hell for all eternity? Let’s discuss this and the Great Reversal in Luke 16:19-31. Rich Luke 16:19 Jesus said, “There was a certain rich ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

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

Accusing Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 4, 2021

Was Jesus ever falsely accused? Purpose: Did He face vilification? Plan: Let’s look at how Jesus handled unfair criticism in Mark 3:20-35.

Intro Was Jesus ever falsely accused? Purpose: Did He face vilification? Plan: Let’s look at how Jesus handled unfair criticism in Mark 3:20-35. Is our Faith Crazy? Are Christians nuts because of their self-sacrifice? Mark 3:20 Then the multitude came together again, so that they could not so ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:20-35

Denomination: Baptist

Love (1 Corinthians 13)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 6, 2021

What is the “more excellent way” that Paul was inspired to show? Let's find out in 1 Corinthians 13.

What is the “more excellent way” that Paul was inspired to show? The Greek word agapé does not always mean divine love as is commonly believed. It can even refer to the wrong kind of love. Men loved darkness (John 3:19), the praise of men more than God (John 12:43), or this world (2 Timothy ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Future Of The Church

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 10, 2021

What is the future of the church and kingdom? Who is responsible for it? Purpose: Let’s understand the unstoppable growth of both kingdom and church. Plan: Let’s look at some optimistic riddles of the future of both in Mark 4:26-34.

Prelude What is the future of the church and kingdom? Who is responsible for it? Purpose: Let’s understand the unstoppable growth of both kingdom and church. Plan: Let’s look at some optimistic riddles of the future of both in Mark 4:26-34. Scatter Seed Mark 4:26 And He said, “The kingdom of God ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:26-34

Denomination: Baptist

Languages & Liturgy

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 16, 2021

How should a church handle languages and liturgy for the benefit of all. Let's look at 1 Corinthians 14.

How should a church handle languages and liturgy for the benefit of all. 1 Corinthians 14:1-25 Profit 1 Corinthians 14:1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. Love is our highest goal, but prophecy or sharing the mind of God, is of special benefit to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Resurrection (Part 1)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 21, 2021

What is the resurrection all about? How central is it to the Gospel?

What is the resurrection all about? How central is it to the Gospel? 1 Corinthians 15:1-19 Jesus’ Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; We too received the Gospel. What does ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-34

Denomination: Baptist

A Balm In Gilead

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 24, 2021

Jeremiah suggested metaphorically that there was a balm in Gilead to heal sinful nations (Jeremiah 8:22; 46:11)? What or who is that balm? Purpose: Why do we need the healing touch of Jesus. Plan: Let’s look at how Jesus healing a woman and a little girl applies to us in Mark 5:21-43.

Intro Jeremiah suggested metaphorically that there was a balm in Gilead to heal sinful nations (Jeremiah 8:22; 46:11)? What or who is that balm? It's not Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment or McNess Krestol Salve. Purpose: Let’s understand why we and our world need the healing touch of Jesus. Plan: ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

Denomination: Baptist

Resurrection (Part 2)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 29, 2021

Do we have questions about our own resurrection?

Do we have questions about our own resurrection? 1 Corinthians 15:35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Must this mortal body die first? 1 Corinthians 15:36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: Will the resurrected ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Rejection

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 1, 2021

A rule of polite society is don’t discuss religion. Jesus ignored that rule and was rejected in His hometown. Rejection is a true Christian experience. Let’s look at facing rejection in Mark 6:1-13.

Prelude A rule of polite society is don’t discuss religion. Jesus ignored that rule and was rejected in His hometown. Purpose: Rejection is a true Christian experience. Plan: Let’s look at facing rejection in Mark 6:1-13. Rejection (Mark 6:1-6) Mark 6:1 Then He went out from there and came to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Kill The Messenger

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 9, 2021

Are we offended when repentance is preached? Do we want to kill the messenger? Let’s look at the murder of John the Baptist in Mark 6:14-29.

Prelude Are we offended when repentance is preached? Purpose: Do we want to kill the messenger? Let’s Plan: Let’s look at the murder of John the Baptist in Mark 6:14-29. Who is Jesus Mark 6:14 Now King Herod heard of Him [Jesus], for His name had become well known. And he said, “John the Baptist ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:14-29

Denomination: Baptist

Sheep Without A Shepherd

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 12, 2021

As we look around our community, do we see sheep without a shepherd who need to hear the good news? Let’s focus on our mission. Let’s look at Jesus’ instructions and example in Mark 6:30-34, 53-56.

Prelude As we look around our community, do we see sheep without a shepherd who need to hear the good news? Purpose: Let’s focus on our mission. Plan: Let’s look at Jesus’ instructions and example in Mark 6:30-34, 53-56. 1 Tell & Rest Mark 6:30 Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:30-34, Mark 6:53-56

Denomination: Baptist

God Will Take Care Of You

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 23, 2021

Will God take care of us? What about cancer, catastrophe or death? Let’s learn the truth about God’s control over life’s trials. Let’s look at John’s version of the feeding the 5000 and Jesus walking on water in John 6:1-21.

Prelude Will God take care of us? What about cancer, catastrophe or death? Purpose: Let’s learn the truth about God’s control over life’s trials. Plan: Let’s look at John’s version of the feeding the 5000 and Jesus walking on water in John 6:1-21. 1 The Setting John 6:1 After these things Jesus ...read more

Scripture: John 6:1-21

Denomination: Baptist