Sermons on Sponges:

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

Becoming One In Spirit Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 20, 2017

Has God already unified His Church in a way that those who focus on church politics miss?

Intro When we think of church unity, we think of political unity, yet in the greatest sense is the Church already unified? Purpose Has God already unified His Church in a way that those who focus on church politics miss? Plan Let’s look at John 14:15-21 and how the Holy Spirit unifies ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-21

Denomination: Baptist

Becoming One In Ministry Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 27, 2017

When Jesus prayed, what was central on His mind?

Intro When Jesus prayed, what was central on His mind? Purpose We actually have record of one of Jesus’ most important prayers and what He prayed about. Plan Let’s look at what was on Jesus’ mind in His important prayer in John 17:1-11. John 17 How we Got Jesus’ Prayer Part of the Lord’s ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Rivers Of Living Water

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 29, 2017

Let’s understand how Christians live like rivers of flowing water.

Intro How should we live in the world? Are we to live stagnant, isolated lives? Purpose Let’s understand how Christians live like rivers of flowing water. Plan We will examine John 7:37-39 and Jesus’ instructions on being rivers of living waters. John 7:37 If Anyone Thirsts In John 7:37 ...read more

Scripture: John 7:37-39

Denomination: Baptist

Into All The World

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 8, 2017

Jesus said to to go, make, baptize and teach what?

Intro Among the notable sayings of Jesus are the Great Commandments and the Great Commission. Purpose Let’s look at the Great Commission that Jesus gave to His Church. Plan Let’s explore this in Matthew 28:16-20. Matthew 28:19 Go In Matthew 28:19 the first verb in the Great Commission is to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Denomination: Baptist

Sheep & Harvesting

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 13, 2017

What do tending sheep and harvesting crops have to do with church?

Intro What do tending sheep and harvesting crops have to do with church? Purpose Let’s look at some farm lessons that apply directly to the local church. Plan Let’s look at two agricultural metaphors for the church’s work in Matthew 9:35-10:8. Matthew 9:35-36 Shepherdless Sheep In Matthew ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Insults

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 21, 2017

How do we handle insults and family opposition to us being a Christian?

Intro Are we men and women of God or mice? Do we stand for what is right or do we let the world push us around and tell us to be quiet about our faith? Goal Let’s learn to be courageous disciples. Plan Let’s examine Matthew 10:24-39 and how to stand up against opposition to our faith like ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-39

Denomination: Baptist

A Cup Of Cold Water

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 29, 2017

How important is it to be a welcoming church? How thankful are we for those who receive us?

Intro How important is it to be a welcoming church? How thankful are we for those who receive us? How do we receive Gospel preachers, each other, and newcomers? Purpose Let’s become more welcoming. Plan We will look at Matthew 10:40-42 and hospitality. 2 Kings 4:8-17 The Shunammite ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:8-17, Matthew 10:40-42

Denomination: Baptist

Rest For Our Souls

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 5, 2017

Where can we find rest from our heavy burdens?

Intro What burdens do we carry? What does criticism of believers who are different from us do for us? Where can we find rest from these heavy burdens? Purpose Let’s find rest from the heavy burdens that we and others place upon ourselves. Plan Let’s look at what Jesus had to say about burdens ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:16-30

Denomination: Baptist

Is The Law Still Valid?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 5, 2017

Jesus discusses salt, light and law

Intro In the sermon on the mount Jesus called us salt and light, then condemned whoever sets aside the least of God’s commands. Does that mean that Christians should put to death idolaters, Sabbath breakers, adulterers and those who dishonor their parents, sacrifice animals, be circumcised, rest ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-20

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