Sermons on Sponges:

Hidden Wisdom

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 9, 2021

In Corinth, what kind of preaching was Paul inspired to use as the most effective?

In Corinth, what kind of preaching was Paul inspired to use as the most effective? 1 Corinthians 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. Many would be tempted to try and electrify a new crowd with “lofty ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

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

Why Ash Wednesday

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 16, 2021

Does lent serve any purpose for a Protestant?

Prelude Does lent serve any purpose for a Protestant? Purpose Let’s look at several reasons for a Christian to fast and pray. Plan We’ll look at the topic of fasting in Joel 2, Psalm 51, 2 Corinthians 5-6 and Matthew 6. Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 Joel 2:1 Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:1-2, Psalm 51:1-17, Matthew 6:1-6, Joel 2:12-17, Matthew 6:16-21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Lent, Time Apart

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 18, 2021

Why should we take time apart before Easter? What is the purpose of Lent?

Prelude Why should we take time apart before Easter? What is the purpose of Lent? Purpose Let’s see the value of quiet times apart for prayer, fasting, meditation and reflection. Plan Let’s look briefly at Jesus’ wilderness experience before beginning His ministry, in Mark 1:9-15. The ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:9-15

Denomination: Baptist

Take Up Your Cross

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 23, 2021

As people run headlong into a world going nowhere, escaping reality in their hedonistic lifestyles, are we ashamed of Jesus and His words? Are we ashamed of suffering as Christians? Let’s look at Jesus’ countercultural instructions in Mark 8:31-38.

Prelude As people run headlong into a world going nowhere, escaping reality in their hedonistic lifestyles, are we ashamed of Jesus and His words? Are we ashamed of suffering as Christians? Purpose Let’s see the value of taking up our cross and denying ourselves. Plan Let’s look at Jesus’ ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: Baptist

Clear The Building

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 4, 2021

Let’s look at the most important purpose for our church building. Let’s learn Jesus’ reason for driving the merchants out of the temple court in John 2:13-25.

Prelude What kind of worship do we have here? Is it just a cabaret with Christian songs? Is it easy worship without self-sacrifice, or is it real worship from the heart? Purpose Let’s look at the most important purpose for our church building. Plan Let’s learn Jesus’ reason for driving the ...read more

Scripture: John 2:13-25

Denomination: Baptist

Church Leaders (1 Corinthians 3)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 11, 2021

Now comes that chapter that many congregations would not want to hear. Let’s listen to what God’s minister has to preach to the Corinthians. Could it apply to us too?

Now comes that chapter that many congregations would not want to hear. Let’s not be like rebellious people, “Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits” (Isaiah 30:10 KJV). Let’s listen to what God’s ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Not Condemned

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 11, 2021

What is the way to life? Why do some reject it? Is their motive logical or emotional? Purpose: Let’s understand the significance of faith in Christ. Plan: Let’s look at condemnation and salvation in John 3:14-21.

Prelude What is the way to life? Why do some reject it? Is their motive logical or emotional? Purpose: Let’s understand the significance of faith in Christ. Plan: Let’s look at condemnation and salvation in John 3:14-21. John 3:14 The Exalted Cross As we read John 3:14 “as Moses lifted up the ...read more

Scripture: John 3:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

Becoming Humble Churches (1 Corinthians 4)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 15, 2021

Paul suggests that though we don’t look to men, we ought to be humble, love and respect the faulty ministers over us in the Lord as we look to what God is doing.

Paul suggests that though we don’t look to men, we ought to be humble, love and respect the faulty ministers over us in the Lord as we look to what God is doing. 1 Cor 4:1-5 Ministers of Christ 1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the ...read more

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

Killing The Prophets

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 23, 2021

Elijah’s persecution has been echoed by many ancient prophets and modern preachers. What can we learn from this faithful messenger’s recovery from a bitter experience? Let’s look at his story in 1 Kings 19:1-21.

Prelude Elijah’s persecution has been echoed by many ancient prophets and modern preachers. Purpose: What can we learn from this faithful messenger’s recovery from a bitter experience? Plan: Let’s look at his story in 1 Kings 19:1-21. He Arose and Ran After his powerful confrontation with the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

Bread From Heaven

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 30, 2021

Do I want MY religion or the religion of Jesus? Let’s look at the religion that came from heaven. Let’s discuss the events of John 6:24-35.

Prelude Do I want MY religion or the religion of Jesus? Purpose: Let’s look at the religion that came from heaven. Plan: Let’s discuss the events of John 6:24-35. The Throng John 6:24 when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to ...read more

Scripture: John 6:24-35

Denomination: Baptist

Words Of Life

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 13, 2021

Jesus spoke words that are still spirit and life. How can mere words be spirit and life? What does that mean? Let’s discuss why Jesus’ words are described as spirit and life in John 6:56-69.

Prelude Jesus spoke words that are still spirit and life. Purpose: How can mere words be spirit and life? What does that mean? Plan: Let’s discuss why Jesus’ words are described as spirit and life in John 6:56-69. Eat My Flesh John 6:56 Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, ...read more

Scripture: John 6:56-69

Denomination: Baptist

Abel's Revival Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 16, 2021

How is Abel's life the first revival after the tragedy in the Garden?

Revival means to bring back to life. Spiritually, it means to move from being dead in trespasses and sins to life in Christ. How is Abel's life the first revival after the tragedy in the Garden? Abel’s parents had failed terribly in the garden, inflicting a curse upon all humanity, but they ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:3-7

Denomination: Baptist

Seth's And Enoch's Revivals Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 17, 2021

Can a revival of interest in God and prayer come about spontaneously? Can we walk with God? Let's look at Seth's and Enoch's revivals in Genesis 4 and 5.

Can a revival of interest in God and prayer come about spontaneously? Can we walk with God? Let's look at Seth's and Enoch's revivals in Genesis 4 and 5. 1) Seth's Revival Did Seth lead this revival, or was it a spontaneous act from among the people? “Seth also had a son, and he ...read more

Denomination: Baptist