Sermons on Sponges:

The Spirit Of Judgmentalism Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 8, 2021

A popular mantra today is to exaggerate how we should apply Jesus’ caution against judgmentalism, by not even righteously judging evil lifestyles. Let's look at what Jesus actually taught about judging.

A popular mantra today is to exaggerate how we should apply Jesus’ caution against judgmentalism, by not even righteously judging evil lifestyles. “Judge not, that you be not judged… Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? …” ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

Prophecy Panic

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 9, 2021

Jesus often did not answer questions, but replied with more important comments. What’s the purpose of Jesus’ prophecy in Mark 13? Let’s discuss Jesus’ non-sequitur answer to his disciples’ question about when these things will be in Mark 13:1-8.

Prelude Jesus would have frustrated modern reporters. He often did not answer questions, but replied with more important comments. Purpose: What’s the purpose of Jesus’ prophecy in Mark 13? Plan: Let’s discuss Jesus’ non-sequitur answer to his disciples’ question about when these things will be in ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Ask, Seek, Knock Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 11, 2021

Jesus encourages us to consider the spirit of our prayers when we pray to our Father in heaven. Do we pray knowing that God is a loving Father?

Jesus encourages us to consider the spirit of our prayers when we pray to our Father in heaven. Do we pray knowing that God is a loving Father? “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:7-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Golden Attitude Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 11, 2021

The golden rule is another way of saying the second of the great commandments, love for neighbor and gives a good motive for it.

The golden rule is another way of saying the second of the great commandments, love for neighbor and gives a good motive for it. “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12 NLT) The two great ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:12-29

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Gives Life Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 11, 2021

So, what then is the spirit of the law? In part, it has to do with being a spiritual Jew.

So, what then is the spirit of the law? In part, it has to do with being a spiritual Jew. “No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. And a person with a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:4-8, Romans 2:29, Galatians 3:7, Romans 8:2-5

Denomination: Baptist

A Kingdom Not Of This World

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 16, 2021

Is God’s kingdom meant to just rule in our hearts or is there more to it? Purpose: What is the truth of Jesus’ reign? Plan: Let’s see what Jesus had to say about His kingdom in John 18:33-37.

Prelude Is God’s kingdom meant to just rule in our hearts or is there more to it? Purpose: What is the truth of Jesus’ reign? Plan: Let’s see what Jesus had to say about His kingdom in John 18:33-37. King of the Jews (vs 33) Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to ...read more

Scripture: John 18:33-37

Denomination: Baptist

The Second Coming

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 23, 2021

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

Prelude How do we react to signs of the end of the age? Purpose: How would Jesus encourage us to act regarding prophecy? Plan: Let's examine principles from Jesus’ prophecy in Luke 21:25-36. Distress “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:25-36

Denomination: Baptist

Preparation For His Coming

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 29, 2021

What does building a highway have to do with preparation for Christ’s coming? Let’s learn how to prepare for His coming. Let’s discuss preparing the way for Christ in Luke 3:1-6.

Prelude What does building a highway have to do with preparation for Christ’s coming? Purpose: Let’s learn how to prepare for His coming. Plan: Let’s discuss preparing the way for Christ in Luke 3:1-6. Pilate “Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Repent At Christmas

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 7, 2021

Does the Christian meaning of Christmas get lost? Purpose: What can we do to make it more meaningful? Plan: Let’s see what profound changes John expected with preparation for Christ’s coming in Luke 3:7-18.

Prelude Does the Christian meaning of Christmas get lost? Purpose: What can we do to make it more meaningful? Plan: Let’s see what profound changes John expected with preparation for Christ’s coming in Luke 3:7-18. Vipers Luke 3:7 “So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:7-18

Denomination: Baptist

Mary's Song

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 16, 2021

What does mercy, helping the poor and feeding the hungry have to do with celebrating the birth of Jesus? Let’s discuss Mary’s Song in Luke 1:39-55.

What does mercy, helping the poor and feeding the hungry have to do with celebrating the birth of Jesus? Let’s discuss Mary’s Song in Luke 1:39-55. Luke includes three songs written like Psalms, Mary’s Song, Zechariah’s Song, and Simeon’s Song. Spirit-Filled “Now Mary arose in those days and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:39-55

Denomination: Baptist

Christmas Questions And Service At Home

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 22, 2021

Is Christmas okay or in the Bible? Let’s learn why it’s a good Christian celebration. Let’s ask some questions and look at the story of Christ’s birth including an at-home service from Luke 2:1-40.

Prelude: Is Christmas okay or in the Bible? Purpose: Let’s learn why it’s a good Christian celebration. Plan: Let’s ask some questions and look at the story of Christ’s birth in Luke 2:1-40. Questions What does the word Christmas mean? It literally means Christ’s Mass, or the Mass of Christ. Mass ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Receive The Word

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 1, 2022

Who is the Word? Is Jesus God? Let’s find out in John 1:1-18.

Hymns Thy Word, Ancient Words, Wonderful Words of Life Readings Jeremiah 31:7-9; Psalm 147:12-20; Ephesians 1:3-14 Sermon Who is the Word? Is Jesus God? Let’s find out in John 1:1-18. Jesus is God In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Remember Your Baptism

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 4, 2022

Is it important to remember your baptism? Purpose: Let us examine history’s most important baptism and see some relevant lessons for our own baptism. Plan: We will look at the baptism of Jesus in Luke 3:15-22.

Intro Is it important to remember your baptism? Purpose: Let us examine history’s most important baptism and see some relevant lessons for our own baptism. Plan: We will look at the baptism of Jesus in Luke 3:15-22. Baptism with the Holy Spirit “Now as the people were in expectation, and all ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:15-22

Denomination: Baptist

Woman, Why Are You Weeping?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 3, 2021

The story setting is early on that Sunday morning after Jesus’ resurrection.

The story setting is early on that Sunday morning after Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:1-18). This time of year, Jerusalem can be just over 20°C (about 70°F on the old scale) during the day. Early that morning it may have been about 10°C (50°F), so Mary probably wrapped herself up ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Married & Single Christians

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 8, 2021

What wisdom would married and single Christians want to consider?

What wisdom would married and single Christians want to consider? 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 Christian Marriages Is celibacy good or bad? 1 Corinthians 7:1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. What should single people do if they continually ...read more

Denomination: Baptist