Sermons on Sponges:

Change For The Better

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 15, 2018

Amidst commercial hype, do we forget the meaning of Christmas? What are some of the most important things that a human being can do at Christmas, things we don’t want to neglect? Let’s look at Luke 3:7-18 and see what profound changes John expected with preparation for Christ’s coming.

Amidst commercial hype, do we forget the meaning of Christmas? What are some of the most important things that a human being can do at Christmas, things we don’t want to neglect? Let’s look at Luke 3:7-18 and see what profound changes John expected with preparation for Christ’s coming. Luke 3:7 ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:7-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Ode Of Mary

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 20, 2018

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

What do mercy, helping the poor and feeding the hungry have to do with celebrating the birth of Jesus? Let’s discuss the Ode of Mary, the Latin Magificat, the Greek Megalynalion in Luke 1:39-55. Luke includes three canticles or songs, written like Psalms, Mary’s Song, Zechariah’s Song, and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:39-55

Denomination: Baptist

The Perfect Church

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 27, 2018

Does the sinlessly perfect church exist? If not, are there some ingredients which make even a very imperfect church the perfect church to be in? Let’s look at Paul’s God-inspired recommendations in Colossians 3:12-17.

Does the perfect church exist? If not, are there some ingredients which make even a very imperfect church a joy to attend? Let’s look at Paul’s God-inspired recommendations in Colossians 3:12-17. Colossians 3:12 “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

A Long Journey To Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 2, 2019

What is an epiphany? Are epiphanies common or uncommon? Can we have an epiphany? Let’s examine the glorious and surprising manifestation of God’s power to the Magi, who took a long journey to Christ. Let’s look at Matthew 2:1-12.

What is an epiphany? Are epiphanies common or uncommon? Can we have an epiphany? Let’s examine the glorious and surprising manifestation of God’s power to the Magi, who took a long journey to Christ. Let’s look at Matthew 2:1-12. The Magi Matthew 2:1-2 “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Is Confirmation Biblical

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 8, 2019

What is this thing called confirmation? What does it have to do with baptism? Is it even in the Bible or just vain human tradition? Let’s look at how the biblical term “laying on of hands” is confirmation, and that it is found in the list of basic doctrines of Hebrews 6:1-2.

What is this thing called confirmation? What does it have to do with baptism? Is it even in the Bible or just vain human tradition? Let’s look at how the biblical term “laying on of hands” is confirmation, and that it is found in the list of basic doctrines of Hebrews 6:1-2. Infant baptism in NOT ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:32, Luke 12:8, Romans 10:9-10, 1 Timothy 6:12, 1 John 4:15, Acts 8:14-17, Hebrews 6:1-2, Acts 9:17, Acts 19:5-6, Acts 10:44-48, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Ephesians 1:13, Ephesians 4:30  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Yashá Na!

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 8, 2017

How does Palm Sunday introduce a new perfect government, the government of God?

Intro Christianity teaches that God is love. Jesus showed this throughout his ministry culminating in the epitome of Godly love on the cross. Pontius Pilate is a caricature of all the false gods of the ancient and modern world. Jesus’ Palm Sunday parade into Jerusalem mocks false Roman gods and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Resurrection Faith

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 11, 2017

3 reactions to Jesus' resurrection

Intro What is your reaction to the resurrection? Goal Let’s learn about some typical reactions to the resurrection. Plan We will look at John 20:1-18 and three reactions to Jesus’ resurrection. John 20:1-5 They Have Taken Away the Lord Mary Magdalene was from Magdala a wealthy town on Lake ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Awakening To Ministry Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 23, 2017

As Jesus stood in their midst and proclaimed peace, Jesus was also about to send them forth.

Intro When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection did He really establish confession to a priest? Goal Let’s understand what Jesus said and how it was understood in early church history. Plan Let’s look at John 20:19-31 and Jesus’ appearance to the disciples. John 20:19 Peace ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Baptist

Awakening To The Bread Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 25, 2017

The journey to Emmaus is a mystery. Along the way we meet a stranger and He explains the Scriptures to us. Then He breaks bread and the mystery is revealed.

Intro The journey to Emmaus is a mystery. Along the way we meet a stranger and He explains the Scriptures to us. Then He breaks bread and the mystery is revealed. Purpose Let’s introduce the stranger who accompanies us on life’s journey. Plan Let’s look at Luke 24:13-35 and the mystery on the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

Denomination: Baptist

Awakening To Baptism Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 3, 2017

How does entering the sheepfold by the door picture baptism?

Intro How do we become part of Christ’s flock and what does He do with His sheep? Goal Let’s realize that Jesus brings His sheep together. Plan Let’s look at John 10:1-10 and see how baptism makes us part of the faith community. John 10:1 The Sheepfold We can learn a lot about Christianity ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon On The Plain

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 12, 2019

Have you noticed that Jesus often says the exact opposite of popular ideas? Christianity is for thinking people. Jesus did not establish a Church where people just check their brains at the entry door and blindly follow men. We worship God also with our minds. Jesus challenges us to think.

Have you noticed that Jesus often says the exact opposite of popular ideas? Christianity is for thinking people. Jesus did not establish a Church where people just check their brains at the entry door and blindly follow men. We worship God also with our minds. Jesus challenges us to think. Perhaps ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:17-26

Denomination: Baptist

Why Love Your Enemies

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 18, 2019

Why should Christians love their enemies? What does love for an enemy mean? Do we have to like them too? Let’s examine what Jesus says in Luke 6:27-38.

Why should Christians love their enemies? What does love for an enemy mean? Do we have to like them too? Let’s examine what Jesus says in Luke 6:27-38. How Love Enemies Luke 6:27-28 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:27-38

Denomination: Baptist

A Glimpse Of Glory

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 26, 2019

When we look in the mirror what do we see? Do we see someone hopelessly lost in sin, or a repentant sinner, forgiven and being transformed into God’s image from glory to glory every day? Let’s look at Paul’s discussion of being remarkably transformed in 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2.

When we look in the mirror what do we see? Do we see someone hopelessly lost in sin, or a repentant sinner, forgiven and being transformed into God’s image from glory to glory every day? Let’s look at Paul’s discussion of being remarkably transformed in 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2. To understand Paul’s ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Loves An Imperfect Church

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 6, 2019

How can Jesus love such a sinful Church? Why does He still love a Church that has often failed Him? Will He abandon us forever, or has He given everything to save us from ourselves? Let’s look at a heartwarming story of adultery, divorce and remarriage in Hosea 1-3.

How can Jesus love such a sinful Church? Why does He still love a Church that has often failed Him? Will He abandon us forever, or has He given everything to save us from ourselves? Let’s look at a heartwarming story of adultery, divorce and remarriage in Hosea 1-3. Hosea 1:2-3 When the Lord first ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Spiritual Manifestations

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 14, 2019

What kinds of epiphanies do we experience in a local church? Are spiritual enhancement of intellectual words, deeds of faith and foreign language skills manifestations of the Holy Spirit?

What kinds of epiphanies do we experience in a local church? Are spiritual enhancement of intellectual words, deeds of faith and foreign language skills manifestations of the Holy Spirit? Let’s see how God’s glory was revealed in spiritual gifts given to an ancient church by exploring 1 Corinthians ...read more

Denomination: Baptist