Sermons on Sponges:

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

The Great Harlot

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 9, 2020

Let’s now look at the prophecy of the mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth, the scarlet woman in Revelation 17.

Let’s now look at the prophecy of the mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth, the scarlet woman in Revelation 17. Revelation 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Babylon's Fall (Revelation 18)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 11, 2020

Let’s now take a look at the fall of Babylon, the end of a corrupt world political and religious system, in Revelation 18.

Let’s now take a look at the fall of Babylon, the end of a corrupt world political and religious system, in Revelation 18. Revelation 18:1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. This important event, the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Heaven's Investment

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 11, 2020

What does God expect us to do with what Heaven has given us? Why hasn’t God given to us all equally? Let’s see what God expects us to do with Heaven’s investment. Let’s look at the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30.

Prelude: What does God expect us to do with what Heaven has given us? Why hasn’t God given to us all equally? Purpose: Let’s see what God expects us to do with Heaven’s investment. Plan: Let’s look at the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. Diverse Talents Matthew 25:14-15 “For the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Indicts The World

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 15, 2020

Have we been walking right past Jesus without recognizing Him? Let’s find Jesus. Let’s look at the Judgment of the Nations in Matthew 25:31-46.

Prelude: Have we been walking right past Jesus without recognizing Him? Purpose: Let’s find Jesus. Plan: Let’s look at the Judgment of the Nations in Matthew 25:31-46. Story: Disaster Response A fellow pastor helped after a national disaster. Some crews repaired church buildings, packed up and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

Denomination: Baptist

Alleluia!

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 18, 2020

Now begins the rejoicing. The good news for a grieving world is near. Revelation 19 begins with praise for God and joy that this world’s corrupt ways, symbolically referred to as Babylon and the beast, have finally ended.

Now begins the rejoicing. The good news for a grieving world is near. Revelation 19 begins with praise for God and joy that this world’s corrupt ways, symbolically referred to as Babylon and the beast, have finally ended. Revelation 19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Thousand Years (Revelation 20)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 25, 2020

The time of world peace will finally come. Whether it is a literal or symbolic period of a thousand years is not as important as its arrival. It will be here at last, as described in Revelation 20.

The time of world peace will finally come. Whether it is a literal or symbolic period of a thousand years is not as important as its arrival. It will be here at last, as described in Revelation 20. Revelation 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

New Heaven & Earth (Revelation 21)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 26, 2020

Now the good news continues. After the defeat of all corruption and evil, a new heaven and a new earth are described in Revelation 21.

Now the good news continues. After the defeat of all corruption and evil, a new heaven and a new earth are described in Revelation 21. Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. Foretold by Isaiah ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The River Of Life (Revelation 22)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 27, 2020

Let’s now look at the joyful conclusion of all things, pictured in a pure river of water of life, and the tree of life, access to which will be regained. We also read the last written words of Jesus, “Surely I am coming quickly.” All this is recorded in Revelation 22.

Let’s now look at the joyful conclusion of all things, pictured in a pure river of water of life, and the tree of life, access to which will be regained. We also read the last written words of Jesus, “Surely I am coming quickly.” All this is recorded in Revelation 22. Revelation 22:1 And he shewed ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Way To Zion

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 30, 2020

Prelude: How do we prepare for the Lord’s Coming? How did John prepare? What is the way back to God? Purpose: Let’s discuss the way from worldly Babylon to heavenly Zion. Plan: Let’s look at John the Baptist’s message in Mark 1:1-8.

Prelude: How do we prepare for the Lord’s Coming? How did John prepare? What is the way back to God? Purpose: Let’s discuss the way from worldly Babylon to heavenly Zion. Plan: Let’s look at John the Baptist’s message in Mark 1:1-8. Mark 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Your Testimony Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 8, 2020

Is our conversation consumed by self or trivialities? Let’s learn to talk about Jesus. Let’s look at the example of John whose focus was not self, but telling about the Light, in John 1:6-28.

Prelude: Is our conversation consumed by self or trivialities? Purpose: Let’s learn to talk about Jesus. Plan: Let’s look at the example of John whose focus was not self, but telling about the Light, in John 1:6-28. [Note: the beginning verses of this chapter are wisely reserved for Christmas ...read more

Scripture: John 1:6-28

Denomination: Baptist

Mary's Faith

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 14, 2020

What can we learn from a teenager? What can we learn from her faith? Let’s learn about the simplicity of trust in God. Let’s look at Mary’s faith in Luke 1:26-38.

Prelude: What can we learn from a teenager? What can we learn from her faith? Purpose: Let’s learn about the simplicity of trust in God. Plan: Let’s look at Mary’s faith in Luke 1:26-38. Luke 1:26-28 Gabriel Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

Denomination: Baptist

Secure In God's Hand

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 30, 2018

What makes us Christ’s sheep? Are we in danger of being lost for eternity? Are we secure in His hands? Let’s examine John 10:22-30 and see.

What makes us Christ’s sheep? Are we in danger of being lost for eternity? Are we secure in His hands? Let’s examine John 10:22-30 and see. The Setting John 10:22-23 “At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple in the ...read more

Scripture: John 10:22-30

Denomination: Baptist