Sermons on Sponges:

Abraham And Succession By Faith

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 5, 2018

Did Jesus support the theory of apostolic succession or faith? Let's see why faith is the key, through Abraham's story.

Why was Abram who became Abraham called the father of the faithful? What can we learn about about apostolic succession by looking back at Abraham? Let’s look at his early life and the tests of Abraham’s faith and how he dealt with them in Genesis 12-22 (Genesis 12:1, 10, 15; 14:14; 15:13; 16:3; ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus, Lamb Of God

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 12, 2018

What does salvation have to do with a lamb? How did Jesus become the Lamb of God?

How is God’s purpose hinted at from earliest human history? What does it have to do with a lamb? Let’s look at how Jesus, the Lamb of God was slain from the beginning and how it culminates in Revelation 22. Genesis 4:4 “Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Revelation 2

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 25, 2020

Let’s move into an exciting lesson about the churches that we attend, mirrored in seven ancient churches.

Let’s move into an exciting lesson about the churches that we attend, mirrored in seven ancient churches. Ephesus Revelation 2:1-3 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Revelation 3

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 31, 2020

As we study the last of seven churches, let’s notice how much they look like some modern churches.

As we study the last of seven churches, let’s notice how much they look like some modern churches. Sardis Revelation 3:1 This church is not indicted for corruption, nor harassed by persecution. It was far worse. It was dead or almost dead, as are many modern western churches. As faith without ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Total Commitment

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 1, 2019

How committed are we to Jesus? Are we willing to carry our cross? Have we counted the cost of discipleship? Are we willing to make the sacrifice? Let’s examine our cross, our cost and our sacrifice as disciples in Luke 14:25-33.

Are we willing to carry our cross? Have we counted the cost of discipleship? Are we willing to make the sacrifice? Let’s examine our cross, our cost and our sacrifice as disciples in Luke 14:25-33. Our Cross Luke 14:25-27 A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, 26 ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-33

Denomination: Baptist

Easter, The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 17, 2019

Is Resurrection Sunday the most wonderful time of the year? Paul wrote that if Christ has not been raised our preaching is in vain and so is our faith (1 Corinthians 15:14). Let’s discuss the centrality of the resurrection of Jesus and the testimony of eyewitnesses in Luke 24:1-12

Is Christmas the most wonderful time of the year? What about Jesus’ resurrection? Is Resurrection Sunday the most wonderful time of the year? Paul wrote that if Christ has not been raised our preaching is in vain and so is our faith (1 Corinthians 15:14). Let’s discuss the centrality of the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Two Christian Confessions

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 23, 2019

What two things do Christians confess? Let’s look at what Jesus said when He appeared to His disciples in John 20:19-31.

What two things do Christians confess? Let’s look at what Jesus said when He appeared to His disciples in John 20:19-31. John 20:19 So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Baptist

True Greatness

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 19, 2018

Who are the true greats? You may be surprised that you know many personally.

Who are the true greats? You may be surprised who they are because you know many of them by name. They live in your neighborhood. Let’s find out what the basic ingredient of true greatness is. Let’s look at Mark 9:30-37, what Jesus has to say. Jesus Mark 9:31 “The Son of Man is to be delivered ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:30-37, Isaiah 53:6, Isaiah 53:12, Philippians 2:5-8

Denomination: Baptist

Xenophobia

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 23, 2022

An angry hatred of immigrants is popular. Purpose: Yet God’s promise to Abraham was that in him ALL nations would be blessed. Plan: Let’s see how Jesus challenged xenophobia in Luke 4:21-30.

Prelude An angry hatred of immigrants is popular. Purpose: Yet God’s promise to Abraham was that in him ALL nations would be blessed. Plan: Let’s see how Jesus challenged xenophobia in Luke 4:21-30. No Acceptance And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:21-30

Denomination: Baptist

A Catch Jesus Provides

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 30, 2022

Do we experience Jesus while we’re working? Are we ready for church growth? Do we see daily miracles? Let’s find out in Luke 5:1-11.

Prelude Do we experience Jesus while we’re working? Are we ready for church growth? Do we see daily miracles? Let’s find out in Luke 5:1-11. Fishermen “So it was, as the multitude pressed about Him to hear the word of God, that He stood by the Lake of Gennesaret, and saw two boats standing by ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

God Introduces Himself Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 3, 2022

Who is God? In the very first verse of the Bible, God is introduced as Elohim (Genesis 1:1), an intensive plural, meaning mighty, or very great. Later, God introduces Himself to Abram with the words, “I am the Lord [Yahweh].” (Genesis 15:7)

Who is God? In the very first verse of the Bible, God is introduced as Elohim (Genesis 1:1), an intensive plural, meaning mighty, or very great. Later, God introduces Himself to Abram with the words, “I am the Lord [Yahweh].” (Genesis 15:7) With the same words He introduces Himself to Moses (Exodus ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1, Genesis 15:7, Isaiah 42:8

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon On The Plain

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 10, 2022

Have you noticed that Jesus often contradicts popular ideas, because He taught us to worship God also with our minds? Perhaps He gave the Sermon on the Plain after the Sermon on the Mount. It contains some contrasting thoughts. Let’s look at Luke 6:17-26.

Prelude Have you noticed that Jesus often contradicts popular ideas, because He taught us to worship God also with our minds? Perhaps He gave the Sermon on the Plain after the Sermon on the Mount. It contains some contrasting thoughts. Let’s look at Luke 6:17-26. A Level Plain “And He came down ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:17-26

Denomination: Baptist

Why Love Our Enemies (Luke 6)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 16, 2022

Christians are to love their enemies. What does that mean? Let’s examine what Jesus says in Luke 6:27-38.

Prelude Christians are to love their enemies. Purpose: What does that mean? Plan: Let’s examine what Jesus says in Luke 6:27-38. Do Good, Bless, Pray “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:27-38

Denomination: Baptist

Giving & Forgiving

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 19, 2022

Two great laws would solve many of humanity’s problems. In His hour of greatest trial, Jesus exemplified giving and forgiving. Let’s look at these two great legacies in Luke 23:33-43.

Two great laws would solve many of humanity’s problems. In His hour of greatest trial, Jesus exemplified giving and forgiving. Let’s look at these two great legacies in Luke 23:33-43. Forgiveness Luke 23:33-34 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:33-43

Denomination: Baptist

Be Ready

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 21, 2022

Is our job to predict when Jesus will return or to be ready? Let’s discuss this in Matthew 24:36-44.

Is our job to predict when Jesus will return or to be ready? Let’s discuss this in Matthew 24:36-44. End of an Era But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. (Matthew 24:36) If Jesus is God the Son and coequal with the Father, how does He not know ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44

Denomination: Baptist