Sermons on Sponges:

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

Jesus As Refugee

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 1, 2023

Mistreatment of others is part of every nation’s history. Let’s recognize humanity’s mistreatment of foreigners and innocent children, and Jesus as the world’s only hope, in Matthew 2:13-23.

Mistreatment of others is part of every nation’s history. Let’s recognize humanity’s mistreatment of foreigners and innocent children, and Jesus as the world’s only hope, in Matthew 2:13-23. Fleeing to Egypt Now when they [the wise men] had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Denomination: Baptist

Chosen

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 2, 2023

Is there a group of people called the chosen ones, the elect?

Is there a group of people called the chosen ones, the elect? If God doesn’t make the time shorter, no one will be left alive. But because of God’s chosen ones [the elect], he will make the time shorter. (Matthew 24:22 CEV) How are people chosen for life? Does God’s sovereignty turn us into ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:22

Denomination: Baptist

Born From Above

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 7, 2023

What does it mean to be born again? How are we born of water and the Spirit? Let’s understand the newness of a life in the Holy Spirit from John 3:1-17.

What does it mean to be born again? How are we born of water and the Spirit? Let’s understand the newness of a life in the Holy Spirit from John 3:1-17. Nicodemus There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. (John 3:1 NKJV) Nicodemus was a senator in the Jewish ruling ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Turning To God

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 13, 2023

What is conversion?

Conversion is turning to God. It is the action accompanying repentance, the outward result of a changed heart, a changed direction, in biblical Greek (epistrophé) a turning about. It is the fruit that John the Baptist demanded (Matthew 3:7-8). Do repentance and conversion go together? Repent ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

In Christ

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 15, 2023

What does it mean to be in Christ? Let’s allow the Bible to tell us. Several churches claim that eternal life is only available within their walls. Who does Jesus say will have eternal life?

What does it mean to be in Christ? Let’s allow the Bible to tell us. Several churches claim that eternal life is only available within their walls. Who does Jesus say will have eternal life? For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Baptist

Keys To Permanent Happiness

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 23, 2023

What are the secrets of happiness? Are they really secrets or just ignored? Let’s understand secrets of true, permanent happiness, found in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12.

What are the secrets of happiness? Are they really secrets or just ignored? Let’s understand secrets of true, permanent happiness, found in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12. Poor in Spirit And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Adopted By God

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 1, 2023

Can we be adopted by God? How? What does that even mean?

In ancient times there was often no difference between an adopted child and a natural born one. An adopted child received all the rights and privileges of a biological child. That is the meaning in the Bible. We have a special relationship as an adopted child of God. When the Bible uses the term ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:15-16

Denomination: Baptist

Sanctified By God

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 13, 2023

Are all Christians saints? Are we to be holy?

Sanctify means to set apart as holy, or to dedicate for special use. Did God sanctify a people? And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes. (Exodus 19:14 KJV) Does truth sanctify people? Would that make studying the Bible ...read more

Scripture: John 17:17

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

Mountain Glory & Valley Failure

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 22, 2022

Why was there glory on a mountaintop and failure in a valley? Let’s look at the transfiguration in Luke 9:28-42.

Prelude Why was there glory on a mountaintop and failure in a valley? Let’s look at the transfiguration in Luke 9:28-42. 1. Prayer “Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:28-42

Denomination: Baptist

Blessed Is He

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 11, 2022

What is God’s attitude towards a world that rejects the Gospel? Does He force people to believe against their wills? Let’s look at Luke 13:31-35.

What is God’s attitude towards a world that rejects the Gospel? Does He force people to believe against their wills? Let’s look at Luke 13:31-35. Get Out “On that very day some Pharisees came, saying to Him, ‘Get out and depart from here, for Herod wants to kill You.’ ” (Luke 13:31 NKJV) This ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:31-35

Denomination: Baptist

Evidence For God

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 15, 2022

Is the evidence of God’s existence visible? How would we discuss this with an atheist?

Is the evidence of God’s existence visible? An ancient songwriter wrote: “The heavens tell of the glory of God; And their expanse declares the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 19:1-6, Job 38:2-12, Romans 1:18-25, Romans 1:26-32, Job 12:7-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist