Sermons on Sponges:

Creation Theories And Lessons

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 15, 2022

Is there a purpose for the creation narratives? With so many theories, what lessons can we learn?

Is there a purpose for the creation narratives? With so many theories, what lessons can we learn? Creation Theories Let’s first examine a few of the many creation theories and some of their strengths and weaknesses 1. Godless Evolution claims to be honest with geology and biology, but denies ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Genesis Principles

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 15, 2022

As we read Genesis, we need to understand how it fits into the Old Testament and within God’s plan.

As we read Genesis, we need to understand how it fits into the Old Testament and within God’s plan. Genesis is the first book of Moses, of the law, of the Pentateuch, of the Torah. How does Old Testament law relate to Christians? It applies in spirit and not in the letter. “who has made us ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:6, Romans 2:29, Matthew 5:21-22, Romans 14:5-6, Colossians 2:16-17, Jude 1:11, Matthew 5:27-28  (view more)  (view less)

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

Jesus' First Miracle

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 10, 2022

What was the first epiphany or miracle in your life? A Jewish wedding and fine wine entailed a surprise divine encounter. Let’s encounter the kingdom of God pictured in God’s provision for a marriage. Let’s examine how a wedding at Cana portrays an epiphany of the kingdom of God in John 2:1-11.

Prelude What was the first epiphany or miracle in your life? A Jewish wedding and fine wine entailed a surprise divine encounter. Purpose: Let’s encounter the kingdom of God pictured in God’s provision for a marriage. Plan: Let’s examine how a wedding at Cana portrays an epiphany of the kingdom of ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Healing And Freedom

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 20, 2022

What did Jesus bring for the poor, the brokenhearted, the blind, and the oppressed? Is there a year of release for those who suffer? Let’s examine Jesus' words in Luke 4:14-21.

Prelude What did Jesus bring? What about the poor, the brokenhearted, the blind, and the oppressed? Is there a year of release for those who suffer? Let’s examine Jesus' words in Luke 4:14-21. Power of the Spirit “Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:14-21

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

Legalism Or Faith

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 22, 2023

Do we rely on things of the flesh like circumcision, rest days, tongues, wealth and health? Do we rely on Christ?

Did Paul use strong terms for those who promoted a variety of legalism? So then, my brothers and sisters, be glad in the Lord. It’s no trouble for me to repeat the same things to you because they will help keep you on track. Watch out for the “dogs.” Watch out for people who do evil things. Watch ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Church Unity & Peace

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 25, 2023

Even the best of churches has challenges to protect unity and peace. Let's find out how in Philippians 4.

Does Paul love the church of God in Philippi? Dear friends, I love you and long to see you. Please keep on being faithful to the Lord. You are my pride and joy [joy and crown]. (Philippians 4:1 CEV) Can even a wonderful church have some squabbles? What was Paul’s plea to two women? I urge Euodia ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' Birth & Childhood

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 6, 2023

Let's look at the beginning of Jesus' life, his refugee status and move to Nazareth.

Let’s look at Matthew, a catechism or instruction book for new Christians. Preparing for Jesus (Matthew 1) Read Matthew 1. Let’s learn about Jesus' birth and John the Baptist. Abbreviated Genealogy Why did Matthew abbreviate this genealogy? The lineage in 1 Chronicles 6:3–14 is abridged in ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Ready?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 9, 2023

Are we ready for Jesus? Does He even know us?

Are we prepared for Christ’s Coming? Let’s learn how in the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. (Matthew 25:1-2 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Repentance And Baptism

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 12, 2023

What can we learn about repentance and baptism from John the Baptist?

Repentance Why did John the Baptist preach repentance? Let’s discuss Matthew 3:1-12. In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, …” (Matthew 3:1-2a ESV) The meaning here is “a change of heart,” both a one-time event and a lifestyle. Why did John preach ...read more

Denomination: Baptist