Sermons on Grant:

What Is Faith?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 22, 2022

A main theme of the book of Hebrews is faith. Was the Gospel also preached to ancient Israel? What was missing?

A main theme of the book of Hebrews is faith. Was the Gospel also preached to ancient Israel? What was missing? “For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.” ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Perfect Yet?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 25, 2022

Are you perfect yet? Perfection is a major topic in Hebrews.

Are you perfect yet? Perfection is a major topic in Hebrews. First of all, does it apply to Jesus? “It was appropriate for God, for whom and through whom everything exists, to use experiences of suffering to make perfect the pioneer of salvation. This salvation belongs to many sons and daughters ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

God's Promises

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 28, 2022

Promises are found throughout the Bible. What’s the most important?

Eternal Life Promises are found throughout the Bible. What’s the most important? “And this is what he promised us—eternal life.” (1 John 2:25 NIV) Are there conditions? “A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:25

Denomination: Baptist

Warnings In Hebrews

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 30, 2022

Hebrews gives a number of warnings. If God’s grace is irresistible, why bother with a warning?

Hebrews gives a number of warnings. If God’s grace is irresistible, why bother with a warning? “So if we refuse this great way of being saved, how can we hope to escape? …” (Hebrews 2:3 CEV) Can Christians harden their hearts? “do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Names For Communion

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 3, 2022

Let’s look at some common names for communion. First of all, is the word communion even used for the ceremony of the bread and cup? That depends on the translation of the Bible.

Let’s look at some common names for communion. First of all, is the word communion even used for the ceremony of the bread and cup? That depends on the translation of the Bible. “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of [participation, sharing in] the blood of Christ? The ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:16, Luke 22:17-19

Denomination: Baptist

Communion, Symbol Or Sacrament

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 5, 2022

Is communion symbolic, an ordinance, a sacrament, a memorial or all of the above? Does it even matter?

Is communion symbolic, an ordinance, a sacrament, a memorial or all of the above? Does it even matter? Symbol The argument begins with a simple word, “is.” Those who remember the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal may remember that famous line, “It depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is.” What did ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:26-28, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25

Denomination: Baptist

Nicene Creed, Biblical?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 12, 2022

The Nicene Creed summarizes important Bible doctrines that separate orthodoxy from heresy.

The Nicene Creed summarizes important Bible doctrines that separate orthodoxy from heresy. For consistency, let’s quote the public domain King James Bible. God the Father We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:6, 2 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Corinthians 8:6, Deuteronomy 6:4, Mark 12:29, Mark 12:32, Malachi 2:10, Genesis 17:1-4, Exodus 6:3, Matthew 6:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Apostles' Creed, Biblical?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 14, 2022

The Apostolic or Apostles’ Creed contains twelve articles of faith that are essential biblical and apostolic doctrines that have been believed throughout church history.

The Apostolic or Apostles’ Creed is reputed to have either originated with the apostles or later. Its source is a mystery. It contains twelve articles of faith that are essential biblical and apostolic doctrines that have been believed throughout church history. 1. I believe in God the Father ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:6, John 3:16, Luke 1:26-27

Denomination: Baptist

Studying God

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 22, 2022

Theos (θεός) is Greek for God. So, studying God is called theology. What does the Bible reveal about God?

Theos (?e??) is Greek for God. So, studying God is called theology. What does the Bible reveal about God? Is God a Spirit? “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24 KJV) Does Jesus reveal that God is gentle? “... for I am gentle and humble ...read more

Scripture: John 4:24, Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Baptist

Is God Three & One?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 27, 2022

The word Trinity is not found in the Bible, but is the concept there? How can God be both three and one?

The word Trinity is not found in the Bible, but is the concept there? How can God be both three and one? God’s Oneness The central prayer of Jewish prayer life is the Shema Yisrael (??? ?????) after its first words in Hebrew, “Hear, O Israel.” “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Matthew 28:19

Denomination: Baptist

Flesh And Spirit

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 25, 2023

How do the flesh and the Spirit war against one another within each of us? How do we deal with an imperfect church and a perfect Savior?

How do the flesh and Spirit affect our lives and our relationship to the law? Is the law pictured as the husband of the soul in a similar manner as a man is to his wife? Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

No Condemnation In Christ

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 15, 2023

Are we all condemned to hell because of our human weakness in the flesh? Let's find out in Romans 8.

Are we all condemned to hell because of our human weakness in the flesh? Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Romans 8:1-2 NASB) Was God’s law weak ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Special Vessels

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 25, 2023

How does God choose some to be special vessels and others not? Let's find out in Romans 9.

How does God choose some to be special vessels and others not? Are the chosen people Jews or Christians or both? Let’s begin by asking, did Paul love his fellow Jews? I’m speaking the truth in Christ—I’m not lying, as my conscience assures me with the Holy Spirit: 2 I have great sadness and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Beyond Prejudices (Matthew 28)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 2, 2023

Jesus told us to get out of our comfort zones and spread the good news. How are we doing?

The Great Commission challenges Christians to go beyond national and tribal prejudices. Let’s look at Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 28:16-20. They Worshiped Him Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Denomination: Baptist

Belief In Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 5, 2023

Is belief in Jesus important for both Jews and Gentiles?

What makes people acceptable to God? Let’s begin with Paul’s prayer for Israel? Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire is for Israel’s salvation. That’s my prayer to God for them. (Romans 10:1 CEB) What was Israel’s biggest issue? Can Christians have the same problem? I know they love God, but ...read more

Denomination: Baptist