Sermons on Granted:

God Provides

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 6, 2024

Can God provide for the faithful even under political oppression? While Herod Antipas ruled Galilee under Caesar Augustus, Jesus preached to thousands. Herod had executed John the Baptist. Was he also paranoid about Jesus? Let’s find out in Matthew 14.

Can God provide for the faithful even under political oppression? While Herod Antipas ruled Galilee under Caesar Augustus, Jesus preached to thousands. Herod had executed John the Baptist. Was he also paranoid about Jesus? Let’s find out in Matthew 14. At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Not Offended

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 6, 2024

Would we be offended if Jesus critiqued some of our church traditions as being vain? Let’s examine Matthew 15.

Would we be offended if Jesus critiqued some of our church traditions as being vain? Let’s examine Matthew 15. Vain Traditions Was Jesus criticized over a man-made tradition? Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Rock

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 6, 2024

Let’s look at some important scriptures for Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox Christians and how they affect us all. Let’s examine Matthew 16.

Let’s look at some important scriptures for Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox Christians and how they affect us all. Let’s examine Matthew 16. A Sign Are we sometimes like the Pharisees, seeking a sign instead of living by faith? Are we looking for conspiracies rather than simply discerning the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Transfiguration

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 6, 2024

What does life look like beyond the grave? Let’s examine our transformation now and in eternity, by looking at the transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-9.

What does life look like beyond the grave? Let’s examine our transformation now and in eternity, by looking at the transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-9. A small attendance and a large miracle went hand-in-hand. False prophets often draw large crowds (Luke 6:26; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Matthew 7:13-14). ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Offenses And Forgiveness

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 6, 2024

Are children welcome in our churches? Are they tolerated? Is any part of the service of interest to them? What would Jesus say? Can we learn anything from watching them? Let’s find out in Matthew 18.

Are children welcome in our churches? Are they tolerated? Is any part of the service of interest to them? What would Jesus say? Can we learn anything from watching them? Let’s find out in Matthew 18. At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Divorce, Children And Wealth

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 6, 2024

Do our churches avoid talking about divorce and money because we are embarrassed? Should children be seen and not heard? Let’s examine what Jesus has to say about these important topics in Matthew 19.

Do our churches avoid talking about divorce and money because we are embarrassed? Should children be seen and not heard? Let’s examine what Jesus has to say about these important topics in Matthew 19. Divorce What was the question that the Pharisees asked? When Jesus finished saying these ...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

Jesus Begins

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 17, 2023

How did Jesus prepare for and begin His ministry? Let's find out in Matthew 4.

Jesus prepared for His ministry by fasting. He battled temptations and won. Let’s look at Matthew 4:1-11. Was Jesus thirsty or only hungry after fasting? The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert, so that the devil could test him. After Jesus had gone without eating for 40 days and nights, he was ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Beatitudes - True, Lasting Happiness

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 22, 2023

How can we find true, lasting happiness, blessedness? Let's find out in Matthew 5.

What are the secrets of happiness, not just fleeting merrymaking, but that true, permanent happiness, called blessedness? They are not really so secret, but found in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12). Poor in Spirit Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Endorses The Law

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 26, 2023

When Jesus endorsed the law, and said that we are to be more righteous than the Pharisees, did He mean that we are to keep all 613 Old Testament commandments more rigidly, or in a completely different manner? Let's find out in Matthew 5.

Jesus condemned whoever sets aside the least of God’s commands. Does that mean that all 613 Old Testament commandments are still in force, like circumcision, Sabbaths and sacrifices? Let’s examine salt, light and the law in Matthew 5:13-20. Salt & Light What are Christ’s disciples? You are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

Spirit Of The Law Part 1

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 27, 2023

Who better to give a commentary on the Old Testament than it's author, Jesus? Let's look at the Spirit of the law in Matthew 5.

The best commentary on the Old Testament is by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. In each case we learn several things, 1) the Spirit of the law, 2) our utter failure to live up to it, and 3) our need for forgiveness and mercy. Let’s begin to understand the intent of the law by its author. Let’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-37

Denomination: Baptist

Spirit Of The Law Part 2

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 1, 2023

How does Jesus explain the Spirit of the law. Let's continue our look at the Sermon on the Mount in in Matthew 5 part 2.

Did Jesus tell us to be as perfect as God? How is that possible? Let’s understand the context and the Spirit of the law in Matthew 5:38-48. Eye for an Eye Let’s begin with an eye for an eye. You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. (Matthew 5:38 CEB) Have we ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of The Law, Part 3

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 4, 2023

What about spiritual show-offs? What about materialism and material worries? What did Jesus say about these things in Matthew 6?

As Jesus continued describing the Spirit of the law, He discussed spiritual show-offs, prayer and worry about material things. Let’s look at Matthew 6. Religious Show Offs What are our motives in doing good? Jesus taught that our motive should be to glorify God (Matthew 5:16) not to show ...read more

Denomination: Baptist