Sermons on Grants:

A Complaining Church

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 15, 2022

A common problem in ancient Israel was complaining. Times haven’t really changed.

A common problem in ancient Israel was complaining. Times haven’t really changed. “Soon the people began to complain about their hardship, and the Lord heard everything they said. Then the Lord’s anger blazed against them, and he sent a fire to rage among them, and he destroyed some of the people ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:14-15

Denomination: Baptist

Christ In Hebrews

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 19, 2022

Who does God want us to primarily listen to, the ancient patriarchs, the prophets, the angelic messengers, or His Son?

A main theme of Hebrews is summarized in the opening statements. Who does God want us to primarily listen to, the ancient patriarchs, the prophets, the angelic messengers, or His Son? “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

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

The Spirit Of Sacrificial Laws Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 20, 2021

Offerings were given often in Israel. One of those special offerings was the Passover lamb (Numbers 28:16). How does any of the sacrificial system apply to the Christian in the spirit? Paul gave the Romans a basic principle that applies the law in spirit.

Burnt offerings (Numbers 28:2-6) and grain and drink offerings (Numbers 28:2-8) were given often, as well as a whole liturgy of other offerings throughout the years. One of those special offerings was the Passover lamb (Numbers 28:16). How does any of the sacrificial system apply to the Christian ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of Sacrificial Laws Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 20, 2021

Offerings were given often in Israel. One of those special offerings was the Passover lamb (Numbers 28:16). How does any of the sacrificial system apply to the Christian in the spirit? Paul gave the Romans a basic principle that applies the law in spirit.

Burnt offerings (Numbers 28:2-6) and grain and drink offerings (Numbers 28:2-8) were given often, as well as a whole liturgy of other offerings throughout the years. One of those special offerings was the Passover lamb (Numbers 28:16). How does any of the sacrificial system apply to the Christian ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of Truth-Telling Laws Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 20, 2021

In the Old Testament vows were taken very seriously. There was a positive and negative side of this topic. Let's look at these laws and see what the spirit of the law against lying is for Christians.

In the Old Testament vows were taken very seriously. The positive side of this topic in the Old Testament was that a vow was taken more seriously than many modern written contracts. The negative side of this topic in the Old Testament was that at least two people died due to foolish vows and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of Purity Laws Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 20, 2021

Is there any spiritual application of purity laws from the old covenant? Let's examine spiritual purity.

Purity laws included not eating unclean animals (Leviticus 11), not eating or touching dead animals (Leviticus 11:29-31), quarantining mothers after childbirth and menstruating women (Leviticus 12:2; 15:19-24), and men with an abnormal discharge (Leviticus 15:2-15). In the New Testament Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:38-41

Denomination: Baptist