Sermons on Sponge:

Confirmation

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 22, 2022

Is confirmation biblical? Does it have anything to do with the biblical doctrine of laying on of hands?

Infant baptism is neither mandated nor forbidden in the New Testament but has forerunners in the Old Testament. In adult baptism, water and laying on of hands occur as one ceremony. Infant baptism often separates the use of water and laying on of hands by many years. The author of Hebrews teaches ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:1-2, Matthew 10:32, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 8:14-17

Denomination: Baptist

Contemporary Heaven

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 27, 2022

What does heaven look like now?

What does heaven look like now? Paradise A first glimpse of heaven was the garden. The word Paradise means a garden or park reminiscent of the garden of Eden. What did Jesus tell the thief on the cross? “Jesus replied, ‘I assure you that today you will be with me in paradise.’ ” (Luke 23:43 ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:43, 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, Revelation 22:1-2, Acts 7:55-56

Denomination: Baptist

Heaven's Eternity

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 27, 2022

Let’s briefly explore some prophecies of heaven. Though heaven may be timeless, the Bible speaks of heaven’s eternity in human terms.

Let’s briefly explore some prophecies of heaven. Though heaven may be timeless, the Bible speaks of heaven’s eternity in human terms. At Hand The first thing we may notice is that heaven is at hand. What does that mean? “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2 CEV) “From ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:17, Luke 10:20, John 5:28-29, Luke 20:37-38, Revelation 21:9-10, Revelation 21:1-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Eternal Life

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 28, 2022

The word heaven can bring to mind different pictures in people’s minds, because it is shrouded in mystery. Yet, the Bible also speaks of eternity or eternal life frequently.

The word heaven can bring to mind different pictures in people’s minds, because it is shrouded in mystery. Yet, the Bible also speaks of eternity or eternal life frequently. “This is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent.” (John 17:3 CEB) True ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-3, Romans 3:21-22

Denomination: Baptist

Hell

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 29, 2022

What does the Bible teach about hell?

What does the Bible teach about hell? Jesus on Hell Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in the Bible. What did He say unrighteous anger and verbal abuse deserve? “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with their brother or sister will be in danger of judgment. If they say to their ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:49-50

Denomination: Baptist

Worship Offerings

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 4, 2022

What principles can Christians learn about worship from the book of Leviticus?

What principles can Christians learn about worship from the book of Leviticus? Are there spiritual applications of the physical rituals in this first worship book? Burnt Offering God spoke to Moses in Leviticus 1 about the burnt offering. The fire pictures the Holy Spirit cleansing us from sin. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Worship Calendars

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 5, 2022

Do principles from the Old Testament worship calendar help us celebrate great Christian events?

Do principles from the Old Testament worship calendar help us celebrate great Christian events? Worship Calendar Leviticus 23 summarized Israel’s annual worship calendar, including the weekly Sabbath and annual sabbaths. Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread commemorated the Exodus, and ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:24-25

Denomination: Baptist

Superior Economic Laws

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 8, 2022

Let’s examine what’s behind some superior economic laws found in Leviticus.

Let’s examine what’s behind some superior economic laws found in Leviticus. Right Legal Basis The right basis of law must include one of Jesus’ two Great Commandments. “... you must love your neighbor as yourself …” (Leviticus 19:18 CEB) Opposite to love of neighbor is greed. It plagues our ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

An Organized Church

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 13, 2022

There are extremes in the organization of Christian churches. Some want to give the Holy Spirit freedom to “flow” but God is organized.

There are extremes in the organization of Christian churches. Some want to give the Holy Spirit freedom to “flow” but God is organized. “God isn’t a God of disorder but of peace. Like in all the churches of God’s people” (1 Corinthians 14:33 CEB) What did God model as an example of His character ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:33

Denomination: Baptist

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

Salvation

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 1, 2022

In the Bible, temporal salvation is often a rescue from such circumstances as enemy attack, slavery, calamity and sickness. Eternal salvation is deliverance from death (Romans 6:23; Hebrews 5:7; James 5:20) and hell (Matthew 10:28; Jude 1:23).

In the Bible, temporal salvation is often a rescue from such circumstances as enemy attack, slavery, calamity and sickness. Eternal salvation is deliverance from death (Romans 6:23; Hebrews 5:7; James 5:20) and hell (Matthew 10:28; Jude 1:23). Eternal Salvation Eternal salvation is often referred ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:23, Hebrews 5:7, James 5:20, Matthew 10:28, Jude 1:23  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Other Tithes (Deuteronomy 14)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 2, 2025

What were the other tithes for? Are there principles of giving for us? Let's look at Deuteronomy 14.

What did God say about body markings, edible foods, a festival budget and budgeting for the needy? What’s a New Testament principle in giving to the needy? Let’s examine Deuteronomy 14. What did God think about body markings, like cutting and shaving the head? Ye are the children of the Lord your ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Year Of Release (Deuteronomy 15)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 2, 2025

Did the year of release from debts picture a greater release from a greater burden? Let's look at Deuteronomy 15.

Did God give Israel an economic model based upon cycles of 7 and 50 years? How did the year of release work? Did the sabbatical year, the year of freedom from debts, picture a better release, a rest from far greater burdens? Let’s look at Deuteronomy 15. How would a year of release, the shmita, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Annual Feasts (Deuteronomy 16)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 3, 2025

Are modified forms of Israel's ancient feasts still observed by Christians? Let's look at Deuteronomy 16.

What annual reminders of important events did God teach Israel? Are we free to observe annual reminders of Christ? Are modified forms of the ancient festivals still observed by many Christians? Let’s look at Deuteronomy 16. Was Passover originally a remembrance of the Exodus from Egyptian slavery? ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

High Standards (Deuteronomy 17)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 5, 2025

What can we learn from God's high standards of conduct for ancient Israel? Let's look at Deuteronomy 17.

Why did God require sacrifices without defect? Does capital punishment deter evils? What were God’s standards for royalty? Does our king of kings far exceed those standards? Let’s look at Deuteronomy 17. Should a sacrifice not have any blemish or defect? You shall not sacrifice to the Lord your ...read more

Denomination: Baptist