Sermons on Sponges:

Humanity In The Bible

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 1, 2022

Who are we? What are we? Why do we exist? What does the Bible say?

Who are we? What are we? Why do we exist? The Greek word for mankind is ?????p?? (anthropos) and studying what the Bible teaches about humanity is called biblical anthropology. “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 8:3-4

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Be Terrified

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 6, 2022

Jesus said the gates of hell will not destroy His Church. He was not talking about a building. People are the Church. Let’s look at deception and endurance in Luke 21:5-19.

Jesus said the gates of hell will not destroy His Church (Matthew 16:18). He was not talking about a building. People are the Church. Let’s look at deception and endurance in Luke 21:5-19. Not One Stone Luke 21:5-6 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:5-19

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Sin?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 8, 2022

What is sin? How did sin originate? Did we inherit sin? What happens when Christians sin?

What is sin? How did sin originate? Did we inherit sin? What happens when Christians sin? Does God have a solution to sin? Our English word sin is a translation of many different words. The original meanings have much to teach us. Missing the Mark A common Greek word for sin ?µa?t?a (hamartia) ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:12

Denomination: Baptist

The Solution To Sin

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 9, 2022

What’s the origin and solution to sin?

What’s the origin and solution to sin? Sin actually began in the angelic realm. Who deceived Eve? “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3 KJV) How was sin ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:12-21

Denomination: Baptist

Giving & Forgiving

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 19, 2022

Two great laws would solve many of humanity’s problems. In His hour of greatest trial, Jesus exemplified giving and forgiving. Let’s look at these two great legacies in Luke 23:33-43.

Two great laws would solve many of humanity’s problems. In His hour of greatest trial, Jesus exemplified giving and forgiving. Let’s look at these two great legacies in Luke 23:33-43. Forgiveness Luke 23:33-34 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:33-43

Denomination: Baptist

Be Ready

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 21, 2022

Is our job to predict when Jesus will return or to be ready? Let’s discuss this in Matthew 24:36-44.

Is our job to predict when Jesus will return or to be ready? Let’s discuss this in Matthew 24:36-44. End of an Era But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. (Matthew 24:36) If Jesus is God the Son and coequal with the Father, how does He not know ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44

Denomination: Baptist

Preparation For Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 2, 2022

Let’s understand the circumstances of Jesus' birth and John the Baptist’s preparatory ministry.

Let’s look at the New Testament book of Matthew, which contains the best commentary about the law of Moses, and its application in the spirit for Christians. First, let’s understand the circumstances of Jesus' birth and John the Baptist’s preparatory ministry. Names Names used to be ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' Keys To Lasting Happiness

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 4, 2022

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).

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). Poor in Spirit “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3 ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus And The Law

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 5, 2022

Jesus condemned whoever sets aside the least of God’s commands. Let’s examine Jesus’ commentary on the law in the sermon on the mount and understand the spirit of the law.

Jesus condemned whoever sets aside the least of God’s commands. Let’s examine Jesus’ commentary on the law in the sermon on the mount and understand the spirit of the law. You ARE Salt and Light “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' Commands

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 6, 2022

The Ten Commandments are important, but are we aware of the commandments of Christ? Let’s look at some of Jesus’ commands in the Gospel of Matthew.

The Ten Commandments are important, but are we aware of the commandments of Christ? Let’s look at some of Jesus’ commands in the Gospel of Matthew. Repent What was an important focus of Jesus’ preaching? “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Parables Of Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 8, 2022

Why did Jesus preach in parables? It’s because people really don’t want the truth. Let's look at Jesus' parables in Matthew.

Why did Jesus preach in parables? It’s because people really don’t want the truth. “All of them have stubborn minds! They refuse to listen; they cover their eyes. They cannot see or hear or understand. If they could, they would turn to me, and I would heal them.” (Matthew 13:15 CEV) Shepherds We ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Miracles Of Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 9, 2022

Christians are a miracle-believing people. All existence is due to a series of divine miracles, and some are extraordinary miracles. What lessons can we learn from the miracles that Jesus performed?

Christians are a miracle-believing people. All existence is due to a series of divine miracles, and some are extraordinary miracles. What lessons can we learn from the miracles that Jesus performed? A Leper What did Jesus say when healing a leper? “Jesus said to him, ‘Don’t say anything to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Triumph & Suffering

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 12, 2022

Triumph and suffering often go hand in hand. Jesus went from triumph on Palm Sunday, prophesied His ultimate triumph, and then experienced horrendous suffering. Yet His suffering was just the beginning of the ultimate victory.

Triumph and suffering often go hand in hand. Jesus went from triumph on Palm Sunday, prophesied His ultimate triumph, and then experienced horrendous suffering. Yet His suffering was just the beginning of the ultimate victory. Prophecy Before Christ comes back there will be much suffering for the ...read more

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

Repentance

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 6, 2022

Two main components of New Testament preaching are repentance and faith. Let’s examine how they go together.

Two main components of New Testament preaching are repentance and faith. Let’s examine how they go together. Repent & Believe What do repentance and belief have to do with salvation? Feeling sorry for ourselves but refusing to change does nothing. But, grief with repentance leads to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:10, Mark 1:14-15, Acts 3:19, 2 Corinthians 7:9-10

Denomination: Baptist