Sermons on sponges: showing 781-795 of 1,772

Babel And Our Nation

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 19, 2022

Love of country is good, unless it excludes love of God or non-citizen neighbors. The sin of placing our name above others is the same attitude as existed at the tower of Babel. How is the tower of Babel still relevant today?

Love of country is good, unless it excludes love of God. Love of country is good, unless it excludes love of non-citizen neighbors. The sin of self-centered national pride, of placing our name above others is the same attitude as existed at the tower of Babel. Such arrogant self-importance ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 11:4, 1 Peter 5:5, Genesis 10:8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Abraham

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 19, 2022

Why was Abram’s name changed to Abraham? Why is he called father Abraham? Let’s look at Genesis 12-25 and the life of a patriarch of our faith.

A study of the patriarchs and matriarchs reveals that they were very imperfect people, but blessed by God because of faith. This should be an encouragement to us who are likewise very imperfect, but trust in God. Why was Abram’s name changed to Abraham? Why is he called father Abraham? Let’s look ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 2:7-8, Hebrews 11:8, Romans 4:16-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Isaac

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 19, 2022

How does a father feel, sacrificing his son, to war, or to a cross? Abraham faced that test, and passed. What could Isaac have been thinking during his father’s trial of faith? Let's look at Isaac's faith.

Isaac was the son of promise, yet Abraham was tested. How does a father feel, sacrificing his son, to war, or to a cross? Abraham faced that test, and passed. What could Isaac have been thinking during his father’s trial of faith? “And Isaac said to his father Abraham, ‘My father!’ And he said, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:7-9, Hebrews 11:19, Hebrews 11:21, Matthew 22:31-32

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Jacob

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 19, 2022

Who was one of the first men nicknamed Red, and why? Why was his brother named Heel Catcher? Let's look at the life of Jacob.

Who was one of the first men nicknamed Red, and why? Why was his brother named Heel Catcher? Jacob was born so soon after his twin brother Esau that he grabbed his heel and earned the name “heel catcher” or “supplanter,” a prophecy of Jacob supplanting the position of honor in the clan and the ...read more

Scripture: Hosea 12:3, Genesis 25:29-34

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Joseph Son Of Jacob

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 19, 2022

Joseph was treated with favoritism and bad relations with his brothers festered. He spent 13 years of suffering. Yet, he was a man of faith. What can we learn from his life?

Joseph was treated with favoritism and at age 17, informed on his brothers’ misdeeds. Telling his brothers of a dream that they would bow down to him, made matters even worse, and bad relations between them festered. “Joseph, being seventeen years old, was pasturing the flock with his brothers. He ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 39:11-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Jesus In Genesis

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 19, 2022

There are hints of Jesus throughout the entirety of Genesis and the New Testament names Him as Creator. Let's examine hints of Jesus in Genesis.

There are hints of Jesus throughout the entirety of Genesis and the New Testament names Him as Creator. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:15-17, Genesis 3:15, Hebrews 11:4, Luke 23:43, Galatians 3:16, 1 Peter 1:18-19, John 1:51  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Freedom

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 22, 2022

There is a freedom that politics cannot guarantee, freedom from corruption and death. Israel’s freedom from slavery in Egypt was a forerunner of ultimate freedom granted in Jesus.

When we speak of freedom today, we usually think of politics, freedom from dictatorship and freedom to live as we choose. But, there is a freedom that politics cannot guarantee, freedom from corruption and death. Israel’s freedom from slavery in Egypt was a forerunner of ultimate freedom granted in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 3:5, 1 Peter 1:18-19, 1 Peter 2:22

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Old Covenant

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 26, 2022

Let’s look at the Mosaic covenant and how it prepared for the new covenant. After freedom from Egypt the people were still slaves, to sin.

Let’s look at the Mosaic covenant and how it prepared for the new covenant. After freedom from Egypt the people were still slaves, to sin. “Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.’ “ (John 8:34 ESV) The old covenant was established to expose ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:24, Romans 7:12, Romans 8:2-3, Matthew 5:17-20

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Jesus In Exodus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 28, 2022

The old covenant was a lengthy preparation to teach the need for Jesus and a new covenant. Let’s look at Jesus in the book of Exodus.

The old covenant was a lengthy preparation to teach the need for Jesus and a new covenant. Let’s look at Jesus in the book of Exodus. Did all the prophets speak of Jesus? “Then Jesus said to them, ‘You foolish people! Your dull minds keep you from believing all that the prophets talked about. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:25-27, John 5:46, Hebrews 11:26, 1 Peter 1:18-19, John 6:32-50  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

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: Independent/Bible

Unity & Humility Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 4, 2021

Can the division and boasting in Corinth be a lesson for our local church? What about Paul would make us want to study this letter?

Can the division and boasting in Corinth be a lesson for our local church? What about Paul would make us want to study this letter? 1 Cor 1:1-9 To Saints 1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, Paul’s calling was as any ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Healing All Things

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 5, 2021

Where are we going in our spiritual lives? Do we trust Jesus to lead the way? Let’s learn to follow Jesus wherever he leads. Let’s look at Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law in Mark 1:29-39.

Prelude: Where are we going in our spiritual lives? Do we trust Jesus to lead the way? Purpose: Let’s learn to follow Jesus wherever he leads. Plan: Let’s look at Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law in Mark 1:29-39. Mark 1:29-31 Simon’s M-i-L Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:29-39

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Hidden Wisdom

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 9, 2021

In Corinth, what kind of preaching was Paul inspired to use as the most effective?

In Corinth, what kind of preaching was Paul inspired to use as the most effective? 1 Corinthians 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. Many would be tempted to try and electrify a new crowd with “lofty ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Transfiguration

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 12, 2021

What wonderful things can happen in small groups? Who do we listen to and obey? Can we glimpse eternity in a small group? Let’s examine these questions by looking at Mark 9:2-9.

What wonderful things can happen in small groups? Who do we listen to and obey? Can we glimpse eternity in a small group? Let’s examine these questions by looking at Mark 9:2-9. The Transformation What can happen when only a very few are gathered together? Mark 9:2 Now after six days Jesus took ...read more

Scripture: Mark 9:2-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Why Ash Wednesday

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 16, 2021

Does lent serve any purpose for a Protestant?

Prelude Does lent serve any purpose for a Protestant? Purpose Let’s look at several reasons for a Christian to fast and pray. Plan We’ll look at the topic of fasting in Joel 2, Psalm 51, 2 Corinthians 5-6 and Matthew 6. Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 Joel 2:1 Blow the trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:1-2, Psalm 51:1-17, Matthew 6:1-6, Joel 2:12-17, Matthew 6:16-21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible