Sermons on Sponges:

Legalism Or Faith

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 22, 2023

Do we rely on things of the flesh like circumcision, rest days, tongues, wealth and health? Do we rely on Christ?

Did Paul use strong terms for those who promoted a variety of legalism? So then, my brothers and sisters, be glad in the Lord. It’s no trouble for me to repeat the same things to you because they will help keep you on track. Watch out for the “dogs.” Watch out for people who do evil things. Watch ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Church Unity & Peace

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 25, 2023

Even the best of churches has challenges to protect unity and peace. Let's find out how in Philippians 4.

Does Paul love the church of God in Philippi? Dear friends, I love you and long to see you. Please keep on being faithful to the Lord. You are my pride and joy [joy and crown]. (Philippians 4:1 CEV) Can even a wonderful church have some squabbles? What was Paul’s plea to two women? I urge Euodia ...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

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

Is God Three & One?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 27, 2022

The word Trinity is not found in the Bible, but is the concept there? How can God be both three and one?

The word Trinity is not found in the Bible, but is the concept there? How can God be both three and one? God’s Oneness The central prayer of Jewish prayer life is the Shema Yisrael (??? ?????) after its first words in Hebrew, “Hear, O Israel.” “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Matthew 28:19

Denomination: Baptist

God As Father

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 31, 2022

God is described as Father about 15 times in the Old Testament and over 250 times in the New Testament? Why?

Studying God as Father is called patriology or paterology. God is described as Father about 15 times in the Old Testament and over 250 times in the New Testament? Why? Is God a Father even to orphans? “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” (Psalm 68:5 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:6, Matthew 6:26

Denomination: Baptist

God The Son

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 2, 2022

Who is Jesus? What does the Bible reveal about Him?

A study of Christ, the second Person of the Trinity is called Christology. Who is He? What does the Bible reveal about Him? Who did God say Jesus is? “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17 KJV cf. Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22, 2 Peter ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:5, John 1:1-14, Philippians 2:5-11, Hebrews 1:1-6

Denomination: Baptist