Sermons on Sponges:

Flesh And Spirit

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 25, 2023

How do the flesh and the Spirit war against one another within each of us? How do we deal with an imperfect church and a perfect Savior?

How do the flesh and Spirit affect our lives and our relationship to the law? Is the law pictured as the husband of the soul in a similar manner as a man is to his wife? Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

No Condemnation In Christ

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 15, 2023

Are we all condemned to hell because of our human weakness in the flesh? Let's find out in Romans 8.

Are we all condemned to hell because of our human weakness in the flesh? Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Romans 8:1-2 NASB) Was God’s law weak ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Special Vessels

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 25, 2023

How does God choose some to be special vessels and others not? Let's find out in Romans 9.

How does God choose some to be special vessels and others not? Are the chosen people Jews or Christians or both? Let’s begin by asking, did Paul love his fellow Jews? I’m speaking the truth in Christ—I’m not lying, as my conscience assures me with the Holy Spirit: 2 I have great sadness and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Beyond Prejudices (Matthew 28)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 2, 2023

Jesus told us to get out of our comfort zones and spread the good news. How are we doing?

The Great Commission challenges Christians to go beyond national and tribal prejudices. Let’s look at Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 28:16-20. They Worshiped Him Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20

Denomination: Baptist

Belief In Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 5, 2023

Is belief in Jesus important for both Jews and Gentiles?

What makes people acceptable to God? Let’s begin with Paul’s prayer for Israel? Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire is for Israel’s salvation. That’s my prayer to God for them. (Romans 10:1 CEB) What was Israel’s biggest issue? Can Christians have the same problem? I know they love God, but ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Countercultural Jesus

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 8, 2023

Did Jesus seek to be culturally relevant or bring new faith to an old culture? Were there people who criticized and ridiculed Him? Let’s find out in Matthew 9:9-26.

Did Jesus seek to be culturally relevant or bring new faith to an old culture? Were there people who criticized and ridiculed Him? Let’s find out in Matthew 9:9-26. How did Jesus call some of His disciples? Is that a picture for anyone who chooses to follow Him? As Jesus passed on from there, He ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:9-26

Denomination: Baptist

Has God Rejected Israel?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 12, 2023

Has God rejected Israel? Let's let Paul answer that question in Romans 11.

Paul answers an important question. So I ask you, has God rejected his people? Absolutely not! I’m an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. (Romans 11:1 CEB) Were some in Israel faithful? God did not turn his back on his chosen people. Don't you remember reading in ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Living Sacrifices

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 16, 2023

How can we apply the sacrificial laws in the Spirit to Christian worship? Let's find out in Romans 12.

How do we apply the spirit of the sacrificial laws to Christian worship? Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. (Romans 12:1 NASB) Have worldly values ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Obedient Citizens

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 21, 2023

Leaders of nations that oppress Christians are only hurting themselves by persecuting their best citizens. Let's look at why in Romans 13.

Leaders of nations and communities that oppress Christians don’t realize that they are harassing some of their most loyal citizens. A Christian value is to be obedient citizens? We obey civil laws because God wants us to. Every person should place themselves under the authority of the government. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Christian Liberty

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 30, 2023

How do we handle the freedom we have in Christ? Let's find out in Romans 14.

Christ gives us liberty, but some are weak, and causing unnecessary offense is an abuse of that Christian freedom. How should we treat those who are weak in faith? Welcome the person who is weak in faith—but not in order to argue about differences of opinion. (Romans 14:1 CEB) What about food ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of Safety And Health Laws Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 25, 2021

In some countries with strong occupational safety laws, roofers must be harnessed in with gear similar to climbing ropes, lest they fall off the roof while they work. This is not a new innovation. Ancient Israel had a law regarding roof safety. What is the spirit of safety laws?

In some countries with strong occupational safety laws, roofers must be harnessed in with gear similar to climbing ropes, lest they fall off the roof while they work. This is not a new innovation. Ancient Israel had a law regarding roof safety. Whenever you build a new house, you must build a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:31

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of Neighborhood Laws Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 26, 2021

How would our neighborhoods look if the poor were helped and businesses operated in strict honesty? Let's look at the spirit of Old Testament neighborhood laws.

How would our neighborhoods look if the poor were helped and businesses operated in strict honesty? Community responsibility to the poor is emphasized in both testaments. The popular political notion of being hard hearted towards them is not an option and generosity is commanded. If anyone is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:2-3

Denomination: Baptist

Walking Through The Valley

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 26, 2021

If you're currently walking through the valley of the shadow of death, here are a few things to remember.

I'm currently walking through one of life's deep, deep valleys. While walking through the valley of the shadow of death, there are a few things I want to remember. 1. "The Lord is my shepherd." Nobody else is. He chose me first and in response I choose Him every day. He is my ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Great Commandments

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 29, 2021

What is the greatest commandment? Surprise! It’s not one of the Ten Commandments. Let’s look at the two Great Commandments in Mark 12:28-34.

What is the greatest commandment? Purpose: Surprise! It’s not one of the Ten Commandments. Plan: Let’s look at the two Great Commandments in Mark 12:28-34. 613 Commandments (vs. 28) Mark 12:28 Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of Slave Laws Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 30, 2021

The topic of slavery is a very emotional one, because most people only know of corrupt forms of slavery and because the threat of such slavery still exists in the modern world. However, we need to learn that kidnapping and enforced slavery were also forbidden in the Bible.

The topic of slavery is a very emotional one, because most people only know of corrupt forms of slavery and because the threat of such slavery still exists in the modern world. However, we need to learn that kidnapping and enforced slavery were also forbidden in the Bible. The only kinds of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist