Sermons on Sponges:

Resurrection (Part 1)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 21, 2021

What is the resurrection all about? How central is it to the Gospel?

What is the resurrection all about? How central is it to the Gospel? 1 Corinthians 15:1-19 Jesus’ Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; We too received the Gospel. What does ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-34

Denomination: Baptist

A Balm In Gilead

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 24, 2021

Jeremiah suggested metaphorically that there was a balm in Gilead to heal sinful nations (Jeremiah 8:22; 46:11)? What or who is that balm? Purpose: Why do we need the healing touch of Jesus. Plan: Let’s look at how Jesus healing a woman and a little girl applies to us in Mark 5:21-43.

Intro Jeremiah suggested metaphorically that there was a balm in Gilead to heal sinful nations (Jeremiah 8:22; 46:11)? What or who is that balm? It's not Lucas' Pawpaw Ointment or McNess Krestol Salve. Purpose: Let’s understand why we and our world need the healing touch of Jesus. Plan: ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

Denomination: Baptist

Resurrection (Part 2)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 29, 2021

Do we have questions about our own resurrection?

Do we have questions about our own resurrection? 1 Corinthians 15:35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Must this mortal body die first? 1 Corinthians 15:36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: Will the resurrected ...read more

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

The Spirit Of Trial Laws Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 31, 2021

The law of the Hebrew Scriptures was divided into commandments, statutes and judgments (Deuteronomy 5:31). Let’s look at how Christians apply the spirit of judgments.

The law of the Hebrew Scriptures was divided into commandments, statutes and judgments (Deuteronomy 5:31). Many judgments were already given, but as with any law, there were cases that needed to be judged individually in a court of law. Let’s look at how some judgments were to be made in a trial ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:1-2, Matthew 7:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of Priesthood Laws Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 1, 2021

There are principles regarding Old Testament priests which apply to all churches and their leaders regardless of their chosen vocabulary. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Some Christian churches call their pastors priests and some do not. Yet, there are principles regarding Old Testament priests which apply to all churches and their leaders regardless of their chosen vocabulary. Let’s take a look at some of them. Old Testament priests had strict laws to follow. A ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Beautiful Attitudes Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 2, 2021

Definitely the crowning explanation of the spirit of the law is Jesus’ commentary on the law in the Sermon on the Mount. It’s the climax of our discussion. Let’s examine some key elements.

Definitely the crowning explanation of the spirit of the law is Jesus’ commentary on the law in the Sermon on the Mount. It’s the climax of our discussion. Let’s examine some key elements. Jesus begins His commentary on the law with the beatitudes, sometimes called the beautiful attitudes, which ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Salt And Light Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 2, 2021

What do people with the beautiful attitudes described in the beatitudes do for the world? Let's look at Matthew 5:13-16.

What do people with the beautiful attitudes described in the beatitudes do for the world? Salt Jesus describes them as being like salt. Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of Murder Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 3, 2021

Jesus said that He did not come to abolish the law or the prophets. What did He mean? What did He mean by the spirit of murder? Let's look at that topic in the Sermon on the Mount.

Jesus said that He did not come to abolish the law or the prophets. What did He mean? These were the two main divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures. So then, the Old Testament will not be abolished, but fulfilled. What does fulfill mean. It can’t mean abolish, because Jesus said that He did not come ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:17-20, Matthew 5:21-26, Matthew 5:17-26

Denomination: Baptist

Two Kinds Of Religion

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 3, 2021

Our churches will always be faulty, but God still works within His church? Purpose: How would Jesus judge today’s church? Plan: Let’s discuss two opposite ways that people operate within the church in Mark 12:38-44.

Prelude Our churches will always be faulty, but God still works within His church? Purpose: How would Jesus judge today’s church? Plan: Let’s discuss two opposite ways that people operate within the church in Mark 12:38-44. Outward Show Mark 12:38-39 Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of Adultery Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 3, 2021

What about those who can truly claim faithfulness in marriage, before and during? What did Jesus say?

Like murder can exist in our hearts when we don't value other people's lives, how many of us have truly been unfaithful to a spouse? Probably more have been unfaithful before or during marriage than have committed actual murder, but what about those who can truly claim faithfulness in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:27-32

Denomination: Baptist

Spirit Of Lying Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 4, 2021

Today we make vows of marriage, pledges of allegiance, and take oaths of office or make oaths in court. What would Jesus say about this? What about lying?

Today we make vows of marriage, pledges of allegiance, and take oaths of office or make oaths in court. What would Jesus say about this? Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.' But I say to you, make no ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:33-37

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of Justice And Handling Enemies Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 6, 2021

Let's look at two attitudes towards justice and enemies that come out of the law, and how Jesus taught the spirit and intent behind them.

Let's look at two attitudes towards justice and enemies that come out of the law, and how Jesus taught the spirit and intent behind them. The Spirit of Justice A law of just compensation gave the value for repayment of a lost eye or tooth in an accident or altercation. But Jesus said not to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48

Denomination: Baptist

Motive Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 7, 2021

Motive has a lot to do with the spirit of the law? Let’s look at motive in three areas highlighted by Jesus.

Motive has a lot to do with the spirit of the law? Let’s look at motive in three areas highlighted by Jesus. 1. Motive in Giving to the Poor Christians are to help the poor, but with what motive? This is a complementary passage to Jesus’ instructions to let our light (of good works) shine. We ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Attitudes About Money Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 7, 2021

We can lust for money or worry about it. Either way, Jesus has something encouraging to say about both.

We can lust for money or worry about it. Either way, Jesus has something encouraging to say about both. 1. Materialism Is our attitude towards wealth one of the Spirit or of the world? A spiritual person stores up treasure in heaven by being generous to the needs of the Gospel and to the poor and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-34

Denomination: Baptist