Sermons on Sponges:

Worship Calendars

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 5, 2022

Do principles from the Old Testament worship calendar help us celebrate great Christian events?

Do principles from the Old Testament worship calendar help us celebrate great Christian events? Worship Calendar Leviticus 23 summarized Israel’s annual worship calendar, including the weekly Sabbath and annual sabbaths. Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread commemorated the Exodus, and ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:24-25

Denomination: Baptist

Superior Economic Laws

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 8, 2022

Let’s examine what’s behind some superior economic laws found in Leviticus.

Let’s examine what’s behind some superior economic laws found in Leviticus. Right Legal Basis The right basis of law must include one of Jesus’ two Great Commandments. “... you must love your neighbor as yourself …” (Leviticus 19:18 CEB) Opposite to love of neighbor is greed. It plagues our ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

An Organized Church

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 13, 2022

There are extremes in the organization of Christian churches. Some want to give the Holy Spirit freedom to “flow” but God is organized.

There are extremes in the organization of Christian churches. Some want to give the Holy Spirit freedom to “flow” but God is organized. “God isn’t a God of disorder but of peace. Like in all the churches of God’s people” (1 Corinthians 14:33 CEB) What did God model as an example of His character ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:33

Denomination: Baptist

A Complaining Church

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 15, 2022

A common problem in ancient Israel was complaining. Times haven’t really changed.

A common problem in ancient Israel was complaining. Times haven’t really changed. “Soon the people began to complain about their hardship, and the Lord heard everything they said. Then the Lord’s anger blazed against them, and he sent a fire to rage among them, and he destroyed some of the people ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:14-15

Denomination: Baptist

Christ In Hebrews

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 19, 2022

Who does God want us to primarily listen to, the ancient patriarchs, the prophets, the angelic messengers, or His Son?

A main theme of Hebrews is summarized in the opening statements. Who does God want us to primarily listen to, the ancient patriarchs, the prophets, the angelic messengers, or His Son? “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Faith?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 22, 2022

A main theme of the book of Hebrews is faith. Was the Gospel also preached to ancient Israel? What was missing?

A main theme of the book of Hebrews is faith. Was the Gospel also preached to ancient Israel? What was missing? “For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.” ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Are You Perfect Yet?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 25, 2022

Are you perfect yet? Perfection is a major topic in Hebrews.

Are you perfect yet? Perfection is a major topic in Hebrews. First of all, does it apply to Jesus? “It was appropriate for God, for whom and through whom everything exists, to use experiences of suffering to make perfect the pioneer of salvation. This salvation belongs to many sons and daughters ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

God's Promises

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 28, 2022

Promises are found throughout the Bible. What’s the most important?

Eternal Life Promises are found throughout the Bible. What’s the most important? “And this is what he promised us—eternal life.” (1 John 2:25 NIV) Are there conditions? “A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:25

Denomination: Baptist

Warnings In Hebrews

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 30, 2022

Hebrews gives a number of warnings. If God’s grace is irresistible, why bother with a warning?

Hebrews gives a number of warnings. If God’s grace is irresistible, why bother with a warning? “So if we refuse this great way of being saved, how can we hope to escape? …” (Hebrews 2:3 CEV) Can Christians harden their hearts? “do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing ...read more

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

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