Sermons on Sponges:

The Ten Commandments (1 And 2) Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 5, 2021

Let’s take a look at the Ten Words or Ten Commandments as they are also called. They are introduced by the words, “I am the Lord your God.” Let’s look at that in more depth.

Let’s take a look at the Ten Words or Ten Commandments as they are also called. They are introduced by the words, “I am the Lord your God.” Let’s look at that in more depth. Exodus 20:2 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. The Exodus ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Ten Commandments (3 And 4) Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 5, 2021

Let's look at the 3rd and 4th of the Ten Commandments, as most Protestants count them.

Let's look at the 3rd and 4th of the Ten Commandments, as most Protestants count them. Blasphemy Exodus 20:7 You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain. From a flippant OMG to deliberate slander, vain and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Ten Commandments (5 And 6) Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 6, 2021

Let's look at the 5th and 6th of the Ten Commandments, as most Protestants count them.

Let's look at the 5th and 6th of the Ten Commandments, as most Protestants count them. Honor Parents Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you. This is a positive commandment, proactive honoring of parents. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Ten Commandments (7 And 8) Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 7, 2021

Let's look at the 7th and 8th of the Ten Commandments as most Protestants count them.

Let's look at the 7th and 8th of the Ten Commandments as most Protestants count them. Adultery Exodus 20:14 You shall not commit adultery. This is not just a command only against the physical act, but in the spirit of the law, Jesus warned in Matthew 5 against careless glances, which by ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Ten Commandments (9 And 10) Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 11, 2021

Let's look at the 9th and 10th commandments as most Protestants count them.

Let's look at the 9th and 10th commandments as most Protestants count them. Lying Exodus 20:16 You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. False witness is not just verbal, but also the example we set as Christians. If we go to Church faithfully, but are known as swindlers in ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Loving God Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 11, 2021

Let's look at the first of the great commandments, loving God.

Before we get into the topic of loving God deeply, let’s do a little housekeeping. Mark 12:30 seems to add a word, “you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Where does the extra word come from? When the Bible ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:30

Denomination: Baptist

Loving Neighbor Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 12, 2021

Let's take a look at the second of the great commandments, love of neighbor.

Let's take a look at the second of the great commandments, love of neighbor. Matthew 22:39-40 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” The second great commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:39-40

Denomination: Baptist

Circumcision Of The Heart Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 13, 2021

One of the main examples that help us understand how the spirit of the law applies to the Christian is that of circumcision. It’s not a new concept but was introduced in the Hebrew Scriptures, what Christians call the Old Testament. Circumcision of the heart is more important to God than the flesh.

One of the main examples that help us understand how the spirit of the law applies to the Christian is that of circumcision. It’s not a new concept but was introduced in the Hebrew Scriptures, what Christians call the Old Testament. Circumcision of the heart is more important to God than the ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:6, Romans 2:25-29

Denomination: Baptist

When The Spirit Breaks The Letter Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 13, 2021

Did the disciples break the law at times? Can we sometimes break the letter of the law while keeping the spirit or intent of the law?

Did the disciples break the law at times? Can we sometimes break the letter of the law while keeping the spirit or intent of the law? Let’s look at an example using the law of the road? Imagine I come to a cross-road stop-sign way out in the country, and I can see a long way down the road to the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Greatness

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 14, 2021

What is true greatness? Is it wealth, fame or power? How does Jesus define greatness? Let’s reject popular ideas and discover the truth in Mark 10:32-45.

Prelude What is true greatness? Is it wealth, fame or power? Purpose: How does Jesus define greatness? Plan: Let’s reject popular ideas and discover the truth in Mark 10:32-45. Background (vs. 32-34) Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:32-45

Denomination: Baptist

Giving & Forgiving

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 19, 2022

Two great laws would solve many of humanity’s problems. In His hour of greatest trial, Jesus exemplified giving and forgiving. Let’s look at these two great legacies in Luke 23:33-43.

Two great laws would solve many of humanity’s problems. In His hour of greatest trial, Jesus exemplified giving and forgiving. Let’s look at these two great legacies in Luke 23:33-43. Forgiveness Luke 23:33-34 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:33-43

Denomination: Baptist

Be Ready

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 21, 2022

Is our job to predict when Jesus will return or to be ready? Let’s discuss this in Matthew 24:36-44.

Is our job to predict when Jesus will return or to be ready? Let’s discuss this in Matthew 24:36-44. End of an Era But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. (Matthew 24:36) If Jesus is God the Son and coequal with the Father, how does He not know ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44

Denomination: Baptist

Fruitful Faith

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 14, 2023

Is faith without works dead? Are works of the law different to good works or works of obedience to Christ? Did Luther get it right or was he confused by a false equivalency between works of the law and works of obedience to Christ?

Do Jews have any advantage that others do not have? Then what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? Great in every respect. First, that they were entrusted with the actual words [oracles] of God. (Romans 3:1-2 NASB) What if some of the Jews were unfaithful? True, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus As Refugee

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 1, 2023

Mistreatment of others is part of every nation’s history. Let’s recognize humanity’s mistreatment of foreigners and innocent children, and Jesus as the world’s only hope, in Matthew 2:13-23.

Mistreatment of others is part of every nation’s history. Let’s recognize humanity’s mistreatment of foreigners and innocent children, and Jesus as the world’s only hope, in Matthew 2:13-23. Fleeing to Egypt Now when they [the wise men] had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23

Denomination: Baptist

Chosen

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 2, 2023

Is there a group of people called the chosen ones, the elect?

Is there a group of people called the chosen ones, the elect? If God doesn’t make the time shorter, no one will be left alive. But because of God’s chosen ones [the elect], he will make the time shorter. (Matthew 24:22 CEV) How are people chosen for life? Does God’s sovereignty turn us into ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:22

Denomination: Baptist