Sermons on Sponges:

Contemporary Heaven

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 27, 2022

What does heaven look like now?

What does heaven look like now? Paradise A first glimpse of heaven was the garden. The word Paradise means a garden or park reminiscent of the garden of Eden. What did Jesus tell the thief on the cross? “Jesus replied, ‘I assure you that today you will be with me in paradise.’ ” (Luke 23:43 ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:43, 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, Revelation 22:1-2, Acts 7:55-56

Denomination: Baptist

Heaven's Eternity

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 27, 2022

Let’s briefly explore some prophecies of heaven. Though heaven may be timeless, the Bible speaks of heaven’s eternity in human terms.

Let’s briefly explore some prophecies of heaven. Though heaven may be timeless, the Bible speaks of heaven’s eternity in human terms. At Hand The first thing we may notice is that heaven is at hand. What does that mean? “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2 CEV) “From ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:17, Luke 10:20, John 5:28-29, Luke 20:37-38, Revelation 21:9-10, Revelation 21:1-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Eternal Life

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 28, 2022

The word heaven can bring to mind different pictures in people’s minds, because it is shrouded in mystery. Yet, the Bible also speaks of eternity or eternal life frequently.

The word heaven can bring to mind different pictures in people’s minds, because it is shrouded in mystery. Yet, the Bible also speaks of eternity or eternal life frequently. “This is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent.” (John 17:3 CEB) True ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-3, Romans 3:21-22

Denomination: Baptist

Hell

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 29, 2022

What does the Bible teach about hell?

What does the Bible teach about hell? Jesus on Hell Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in the Bible. What did He say unrighteous anger and verbal abuse deserve? “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with their brother or sister will be in danger of judgment. If they say to their ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 13:49-50

Denomination: Baptist

Worship Offerings

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 4, 2022

What principles can Christians learn about worship from the book of Leviticus?

What principles can Christians learn about worship from the book of Leviticus? Are there spiritual applications of the physical rituals in this first worship book? Burnt Offering God spoke to Moses in Leviticus 1 about the burnt offering. The fire pictures the Holy Spirit cleansing us from sin. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

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

Filthy Lucre

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 16, 2022

Let’s discuss a shrewd business manager and his wise use of filthy money in Luke 16:1-13.

Should we boycott corporations that deal in dirty money, or is all money really filthy lucre? Are our tainted tithes and offerings usable for heavenly purposes? Let’s discuss a shrewd business manager and his wise use of filthy money in Luke 16:1-13. People versus Profits Luke 16:1-4 Jesus told ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

God The Holy Spirit

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 18, 2022

Let’s explore who is the Holy Spirit.

A study of the third Person of the Trinity is called Pneumatology, from the Greek word pneuma (p?e?µa) meaning Spirit, wind or breath. Let’s explore who is the Holy Spirit. Was the Holy Spirit involved in creation? “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness covered the surface of the watery ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26-27, Acts 2:17-18, Acts 5:3-4

Denomination: Baptist

Angels

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 24, 2022

Angels are mentioned over 300 times in the Christian Bible, slightly more often in the New Testament. Let's learn about angels.

Angels are mentioned over 300 times in the Christian Bible, slightly more often in the New Testament. The word angel comes from a Greek word ???e??? (angelos) meaning a messenger. So, the study of angels is called angelology. Were angels created by God? “For in him all things were created: things ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:14, Luke 2:13-14

Denomination: Baptist

Faith To Forgive

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 26, 2022

Do we have enough faith to forgive? Let’s see what Jesus says about how much faith is needed to forgive in Luke 17:5-10.

Do we have enough faith to forgive? Let’s see what Jesus says about how much faith is needed to forgive in Luke 17:5-10. Faith to Forgive Let’s not isolate Jesus' comments from their context. “One day Jesus said to his disciples, ‘There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:5-10

Denomination: Baptist

Joshua-Judges

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 28, 2022

Joshua took over leadership from Moses. After him came a series of chieftains, who led Israel through a repeated cycle of apostasy, punishment and rescue.

Joshua took over leadership from Moses to bring Israel into the promised land. After him came a series of judges or notable chieftains of various tribes, who led Israel through a repeated cycle of apostasy, punishment and rescue. Leadership How important are the words even today, “be strong and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Ruth

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 29, 2022

Let's look at Ruth and Boaz, and how Boaz was a type of Christ the redeemer.

In examining Ruth it is essential to discuss one difficulty before we begin, the earlier prohibition against Moabites. “No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants may enter the assembly of the Lord, not even in the tenth generation.” (Deuteronomy 23:3 NIV) Note that the prohibition does ...read more

Denomination: Baptist