Sermons on Sponges:

Christian Freedom

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 13, 2023

Are Christians free or still tied to the law of Moses?

Are Christians free or not? Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1 KJV) Will laws like circumcision make us right with God? Is circumcision symbolic of the whole law? Listen! I, Paul, tell you ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Church Is His Body

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 20, 2023

Who are saints? Who are holy ones? Who are Christ's body?

Who are saints? Who are these “holy and faithful people” (CEB), also called “God's people” (CEV), and “God’s holy people” (NIV, NLT) that Paul is writing to? Are saints the church? Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ ...read more

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

Nicene Creed, Biblical?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 12, 2022

The Nicene Creed summarizes important Bible doctrines that separate orthodoxy from heresy.

The Nicene Creed summarizes important Bible doctrines that separate orthodoxy from heresy. For consistency, let’s quote the public domain King James Bible. God the Father We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:6, 2 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Corinthians 8:6, Deuteronomy 6:4, Mark 12:29, Mark 12:32, Malachi 2:10, Genesis 17:1-4, Exodus 6:3, Matthew 6:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Apostles' Creed, Biblical?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 14, 2022

The Apostolic or Apostles’ Creed contains twelve articles of faith that are essential biblical and apostolic doctrines that have been believed throughout church history.

The Apostolic or Apostles’ Creed is reputed to have either originated with the apostles or later. Its source is a mystery. It contains twelve articles of faith that are essential biblical and apostolic doctrines that have been believed throughout church history. 1. I believe in God the Father ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 8:6, John 3:16, Luke 1:26-27

Denomination: Baptist

Studying God

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 22, 2022

Theos (θεός) is Greek for God. So, studying God is called theology. What does the Bible reveal about God?

Theos (?e??) is Greek for God. So, studying God is called theology. What does the Bible reveal about God? Is God a Spirit? “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24 KJV) Does Jesus reveal that God is gentle? “... for I am gentle and humble ...read more

Scripture: John 4:24, Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Baptist

Is God Three & One?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 27, 2022

The word Trinity is not found in the Bible, but is the concept there? How can God be both three and one?

The word Trinity is not found in the Bible, but is the concept there? How can God be both three and one? God’s Oneness The central prayer of Jewish prayer life is the Shema Yisrael (??? ?????) after its first words in Hebrew, “Hear, O Israel.” “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Matthew 28:19

Denomination: Baptist

God As Father

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 31, 2022

God is described as Father about 15 times in the Old Testament and over 250 times in the New Testament? Why?

Studying God as Father is called patriology or paterology. God is described as Father about 15 times in the Old Testament and over 250 times in the New Testament? Why? Is God a Father even to orphans? “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” (Psalm 68:5 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:6, Matthew 6:26

Denomination: Baptist

God The Son

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 2, 2022

Who is Jesus? What does the Bible reveal about Him?

A study of Christ, the second Person of the Trinity is called Christology. Who is He? What does the Bible reveal about Him? Who did God say Jesus is? “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17 KJV cf. Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22, 2 Peter ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:5, John 1:1-14, Philippians 2:5-11, Hebrews 1:1-6

Denomination: Baptist