Sermons on Sponges:

Balaam's First Prophecies (Numbers 23)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 27, 2024

Can a crooked prophet be used by God? Let's look at Numbers 23.

Though he was hired to curse Israel, what was Balaam forced to do? Can even a bad prophet be used by God to tell the truth? Do we take God’s word at face value or look for excuses to change God’s mind? Let’s look at Numbers 23. What did Balaam request so that God would perhaps give him a ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Balaam's Final Prophecies (Numbers 24)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 28, 2024

Can God use a very imperfect prophet? Let's look at Numbers 24.

Did God use a crooked prophet to foretell blessings on Israel? Does God still use very imperfect preachers to tell the Good News? Let’s look at Numbers 24. Did Balaam finally decide to turn from divination? By now Balaam realized that the Lord was determined to bless Israel, so he did not resort ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Dangerous Influences (Numbers 25)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 29, 2024

Do dangerous influences in ancient Israel teach us a lesson in the church? Let's look at Numbers 25.

While Balak failed to curse Israel, did surrounding nations influence them to be cursed by sin? Does the world also impact Christians? Let’s look at Numbers 25. Did marrying outside the faith bring apostasy into Israel? And Israel remained at Shittim, and the people began to play the harlot with ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Spirit Of The Law Part 4

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Dec 7, 2023

Let's discuss wrong judgment, right judgment and God's judgment in Matthew 7.

As we continue the Sermon on the Mount and the Spirit of the law, Jesus explains wrong judgment, right judgment and God’s judgment in Matthew 7. Wrong Judgment Should Christians severely judge others or unfairly find fault? Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. For with whatever judgment you ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Easter & Mary Magdalene

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 12, 2022

It was early the Sunday morning of Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:1-18). That time of year, mornings could be a little chilly, so Mary probably wrapped herself up against the cool early air as she headed towards the garden tomb.

It was early the Sunday morning of Jesus’ resurrection (John 20:1-18). That time of year, Jerusalem could be just over 20°C (about 70°F on the old scale) during the day. Early that morning it may have been about 10°C (50°F), so Mary probably wrapped herself up against the cool ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

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

613 Commandments Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 16, 2021

How should a Christian approach the Hebrew scriptures? The number of commandments in the Old Testament is usually given as 613. That’s near enough for our discussion. Let’s look at some of them in light of Paul's instructions about the spirit of the law.

How should a Christian approach the Hebrew scriptures? The number of commandments in the Old Testament is usually given as 613. That’s near enough for our discussion. Let’s look at some of them in light of Paul's instructions about the spirit of the law. Such is the confidence that we have ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:4-6

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' Resurrection (Matthew 28)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 14, 2024

Two focal points of Christianity are the resurrection and the great commission. Let's look at these in Matthew 28.

Did Jesus have some important instructions after His resurrection? Let’s find out in Matthew 28. Jesus’ Resurrection What happened early that Sunday morning? After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Paul's Authority (Galatians 1)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 16, 2024

From where did Paul get his authority? What about independent preachers today? Let's look at Galatians 1.

Who was Paul? Why did Peter recognize his authority? Did he contradict or complement the teachings of Jesus about the law? Is there a difference between physical and spiritual circumcision? What defines true righteousness, the letter of the law or faith? How do we receive the Holy Spirit, by doing ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Legalism Is Sin & Slavery (Galatians 2)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 17, 2024

Are we under law or faith? Is circumcision in the flesh still necessary? Let's find out in Galatians 2.

Paul was directly taught by the resurrected Jesus, but was not a rebel. He cooperated with the Apostles before him. Was the commandment to be circumcised still valid in the flesh, that is, in the letter of the law? Is there a spiritual application of the law of circumcision? Are works of the law ...read more

Denomination: Baptist