Sermons on Web:

Offense Or Rest

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jan 13, 2024

Do we take offense or rest in Jesus? Let's find out in Matthew 11.

Can we find rest in Jesus in the midst of a troubled world? Did John the Baptist need rest from doubt? After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he left and began teaching and preaching in the towns. John was in prison when he heard what Christ was doing. So John sent some of his ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What Faith?

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 13, 2022

As we repent from sin and turn to God, what must also be included?

As we repent from sin and turn to God, what must also be included? “I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.” (Acts 20:21 NLT) Repentance is also from unbelief to faith. Are good works evidence ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:21, Acts 26:20, Hebrews 11:1, Jude 1:3

Denomination: Baptist

The Cheating , Drinking Bishop

Contributed by Dove Inspirations on Sep 3, 2021

Get your act together

THE CHEATING, DRINKING BISHOP 1 Timothy 3 A certain bishop in my country has been in the limelight after it emerged that he fathered a child with a woman who is not his wife. The reactions from him and all who have thrown in their two cents have been both expected and unexpected. I will sample a ...read more

Christian Liberty

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 30, 2023

How do we handle the freedom we have in Christ? Let's find out in Romans 14.

Christ gives us liberty, but some are weak, and causing unnecessary offense is an abuse of that Christian freedom. How should we treat those who are weak in faith? Welcome the person who is weak in faith—but not in order to argue about differences of opinion. (Romans 14:1 CEB) What about food ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Confirmation

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 22, 2022

Is confirmation biblical? Does it have anything to do with the biblical doctrine of laying on of hands?

Infant baptism is neither mandated nor forbidden in the New Testament but has forerunners in the Old Testament. In adult baptism, water and laying on of hands occur as one ceremony. Infant baptism often separates the use of water and laying on of hands by many years. The author of Hebrews teaches ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:1-2, Matthew 10:32, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 8:14-17

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

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

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

God Introduces Himself Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 3, 2022

Who is God? In the very first verse of the Bible, God is introduced as Elohim (Genesis 1:1), an intensive plural, meaning mighty, or very great. Later, God introduces Himself to Abram with the words, “I am the Lord [Yahweh].” (Genesis 15:7)

Who is God? In the very first verse of the Bible, God is introduced as Elohim (Genesis 1:1), an intensive plural, meaning mighty, or very great. Later, God introduces Himself to Abram with the words, “I am the Lord [Yahweh].” (Genesis 15:7) With the same words He introduces Himself to Moses (Exodus ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:1, Genesis 15:7, Isaiah 42:8

Denomination: Baptist

Fearless Sowing Series

Contributed by Mary Erickson on Oct 23, 2023

The fourth sermon in a 4-part stewardship series. This week's sermon considers the overall stewardship of all that we have and are.

October 22, 2023 Rev. Mary Erickson Hope Lutheran Church Stewardship Sermon – Week Four Ephesians 3:14-21; Mark 4:1-9 Fearless Sowing Friends, may grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and Christ Jesus our Lord. Today we conclude our fall stewardship emphasis. Our theme ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21, Mark 4:1-9

Denomination: Lutheran

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

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

Paul's Authority

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jul 29, 2023

Did Paul just go about his missionary work without checking with others in the broader church to make sure that his message was orthodox?

The letter to the churches in Galatia describes a problem that still exists today, how they had fallen backwards from the grace of the Gospel into outward works of the law like circumcision. Thus, the theme of Galatians is justification by faith in Christ’s death and resurrection apart from the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

God's Children & Christ's Bride

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 14, 2023

What guides our actions? Are we God's children and Christ's bride? Let's find out in Ephesians 5.

What guides our actions? Are we God’s children and Christ’s bride? Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children. Let love be your guide. Christ loved us and offered his life for us as a sacrifice that pleases God. (Ephesians 5:1-2 CEV) What behaviors ought not to be found? But sexual ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Ruth Chooses God (Ruth 1)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 23, 2025

Whose God did Ruth choose? Let's begin in Ruth 1.

What does the story of Ruth tell us about God providing for a faithful widow? How does it relate to Christ redeeming all nations? Let’s begin in Ruth 1. Did an Israelite family move temporarily to Moab due to a drought? Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a ...read more

Denomination: Baptist