Sermons That Exalt Christ
The preaching of God’s Word is central to the life of the church. Tom's pulpit ministry is dedicated to providing clear, biblical teaching to equip believers, strengthen faith, and exalt Christ.
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The preaching of God's Word is central to worship and of the utmost importance for the sanctification of every believer in Christ.
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Committing to Christian Relationships - Part 2
The sermon challenges the cultural emphasis on personal privacy, asserting that Christians, as interconnected members of the body of Christ, have no right to insulate their lives from fellow believers. Drawing from the early church in Acts 2, it presents a model of shared life, devotion to teaching, fellowship (koinonia), communion, and consistent prayer. This communal existence is rooted in the theological truth that all believers are baptized by one Spirit into Christ's body, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 12, necessitating mutual care and a renunciation of isolation. Pastor Tom Pennington highlights Paul's example in Romans 1:8-15, demonstrating three key commitments: thanking God for other believers, praying for them consistently, and earnestly desiring face-to-face fellowship, submitting this desire to God's will. The sermon cautions against modern social media as a substitute for genuine in-person relationships, which, despite their complexities, are crucial for authentic spiritual growth and community, urging believers to actively pursue and enjoy each other�s physical presence.
Committing to Christian Relationships - Part 1
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "Committing to Christian Relationships (Part 1)" contrasts the curated "virtual world" with the "messy" reality of the church. While technology allows us to tailor our experiences and block out discomfort, the church, by divine design, intentionally brings together diverse people from different backgrounds, races, ages, and interests. Paul's bond with the diverse Roman Christians, despite their significant cultural and religious differences, exemplifies this principle. The sermon highlights eight commitments Paul models for healthy Christian relationships from Romans 1:8-15, focusing deeply on the first: to thank God for all brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul consistently thanked "my God through Jesus Christ" for believers' faith, acknowledging it as God's gift, and this wasn't mere politeness; he even gave thanks for problematic churches like Corinth. He practiced "ambivalence"�the coexistence of positive and negative feelings�by choosing to focus on God's work and their strengths rather than their faults. A kaleidoscope analogy illustrates this: focusing on "rocks" (weaknesses) leads to resentment, while seeing "patterns" (strengths) builds relationships. Ultimately, genuine Christians naturally love God's people, and regularly thanking God for fellow believers fosters healthy, Christ-centered relationships.
The Lord is My Shepherd
The sermon begins a series on Psalm 23, highlighting its profound yet often underappreciated richness, comparing it to a valuable sapphire mistaken for a common rock. Authored by David, the psalm�s universal applicability stems from its lack of a specific historical context, making it relevant to every Christian across all circumstances. Its core theme is "Because Yahweh is our Shepherd King, He will always care for us," articulated through David�s three affirmations of trust: "I shall not want," "I will fear no evil," and "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Unpacking "The LORD is my shepherd," the sermon explains "LORD" as Yahweh�God's personal, self-existent name, signifying His sovereignty, compassion, grace, and justice. "Is" denotes His constant, current presence, while "my" emphasizes a deeply personal, individual relationship. "Shepherd" describes God's comprehensive care as a guide, provider, protector, and healer, also connecting to the ancient concept of a benevolent "Shepherd King" who is both powerful and caring. Ultimately, Jesus Christ is presented as the perfect fulfillment of this role, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep.
A Case for Cessationism - Part 2
Countryside Bible Church teaches cessationism, asserting that miraculous spiritual gifts like tongues, prophecy, and healing ceased after the first-century Church. This distinctive emphasizes the absolute sufficiency of the Word of God. Pastor Tom Pennington provides seven biblical arguments for this position. First, miracles historically confirmed divinely appointed messengers, a role completed with the Apostles and the closing of new revelation. Second, the gift of apostleship was temporary, ending when its specific qualifications could no longer be met. Third, the Church is built on the *teaching* of the Apostles and foundational New Testament prophets, whose revelatory work is now complete. Fourth, contemporary claims of miraculous gifts (e.g., ecstatic tongues, fallible prophecy, unverified healings) bear almost no resemblance to the New Testament gifts, which were always clear, immediate, and infallible. Fifth, church history, both within the New Testament era and throughout subsequent centuries, demonstrates a consistent decline and cessation of these gifts among leading Christian thinkers. Sixth, the completed canon of Scripture provides everything necessary for life and godliness, making additional revelation redundant. Finally, modern Charismatic practices often disregard the strict New Testament rules for exercising such gifts, suggesting these are not genuine works of the Spirit.
Q & A
Pastor Tom Pennington held a Q&A session, addressing various theological and practical questions. On divorce, he clarified that while God hates it, biblical exceptions exist for infidelity or an unbelieving spouse�s departure; unbiblical divorce is considered adultery, but grace allows for repentance. Regarding Israel, he stated that its current national status isn't a direct fulfillment of end-times prophecy, and believers should focus on being witnesses rather than predicting specific "times or epochs." He explained that salvation is a monergistic work of God, but sanctification (growing in holiness) is synergistic: believers must "work out their salvation" through obedience and effort, as God simultaneously works within them to change their will and capacity to obey. In the Millennium, Jew and Gentile believers will be unified as "one new man" in Christ, with distinctions not clearly defined. Taking the Mark of the Beast is not an unpardonable sin, as God continues to save people during the Tribulation.
Mighty to Save!
The sermon, "Mighty to Save!" from Mark 5:1-20, questions if Jesus can change the "worst sinner," affirming that no one is beyond His power. It first illustrates sin and Satan's enslaving power through the demon-possessed Gerasene man�violent, self-destructive, living among tombs, and beyond human control. This man's dire condition symbolizes humanity's spiritual slavery to sin, which, though varying in degree, is equally hopeless without Christ. Next, Jesus's saving power is revealed. A "legion" of demons inhabiting the man acknowledges Jesus as "Son of the Most High God." Jesus casts them into a nearby herd of 2,000 pigs, which drown, demonstrating His absolute authority over evil and profound value for human life over material loss. Responses to this miracle differ significantly. The local populace, frightened by Jesus's power and the disruption to their livelihoods, implore Him to leave, unwilling to accept the costly changes His presence demands. Conversely, the newly freed man, desiring to stay with Jesus, is instead commissioned to evangelize his own people, proclaiming "what great things the Lord has done for you and how He had mercy on you.
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