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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Called by God
This sermon on Romans 1:6-7 by Tom Pennington highlights the significance of Paul's letter due to its author, its central theme (the gospel), and especially its intended audience. Paul wrote to a diverse group of early believers in Rome, predominantly Gentiles, whose faith originated from converts at Pentecost and navigated challenges like the expulsion of Jews under Emperor Claudius, shaping the church's unique composition. Beyond this historical context, the message emphasizes a shared spiritual identity with these Roman Christians, who are described as "the called of Jesus Christ," "beloved of God," and "called as saints." The core teaching focuses on the "effectual call"�God's sovereign, powerful, and irresistible act of drawing chosen individuals to Himself through the gospel message, fundamentally distinct from the general invitation to believe. As highlighted in John 6:44, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him," illustrating that God initiates and enables genuine faith, transforming desires and leading to salvation. This humbling truth underscores that our salvation is not based on our works but entirely on God's grace, leading believers to live lives worthy of Him and proclaim His excellencies to others.
The Obedience of Faith
This sermon on Romans 1:5 introduces "the obedience of faith" by contrasting a rejected presidential pardon with God's sovereign call to salvation, which demands acceptance. Paul�s letter emphasizes that the gospel originates from God, is confirmed by Scripture, and centers on Jesus Christ�His divine and human nature, and His vindication through resurrection. The core of the gospel, according to Paul, demands a response: "the obedience of faith." This phrase means that faith is an initial act of obedience to God's command to believe, and critically, genuine saving faith *always* produces a consistent life pattern of obedience to Christ. This obedience is presented as the "pulse" or vital sign of spiritual life, not the means of earning salvation. If there is no discernible pattern of obedience, genuine faith is absent. Beyond the personal response, the sermon highlights that the gospel is God's universal message for "all the Gentiles" or nations. This calls believers to engage in global missions and personal evangelism, reflecting God's ancient plan to reach all peoples.
But God!
This sermon, departing from a study of Romans, delves into Ephesians 2:1-10 to underscore that "salvation is entirely a work of God from beginning to end." It first paints a bleak picture of humanity's pre-conversion state (Ephesians 2:1-3): we were spiritually dead, enslaved by our trespasses and sins, conformed to the world and the devil, driven by our fleshly desires, and ultimately, "children of wrath." This condition highlights our utter helplessness and inability to rescue ourselves or contribute to our salvation. However, the sermon pivots on the powerful phrase "But God" (Ephesians 2:4), which introduces four crucial lessons about salvation. First, salvation is a **divine initiative**; God always seeks out lost sinners. Second, it's a **sovereign act**, a "monergistic" work where God alone effects our rescue, making human effort futile. Third, it represents a **comprehensive rescue**, delivering us from spiritual death, sin, enslavement, and most importantly, from God�s just wrath. Finally, "But God" ensures **future certainty**, guaranteeing that God, who began the work of salvation, will faithfully complete it to His glory. This profound truth of God's complete and costly rescue in Christ is what believers celebrate.
Concerning His Son
The sermon centers on the pivotal question, "Who do you say Jesus is?" and highlights that Paul's letter to the Romans presents the gospel as good news fundamentally about Jesus Christ. This gospel, originating from God and confirmed by Old Testament prophecies, is inextricably linked to God's Son. Jesus possesses a divine nature, being the eternal Son of God, fully equal to the Father, with the Holy Spirit completing the Trinity�all integral to the gospel. Concurrently, He embodies a human nature, born as a descendant of David "according to the flesh," fulfilling Messianic prophecies through both Joseph and Mary, thus establishing Him as the unique God-man. His ultimate vindication came through His powerful resurrection, which "declared" Him the Son of God, acting as His coronation from humiliation to exaltation, solidifying His divine authority. His identity as "Jesus Christ our Lord" encompasses His role as human savior, anointed Messiah, and sovereign Master. Genuine salvation necessitates believing in this complete biblical truth of Jesus�His preexistence, incarnation, atoning death, resurrection, and coronation�and submitting to Him as Lord, for a faith not centered on Christ is not true Christianity.
The Gospel of God
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon on Romans 1:1c-3a underscores the urgent need to grasp the true biblical gospel amidst prevalent distortions. He highlights Paul's letter to the Romans as crucial, given Paul was "set apart for the gospel of God." The "gospel," meaning "good news," is God's profound message of reconciliation for fallen humanity through Jesus Christ. It offers pardon, restoration, and eternal life, received solely by grace through repentance and faith in Jesus. Pennington explains this gospel is presented as an announcement to be believed, an invitation to be accepted, and a command to be obeyed ("repent and believe"). Crucially, the gospel originates entirely from God, demonstrating His gracious character and absolute exclusivity�there is no other path to salvation. This divine plan, an eternal purpose, was consistently promised and confirmed by the Old Testament prophets, making the New Testament gospel the perfect fulfillment of ancient prophecies. Ultimately centered on Jesus Christ, it proclaims God's completed work for humanity, contrasting sharply with human-effort-based religions.
A Called Apostle
In this sermon on Romans 1:1, Tom Pennington examines Paul�s credential as a "called apostle," refuting modern claims of apostolic succession found in movements like the New Apostolic Reformation. Pennington argues that while the Greek word *apostolos* can simply mean a messenger, the biblical *office* of an apostle refers to Christ�s unique, authorized proxies. Pennington outlines four non-negotiable qualifications for this office: one must be personally chosen by Christ, taught directly by Him, be an eyewitness to His resurrection, and possess the ability to perform miraculous signs. Paul met these criteria through divine revelation and his Damascus Road encounter. Consequently, Pennington asserts that the apostolic office was a temporary, foundational gift to the church that no one qualifies for today. The sermon concludes by connecting Paul�s apostolic authority to the text of Romans. Since Paul is Christ�s chosen representative, his writings are not merely human opinions but the binding Word of God. Therefore, believers must submit to the book of Romans as if Jesus Himself were speaking.
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