Sermons That Exalt Christ
The preaching of God’s Word is central to the life of the church. This page is dedicated to providing clear, biblical teaching designed to equip believers, strengthen faith, and exalt Christ.
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Cessationism Q&A
Pastor Tom Pennington discusses Cessationism, defining it as the belief that miraculous spiritual gifts ceased with the Apostolic age, contrasting it with Continuationism, which holds they continue. He clarifies that Cessationists do believe God works miracles daily (e.g., spiritual regeneration, divine healing) but assert that He no longer grants humans the *capacity* to perform them. This stance is rooted in a commitment to Scripture as the sole authority and a deep respect for the Holy Spirit, who inspired God's written Word. Pennington highlights that cessation, similar to the doctrine of the Trinity, is deduced from the totality of Scripture, not a single explicit verse. He points out three brief historical periods where men were divinely empowered to work miracles (Moses/Joshua, Elijah/Elisha, Jesus/Apostles), consistently for the purpose of authenticating God�s messengers. The biblical gift of tongues is identified as speaking unstudied human languages, a definition often redefined by the modern Charismatic movement. Pennington advises a gracious, scripturally-focused approach when engaging Continuationists, distinguishing between false teachers and sincere believers. He also strongly cautions against discerning God�s will through subjective impressions, advocating instead for reliance on objective Scripture, prayer for wisdom, and seeking wise counsel for decision-making.
A High View of Scripture - Part 1
Tom Pennington's sermon, "A High View of Scripture (Part 1)," underscores the Bible's essential role as the church's foundation, drawing an analogy to the importance of a deep foundation, unlike the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Referencing 1 Timothy 3:14-15, he explains that the church is "the pillar and support of the truth" (God's Word), tasked with teaching, defending, and transmitting scripture across generations. He outlines four crucial truths from 2 Timothy 3:14-17 that constitute a high view of scripture. First, its **inspiration**: all scripture is "God-breathed" (theopneustos), implying every word, letter, and stroke originates directly from God, as Jesus affirmed. Second, its **relevancy**: scripture is eternally "profitable," useful for all people and circumstances, not requiring human efforts to make it applicable. Third, its **sufficiency**: scripture alone is complete for every spiritual need, encompassing both salvation and sanctification, thereby rejecting humanistic substitutes like psychology or self-help. Finally, its **authority**: scripture is the ultimate and intrinsic authority, demanding our obedience and submission in all matters it addresses. Pennington calls listeners to embrace Jesus' comprehensive view of the Bible and live in accordance with its divine mandates.
A High View of God - Part 2
Tom Pennington's sermon, "A High View of God (Part 2)," highlights that "God alone is sovereign in our salvation" is a non-negotiable distinctive of Countryside Bible Church. Challenging the common perception of sinners contributing to their own rescue, the sermon asserts the biblical truth that humanity is spiritually dead, rebellious, and utterly incapable of seeking or aiding their salvation. Therefore, salvation is entirely God's work from beginning to end. Pennington presents six declarations of God's sovereignty in salvation. First, God eternally planned it through unconditional election, choosing believers by His grace alone. Second, He purchased salvation at the cross through Christ's sacrificial death, offering complete redemption and forgiveness. Third, God initiates it with an "effectual call," irresistibly drawing individuals to faith. Fourth, He accomplishes it through "regeneration," supernaturally granting new spiritual life. Fifth, God actively works out believers' ongoing sanctification throughout life, empowering their will and actions. Finally, He will complete their salvation, bringing them to perfection. This profound truth demands humility, gratitude, and praise from believers, while also motivating fervent evangelism and prayer for the lost, acknowledging that God alone brings people to Himself.
A High View of God - Part 1
Tom Pennington's sermon "Embracing Our Church�s Distinctives" introduces Countryside Bible Church's core values, beginning with "A High View of God." This distinctive means acknowledging two truths about God. First, God alone is great in His person. Emphasizing God's transcendence and incomparable holiness, this view contrasts with a contemporary church often losing sight of His unique majesty. This conviction shapes the church's commitments: worship-focused services, sermons grounded solely in God's Word, and profound respect for God among all. Second, God alone is sovereign in all things, a truth counter to popular philosophies. God's sovereignty is His nature, and His providence is how He actively preserves and governs every detail of creation to fulfill His eternal plan. This includes the physical world, nations, accidental events, and individuals' lives. Crucially, God superintends even sinful acts, directing them to His ultimate good purposes without causing the sin itself. The sermon cautions against misinterpreting providence as an excuse for sin or neglecting responsibility. Instead, believers are urged to submit to God's will, acknowledge His control in their plans, trust in His good intentions (Romans 8:28), shed fear of the future, and express gratitude for His daily, unwavering care.
How Should We Then Live? - Part 5
This sermon, the final installment in a series on Revelation, concludes by examining Revelation 22:20-21, the last verses of the entire Bible. Pastor Tom Pennington emphasizes that these verses encapsulate how believers should live in light of Revelation's prophecies, presenting two earnest prayer requests intended to become our own. First, John prays for Christ's return, echoing Jesus' thrice-repeated promise, "Yes, I am coming quickly." This signifies a certain, imminent, and personal future return of Jesus, not past historical events. Believers are called to live with eager expectation, earnestly praying "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus" (Maranatha), recognizing that ultimate solutions for life's problems lie in His sovereign return. Second, John prays for Christ's grace: "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen." This highlights our total dependence on Christ's grace until He returns. Grace is essential for salvation, as no human effort can earn heaven. Furthermore, grace empowers believers to live out their faith�providing spiritual capacity for service, endurance in trials, growth in sanctification, victory over temptation, ability to glorify God, and perseverance. This divine grace also ensures and secures our eternal future, guaranteeing that every moment in God's presence will be a gift of His unmerited favor.
How Should We Then Live? - Part 4
This sermon, "Revelation How Should We Then Live? (Part 4)," delves into Revelation 22:6-21, stressing the importance of obeying the prophecy within this book. Pastor Tom Pennington outlines two primary divine priorities. The first is the edification of saints: Revelation and all prophecy are intended to spiritually build up believers by offering apologetics for God, rebuking sin, fostering purity, providing comfort and stability, stimulating faithful service, leading to conversion, and promoting genuine worship. The second priority is an invitation to every sinner. Jesus identifies Himself as the God-Man, the Messiah Savior (Root and Descendant of David), and the Bright Morning Star, announcing a new day. This gospel invitation is extended by the Holy Spirit, the entire church, individual believers, and Christ Himself, calling those who are spiritually thirsty and willing to take the "water of life"�eternal life�without cost, through faith and repentance. Finally, the sermon exhorts believers to submit to Scripture's divine authority. This entails neither adding to God's Word (e.g., through extra-biblical traditions or new "inspired" books) nor taking away from it (e.g., denying its inspiration or rejecting specific contents).
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