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.

Black and white close-up of a person writing in a notebook with an open book beside them.
A man giving a speech at a podium.

Explore messages organized to help you grow in Christ.

Search and filter sermons for quick access.

2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
An Aerial View of the New Testament
An Aerial View of the Old Testament
Anchored Section 1
Anchored Section 2
Anchored Section 3
Baptism Services
Bible Study for Every Christian
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Christmas Concert Messages
Christmas Sermons
Committing to Christian Relationships
Daniel
Deadly Dangers
Embracing Our Church's Distinctives
Ephesians
Five Hallmarks of a Biblical Church
Hold Fast
Hook, Line and Sinker
Just by Faith Alone
Lies Christians Believe
Look in the Mirror!
Lord, Teach Us To Pray
Mark - The Memoirs of Peter
Marriage & Family by God's Design
Missions Sunday
No Whining Allowed
Ordination Services
Passion Week Sermons
Power Over Temptation
Preserving the Unity of the Church
Psalm 23
Q&A
Recovering a Lost Legacy
Revelation
Riches to Rags
Romans
Ruth
Sanctification
Six Steps to Spiritual Stability
Sunday Evening Online
Systematic Theology
Thanksgiving Sermons
The Distinctives of Countryside Bible Church
The First Testament of Jesus Christ
The Memoirs of Peter
The Reason We Live
The Sermon on the Mount
Trending vs. Truth
United in Christ!
Watch Your Mouth!
We Were Made to Worship
When Life's Not Fair
Your Faith, Dead or Alive?
1 Corinthians
1 John
1 Peter
1 Samuel
1 Timothy
2 Corinthians
2 Thessalonians
2 Timothy
Acts
Colossians
Daniel
Deuteronomy
Ecclesiastes
Ephesians
Exodus
Galatians
Genesis
Hebrews
Isaiah
James
John
Lamentations
Luke
Malachi
Mark
Matthew
Numbers
Philippians
Proverbs
Psalms
Revelation
Romans
Ruth
Titus
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
2014-02-02

The Deadly Danger of Self-Deception - Part 1

Tom Pennington's sermon, "The Deadly Danger of Self-Deception, Part 1," on Matthew 7:21-23 addresses the prevalent issue of individuals falsely believing they are Christians. Citing surveys and society's moral state, Pennington highlights that many people, even those with intellectual understanding of Christ and the gospel, are tragically self-deceived. Jesus' final warnings in the Sermon on the Mount culminate in the danger of a "false profession." The sermon debunks common, mistaken evidences of genuine faith: a past profession (like a "sinner's prayer"), correct doctrine, or intense spiritual fervency. Instead, the distinguishing mark of a true follower of Jesus Christ is a consistent, ongoing pattern of obedience to God's will and Christ's words. This obedience is not a means to earn salvation but is the inevitable fruit and evidence of genuine love for Jesus. While salvation is by grace through faith, true, living faith will always result in a life of discipleship. The sermon concludes with a call for serious self-examination, asking if one's actions align with their verbal confession of Jesus as Lord, for on judgment day, many will claim "Lord, Lord," but will be told, "I never knew you."

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
The Sermon on the Mount
2014
2014-01-26

Wolves in the Pulpit - Part 3

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "Wolves in the Pulpit" highlights Jesus' warning in Matthew 7:15-20 to "beware of false prophets" who masquerade as spiritual guides but are inwardly "ravenous wolves." Drawing an analogy to disguised dog food, Pennington explains that these deceivers market their wares on "shiny platters," using religious clich�s to obscure their true nature. The sermon outlines three crucial "fruits" for identifying false teachers: their character, content, and converts. False teachers' character often exhibits greed, sensuality, and arrogance, driven by self-interest rather than biblical righteousness. Their teaching content deviates from a biblical understanding of Jesus and the gospel, frequently omitting truths about sin, repentance, and holiness, or promoting worldly desires over selfless love for God and others. Consequently, their converts often display similar ungodly traits, indicating a lack of true transformation. Pennington provides examples of contemporary false teachers, including proponents of the Roman Catholic system, cults, postmodern theologians, and prosperity gospel preachers like Joel Osteen and Benny Hinn. He cautions against evaluating teachers solely on perceived sincerity or popularity, urging listeners to be "Bereans" who diligently test all teaching against Scripture.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
The Sermon on the Mount
2014
2014-01-12

Wolves in the Pulpit - Part 2

This sermon, "Wolves in the Pulpit (Part 2)," from Matthew 7:15-20, addresses the crucial issue of identifying false teachers. Pastor Tom Pennington uses the analogy of wolf-warning sheep collars to highlight the spiritual danger false teachers pose to Christ's flock, noting there's no technological equivalent to protect believers. Jesus warns about these "false prophets," who appear in "sheep's clothing" but are "inwardly ravenous wolves." The true danger lies in their deceptive disguise; they operate within the church, using orthodox language and feigning piety to mislead. While they cannot lead true believers to damning error, they can cause significant spiritual harm by thwarting growth and distracting from kingdom priorities. False teachers are characterized by advocating false sources of authority, promoting a false Christ or gospel, encouraging license or legalism, and telling people what they want to hear. They often prey on the young, immature, seeking unbelievers, vulnerable, poor, and unstable. Jesus teaches that "you will know them by their fruits." This means their true nature is revealed by their character, conduct, the content of their teaching, and the lives of their converts.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
The Sermon on the Mount
2014
2014-01-05

Wolves in the Pulpit - Part 1

Tom Pennington's sermon "Wolves In The Pulpit (Part 1)" delves into Jesus' warning in Matthew 7:15-20 about false prophets, describing them as "ravenous wolves" in "sheep's clothing." This pivotal message from the Sermon on the Mount underscores an ever-present danger throughout biblical history and into the modern era. A false prophet, or "pseudoprophet," claims divine authority but delivers messages rooted in their own deception, often influenced by Satan. These individuals subtly infiltrate the church, introducing destructive heresies. Pennington identifies key characteristics: they promote false sources of authority, teach a distorted Christ or gospel (evident in groups like Mormonism or Jehovah's Witnesses), encourage moral license, or conversely, enforce legalism and asceticism. Most notably, false prophets consistently tell people what they want to hear, sidestepping uncomfortable truths about sin, judgment, and the rigorous demands of discipleship, thereby fostering a false sense of security. Though true believers cannot be led into damning error, Jesus' warning emphasizes that false teaching can severely hinder spiritual growth, leading to confusion and instability. Therefore, constant vigilance is crucial for spiritual protection.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
The Sermon on the Mount
2014
2014-01-05

Living by the Compass, Not the Clock

Pastor Tom Pennington's seminar encourages listeners to live by "the compass, not the clock," prioritizing true importance over urgent demands. Citing Proverbs 14:8, he contrasts the wise person who reflects on life patterns with the fool who lives in self-deception. He challenges listeners to honestly assess their priorities versus actual effectiveness, noting that many neglect what they deem most important. Pennington stresses life's brevity, urging intentional living rather than being swept along by daily busyness or excessive media consumption. He offers biblical arguments for an ordered life: God plans, Scripture encourages human planning, and orderliness is an elder qualification. The foundation for this life is a clear "destination" � a written set of personal goals or resolutions, exemplified by Jonathan Edwards. He provides a workshop process to create these, including dedicated reflection time. Central priorities, based on Matthew 22:37-39, are to love God entirely and love one's neighbor as oneself. Loving God manifests in immersing oneself in His Word and caring for His people. Loving others means prioritizing relationships and scheduling intentional actions. Practical tools include weekly and annual self-evaluation, using a planner, and breaking down objectives into manageable tasks.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
2014
2013-12-22

The Birth Announcement of God's Son - Part 2

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "The Birth Announcement of God's Son (Part 2)" from Luke 2:8-20 details God's grand plan to reveal Jesus' birth. Unlike His quiet arrival, God orchestrated the greatest birth announcement, delivered to an unlikely audience: humble, despised shepherds. An angel, radiating God's glory, brought "good news of great joy for all people," announcing the birth of "a Savior, who is Christ the Lord," in Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecy. This Savior's mission is to rescue humanity from slavery to Satan, God's righteous wrath, and the guilt of sin, a spiritual deliverance promised since Genesis and detailed by Isaiah. Jesus is identified as "Christ" (the Anointed Messiah�King, Priest, Prophet) and "Lord" (Kurios/YAHWEH�God Himself), emphasizing His divine nature essential for salvation. A sign of His identity was finding Him wrapped in cloths, lying in a manger. Suddenly, a multitude of heavenly hosts appeared, praising God with "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased," signifying peace with God granted through His sovereign grace.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
Christmas Sermons
2013

No Results Found.

We couldn’t find anything matching your search.

Now Playing -
Now Playing
00:00
-00:00