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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The Deadly Dangers of Materialism - Part 1
In "The Deadly Dangers of Materialism, Part 1," Pastor Tom Pennington defines materialism as prioritizing material objects and comforts over spiritual values, noting its pervasive influence globally and within the church. He highlights the prosperity gospel, popularized by figures like E.W. Kenyon and Kenneth Hagin, as a significant driver of materialism in modern Christianity. This false teaching, promoted by leaders such as Joel Osteen and Robert Morris, promises financial prosperity and physical healing to believers who demonstrate enough faith and give generously, often with guaranteed returns. Pennington argues this message fundamentally contradicts Jesus�s true teachings, which emphasize spiritual virtues like poverty of spirit and righteousness, not worldly wealth. Examining Matthew 6:19, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth," Pennington clarifies Jesus�s intent. He explains that Jesus does not condemn wealth itself, hard work, saving for the future, or enjoying resources. Instead, Jesus forbids the *love* of money and making material possessions ultimately important. The sermon identifies three specific dangers: selfishly hoarding wealth beyond necessity, selfishly spending solely on personal comfort and pleasure, and sinfully craving wealth one does not possess. True spirituality, Pennington concludes, involves being delivered from the love of money, rather than pursuing its accumulation.
Where Do You Stand?
Drawing from Proverbs 3:5-6, this sermon challenges listeners to identify their ultimate foundational authority, or "pou sto," a metaphorical "place to stand" that underpins all truth claims. While many rely on diverse sources like human reason, naturalism, postmodernism, personal "designer religions," or even Christian traditions and experiences, the text posits only two true choices: human understanding or divine revelation. Solomon, the wisest man, counsels two core commitments. First, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding." This means exclusively relying on God's revealed wisdom, not personal intellect, cultural consensus, or human "experts," whose reasoning is inherently flawed and darkened by humanity's fall. This trust must be absolute and wholehearted, applying God's truth to every area of life, from salvation to morality and origins. Second, "In all your ways acknowledge Him." This demands obeying God's Word as a practical authority, recognizing His lordship over every habit and detail of life�marriage, career, family. It means renouncing personal autonomy and allowing His Word to direct every decision. The remarkable promise is that God "will make your paths straight," ensuring a morally and spiritually wise life that pleases Him.
God Always Finishes What He Starts
Tom Pennington�s sermon, "God Always Finishes What He Starts," based on Philippians 1:6, highlights God's unwavering commitment to completing the salvation He begins in believers. Unlike human projects, God�s work is sovereign and guaranteed. Paul�s confidence stems from three foundational arguments: First, God *began* the "good work" of salvation through regeneration, imparting spiritual life and enabling faith, a monergistic act where He alone initiates. Second, God *is accomplishing* this work through sanctification, actively conforming believers to Christ's image. While believers are commanded to "work out their salvation," God concurrently "works in them both to will and to work for His good pleasure," using various means to achieve His purpose. Third, God *has promised to perfect* this work until Christ's return, ensuring glorification for all He predestined. This divine promise is guaranteed by His faithfulness. This profound understanding of God's completed salvation yields three key consequences for believers: overwhelming gratitude for His unmerited grace, unshakable assurance that God will perfect them despite challenges, and the perseverance of the saints, as God's preserving power ensures no true believer will be lost.
The House That God Builds
Tom Pennington's sermon on Psalm 127 emphasizes that successful parenting hinges on an "attitude of dependence on God," not solely on parental effort. He highlights two ways this dependence manifests: First, parents must acknowledge children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3-5). Children are not merely a physiological outcome but a divine reward, serving as "arrows in the hand of a warrior" for future defense. This principle extends universally: every good gift, including children, comes from God's grace. If God withholds children, it's still part of His wise plan. Second, parents must recognize that any success in parenting comes from God (Psalm 127:1-2). The phrase "Unless the Lord builds the house" refers to raising a family, encompassing both "building" (teaching and positive preparation) and "protecting" (guarding children from physical and spiritual dangers, like unchecked internet access). While parents must diligently teach and train their children, their efforts are "vain" without God's direct work in their children's hearts. God "gives to His beloved even in His sleep," signifying the peace of trusting God's sovereignty over outcomes.
The Practice of Biblical Fasting
This sermon on Matthew 6:16-18 warns against hypocrisy in spiritual practices, focusing specifically on fasting. The core message emphasizes pursuing God's glory rather than human praise. Biblical fasting is primarily defined as abstaining from food (or luxuries) to humble oneself and seek God in prayer during times of personal or national crisis. In the Old Testament, fasting was largely voluntary, called for during events like sickness, mourning, repentance, or impending danger, and always accompanied by prayer with a sincere heart. Jesus indicated that while His disciples didn't fast during His earthly ministry (a time of joy), it would be a natural response to distress after He was "taken away." True biblical fasting is never commanded for Christians nor seen as meritorious, but it is expected to occur naturally when individuals are overwhelmed and desire to humble themselves before God. This contrasts sharply with the hypocritical Pharisees, who disfigured their appearance and fasted publicly to be noticed by men, thereby receiving their only reward from human acclaim. Disciples, however, are instructed to fast privately, maintaining a normal appearance, with God as their sole audience. The Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward genuine devotion.
Forgiveness: A Spiritual Diagnostic
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "Forgiveness: A Spiritual Diagnostic," based on Matthew 6:14-15, emphasizes that forgiving others is a crucial indicator of one's spiritual health. Citing a local revenge-driven murder, he illustrates humanity's natural sinful responses to being wronged: anger, bitterness, and retaliation. Jesus's teaching establishes a direct correlation: God forgives our transgressions *if* we forgive others; conversely, He will not if we refuse. This isn't about earning God's grace, but rather a vital condition and evidence of genuine repentance and comprehending our own immense spiritual debt to Him. Biblical forgiveness has two dimensions: first, cultivating a merciful spirit towards *everyone*, even the unrepentant, which means abandoning malice, seeking no revenge, and actively doing good to those who have wronged us. Second, it involves a deliberate decision to extend full forgiveness and reconciliation upon an offender's repentance. This includes choosing not to dwell on past sins, not bringing them up again, and, as much as possible, treating the person as if the offense never occurred, mirroring God's own forgiveness. The Parable of the Unforgiving Slave (Matthew 18) starkly illustrates the immense debt God forgives us versus our often-trivial unwillingness to forgive others.
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