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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2 Corinthians
An Aerial View of the New Testament
An Aerial View of the Old Testament
Anchored Section 1
Anchored Section 2
Anchored Section 3
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
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Deadly Dangers
Embracing Our Church's Distinctives
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Five Hallmarks of a Biblical Church
Hold Fast
Hook, Line and Sinker
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Just by Faith Alone
Lies Christians Believe
Look in the Mirror!
Lord, Teach Us To Pray
Mark - The Memoirs of Peter
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Power Over Temptation
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Riches to Rags
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Six Steps to Spiritual Stability
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The Deadly Sin of Anger
The Distinctives of Countryside Bible Church
The First Testament of Jesus Christ
The Memoirs of Peter
The Reason We Live
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Trending vs. Truth
United in Christ!
Watch Your Mouth!
We Were Made to Worship
When Life's Not Fair
Your Faith, Dead or Alive?
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2013-06-30

The Deadly Dangers of Materialism - Part 2

Pastor Tom Pennington refutes the prosperity gospel, emphasizing that Jesus never promised financial wealth for His followers; instead, His life exemplified deprivation, and materialism is defined as prioritizing physical comfort and possessions over spiritual values. Drawing from Matthew 6:19-21, Pennington exhorts listeners not to store up earthly treasures, which are uncertain, fleeting (susceptible to moths, rust, thieves, and economic downturns), and cannot be taken to the afterlife. Instead, believers are commanded to store up treasures in heaven. This process primarily involves ensuring one's salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as the ultimate, surpassing treasure, even if it means renouncing earthly attachments. Subsequently, heavenly treasures are accrued by actively investing in the advancement of God's spiritual kingdom through missions, evangelism, and supporting the church, as well as by generously meeting the needs of other people. The core danger of materialism, highlighted by Jesus, is that "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This means one's entire inner self�mind, emotions, and will�will be consumed by and directed toward whatever is most valued, dictating the course of one's life.

Tom Pennington
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The Sermon on the Mount
2013
2013-06-30

The Comedy at Calvary

In "The Comedy at Calvary," Tom Pennington preaches on Mark 15:27-32, analyzing the widespread mockery Jesus faced at the cross as a timeless rejection of His divine claims. He identifies five groups of mockers. The "power elite," exemplified by Pilate, used Jesus' crucifixion between two "robbers" as a cruel joke against Him and the Jews, unknowingly fulfilling prophecy that Jesus would be "numbered with transgressors" and bear the sin of many. "Outwardly religious" passersby hurled abuse, twisting Jesus' words about destroying and rebuilding the temple (referring to His body) and sarcastically demanding He save Himself. "False teachers" like the chief priests and scribes acknowledged Jesus' miracles ("He saved others") but disingenuously challenged Him to descend from the cross as the "Christ, the King of Israel, the Son of God" if they were to believe. Even "entirely pagan" Roman soldiers and initially, both "condemned sinners" crucified with Him joined the insults. This pervasive ridicule ironically served to confirm Jesus' claims as Messiah, King, and Son of God, highlighting His mission to save others through His sacrifice, with the resurrection as the ultimate proof. While humanity mocked, God's plan unfolded, turning their vitriol into truth.

Tom Pennington
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Mark - The Memoirs of Peter
2013
2013-06-23

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.

Tom Pennington
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The Sermon on the Mount
2013
2013-06-16

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.

Proverbs
3:5-6
Tom Pennington
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Proverbs
2013
2013-05-26

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.

Philippians
1:6
Tom Pennington
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Philippians
2013
2013-05-12

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.

Psalms
127
Tom Pennington
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Psalms
2013

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