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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Praying for the Wrong Reasons
Tom Pennington's sermon, "Praying For The Wrong Reasons," from Matthew 6:5-8, explores Jesus' teaching on prayer in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the critical importance of right motives. Jesus' overarching principle in Matthew 6:1 warns against practicing righteousness�including prayer�to be noticed by others, as this forfeits any heavenly reward. The sermon identifies two primary wrong reasons for prayer. First, praying to gain a reputation with people (vv. 5-6). Hypocrites pray publicly for human adoration, receiving only that as their reward. Jesus clarifies that while public prayer isn't forbidden, the *motive* of being seen is. He instructs disciples to pray privately, in an "inner room," addressing "your Father who is in secret," who will genuinely reward sincere, hidden devotion. Second, Jesus cautions against praying with meaningless repetition to gain merit with God (vv. 7-8). Pagans babble extensively, thinking numerous words will make God more likely to listen. Jesus teaches against this, stressing that God, as our Father, already "knows what you need before you ask Him." He is not manipulated by prayer's length or repetition but desires a sincere heart. Prayer isn't about overcoming God's reluctance but embracing His willingness, expressing our dependence, and aligning with His sovereign plan.
Jesus Before Pilate - Part 1
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "The Memoirs of Peter Jesus Before Pilate (Part 1)" examines Jesus' final trials, emphasizing the Jewish leaders' deep hatred for Jesus. Their pure life starkly reflected their own wickedness, akin to an African chief smashing a mirror that showed her "horrible" reflection. The sermon details the intense timeline of Jesus' last hours: from the Last Supper and Gethsemane, through preliminary Jewish hearings. At dawn, a formal third Jewish trial by the full Sanhedrin condemned Jesus for blasphemy after He affirmed being the Messiah and Son of God. During this time, Judas, upon learning of Jesus' condemnation, felt remorse, tried to return the silver, and ultimately committed suicide. Immediately, Jesus endured three rapid Roman trials before Pilate and Herod, concluding within two hours. Pontius Pilate, depicted as a cruel, self-seeking, and anti-Jewish governor, interrogated Jesus. Pennington highlights that Pilate believed Jesus was on trial, but in reality, Pilate was being judged. This spiritual truth extends to everyone encountering Jesus' claims; neutrality is impossible. Ultimately, these events were not a tragic accident but part of God's predetermined, loving plan for Jesus to willingly sacrifice Himself to rescue sinners.
Church Matters!
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "Church Matters!", argues the local church�an assembly of believing people�should be central to a Christian's life, aligning with God's perspective. He provides ten biblical reasons for its importance: the church, with Christ, is central to God's eternal plan and glory. It's God's family and dwelling place. It's the only entity Christ promised to build, lovingly leads, and supremely loves, dying for its purification. The church received most New Testament writings and is the primary reason for Christ's return. Given this significance, believers are urged to make five commitments: 1. **Commit to a specific local church** via membership, mirroring early practice. 2. **Prioritize the church** in all life decisions, like career and family. 3. **Serve faithfully** using spiritual gifts within its community. 4. **Love the church** by actively building mutual relationships and fulfilling "one another" commands. 5. **Evangelize**, recognizing the church as a temple needing more "living stones." The sermon challenges listeners to assess the church's true place in their lives, urging deep commitment over casual engagement, because it matters most to God.
All the World's A Stage
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "All the World's a Stage," challenges the humanistic notion that "man is the measure of all things," instead proclaiming that God's ultimate purpose in salvation is "to the praise of His glory." Drawing from Ephesians 2:1-10, Pennington explains that humanity was spiritually dead and deserving of wrath. Yet, God, by grace alone, made us alive, raised us up, and seated us with Christ. God's sovereign act of rescue serves three primary purposes: to abolish human boasting (v.8-9), to ensure believers produce good works (v.10), and most significantly, to display His glory (v.7). This grand, cosmic exhibition of God's "surpassing riches of His grace" unfolds through all ages, demonstrated by His eternal kindness towards us, made possible solely "in Christ Jesus." This divine display has a vast audience, including all humanity, redeemed believers, angels, and ultimately, it serves as a love gift from the Father to the Son, fulfilling an eternal promise. Consequently, believers are called to humility, understanding their individual salvation is part of God's greater plan, yet find profound assurance in His commitment to them, recognizing themselves as "trophies of His grace." Our salvation ultimately serves to exhibit God's incomparable character.
The Birth of Jesus Christ - Part 2
This sermon on Luke 2:1-7 emphasizes that Jesus' birth was not accidental but perfectly aligned with God's divine plan. The text highlights four key aspects of this divine orchestration. First, Jesus was born at the **right time**. Historical clues from Caesar Augustus's census and Quirinius's governorship place His birth around 5-6 BC, possibly December 25th, fulfilling ancient prophecies like Daniel 9:25 about the Messiah's appearance in history. Second, He was born to the **right family**. Joseph and Mary, though a poor, unknown couple from Nazareth, were both direct descendants of King David. Joseph provided the legal claim to David's throne, while Mary provided the physical lineage, ensuring Jesus had legitimate claims to the Messianic promises foretold in 2 Samuel 7. God chose them by sovereign grace, ensuring the Child remained the central focus. Third, Jesus was born in the **right city**, Bethlehem. The Roman census decreed by Caesar Augustus compelled Joseph, along with a heavily pregnant Mary, to travel 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem, "the city of David." This journey fulfilled Micah 5:2, which prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Finally, Jesus was born under the **right circumstances**.
When a Disciple Denies His Lord
The sermon "The Memoirs of Peter" examines Peter's denial of Jesus (Mark 14:66-72), contextualizing it within Jesus's final hours and the broader message of Christ's redemptive purpose. Drawing from Mark's vivid, Peter-influenced account, the pastor details four distinct denials that escalated from a simple lie to vehement cursing and swearing. These denials occurred as Peter warmed himself in the high priest's courtyard, fulfilling Jesus's prediction that Peter would deny Him before the rooster crowed twice. Overcome by the rooster's crow and a poignant glance from Jesus, Peter wept bitterly in remorse. The text extracts several profound lessons: It highlights the seriousness of denying Christ, whether through silence, unrepentant living, or fear. It offers encouragement that, like Peter, even those who deny Jesus can find forgiveness, restoration, and future service through repentance. The sermon emphasizes God's willingness to forgive any sin when there's genuine repentance and illustrates the perseverance of saints, whose faith is ultimately upheld by Jesus's intercession. Crucially, it contrasts Peter's self-confident failure with Jesus's humble dependence on the Father, demonstrating that true spiritual strength comes from relying solely on God.
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