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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Do You Only Love Those Who Love You? - Part 2
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "Do You Only Love Those Who Love You, Part 2," from Matthew 5:43-48, asserts that Christian righteousness requires loving enemies, a standard far exceeding that of the Pharisees. He illustrates this with Corrie ten Boom's struggle to forgive a former SS guard, highlighting that God gives the capacity to love our enemies along with the command. Jesus corrects the Pharisaic misinterpretation of Old Testament law, which advocated hating enemies, emphasizing instead that believers must love *all* people. This command is to be expressed through praying for persecutors, blessing them with kind words, and doing good deeds for them. Two key reasons compel this love: first, to imitate our Heavenly Father, who universally extends common grace�like sun and rain�to all, good and evil, righteous and unrighteous, alongside His special saving love for His elect. Second, to distinguish believers from unbelievers, such as tax collectors or Gentiles, who only love those who reciprocate, driven by self-interest. Christians, transformed by the Spirit, demonstrate a supernatural, selfless love. This call to love enemies serves as a crucial test of genuine faith.
Travesty of Justice: The Jewish Trial of Jesus - Part 2
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "The Jewish Trial of Jesus (Part 2)," examines Mark 14:53-65, highlighting Jesus' clear claims to divinity. Pennington first establishes the Old Testament's consistent prophecy of a Messiah who would be both human and divine. He then demonstrates the New Testament's fulfillment through John the Baptist's testimony, Jesus' own statements (which His enemies understood as making Him equal with God), and God the Father's direct affirmations at Jesus' baptism and transfiguration. The core of the sermon analyzes Jesus' illegal trial before High Priest Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. This trial was a "farce," with the verdict decided before any charge. When false testimonies failed, Caiaphas put Jesus under oath, asking if He was "the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One." Jesus unequivocally responded, "I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven." This declaration, combining prophecies from Psalm 110 and Daniel 7, affirmed His divine Messianic identity. The Sanhedrin immediately condemned Him for blasphemy, motivated by envy and a fear of losing power.
Do You Only Love Those Who Love You? - Part 1
Tom Pennington's sermon "The Jewish Trial of Jesus (Part 2)" from Mark 14:53-65 details Jesus' illegal conviction and abuse. He first establishes Jesus' identity as the divine Messiah, tracing prophecies from Genesis to Isaiah and Micah, and demonstrating their fulfillment through John the Baptist's testimony, Jesus' own claims (understood even by His enemies), and God the Father's declarations. The Jewish trial before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin was a predetermined mockery, aiming to condemn Jesus despite inconsistent false testimonies. Frustrated, Caiaphas put Jesus under oath, asking if He was the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One. Jesus unequivocally affirmed, "I am," further declaring His future glory as the Son of Man. This divine claim was immediately condemned as blasphemy by the Sanhedrin, leading to a unanimous death sentence. The real motivations were the leaders' envy and fear of losing power. Subsequently, Jesus suffered illegal abuse: He was spat upon, blindfolded, beaten, and mocked. Pennington emphasizes that Jesus' claims demand a verdict from every individual: He was either a liar, a lunatic, or truly the Son of God, and we, like the Sanhedrin, are responsible for our response to Him.
Politics, the Presidency, and Divine Providence
In his sermon, "Politics, the Presidency, and Divine Providence," Pastor Tom Pennington addresses Christian engagement in the 2012 election, emphasizing three scriptural affirmations. First, **God's vote is the only one that matters.** God is sovereign, establishing nations and governments, and installing leaders�whether as blessings or judgments�with Jesus Christ as the ultimate "Ruler of the kings of the earth." Second, **God's agenda is the only one that matters.** Christians are commanded to obey laws, pray for leaders' salvation, pay taxes, and honor authorities. Voting is a stewardship to be exercised wisely, prioritizing God's moral standards (character, skills, and agenda on issues like life and family) over party or candidate preferences, especially when one platform directly opposes biblical principles. Third, **God's government is the only one that matters.** Believers must not place their ultimate hope in any human leader or earthly government, recognizing that America will eventually fall. Instead, their hope must rest solely in God's unfailing love and His unshakable heavenly Kingdom.
An Eye for an Eye - Part 4
In "The Sermon on the Mount: An Eye for an Eye, Part 4," Pastor Tom Pennington explains Jesus' revolutionary teaching in Matthew 5:38-42 on responding to personal offenses, contrasting it with the scribes and Pharisees' twisted interpretation of Old Testament law. The original "eye for an eye" was a judicial principle for judges to ensure punishment fit the crime, not a permit for individual revenge. Jesus calls His disciples to a radical ethic: do not resist an evil person, harbor grudges, or seek personal revenge. He provides four examples: 1. **Attacks on personal dignity (slap on the right cheek):** Turn the other cheek, refusing to return the insult or strike back. 2. **Attacks on personal property (sued for a shirt):** Give your coat also, demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice rather than seeking revenge. 3. **Governmental attacks on personal liberty (forced to go one mile):** Go two miles. This doesn't condone oppression or forbid legal means to change unjust laws, but demands a heart free from resentment and a willingness to wholeheartedly submit to authorities (Romans 13), except when laws contradict Scripture. 4.
Travesty of Justice: The Jewish Trial of Jesus - Part 1
Pastor Tom Pennington describes the Jewish trial of Jesus as the greatest "travesty of justice" in human history, emphasizing its profound illegality and the stark contrast with Jesus' profound innocence. He begins by noting common miscarriages of justice, including modern DNA exonerations, to set the stage for Jesus' unparalleled case. The trial unfolded in three phases: an initial, illegal arraignment before Annas, a crucial hearing before a quorum of the Sanhedrin at Caiaphas's house (the focus of Mark's gospel), and a formal meeting at daybreak. Throughout these proceedings, the Jewish leaders relentlessly sought testimony against Jesus to condemn him to death, already having predetermined his guilt. Despite their efforts and numerous false witnesses, their accusations were inconsistent and failed to meet legal standards, even on serious charges like threatening the temple. Jesus' declaration of being "the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One" led the high priest to accuse him of blasphemy, resulting in a unanimous condemnation to death. However, lacking the authority to execute, the Sanhedrin then presented Jesus to the Roman authorities, strategically changing the charge from a religious one (blasphemy) to a political one (sedition).
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