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 Danger of Hypocrisy
Tom Pennington's sermon "The Deadly Danger of Hypocrisy" (Matthew 6:1) opens by likening spiritual hypocrisy to the world's market for counterfeit goods, emphasizing the temptation for "fake spirituality" within Christianity. This message is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, specifically addressing the genuine righteousness of kingdom citizens, focusing on their relationship with God and contrasting it with the Pharisees' practices. The core warning comes from Matthew 6:1: "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven." Hypocrisy, rooted in the Greek word for "actor," means wearing a mask and playing a part for personal praise, not God's glory. The key distinction from Matthew 5:16 (letting light shine to glorify God) lies in one's *motive*: seeking human affirmation versus divine approval. Hypocrisy is a subtle danger that stunts spiritual growth. Its consequences are severe: for unbelievers, a consistent pattern of hypocrisy can signify an unredeemed heart, leading to eternal judgment. For true disciples, acting hypocritically nullifies any potential heavenly reward, as they receive the human applause they craved.
His Love Endures Forever
In this Thanksgiving message, Pastor Tom Pennington emphasizes that believers should give thanks primarily to God Himself, beyond just temporal or spiritual blessings. He introduces the Hebrew word "hesed," describing it as God's unique character combining profound love with tenacious commitment and loyalty, often translated as "steadfast love" or "unfailing love." Occurring over 250 times in the Old Testament, hesed is depicted as abounding, great, precious, and everlasting, forming the bedrock confidence for God's people. Psalm 136, with its repeated refrain "for His lovingkindness is everlasting," exemplifies this foundational truth. God's hesed preserves, comforts, provides forgiveness for sins, and ensures prayers are heard. Unlike human love, which can be fleeting, God's steadfast love is eternal, having no beginning or end for those who fear Him. The sermon challenges listeners to meditate on, expect, pray for, trust in, rejoice in, and give thanks for this divine attribute. Ultimately, the greatest and most costly expression of God's hesed is not in creation or the Exodus, but supremely in Jesus Christ's death on the cross for humanity's redemption, which is celebrated at the Lord's Table.
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.
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