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.
Engage with the most recent teaching from God’s Word.
The preaching of God's Word is central to worship and of the utmost importance for the sanctification of every believer in Christ.
Explore messages organized to help you grow in Christ.
Search and filter sermons for quick access.
The Passover Plot
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon on Mark 14:10-16 reveals two "Passover Plots" at play during Jesus's final week, contrasting them with secular interpretations. The *human plot* involved Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's disciples, conspiring with the chief priests. Motivated by greed, Judas agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, offering an "opportune time" to arrest Him discreetly, avoiding public unrest. The chief priests eagerly accepted, satisfied that even Jesus's followers were driven by avarice. Simultaneously, a *divine plot* unfolded, orchestrated by Jesus to fulfill prophecy and protect His disciples. Jesus meticulously arranged the Last Supper in secret, directing Peter and John to a pre-arranged upper room, deliberately concealing the location from Judas. This secrecy ensured Jesus had undisturbed time with His "family," equipping and preparing them for coming events, as seen in John 13-17. The sermon emphasizes that God's sovereign purpose always triumphs over human evil, with Jesus, the true Passover Lamb, dying precisely on Passover. This entire divine orchestration profoundly expressed Jesus's "uttermost" love for His followers.
Dealing With Lust - Part 2
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "Dealing with Lust" from Matthew 5:27-30 emphasizes Jesus's radical teaching that God's righteousness demands purity of heart, not just outward conformity. He critiques how public opinion, rather than biblical truth, often shapes views on sexual ethics, referencing President Obama's shift on same-sex marriage, which Pennington argues ignores Jesus's affirmation of Old Testament sexual prohibitions. In a world rampant with sexual imagery, the sermon clarifies that lust isn't finding someone attractive or desiring intimacy within marriage. Instead, it is "looking at a person other than your spouse in order either to excite or to fulfill sexual desire," encompassing mental fantasies and actions that provoke lust in others (e.g., immodest dress, seductive language). Jesus's statement, "everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart," declares internal lust carries the same moral guilt as physical adultery, making one deserving of hell. This sin is branded as idolatry, prioritizing self-gratification over God. Recognizing universal guilt, the sermon highlights Jesus Christ and the gospel as the only hope for justification.
Our Global Mission
Pastor Tom Pennington, returning from a 2.5-week ministry trip to South Africa, shared a report and a challenge to his congregation regarding global missions, drawing biblical warrant from Acts 14. He described South Africa's complex spiritual landscape, noting pervasive animistic paganism, which includes ancestor worship and a destructive "limited good" worldview, making the gospel the only hope. He also observed varied forms of Christianity: a range within the Dutch Reformed faith, widespread Christian syncretism (explaining the prosperity gospel's success by blending with animism's magical spirit world), and a faithful, growing evangelical church. Pennington�s visit involved speaking at three Shepherds� Conferences for pastors and leaders, aiming to model expository preaching and encourage further training. He then challenged his church to emulate the Philippian church's "partnership in the gospel" (Philippians 1:7) in five ways. First, Christians must love, teach, and defend the truth of the gospel. Second, they need to live for the gospel in their own communities through transformed lives and vocal witness. Third, they must pray faithfully for the worldwide advance of the gospel, recognizing their prayers as a means God uses for His sovereign plan.
The Foundational Convictions of a Godly Woman
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "The Foundational Convictions of a Godly Woman" examines Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, revealing three core beliefs vital for spiritual stability. First, Hannah was convinced that God Himself is the source of all joy. Despite her initial barrenness and humiliation, her profound gratitude stemmed from God's character and salvation, not merely her changed circumstances or even her son, Samuel. She praised His incomparable holiness and confessed Him as the only true "rock" and foundation, urging all to humbly submit to the all-knowing God who weighs actions. Second, Hannah firmly believed God is sovereign over all things. She recognized God's unlimited capacity to change any circumstance, illustrating with examples of the weak defeating the mighty and the barren giving birth. Furthermore, she understood that God ultimately determines all outcomes�life and death, wealth and poverty, humbling and exalting�because He created and owns the entire world. Finally, Hannah was certain that God will accomplish all His ultimate ends. She foresaw God protecting His faithful while shattering those who contend with Him, affirming that human might cannot prevail. Her prayer anticipates God judging the earth and exalting "His king" and "His anointed one," a prophetic glimpse of the Messiah.
The Worship Jesus Praises
The sermon, based on Mark 14:3-9, explores Mary's profound act of worship: anointing Jesus with costly perfume. Valued at a year's wages, this extravagant, humble, and unashamed gesture symbolized Mary's understanding of Jesus' impending death and atonement, acknowledging her own sinfulness. Her worship elicited contrasting responses. Some disciples, led by the thieving Judas Iscariot, condemned it as a waste, prioritizing charity over worship. However, Jesus defended Mary, calling her act a "good deed." He explained that while the poor will always be present, He (being divine) would not always be physically with them, making her timely worship paramount. Jesus affirmed that genuine worship, rooted in correct theology, is always valued and would be remembered worldwide. The sermon concludes by urging believers to prioritize heart-worship, noting it surpasses service and charity. True worship is Christ-centered, encompassing a Word-centered life of obedience and a cross-centered contemplation of His sacrifice, ultimately fostering gospel-centered living. This devoted worship is what Jesus truly praises.
The Conspiracy to Murder Jesus
The sermon, "The Conspiracy to Murder Jesus," recounts the secret plot by Jewish leaders to kill Jesus during Passion Week. Months before, prompted by Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, the Sanhedrin had already decided His death was politically expedient. This conspiracy solidified on Wednesday, two days before the Passover feast, during a secret meeting at High Priest Caiaphas's private residence. The conspirators included the powerful chief priests (like Annas and Caiaphas), influential scribes (theological experts, mostly Pharisees), and elders (lay leaders), representing all sectors of Israel's leadership. Their plan was to apprehend Jesus "by stealth" using deceit and treachery, then murder Him. However, they explicitly decided *against* acting during the crowded Passover festival, fearing a public riot that could lead to Roman intervention and threaten their own power and position. Ironically, despite the leaders' decision to delay, Jesus had already prophesied on Tuesday evening that He would be crucified "after two days," perfectly aligning with God's eternal plan. God, through His divine providence, orchestrated events, including Judas's timely betrayal, to ensure Jesus, the perfect, spotless Passover Lamb, died on Friday during the feast, fulfilling prophecy and His eternal purpose.
No Results Found.
We couldn’t find anything matching your search.
Explore The Word Unleashed
Our ministry brings together expository preaching, theological precision, and practical application for the good of Christ's church and the daily living of Christ's people.
.webp)
Sermons
Listen to expository sermons that clearly teach God’s Word and guide you in daily living.
Radio
Tune in to gospel-centered programs that share biblical truth and strengthen your daily walk with Christ.
Training
Join courses and workshops designed to deepen your faith and equip you to serve others with biblical wisdom.
.webp)
From the Pastor's Desk
Read pastoral messages that encourage, instruct, and help you apply God’s Word to every part of your life.
.webp)
Hymns
Discover timeless hymns that lift your heart in worship and remind you of God’s abounding grace and faithfulness.
Podcasts
Stay rooted in Scripture through our podcast series.