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.
Every Disciple's Mission
Tom Pennington's sermon on Matthew 28:16-20, "Every Disciple�s Mission," asserts that the Great Commission is a personal mandate for all Christians, not just missionaries. He explains its singular importance, given Christ's emphasis and its scope beyond the eleven apostles. Jesus prefaces the command by declaring His supreme authority, empowering the audacious mission. The specific orders include "Go," meaning some relocate for missions, but all are called to own and actively support the worldwide mission through prayer, giving, and care. The core command is to "Make Disciples," defined as true Christians who wholeheartedly accept Jesus as both Teacher and Lord, transformed through gospel preaching. This involves "Baptizing them" as a public confession of His Lordship, and "Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you," focusing on obedience and sanctification. The sermon emphasizes that this mission is carried out within the context of the local church, which nurtures, baptizes, teaches, and sends out disciples. Finally, the mission is sustained by Jesus's promise: "I am with you always, even to the end of the age," ensuring His presence as believers pursue this task. Therefore, every follower of Christ must personally embrace their responsibility for His global mission.
Celebrating Communion Biblically
Pastor Tom Pennington�s sermon on "Celebrating Communion Biblically" (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) asserts that corporate worship must adhere to biblically prescribed elements, focusing on the Lord's Table as a crucial, regular ordinance. Instituted by Jesus during the Passover Seder on His betrayal night, it uses unleavened bread and the "cup of redemption" to symbolize a new covenant and spiritual rescue from sin. This command is perpetual, for all Christians, to be done corporately "in remembrance of Me" until Christ returns. Communion is not a literal partaking of Christ�s body/blood or a re-sacrifice. Rather, it's a sign pointing to spiritual realities: a confession of faith in Jesus as our Passover Lamb, a symbol of fellowship with other believers and Christ, and primarily, a remembrance of our Lord. This recalls His incarnation, substitutionary death for our sins, resurrection, and promised consummation (His return for a future feast in His kingdom). Proper participation requires true faith, understanding the symbolism, and self-examination. Believers must address divisions, take the symbolism seriously, and confess unrepentant sin to avoid partaking unworthily and incurring God's chastening. Communion powerfully reminds us of Christ's saving work and future, demanding solemn and faithful engagement.
Cessationism Q&A
Pastor Tom Pennington discusses Cessationism, defining it as the belief that miraculous spiritual gifts ceased with the Apostolic age, contrasting it with Continuationism, which holds they continue. He clarifies that Cessationists do believe God works miracles daily (e.g., spiritual regeneration, divine healing) but assert that He no longer grants humans the *capacity* to perform them. This stance is rooted in a commitment to Scripture as the sole authority and a deep respect for the Holy Spirit, who inspired God's written Word. Pennington highlights that cessation, similar to the doctrine of the Trinity, is deduced from the totality of Scripture, not a single explicit verse. He points out three brief historical periods where men were divinely empowered to work miracles (Moses/Joshua, Elijah/Elisha, Jesus/Apostles), consistently for the purpose of authenticating God�s messengers. The biblical gift of tongues is identified as speaking unstudied human languages, a definition often redefined by the modern Charismatic movement. Pennington advises a gracious, scripturally-focused approach when engaging Continuationists, distinguishing between false teachers and sincere believers. He also strongly cautions against discerning God�s will through subjective impressions, advocating instead for reliance on objective Scripture, prayer for wisdom, and seeking wise counsel for decision-making.
A High View of Scripture - Part 1
Tom Pennington's sermon, "A High View of Scripture (Part 1)," underscores the Bible's essential role as the church's foundation, drawing an analogy to the importance of a deep foundation, unlike the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Referencing 1 Timothy 3:14-15, he explains that the church is "the pillar and support of the truth" (God's Word), tasked with teaching, defending, and transmitting scripture across generations. He outlines four crucial truths from 2 Timothy 3:14-17 that constitute a high view of scripture. First, its **inspiration**: all scripture is "God-breathed" (theopneustos), implying every word, letter, and stroke originates directly from God, as Jesus affirmed. Second, its **relevancy**: scripture is eternally "profitable," useful for all people and circumstances, not requiring human efforts to make it applicable. Third, its **sufficiency**: scripture alone is complete for every spiritual need, encompassing both salvation and sanctification, thereby rejecting humanistic substitutes like psychology or self-help. Finally, its **authority**: scripture is the ultimate and intrinsic authority, demanding our obedience and submission in all matters it addresses. Pennington calls listeners to embrace Jesus' comprehensive view of the Bible and live in accordance with its divine mandates.
A High View of God - Part 2
Tom Pennington's sermon, "A High View of God (Part 2)," highlights that "God alone is sovereign in our salvation" is a non-negotiable distinctive of Countryside Bible Church. Challenging the common perception of sinners contributing to their own rescue, the sermon asserts the biblical truth that humanity is spiritually dead, rebellious, and utterly incapable of seeking or aiding their salvation. Therefore, salvation is entirely God's work from beginning to end. Pennington presents six declarations of God's sovereignty in salvation. First, God eternally planned it through unconditional election, choosing believers by His grace alone. Second, He purchased salvation at the cross through Christ's sacrificial death, offering complete redemption and forgiveness. Third, God initiates it with an "effectual call," irresistibly drawing individuals to faith. Fourth, He accomplishes it through "regeneration," supernaturally granting new spiritual life. Fifth, God actively works out believers' ongoing sanctification throughout life, empowering their will and actions. Finally, He will complete their salvation, bringing them to perfection. This profound truth demands humility, gratitude, and praise from believers, while also motivating fervent evangelism and prayer for the lost, acknowledging that God alone brings people to Himself.
A High View of God - Part 1
Tom Pennington's sermon "Embracing Our Church�s Distinctives" introduces Countryside Bible Church's core values, beginning with "A High View of God." This distinctive means acknowledging two truths about God. First, God alone is great in His person. Emphasizing God's transcendence and incomparable holiness, this view contrasts with a contemporary church often losing sight of His unique majesty. This conviction shapes the church's commitments: worship-focused services, sermons grounded solely in God's Word, and profound respect for God among all. Second, God alone is sovereign in all things, a truth counter to popular philosophies. God's sovereignty is His nature, and His providence is how He actively preserves and governs every detail of creation to fulfill His eternal plan. This includes the physical world, nations, accidental events, and individuals' lives. Crucially, God superintends even sinful acts, directing them to His ultimate good purposes without causing the sin itself. The sermon cautions against misinterpreting providence as an excuse for sin or neglecting responsibility. Instead, believers are urged to submit to God's will, acknowledge His control in their plans, trust in His good intentions (Romans 8:28), shed fear of the future, and express gratitude for His daily, unwavering care.
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.