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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An Aerial View of the New Testament
An Aerial View of the Old Testament
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Bridge Over Troubled Water
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Embracing Our Church's Distinctives
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Five Hallmarks of a Biblical Church
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Hook, Line and Sinker
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Lies Christians Believe
Look in the Mirror!
Lord, Teach Us To Pray
Mark - The Memoirs of Peter
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Your Faith, Dead or Alive?
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2012-01-15

The Power of Your Influence - Part 2

Pastor Tom Pennington continues his study of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, focusing on Matthew 5:13-16, which describes believers as "salt and light." As "salt of the earth," Christians act as a preservative against moral and spiritual decay in the world, simply by living out their faith and character. Part 2 extensively details "light of the world." Pennington explains the Old Testament background where humanity lives in spiritual darkness, and God promised a Messiah who would bring light. He connects this to the Feast of Tabernacles' candelabra ceremony, which historically illuminated Jerusalem, commemorating God's pillar of fire guiding Israel. In this potent context, Jesus declared, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). This profound statement encompasses four claims: First, the entire world lives in perpetual spiritual darkness of ignorance, error, and sin. Second, Jesus is the absolute source of truth and moral purity, equating Himself with God as the wilderness light. Third, He is the *only* source of this light for all people, across all times and places. Finally, He is the *only way out* of this darkness; following Him�through repentance and continual obedience to His teachings in Scripture�grants "the light of life," leading to true eternal life.

Tom Pennington
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The Sermon on the Mount
2012
2012-01-08

Unmasking False Religion

Tom Pennington's sermon "The Memoirs of Peter Unmasking False Religion" argues that while contemporary society values tolerance, Jesus was intensely critical of false religion, reserving His sharpest condemnations for its leaders, not for ordinary sinners. He explains that first-century Judaism had become a false religion, prioritizing human traditions over God's commands, as highlighted in Mark 7. Jesus' teaching in Mark 12:38-40 (expanded in Matthew 23) unmasks three key aspects of false religion. First, its **danger**: it is a deceptive tool of Satan, leading people away from true faith, whether through paganism or perversions of genuine Christianity. Second, its **character**: it consistently panders to human pride (e.g., love of recognition, titles, chief seats), is financially driven, often exploiting vulnerable people like widows, and its spirituality is a fraudulent facade, with external acts like long prayers performed solely for public appearance. Third, its **end**: Jesus warns that leaders of false religion will face "greater condemnation" on the Day of Judgment.

Tom Pennington
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Mark - The Memoirs of Peter
2012
2012-01-08

The Power of Your Influence - Part 1

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "The Power of Your Influence," explores the divine law of influence, where individuals both shape and are shaped by others. Focusing on Matthew 5:13-16, he explains Jesus' call for His disciples to be "the salt of the earth." Pennington first debunks common misconceptions about Christian influence, cautioning against worldliness (accommodation), relying solely on political action, legalism, or neglecting one's influence entirely. The primary metaphor of "salt" signifies a Christian's role as a moral and spiritual preservative in a world prone to decay. Just as salt prevented spoilage in ancient times, Christians combat societal corruption by living out their faith and embodying the character described in the Beatitudes. The sermon warns against the peril of "tasteless" salt�Christians who lose their distinctiveness through compromise with the world, becoming ineffective or revealing a lack of genuine faith. To truly be "salt," believers must actively engage in the world without being "of" it, live out their identity in Christ through obedience, and steadfastly maintain their unique, preserving character.

Tom Pennington
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The Sermon on the Mount
2012
2011-12-25

A Child Is Born, A Son Is Given! - Part 3

In this Christmas sermon based on Isaiah 9:6-7, Pastor Tom Pennington examines the identity and reign of the prophesied Messiah. Connecting the text to Handel�s *Messiah*, Pennington emphasizes that Christmas celebrates the birth of a King, not merely a baby. Verse 6 establishes Christ�s dual nature as both a human child and the divine Son given by God. His character is revealed through four titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. Focusing on verse 7, Pennington outlines six qualities of Christ�s unique government. First, it is uncontainable, expanding beyond all boundaries. Second, it is a peaceful kingdom characterized by *shalom* and spiritual prosperity. Third, it is legitimate, fulfilling the Davidic covenant. Fourth, it is lawful, upheld by perfect justice rather than corruption. Fifth, unlike fleeting earthly empires, His reign is eternal. Finally, it is unstoppable, guaranteed by the zeal of the Lord. The sermon concludes by challenging listeners to acknowledge Jesus as their rightful Sovereign, submitting to His rule in every aspect of their lives, as He currently reigns spiritually in believers' hearts and will one day establish a literal, everlasting kingdom on earth.

Tom Pennington
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Christmas Sermons
2011
2011-12-18

The Psalm That Proves Messiah Is God

In his sermon "The Psalm that Proves Messiah is God," Pastor Tom Pennington examines Mark 12:35-37 to reveal the Messiah's dual human and divine nature. He notes that while Jewish tradition anticipates a human Messiah from David's line, Jesus challenged this narrow view using Psalm 110:1. Jesus asked the scribes how the Messiah could be David's son if David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, called Him "Lord," citing, "The LORD said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand, until I put Your enemies beneath Your feet." This psalm, attributed to David, distinguishes Yahweh (God) from "my Lord" (the Messiah), indicating the Messiah's equal authority with God and ultimate victory. Jesus aimed to correct the misconception of a *merely* human Messiah, asserting that Old Testament prophecy clearly implies the Messiah would be both David's human descendant and David's divine Lord. Pennington emphasizes that Christianity fulfills this prophecy, as Jesus met the qualifications�being both a physical and legal descendant of David, and unequivocally claiming to be the Son of God.

Tom Pennington
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Mark - The Memoirs of Peter
2011
2011-12-18

A Child Is Born, A Son Is Given! - Part 2

The sermon likens Jesus's mission to a divine "search and rescue," referencing Isaiah 9:1-7. Prophet Isaiah foretold a Rescuer who would bring light into the deep spiritual darkness of humanity, a state characterized by sin, ignorance, and divine judgment. This Rescuer, identified with Jesus's ministry in Galilee, offers profound joy and liberation from both the guilt and consequences of sin. Isaiah 9:6-7 details this unique individual: a male child, yet a divine Son, upon whom "the government will rest." He is described by four names revealing His supernatural character: **Wonderful Counselor**: Possessing supernatural wisdom, offering clarity and guidance through His Word and prayer. **Mighty God**: Fully human yet fully God, with unlimited power to transform individuals and secure eternal salvation. **Eternal Father**: Exhibiting everlasting fatherly care, compassion, and protection. **Prince of Peace**: Establishing future global peace and, most importantly, spiritual peace between God and humanity through the forgiveness of sins. This prophecy encapsulates the gospel, inviting all to repent of their sins and submit to this King, trusting in His sacrifice for abundant pardon and lasting peace.

Tom Pennington
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Christmas Sermons
2011

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