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 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.
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.
A Child Is Born, A Son Is Given! - Part 1
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "A Child Is Born, A Son Is Given!" interprets Isaiah 9:1-7, focusing on Christ's birth as light breaking into darkness. Drawing on the artistic concept of chiaroscuro, he explains that God used light and darkness in creation to reflect spiritual realities: God is light, and human sin is profound darkness. The sermon outlines five forms of this spiritual darkness, prevalent in Isaiah's time and ours: idolatry, willful ignorance of God's Word, pervasive personal sin, divine judgment, and defiant rebellion against God. This deep human darkness necessitated a divine solution. Isaiah's prophecy foretells that a "great light" would shine in an unexpected place: Galilee of the Gentiles. This region, historically marginalized and pagan-influenced, was despised by the religious elite. Yet, Matthew 4 confirms Jesus' ministry began there, fulfilling this prophecy. Jesus is identified as this ultimate Light, meant not only for Israel but for all nations. John's Gospel further emphasizes Jesus as the "true Light" that enlightens humanity. Believing in Christ allows individuals to escape darkness and become "sons of Light," receiving the dawn of truth and righteousness. This spiritual illumination of the heart is a sovereign act of God's grace, bringing light where only darkness existed.
What Commandment Is the Greatest?
This text analyzes Mark 12:28-34, where a scribe questions Jesus about the greatest commandment. The author emphasizes that this query exposes humanity's inherent inability to perfectly obey God's extensive laws. Jesus responds by identifying two paramount commands: first, to love the Lord your God with your entire being�heart, soul, mind, and strength�and second, to love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus elaborates that the first command is rooted in understanding God's unique identity, gracious choice, and oneness. This "love" demands exclusive allegiance, selfless service, and profound affection, signifying a total commitment. The second command, loving one's neighbor, naturally flows from the first and should extend to anyone encountered, mirroring our inherent self-care. Together, these commands encapsulate the essence of the entire Old Testament Law and Prophets. The scribe's surprising admission that these commands outweigh all burnt offerings and sacrifices earns him Jesus's commendation: "You are not far from the kingdom of God." This statement implies that a true grasp of God's impossibly high standards should lead to a recognition of one's sinfulness and a desperate need for a Savior.
Blessed Are the Persecuted!
Tom Pennington's sermon on Matthew 5:10-12, "Blessed Are the Persecuted," examines the final beatitude. He argues that persecution is a consistent experience for true believers, citing biblical figures like Abel, the prophets, apostles, and Jesus, along with instances throughout church history. Pennington clarifies that persecution encompasses more than physical suffering, extending to verbal insults, false accusations, hatred, and social ostracism, often being attitudinal or verbal in nature. He identifies two legitimate reasons for Christian persecution: "for the sake of righteousness," meaning living a life consistent with the other beatitudes, and "because of Me," referring to one's loyalty to Jesus, whom the world rejects. This opposition arises because righteous living acts as a mirror, exposing the sin of unbelievers. The proper response to such persecution is to "rejoice and be glad." This joy stems from recognizing three blessings: it proves the genuineness of one's faith, promises great heavenly rewards, and places believers in the company of prophets and saints. Pennington concludes by asserting that experiencing persecution for these specific reasons is a crucial test and a defining characteristic of true Christian life, whereas a life where "all men speak well of you" may signal a superficial faith.
Benefitting From the Beatitudes
Pastor Tom Pennington discusses the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the legitimate uses of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). He contrasts the misuse of human products with the misuse of God's Word, emphasizing that the Bible should be actively applied, not just intellectually accumulated. Pennington outlines four primary benefits of the Beatitudes. First, they serve as **a tutor to Christ**. Their impossibly high standard of spiritual perfection (e.g., meekness, purity of heart) reveals humanity's inability to earn salvation, driving individuals to Christ as spiritual beggars for mercy, repentance, and faith. Second, they function as **a test of saving faith**. By examining whether these qualities (like mourning sin, hungering for righteousness, being a peacemaker) genuinely describe one's life, individuals can discern if they belong to Christ's kingdom. Third, the Beatitudes act as **a textbook for kingdom living**. For those already in Christ, they provide a blueprint for daily conduct, encouraging continuous growth in spiritual poverty, mourning over sin, demonstrating mercy, pursuing purity, and making peace. Finally, they are **a testament to our future**.
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