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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Five Hallmarks of a Biblical Church - Part 5
Tom Pennington's sermon emphasizes "The Central Place of Christ and the Gospel" as the fifth hallmark of a biblical church. He clarifies this doesn't mean every sermon is a simple gospel presentation, nor just sentimental talk or accepting any professed "love for Jesus" without biblical understanding. Instead, it signifies that all church teaching and ministry must be profoundly rooted in the truth of who Jesus is and what He accomplished�His person and work. This centrality is crucial because Christ and the gospel are fundamental to God's eternal plan, the entirety of Scripture, personal salvation and sanctification, true worship of God, and the believer's future. A church demonstrates this by delivering Christ-centered sermons (not man or preacher-centered), connecting every truth taught back to Christ, featuring Christ- and cross-centered music, and having members focused on obeying Jesus. The gospel is presented as both the motive and power for spiritual growth, articulated clearly and completely, emphasizing repentance and faith. Furthermore, a biblical church exhibits a strong desire for evangelism and uses the gospel to determine its fellowship boundaries. Individuals, like the church, must ensure Jesus Christ remains the undeniable center of their spiritual lives.
Five Hallmarks of a Biblical Church - Part 4
This sermon, "Five Hallmarks of a Biblical Church, Part 4," focuses on the fourth hallmark: "A Biblical View of the Church." The pastor illustrates that appearances can be deceiving, stressing the imperative to understand a truly biblical church. A biblical view of the church means leadership intentionally structures its life to reflect what the Bible teaches. This necessitates three things: 1. **Being a Church, Not Just a Christian Gathering**: Defined by a mutual commitment to be a local church, regular corporate worship on the Lord's Day, and consistent practice of baptism and the Lord's Supper. 2. **Being a True Church, Not a False One**: A true church does not deny the person of Jesus Christ (His deity, humanity, or work) or the true gospel (salvation by faith alone). Groups like cults (Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses), Roman Catholicism (due to denying salvation by faith alone), and liberal Protestant denominations are identified as false churches for denying these core truths. 3. **Following the Scriptural Pattern for Church Life, Not Man-Made Designs**: * **Purpose**: The church is God's household and the pillar and support of the truth, fostering a community where adopted children grow.
A King's Entrance: Jesus Returns to Jerusalem
The text details Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, contrasting its spiritual significance with a secular royal wedding. Pastor Tom Pennington emphasizes that Jesus meticulously orchestrated this event, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) by riding an unridden colt. This public act unequivocally declared Him Israel's long-promised Messiah and King. As Jesus entered, crowds spread cloaks and branches, shouting "Hosanna!" and "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord," recognizing His kingship and anticipating the Davidic kingdom. The entry's purpose was not to immediately establish an earthly kingdom, but to confirm His identity as Messiah and the ultimate Passover Lamb, destined for sacrifice (Psalm 118). Jesus responded to His subjects by weeping over Jerusalem's impending judgment due to their rejection, surveying the Temple for future cleansing, and demonstrating compassionate healing. The Triumphal Entry thus reveals Jesus' clear claim to kingship and foretells His return, while also highlighting humanity's desperate need for salvation through the cross and challenging individuals to truly accept Him as both Savior and King.
The Heart of the Gospel
The sermon, "Sermons The Heart of the Gospel," emphasizes the absolute essentiality of Jesus Christ's resurrection to the Christian faith, drawing from 1 Corinthians 15. Pastor Tom Pennington explains Paul's purpose was to correct the Corinthian denial of bodily resurrection, affirming that Christ's resurrection is foundational to the gospel and guarantees believers' future resurrection. The gospel's core, summarized in 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, contains four propositions. First, Christ "died for our sins according to the Scriptures." Humanity's sin demands punishment, but God, in love, sent Jesus to die as a substitutionary sacrifice, satisfying divine justice (Isaiah 53). Second, Christ "was buried," confirming His genuine death and providing the empty tomb evidence. Third, Christ "was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." This verifies Jesus' claims, affirms God's acceptance of His sacrifice, and guarantees His future role as judge, rising with a glorified body (Psalm 16, Isaiah 53). Finally, Christ "appeared to eyewitnesses." Over 500 people, including skeptics like James and Paul, saw the risen Christ, offering undeniable historical proof. To receive this good news, individuals must "repent and believe the gospel," turning from sin and relying solely on Jesus Christ for salvation and reconciliation with God.
Kangaroo Court: The Illegal Arraignment of Jesus Christ
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "Kangaroo Court: The Illegal Arraignment of Jesus Christ," illuminates the profound miscarriage of justice in Jesus' initial hearing before Annas. The term "kangaroo court" describes a process where justice is rushed and circumvented, evident in Jesus' arraignment. Jewish law mandated formal accusations from witnesses and prohibited self-incrimination or questioning by judges. Yet, Annas, Caiaphas's powerful father-in-law who had pre-judged Jesus, illegally interrogated Him about His followers and teaching. Jesus insisted on due process, asking Annas to question witnesses instead of Him, which prompted an officer to strike Him. This preliminary hearing preceded a series of six trials�three Jewish (charging blasphemy) and three Roman (charging sedition). Though Pilate repeatedly declared Jesus innocent, the predetermined verdict led to His crucifixion. Pennington offers two primary insights: he urges listeners not to emulate Annas, who rejected Jesus due to perceived threats to his position, wealth, and religion; and he establishes Jesus' absolute innocence before human law. This blamelessness is central to Christian faith, affirming that Jesus, undeserving of death, willingly bore the punishment humanity justly deserved.
Kyrie Eleison
The sermon explores Mark 10:46-52, the healing of blind Bartimaeus in Jericho, as a profound parable for spiritual salvation. As Jesus makes His final journey to Jerusalem, He encounters Bartimaeus, a desperate blind beggar, often misjudged as suffering divine punishment. Hearing Jesus is near, Bartimaeus boldly cries out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" recognizing Him as the Messiah, despite the crowd's attempts to silence him. Moved by compassion, Jesus stops the entire procession to call Bartimaeus. When asked what he desires, Bartimaeus requests his sight, demonstrating deep faith by addressing Jesus as "Rabboni" (My Lord, My Master). Jesus declares, "Your faith has made you well," granting not only physical sight but also spiritual salvation. Immediately, Bartimaeus follows Jesus, glorifying God. This true story serves as a living parable, teaching seven steps to receive spiritual rescue: one must recognize their spiritual blindness and helplessness, acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah and only source of hope, place complete trust in Him, cry out persistently for mercy, expect opposition, understand that true salvation initiates a lifetime of following Jesus, and believe that Jesus welcomes all who truly seek Him, regardless of social standing.
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