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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Let the Children Come!
This text analyzes Mark 10:13-16, highlighting Jesus's radical compassion for children, which starkly contrasted the low regard for children in first-century culture and pagan societies, exemplified by infanticide and neglect. The disciples' attempt to rebuke parents bringing children to Jesus reflected this prevailing, flawed perspective, provoking Jesus's indignation. The speaker extends this critique to modern secular and even some Christian views that devalue children or prioritize personal ambition over their well-being. Jesus's powerful teaching emphasizes that "the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" and one must "receive the kingdom of God like a child." This does not suggest children are morally innocent or inherently saved, but rather underscores their complete helplessness and lack of merit. To enter God's kingdom, adults must abandon all claims of self-righteousness and receive salvation as a pure act of grace, just as a child receives everything without earning it. Jesus's actions of taking them in His arms and blessing them further exemplify His tender affection.
Watch and Pray - Part 1
Tom Pennington's sermon "Ephesians Watch and Pray (Part 1)" uses the story of Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese soldier who fought for 29 years after WWII due to strict obedience, to highlight the absolute reliance Christians must have on God in spiritual warfare. Drawing from Ephesians 6, Pennington explains that after understanding our orders (vv. 10-13) to stand against the devil's schemes (attacking God's Word, intimidating, tempting) and putting on God's full armor (vv. 14-17), the crucial third movement is to "Develop a Soldier's Mindset" (vv. 18-20) through prayer. Prayer demonstrates our complete dependence on God, our commanding officer. Merely applying truth (armor) is insufficient without it. We are called to pray: "with all kinds of prayer and petition" (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication), "at all times" (continually), "in the Spirit" (empowered and directed by the Holy Spirit), "with alertness" (watching for spiritual danger), and "with all perseverance" (never giving up). These two spiritual weapons�God's Word and prayer�are essential defenses against Satan. Practical advice includes scheduling regular daily prayer times and modeling prayers after the Lord's Prayer to cultivate this vital dependence.
The Sword of the Spirit
This sermon, "The Sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17b), concludes a study on the armor of God, emphasizing the crucial role of God's Word in spiritual warfare. After briefly recapping previous armor pieces�the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel, shield of faith, and helmet of salvation�the pastor introduces the final piece: the sword. Drawing an analogy to the Roman gladius, a short, stabbing sword used in close combat, the sermon explains that the "Sword of the Spirit" isn't the entire Bible (logos) but specific, propositional statements of Scripture (rhema). This "short sword" is supplied and illumined by the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to apply God's truth directly. The text warns against ineffective methods for resisting Satan, such as human reasoning, self-love, distractions, willpower, or direct commands. Instead, Christians are called to follow Jesus' example, who, when tempted in the wilderness, countered each of Satan's attacks with specific "It is written" declarations from Scripture. This demonstrates that to stand firm against Satan's lies and temptations, believers must know, memorize, study, and meditate on appropriate Scriptures, actively applying these individual truths in moments of spiritual attack.
Jesus on Divorce - Part 3
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon on Mark 10, "The Memoirs of Peter Jesus on Divorce (Part 3)," elucidates Jesus's definitive teaching on divorce and remarriage. Jesus unequivocally states that God intends marriage to be a permanent union, citing creation (Genesis 1-2) where male and female become "one flesh." He counters the prevalent Rabbinic view allowing divorce for "any reason," emphasizing that Moses permitted divorce certificates due to "hardness of heart," not as God's ideal. Unbiblical divorce and remarriage are deemed adultery. The sermon outlines two biblical exceptions: 1. **Sexual Immorality (Pornea):** Jesus, in Matthew 5 and 19, allows divorce for "unchastity" or "immorality," encompassing various sexual sins with another entity (adultery, homosexuality, incest, etc.). 2. **Abandonment by an Unbeliever:** Paul, in 1 Corinthians 7, states that if an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave the marriage, the believing partner is "not under bondage," implying permissible divorce and remarriage. Pennington offers practical applications: the never-married should commit to marriage's permanence; the currently married should uphold this permanence and avoid divorce threats. For those with unbiblical divorces, repentance and God's forgiveness are available. Reconciliation with a former spouse is encouraged if possible, unless the spouse is remarried, deceased, or an unbeliever.
Resolved: To Pursue Life's Highest Priority! - Part 3
In his sermon "To Pursue Life's Highest Priority," Pastor Tom Pennington explores Deuteronomy 6:4-9, presenting the command to love God entirely as a "spiritual stress test." He outlines four practical consequences of genuine love for God. First, a lover of God will diligently study and meditate on His Word, allowing it to shape their intellect, will, and daily decisions. Second, they will consistently teach God�s Word to their family, particularly parents, who are called to engrave these truths into their children through constant repetition. Third, God�s Word will saturate daily conversations, permeating all aspects of life�at home, away, morning, and night�rather than being confined to specific devotional times. Fourth, this love compels active application of God�s Word to every area of life: personal, family, and public, as obedience to His commands is the truest measure of love, as Jesus himself affirmed. Pennington concludes by posing two self-reflective questions: How healthy is your spiritual heart? This is assessed by one�s love for God's Word, faith in Jesus, love for fellow believers, perseverance in trials, and delight in God. How does one grow in this love?
Resolved: To Pursue Life's Highest Priority! - Part 2
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "To Pursue Life�s Highest Priority!" (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), asserts that loving God is life's ultimate resolution, directly correlating with one's spiritual health. He first clarifies what divine love is *not*: it's not simply emotionalism, religious ritual, external conformity to laws, biblical knowledge, or mere obedience. These are insufficient. True love for God, drawing from the Hebrew "ahav," comprises three key qualities. It requires **exclusive allegiance**, a resolute commitment to God alone, allowing no rivals like self, money, pleasure, or other earthly affections, mirroring the exclusivity of marital vows. Second, it involves **loving actions**, expressed through service, worship, and obedience to God's desires and commands, especially by caring for His people, as God Himself has no needs. Third, genuine love necessitates **genuine affection**, engaging the heart with sincere emotion. This affection is nurtured by knowing God through His Word, admiring His character, and delighting in His presence, rather than loving Him for selfish gain. This holistic love is to be given "with all your heart, soul, and might," encompassing intellect, will, emotions, desires, and maximum effort. The sermon offers two critical applications.
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