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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Jesus Defines Greatness
In his sermon "Jesus Defines Greatness" from Mark 9:33-37, Pastor Tom Pennington challenges the world's definition of greatness, which often equates it with pride and self-promotion, evident from modern culture to ancient Jewish society. He highlights how even Jesus's disciples, despite witnessing His ministry, succumbed to this human tendency, frequently arguing about who among them was the greatest, especially after some were given special privileges. Jesus directly addresses this worldly mindset, redefining true greatness for His kingdom. As a teacher, He proclaims, "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." To illustrate this radical principle, Jesus embraces a child, a figure of low status and insignificance in that culture. Through this, He teaches that entry into His kingdom requires humility, coming as a "beggar" with no self-merit. Furthermore, true greatness within the kingdom is measured and demonstrated by serving the lowliest members of society "in My name," an act Jesus equates with serving Himself and the Father.
Your Biography is Already Written
Pastor Tom Pennington teaches that for Christians, their biography is already divinely written, a profound truth found in 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14. Unlike human autobiographies, God�s version focuses on universal spiritual realities, providing comfort and assurance. Paul originally shared this with the worried Thessalonians, reassuring them of God�s certain plan for their future. This spiritual biography unfolds in three essential chapters. First, "Chosen in Eternity Past," where God, out of His sovereign and unconditional love, selected believers for salvation before time began. This choice rescues them from His wrath, leading to sanctification by the Spirit and faith in truth. Second, "Rescued in Time," occurs when God effectually calls individuals through the gospel, drawing them irresistibly to Himself, fostering genuine repentance and faith. Third, "Prepared for Eternal Glory," reveals God�s ultimate purpose: for believers to share in the glory of Jesus Christ�His kingdom, perfect character, and a glorified body. Understanding this pre-written narrative should inspire profound gratitude, eliminate fear of the future, strengthen resolve to stand firm in God's word, and motivate prayer for perseverance in living a godly life, as the final chapter guarantees sharing Christ's glory.
The Shocking Plan Behind the Cross
Pastor Tom Pennington examines Mark 9:30-32, highlighting Jesus' second prophecy of His impending suffering, death, and resurrection. As Jesus began His final journey to the cross, He privately taught His disciples about this essential truth, desiring anonymity to focus on their instruction. The "shocking plan behind the cross" is unveiled through Jesus' statement that the "Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men." Pennington clarifies that the Greek word "delivered over" (paradidomi), supported by passages like Isaiah 53, Acts 2:23, and Romans 8:32, reveals God the Father as the ultimate agent who intentionally handed His beloved Son over for humanity's redemption. Despite Jesus' prophecy, the disciples didn't fully grasp its meaning, a lack of understanding providentially orchestrated by God to spare them premature agony. Jesus' reasons for this prophecy were threefold: to provide hope and comfort by demonstrating God's sovereign plan, to serve as a divine apologetic confirming God's control, and to emphasize that His incarnation and ministry's central purpose was His sacrificial death. For believers, this carries profound implications: the cross must be the core of our message, just as it was for Jesus, proclaiming Christ crucified.
No Faith, Weak Faith, & Little Faith - Part 3
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "No Faith, Weak Faith, & Little Faith, Part 3" explores Jesus' healing of a demon-possessed boy in Mark 9:14-29, illustrating different levels of belief. The narrative first presents those with "no faith"�the scribes and crowd�who remain unconvinced despite Jesus' presence and power, prompting His rebuke of an "unbelieving generation." Next, the boy's father exhibits "weak faith," initially doubting Jesus' full capability ("if You can do anything"). Jesus challenges this by stating, "All things are possible to him who believes," leading the father to confess, "I do believe; help my unbelief," signifying a critical step toward genuine saving faith. The sermon's primary focus, however, is on the disciples, who represent believers with "little faith." They failed to exorcise the demon, despite Jesus previously granting them authority. Jesus attributes their inability to both their "littleness of faith" (Matthew's parallel account) and a lack of "prayer" (Mark's account). Pennington clarifies that faith and prayer are inextricably linked: minimal faith results in minimal prayer. True faith involves confidence in God's clear promises and His infinite ability to act. The disciples' failure, like often our own, stemmed from relying on themselves rather than on God through dependent, robust prayer.
Learning to Use God's Armor - Part 6
Pastor Tom Pennington, interpreting Ephesians 6:10-17, outlines Satan's three primary strategies against believers. First, Satan attacks the Word of God, seeking to undermine its truth, meaning, and our obedience, often through false teaching. Second, he intimidates through fear and persecution, aiming to silence Christians and discourage their faith, a tactic prevalent historically and increasingly today. Third, Satan seduces with personal temptation. This occurs by establishing an evil "world system" (cosmos/aion) that appeals to humanity's fallenness�the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. He also tailors external circumstances to exploit individual cravings and weaknesses, exemplified in Jesus's temptations or David's sin. Furthermore, Satan attempts to twist God-given trials, meant for spiritual growth and faith-strengthening, into opportunities for sin, bitterness, or doubt, as seen in Job's and Paul's suffering. Understanding these relentless attacks is vital. Believers cannot withstand Satan's power independently. The text stresses that only by being "strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might" and "putting on the full armor of God" can one stand firm against these schemes, relying entirely on Christ's power, not personal resolve.
Learning to Use God's Armor - Part 5
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "Learning to Use God's Armor, Part 5," underscores that the Christian life is a spiritual war against Satan, whose goal is to destroy faith and prevent growth. Citing Ephesians 6, he urges believers to be strong in the Lord and wear God's full armor to stand against the devil's schemes. This installment specifically addresses Satan's strategy of attacking the Word of God by distorting the true Christ and corrupting the true gospel. Satan achieves this by raising false teachers who appear as "angels of light" but preach a "different Jesus" and "different gospel" (2 Corinthians 11). These attacks manifest as heresy within denominations, distinct cults, or a subtle, slow departure from sound doctrine driven by a desire for "relevance" over truth (2 Timothy 4). Even mature believers can be swayed. To identify false teachers, assess if their message is widely appealing to unbelievers, if they deny fundamental Christian doctrines (on Christ or salvation), if their ultimate authority is outside Scripture (Deuteronomy 13), or if their practical living leads to license to sin or legalism.
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