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.
Engage with the most recent teaching from God’s Word.
The preaching of God's Word is central to worship and of the utmost importance for the sanctification of every believer in Christ.
Explore messages organized to help you grow in Christ.
Search and filter sermons for quick access.
The Children's Bread to the Dogs?
This sermon on Mark 7:24-30 examines Jesus' encounter with a Syrophoenician woman, contrasting the prevalent Jewish contempt for Gentiles with Christ's ultimate mission. In the first century, Gentiles were often viewed as "pagans," but Jesus journeyed into Gentile territory. When a desperate Syrophoenician woman, identified as a Canaanite idolater, sought healing for her demon-possessed daughter, Jesus initially responded by stating His primary mission was to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel," likening Gentiles to "dogs" receiving "children's bread." Remarkably, the woman demonstrated profound, humble faith, agreeing with the metaphor but appealing for even "crumbs" from the table. Jesus, recognizing her "great faith," immediately healed her daughter from a distance. This pivotal account reveals several lessons: Jesus' ultimate mission was always destined to include Gentiles, extending salvation beyond Israel. It highlights His immense compassion and authority, showing His willingness to receive even pagan idolaters who approach Him with genuine faith. Ultimately, this story teaches that saving faith is persistent, humble, and completely trusting in Jesus' word, offering rest to all who come to Him, regardless of their background.
The Two Reasons Jesus Had to Die!
The sermon "The Two Reasons Jesus Had to Die" elucidates the dual perspectives behind Christ's crucifixion, primarily drawing from John 11:47-57. The immediate catalyst was Jesus's public and spectacular raising of Lazarus, which led many to believe in Him, sparking widespread excitement. This miracle alarmed the Jewish Sanhedrin, consisting of chief priests (primarily Sadducees) and Pharisees. From a human standpoint, the leaders faced a "moral dilemma" that led to an "evil solution." High Priest Caiaphas argued for political expediency: "it is expedient for you that one man die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish." They feared Jesus's growing popularity would provoke Roman intervention, costing them their power, prestige, and national autonomy. Thus, Jesus's death was a premeditated act of murder, driven by self-preservation and envy. However, from a divine perspective, Caiaphas's statement was an unwitting prophecy. God's "predetermined plan" was for Jesus to die, not merely for political reasons, but as a spiritual sacrifice for the nation and "to gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad," encompassing both Jews and Gentiles. Jesus, aware of the plot, voluntarily proceeded to Jerusalem, fulfilling His mission as the "Passover Lamb" to atone for sins.
Three Primary Effects of the Spirit's Influence - Part 4
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "Three Primary Effects of the Spirit�s Influence, Part 4," centers on Ephesians 5:20, emphasizing thanksgiving as a vital outcome of a life controlled by the Spirit and God's Word. He contends that ingratitude is a severe sin, while thanksgiving honors and magnifies God, is highly valued in Scripture, and is explicitly commanded (e.g., Colossians 3, 1 Thessalonians 5:18). Thanksgiving entails acknowledging God's blessings, recognizing our unworthiness, and expressing genuine gratitude. It should be a constant pattern�before meals, in daily private worship, in all prayers, and during corporate worship. We are to give thanks "for all things," meaning all good things aligned with God's will, and for His ability to bring good out of evil circumstances (not for the evil itself), and for all people. This gratitude is directed "to God, even the Father," as the ultimate source of all blessings, and offered "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," through whom all blessings flow. To promote a spirit of thanksgiving, one must embrace Christ, be filled with the Spirit through the Word, cultivate a sense of unworthiness, rehearse God's blessings, understand His sovereignty and goodness, and always remember the indescribable gift of Christ in salvation.
The Heart of All Our Problems
In his sermon "The Heart of All Our Problems," Tom Pennington uses the metaphor of "Ground Zero" to pinpoint the origin of humanity's deepest issues. He explains that Jesus, in Mark 7, confronts the Pharisees' belief that external rituals and dietary laws define purity. Jesus unequivocally states that defilement does not come from what enters a person (like food), but from the evil that *proceeds from within* the human heart. Jesus identifies a list of sins�including evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, and pride�as manifestations of this internal corruption. Pennington explains that this teaching points to total depravity, meaning sin permeates every aspect of human nature, leaving no part untouched and rendering us spiritually unable to please God on our own. Practically, this means attempts at moral purity through external means like isolation or self-reformation are futile, as they fail to address the fundamental problem of a fallen heart. Our hearts are the constant source of our sin, and our sinful actions are a direct reflection of our internal state. True change, therefore, must begin with the heart, tackling not just the outward "fruit" of sin but also its "root" in evil thoughts and desires.
Tradition! - Part 3
This text argues that religious systems can deviate significantly from their original purpose, becoming "false religion" characterized by a shift from divine authority to human tradition and from salvation by grace to works-righteousness. Using Harvard University's transformation as an analogy, the author asserts that 1st-century Judaism had undergone this radical change by the time of Christ. The sermon directly refutes the "New Perspective on Paul" (advocated by scholars like N.T. Wright), which claims that 1st-century Judaism was grace-based and that Jesus and Paul's critiques were primarily about ethnocentrism, not legalism. The author presents biblical evidence from Paul's personal testimony (Romans 7, Philippians 3) and Jesus's explicit condemnations of the scribes and Pharisees (Mark 7, Matthew 23, Luke 18). Jesus repeatedly labeled them hypocrites, self-righteous, and children of hell, stressing their empty, external worship and reliance on their own deeds for salvation, exemplified by the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Ultimately, the text identifies two markers of false religion: the rejection of *sola scriptura* (Scripture alone as authority) and *sola gratia* (salvation by grace alone).
Three Primary Effects of the Spirit's Influence - Part 3
This text examines the role of music in Christian worship, critiquing the modern trend of incorporating secular music. The speaker advocates for the regulative principle of worship, asserting that only practices directly prescribed by Scripture are acceptable, in contrast to the normative principle which permits anything not explicitly forbidden. Of the seven divinely commanded elements for corporate worship, music is highlighted as essential. Music serves a dual purpose: horizontally, to teach and admonish believers, and vertically, to praise God. Acceptable forms include psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. The sermon strongly argues for the inclusion of all musical instruments in worship, citing extensive Old Testament patterns where God commanded the use of orchestras, choirs, and music directors, a prescription never repealed in the New Testament. The New Testament's command to sing psalms, which inherently call for instrumental accompaniment, and heavenly depictions of worship with instruments further support this. Crucially, worship music must be offered "with your heart"�sincerely, passionately, and actively�and intentionally directed "to the Lord" Jesus Christ. God despises insincere, merely external worship. Music is a divine gift, and every believer is called to participate wholeheartedly, directing their praise to Christ as if He were present.
No Results Found.
We couldn’t find anything matching your search.
Explore The Word Unleashed
Our ministry brings together expository preaching, theological precision, and practical application for the good of Christ's church and the daily living of Christ's people.
.webp)
Sermons
Listen to expository sermons that clearly teach God’s Word and guide you in daily living.
Radio
Tune in to gospel-centered programs that share biblical truth and strengthen your daily walk with Christ.
Training
Join courses and workshops designed to deepen your faith and equip you to serve others with biblical wisdom.
.webp)
From the Pastor's Desk
Read pastoral messages that encourage, instruct, and help you apply God’s Word to every part of your life.
.webp)
Hymns
Discover timeless hymns that lift your heart in worship and remind you of God’s abounding grace and faithfulness.
Podcasts
Stay rooted in Scripture through our podcast series.