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.
He Does All Things Well!
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon on Mark 7:31-37 reveals Jesus' intentional and compassionate ministry to Gentiles, challenging human prejudices. Jesus deliberately journeys through Gentile regions like Tyre, Sidon, and the Decapolis, undertaking a longer route to establish a new phase of outreach beyond Israel, preparing His disciples for future global evangelism. The sermon focuses on Jesus' healing of a deaf man who also spoke with difficulty. Jesus demonstrates profound personal compassion, taking the man aside to communicate understanding through symbolic actions�touching his ears and tongue, looking heavenward, and sighing in empathy. The healing itself occurs by Jesus' authoritative command, "Ephphatha!" ("Be opened!"). Despite Jesus' request for secrecy, the astonished Gentile crowd proclaims, "He has done all things well," linking His perfect work to God's creation. Pennington highlights several implications: Jesus' genuine concern for all people, transcending racial or cultural barriers, which foreshadows the early church's Gentile mission; His deep compassion for individuals, especially the disabled, viewing their conditions as effects of the Fall; and ultimately, this miracle serves as clear evidence of Jesus' Messiahship and deity, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies like Isaiah 35.
The Place on Which We Stand
The sermon introduces the concept of "pou sto," an ancient Greek phrase meaning "a place where I may stand," which metaphorically represents the ultimate source of authority for one's beliefs. While many in society stand on authorities like naturalism, empiricism, human reason, or "designer religions" tailored to personal preference, the speaker argues these foundations are ultimately insufficient and frightening, as they base both life and eternity on flawed human constructs. For Christians, the ultimate "pou sto" is Jesus Christ, whose authority is validated not just by the Bible (as we believe the Bible because of Him), but definitively by His resurrection from the dead. The resurrection proves Jesus' claims to deity and validates His atoning work, making it the central pillar of Christian faith. The sermon then explores Romans 10:5-10, contrasting two ways to achieve righteousness: a law-based righteousness, which demands perfect, impossible obedience and leads to condemnation, and a faith-based righteousness. The latter is accessible because Christ has already completed the "superhuman" tasks of descending from heaven (incarnation) and ascending from the grave (resurrection).
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.
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.