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.
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Church by the Book - Part 2
This sermon, "Church by the Book Part 2," highlights that Jesus Christ is actively building His church, His ultimate priority, according to a divine plan revealed in Scripture. Drawing from Matthew 16, where Jesus promised to build His church, the text elaborates on Ephesians 4:7, 11-12, outlining five interconnected parts of this plan. First, Christ distributes spiritual gifts to every church member (v. 7), empowering each for service. Second, Christ appoints leaders�apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers (v. 11)�as gifts to the church. While apostles and prophets laid the foundational revelation, evangelists and pastor-teachers (who are also elders and overseers) continue to lead, identified by their desire for the work, godly character, capacity to teach and manage, and congregational confirmation. Members are called to appreciate, imitate, and submit to these biblically qualified leaders, as their authority stems from God's Word. Third, these leaders equip the saints (v. 12a) for ministry through diligent teaching of God's Word and prayer, preparing them to function effectively. Fourth, members then accomplish the work of service (v. 12b), engaging in worship, nurture, and evangelism, rejecting the notion that ministry is solely for paid clergy or that there are no leaders.
The Sabbath & the Heart of God - Part 1
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon on Mark 2:22-3:6 examines Jesus's confrontation with the Pharisees over Sabbath observance, highlighting their legalistic mindset that prioritized meticulous human traditions over God's clear word and the "weightier provisions of the law" like justice and mercy. The Pharisees accused Jesus's hungry disciples of breaking the Sabbath by picking grain, equating it to forbidden work. Jesus refuted their accusations with several "iron-clad" arguments. He reminded them of biblical examples where necessity (David eating consecrated bread) or God-ordained ministry (priests working in the temple) superseded ceremonial law. Citing Hosea, Jesus emphasized God's desire for compassion over sacrifice. He also taught that the Sabbath was made for man, intended as a blessing and rest, not an oppressive burden. Most importantly, Jesus declared Himself "Lord even of the Sabbath," an unequivocal claim to deity and authority to redefine its purpose. For Christians, the sermon clarifies that we are not bound by the Old Testament Sabbath's specific regulations, as Christ is the "substance" to which the Sabbath was a "shadow" (Colossians 2:16-17).
Church by the Book - Part 1
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "Churches by the Book Part 1," emphasizes the importance of Christian unity, drawing an analogy to extreme corporate team-building exercises that forge cohesive work. He applies this to Ephesians 4:2-16, where Paul outlines how Christians, by working together and using their spiritual gifts, preserve the unity the Holy Spirit created. The sermon focuses on the first part of "Christ's plan for unity": Christ distributes spiritual gifts to His church. These "grace gifts" (charismata) are unique capacities for service, given to every believer at conversion, distinct from natural talents. While some gifts were temporary "sign gifts" for confirming the apostles' message, permanent "edifying gifts" (categorized as speaking or serving) exist today, forming a unique blend for each individual. Discovering one's gift involves studying Scripture, prayer, self-assessment, seeking confirmation, and faithfully serving. Christ sovereignly determines each person's gift and its measure, which should prevent both pride in visible roles and discontentment in less visible ones. The immediate purpose of these gifts is to serve the church for the "common good" and mutual edification. Ultimately, exercising our gifts properly glorifies God by exalting Christ, demonstrating His perfect design for His church.
New Wine, Old Wineskins
Tom Pennington's sermon on Mark 2:18-22 examines Jesus' teachings on fasting and its profound implications. He critiques modern attempts to make Jesus culturally palatable, asserting that Jesus' first-century ministry was inherently counter-cultural. The passage features John's disciples and Pharisees questioning why Jesus' followers don't fast. Pennington explains Jewish fasting was intended for humbling oneself, not earning God's favor. Jesus responds by identifying Himself as the "bridegroom," signifying a time of celebration, not mourning. He states that fasting will be appropriate only when He is "taken away" (referring to His crucifixion), a sorrow that will eventually transform into joy following His resurrection. Jesus further illustrates this through the parables of new patches on old garments and new wine in old wineskins. These parables underscore that His teachings represent a radical, fundamentally new system, incompatible with the rigid, legalistic framework of first-century Judaism. He wasn't a reformer to mend an outdated system but the initiator of something entirely distinct. Pennington concludes that this principle applies today: Jesus cannot be merely integrated into or contained by false religions, works-based systems, or modern ideologies like humanism or feminism.
Our God & General
The sermon critiques modern evangelical attempts to portray Jesus as a "comfortable, non-threatening" figure, arguing that this overlooks His biblical depiction as a powerful "Lion" and "Warrior King," not merely a gentle "Lamb." Using examples like driving money changers from the temple, the speaker emphasizes Jesus' strength and authority alongside His tenderness. The sermon focuses on Ephesians 4 and the imperative to preserve church unity. This is achieved through adopting attitudes of unity, focusing on shared doctrinal bases (one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, God/Father), and working on Christ's plan for unity. Ephesians 4:8-10 provides the biblical defense for Christ's right to orchestrate this unity and distribute spiritual gifts to His church. Referencing Psalm 68:18, Paul portrays Christ's ascension as a victorious General leading captive His enemies�sin, the curse of the law, and demonic powers�and distributing spoils (spiritual gifts) to His people. This triumphant conquest, from His descent to earth to His ascent into heaven, grants Christ absolute lordship over His church and ensures believers need not fear these defeated foes, enabling them to live in the victory of their warrior King.
A Friend of Sinners - Part 2
Pastor Tom Pennington�s sermon, "Mark A Friend of Sinners (Part 2)," examines Mark 2:13-17, addressing how Christians should interact with unbelievers. He identifies five flawed approaches: viewing unbelievers as enemies, complete separation, external distinctiveness that alienates, exclusive fellowship with Christians, or complete assimilation to worldly lifestyles. All these diverge from Jesus' example. Jesus demonstrated His mission by calling Levi (Matthew), a reviled tax collector, and then dining at Levi's house with many "tax collectors and sinners." When criticized by the Pharisees, Jesus declared, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." This clarifies His purpose: to seek the repentance and salvation of sinners. Pennington extracts four key lessons: Jesus' mission was to purposefully pursue sinners; the gospel is for those who recognize their own sinfulness; Christians must emulate Jesus by actively interacting with unbelievers to seek their repentance, avoiding both isolation and assimilation; and this meal prefigures the eternal feast where redeemed sinners will dine with Christ. Believers are called to engage their personal circles, using resources and social opportunities to share the gospel, just as Matthew did.
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