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.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Explore messages organized to help you grow in Christ.
Search and filter sermons for quick access.
A Virtual Tour of Israel - Part 1
Pastor Tom Pennington's "Virtual Tour of Israel (Part 1)" emphasizes the land's crucial role in understanding Scripture. He explains God chose Israel not for inherent beauty, but its unique strategic location as an ancient international land bridge connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. This placement allowed Israel to be God's "witness nation," tasked with displaying His character and wisdom to passing civilizations if they obeyed His laws (Deuteronomy 4). The tour navigates Israel's diverse topography and historical eras, exploring significant biblical sites. Caesarea, the Roman capital, was pivotal for early Christianity. Megiddo reveals ancient strategic importance. Mount Carmel marks Elijah's famous confrontation. The Jezreel Valley (Armageddon) witnessed many battles, including Gideon's strategic victory at Ein Harod. Nazareth was Jesus' humble home, while Capernaum became His primary ministry base on an international route, hosting Peter's house and a synagogue where Jesus taught extensively. Other stops include the Sea of Galilee, Mount of Beatitudes, and the Golan Heights. The tour culminates at Dan in the north, contrasting its beauty with Jeroboam's idolatrous "high place." Pennington concludes that Israel's geography and history serve as God's stage, showcasing His grace to the faithful and His wrath against sin and idolatry, providing enduring lessons for all.
How to Pray for This Church - Part 3
This sermon, Part 3 on Ephesians 3:14-21, explores Paul's prayer for spiritual growth, emphasizing foundational principles of effective prayer: praying according to revelation, with humility, and aligning with God's character. The sermon�s core focus is Paul�s first specific request: for believers "to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man" (Ephesians 3:16). This strengthening of the soul, our true self, is of vast extent, occurring "according to the riches of His glory" and enabling Christlikeness beyond imagination (Eph 3:20). It's accomplished by God's own power, which works in us "both to will and to work" for His good pleasure (Phil 2:13), mediated by the Holy Spirit. The ultimate result is that "Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith," signifying Christ becoming deeply at home in us, profoundly shaping our thoughts, speech, and actions to increasingly mirror His character. The text warns against two extremes in pursuing spiritual growth: the mystical "let go and let God" approach, which is debilitating, and the self-reliant "Christian self-help" approach. Instead, biblical growth balances divine power and human effort: "We expend the effort, and God produces the change.
How to Pray for This Church - Part 2
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon on Ephesians 3:14-21, "How to Pray for This Church (Part 2)," emphasizes prayer as an essential "exercise" for overcoming spiritual weaknesses, likening them to the "Achilles heel" in legendary heroes. He presents Paul's prayer as a crucial bridge between doctrinal understanding (Ephesians 1-3) and practical Christian living (Ephesians 4-6), serving as a model for effective prayer. Pennington highlights three observations from Paul's requests: first, prayer's priority should always be spiritual, focusing on inner growth over worldly needs. Second, Paul, despite being in prison, doesn't pray for a change in his circumstances, but for strength *within* them, advocating for sanctification through difficulties rather than their removal. Third, prayer is indispensable for spiritual growth; while scripture study and obedience are our responsibilities, genuine spiritual strength ("strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man") is ultimately a gift of God's grace. We must both diligently engage in spiritual disciplines and dependently pray for God to perform the inner transformation we cannot achieve ourselves.
Overcoming the Lust of the Eyes
Pastor Tom Pennington examines Jesus' third temptation in Matthew 4:8-10, where Satan offers Him all the world's kingdoms and their glory in exchange for worship. This temptation, reminiscent of the Faust legend, targets the "lust of the eyes"�a desire for personal prosperity, position, and power, bypassing God's ordained path of suffering. While Jesus was destined to rule these kingdoms, Satan proposed a shortcut, seeking an acknowledgment of his temporary dominion over the world. For believers, this temptation manifests as coveting wealth, pursuing it through unbiblical means (e.g., dishonesty, sacrificing spiritual priorities), trusting in riches, or taking undue credit for success, all of which constitute idolatry. Jesus decisively rebuffed Satan with Scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 6:13, "You shall worship the LORD your God, and serve Him only," emphasizing exclusive devotion to God alone. Jesus' perfect resistance provides both a pattern for believers to overcome temptation through God's Word and, more significantly, demonstrates His flawless obedience. This unblemished life qualifies Him as our perfect substitute, forming the foundation for our justification and showcasing His complete triumph over sin and temptation.
Overcoming the Boastful Pride of Life
Pastor Tom Pennington�s sermon, �Power Over Temptation,� examines Christ�s second temptation from Matthew 4:5-7, focusing on overcoming the �boastful pride of life��or self-promotion. He explains that while human temptations spring from sinful cravings, Jesus was tempted through His normal, God-given desires, demonstrating His sinless power and providing a pattern for believers. Satan took Jesus to the pinnacle of the Temple, a highly visible spot, and tempted Him to jump, quoting Psalm 91. This was not just about testing God's power, but a subtle appeal to self-promotion�to publicly prove His Messiahship to the crowds and seize personal glory outside of God's chosen timing and method. Jesus rebuffed Satan by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16: �You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.� This teaches us not to presume upon God or seek our own glory apart from His will. For believers, the constant temptation to self-promotion perverts our God-given desire to glorify Him into seeking personal recognition. To overcome this, we must remember two things: we are created to promote God�s glory, not our own, and if God chooses to exalt us for His glory, He will do so in His own way and time.
How to Pray for This Church - Part 1
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "Ephesians How to Pray for This Church (Part 1)," examines Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21 as a model for Christian prayer. He contrasts the devout but distanced prayer of the Jewish people at the Western Wall with the direct access Christians have to God through Christ. Pennington outlines three foundational principles for effective prayer, drawing from Paul's example. First, **pray according to revelation**; our prayers should be prompted and guided by God's Word rather than solely by our circumstances, allowing Scripture to shape our requests and understanding. Second, **pray with humility**. Paul "bows his knees," signifying deep reverence, submission, and homage to God as the sovereign King, emphasizing an attitude of awe and respect, not casual familiarity. Third, **pray according to God's character**, embracing His attributes: His immense greatness, His loving Fatherhood (through adoption), His unlimited power over all creation, His inherent goodness and generosity, and the limitless riches of His glory. Understanding these aspects allows believers to make audacious requests, trusting God's abundant provision and perfect wisdom. The sermon concludes by urging believers to commit to daily prayer, recognizing it as an essential command for spiritual life, not an option.
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.