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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Tear Down Every Idol - Part 2
The sermon, "Worship: Tear Down Every Idol (Part 2)," asserts that humanity's chief responsibility is worship, grounded in three principles: God created for His glory, man's chief end is to glorify God, and everyone is hard-wired to worship. If not the true God, then something else, which is idolatry�a pervasive problem today, even among believers. True worship requires tearing down every idol first. Idolatry's inherent appeal stems from self-centered gratification, manifesting as a pursuit of violence, sexual fulfillment, or financial prosperity, and from self-rule, allowing individuals to create "designer gods" and avoid accountability. Its sources include personal rebellion against God, the powerful influence of surrounding culture, humanity's innate fallenness (making idolatry a "deed of the flesh"), and the work of demonic forces behind false religions. Given these strong predispositions, humanity is naturally idolatrous. The shocking reality that anyone worships the true God is not due to personal merit or intelligence, but solely to divine grace. Through Christ's sacrifice, God forgives idolaters, cleanses them from their idols, and regenerates their hearts, enabling true worship.
What in the World Should the Church Be Doing? - Part 1
The text criticizes the modern church's widespread confusion regarding its mission, citing examples of churches adopting secular businesses or unconventional worship styles, often prioritizing cultural engagement over Christ's message of redemption. The central question posed is: What should the church be doing according to Christ's design? The author asserts Christ's design is a three-fold mission�upward to God, inward to the church, and outward to the world�all equally essential. This mission is built on two foundational principles: first, all church members equally share responsibilities, rejecting the unbiblical clergy-laity distinction that arose historically. Jesus condemned titles fostering superiority, emphasizing that ministry is a universal call to service for every member, mirroring Christ's own example. Second, the church's overarching plan, derived from Ephesians 4:11-12, outlines four parts: Christ appoints leaders (evangelists, pastor-teachers) who equip all members through teaching God's Word and prayer. These equipped members then accomplish the "work of service," actively using their spiritual gifts within the church. This biblical process ultimately results in the growth and building up of the body of Christ, a divine plan destined for victory and glory to God.
Tear Down Every Idol - Part 1
Tom Pennington�s sermon, "Worship Tear Down Every Idol (Part 1)," establishes three foundational principles for understanding worship. Firstly, God created the world for His own glory, a truth evident throughout Scripture. Secondly, humanity's chief purpose is to glorify God through worship; our failure to do so is a primary sin. Thirdly, humans are innately "hard-wired" to worship. If we do not worship the true God, we will inevitably worship something else, leading to idolatry. Pennington argues that idolatry is not merely an ancient practice but a pervasive modern problem, affecting individuals globally and subtly influencing contemporary culture and even the church. He traces its biblical history from Abraham's family and Israel's struggles with Egyptian and Canaanite gods, to the apostasy of kings like Solomon, ultimately showing how idolatry led to Israel's downfall. Emphasizing that modern believers are just as susceptible as those in the past, Pennington warns that our hearts are "factories of idols" (Calvin). He stresses that idolatry takes many insidious forms beyond bowing to physical objects, posing a supreme threat to faith.
The Cross Is the Ultimate Sacrifice
Tom Pennington's sermon "Hebrews: The Cross is the Ultimate Sacrifice" argues that Jesus's death on the cross represents the ultimate and final sacrifice, far surpassing the Old Testament animal sacrificial system. He establishes that God is holy, humanity is sinful, and access to God has always required sacrifice, initially illustrated by animal offerings. However, Old Testament sacrifices were merely a "shadow," continually reminding people of their sins and God's wrath, yet unable to provide true perfection or lasting atonement. Their constant repetition proved their insufficiency. In contrast, Jesus's sacrifice on the cross offers three critical distinctions: 1. **Complete Satisfaction:** Christ's death fully satisfied God's holy wrath against sin, a "fragrant aroma" that truly appeased divine justice, cleansing believers and providing a perfect standing before God that animal sacrifices could never achieve. 2. **Perfect Substitution:** While animal sacrifices were substitutionary, an imperfect animal could not truly replace a human made in God's image. Jesus, the sinless, voluntary God-man, offered His own body, becoming the perfect human substitute and fulfilling God's will. 3. **Permanent Solution:** Old Testament priests constantly ministered because their work was never finished.
Search & Rescue: Every Believer's Mission
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon on James 5:19-20, "Every Believer's Mission," concludes the letter by urging Christians to engage in spiritual "search and rescue." He highlights the inherent value of human life, arguing that if we expend vast resources for physical rescue, we should do even more for those in spiritual danger. James's mandate involves three parts: First, **recognize a straying brother**�identify professing believers who have deviated from the truth and God's path, understanding that objective truth exists. Second, **attempt a spiritual rescue**�turn them back to righteousness through repentance. This process, outlined in Matthew 18, requires approaching them with genuine love, eagerness to forgive, gentleness, and humility, urging them to abandon their sinful ways. Third, **consider serious consequences**�acting can save a soul from "death" (eternal or divine chastening/physical death) and secure divine forgiveness for a "multitude of sins." Failure to act leaves them exposed to these perils. Ultimately, James encourages mutual care and warns that any believer can stray. He exhorts taking sin seriously under Christ's Lordship but closes with a powerful message of grace.
Church Government: Monarchy, Anarchy, or Democracy? - Part 4
Tom Pennington's sermon defines greatness in God's kingdom as servant leadership, sharply contrasting it with worldly standards of fame, wealth, and power. Drawing from Matthew 20, he highlights Jesus' teaching that true greatness lies in becoming a servant, mirroring Christ's own example. The New Testament church appoints two leadership offices: elders and deacons. The term "deacon" (Greek "diakonos") means "servant," representing an office new to the church, prototyped in Acts 6 by men chosen to serve neglected widows. Deacons are primarily focused on serving, not teaching, and function under the elders' oversight. Qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 demand spiritual maturity, dignity, moral integrity (e.g., not greedy or double-tongued), sound doctrine, a good reputation, and effective household management. Deacon duties, adaptable to each church, often involve caring for the needy, managing church finances/property, and supporting worship. Pennington clarifies that deacons are distinct from elders, not a corporate board, nor a police force for pastors. Regarding 1 Timothy 3:11, the speaker interprets "women likewise" as deacons' wives, though acknowledging other views. The office of deacon ultimately elevates serving gifts, emphasizing that all believers are called to faithful service, which brings divine commendation and true greatness in God's kingdom.
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