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.

Black and white close-up of a person writing in a notebook with an open book beside them.
A man giving a speech at a podium.

Explore messages organized to help you grow in Christ.

Search and filter sermons for quick access.

2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
An Aerial View of the New Testament
An Aerial View of the Old Testament
Anchored Section 1
Anchored Section 2
Anchored Section 3
Baptism Services
Bible Study for Every Christian
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Christmas Concert Messages
Christmas Sermons
Committing to Christian Relationships
Daniel
Deadly Dangers
Embracing Our Church's Distinctives
Ephesians
Five Hallmarks of a Biblical Church
Hold Fast
Hook, Line and Sinker
Just by Faith Alone
Lies Christians Believe
Look in the Mirror!
Lord, Teach Us To Pray
Mark - The Memoirs of Peter
Marriage & Family by God's Design
Missions Sunday
No Whining Allowed
Ordination Services
Passion Week Sermons
Power Over Temptation
Preserving the Unity of the Church
Psalm 23
Q&A
Recovering a Lost Legacy
Revelation
Riches to Rags
Romans
Ruth
Sanctification
Six Steps to Spiritual Stability
Sunday Evening Online
Systematic Theology
Thanksgiving Sermons
The Distinctives of Countryside Bible Church
The First Testament of Jesus Christ
The Memoirs of Peter
The Reason We Live
The Sermon on the Mount
Trending vs. Truth
United in Christ!
Watch Your Mouth!
We Were Made to Worship
When Life's Not Fair
Your Faith, Dead or Alive?
1 Corinthians
1 John
1 Peter
1 Samuel
1 Timothy
2 Corinthians
2 Thessalonians
2 Timothy
Acts
Colossians
Daniel
Deuteronomy
Ecclesiastes
Ephesians
Exodus
Galatians
Genesis
Hebrews
Isaiah
James
John
Lamentations
Luke
Malachi
Mark
Matthew
Numbers
Philippians
Proverbs
Psalms
Revelation
Romans
Ruth
Titus
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
2006-10-15

Q & A

Pastor Tom Pennington's Q&A session clarified several theological points and offered practical guidance, emphasizing Scripture as the ultimate authority. He first addressed the Judgment Seat of Christ, asserting that for believers, sins were completely judged on the cross (Romans 8:1); thus, the Bema Seat is not about condemnation. Instead, referencing 1 Corinthians 3 and 2 Corinthians 5, it's an evaluation of a believer's service and works, determining rewards or loss of rewards, but not salvation itself. Motives will also be disclosed. Live questions covered diverse topics. Pennington advised against debating the order of divine decrees (supralapsarianism) as unproductive. He interpreted 1 Peter 3:18-20 as Christ, pre-incarnate or through Noah, proclaiming the gospel to people *during* Noah's time, whose spirits are now imprisoned. Regarding Jesus' state after death, his human body was in the grave, his divine nature omnipresent, and his human spirit likely with God. He also suggested Eve wasn't surprised by the talking serpent due to her newness in creation. He explained "righteousness" in Ezekiel 33 as a combination of declared righteousness in Christ and a comparative growth in godliness.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
Q&A
2006
2006-10-15

The One Anothers - Part 5

Pastor Tom Pennington introduces his sermon by recounting John Calvin's providential call to ministry in Geneva in 1536, where William Farel's fiery challenge redirected him from a quiet academic life. Their subsequent deep, challenging friendship exemplifies the New Testament's "One Anothers" commands, particularly regarding Christian conversation. Pennington elaborates on three crucial conversational commands for believers, following a previous discussion on truthfulness. First, Christians are to encourage one another, which takes two forms: appealing, pleading, and exhorting. This involves urging others to apply biblical truth, springing from genuine personal concern, grounded in Scripture, delivered with humility and patience, and aimed at affecting their will to obey. The second aspect of encouragement is to comfort and cheer up those in trial and difficulty. This true comfort comes from God and is mediated through His Word, compassionately applied. Second, believers are commanded to admonish one another. To admonish means to show someone their sin or error, warn them of its danger, and appeal to them to repent and choose the right path. This responsibility extends to all Christians, not just leaders, and should be done with tears and deep concern, helping others overcome spiritual blindness.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
2006
2006-10-01

The One Anothers - Part 4

In "The One Anothers (Part 4)," Tom Pennington addresses the pervasive human tendency to lie, beginning with a "test" to illustrate common deceptions and grounding lying as a fundamental sin in human depravity (Romans 3). He emphasizes that while the tongue can be destructive, believers are called to use it constructively, to "build others up" spiritually through their words, as commanded in Ephesians 4:29. The foundational instruction for this edification is to "be truthful," laying aside falsehood and making truth-telling a continuous habit (Ephesians 4:25). This involves confessing lies and addressing their underlying sins, such as fear or pride. Pennington warns that truthfulness must always be expressed "in love" and is not an excuse for brutal honesty, breaking confidences, or inappropriately revealing private sins. He presents five biblical arguments against lying: God commands against it, especially hates it, the righteous abhor it, liars face punishment, and no liars will enter heaven (Revelation 21:8). The sermon highlights temptations to lie within the church, including avoiding offense, seeking approval, sidestepping conflict, or fear. Ultimately, our hope rests in God, who is truth and cannot lie, whose unwavering promises in Christ provide the power for transformation.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
2006
2006-09-24

The Church in God's Eternal Plan - Part 3

This sermon, "The Church in God's Eternal Plan," explains how the church fits into God's eternal decree, which governs all events. It first reviews the relationship between Israel and the church, noting their similarities as God's people saved by faith in Christ, yet emphasizing their distinct identities, historical economies, and specific promises, such as Israel's future land and earthly kingdom. The central theme then shifts to the "kingdom," defined as God's rule, encompassing both His universal sovereignty and His specific Messianic rule through Christ. The terms "kingdom of God" and "kingdom of heaven" are presented as synonymous. The Messianic kingdom has two vital aspects: a present, spiritual dimension ("already") representing salvation and Christ's rule in believers' hearts, and a future, physical dimension ("not yet") comprising a literal thousand-year millennial reign on earth, leading into the eternal kingdom. Crucially, the church is distinct from the kingdom but closely related; it is the fellowship of those who have accepted Christ's rule, possessing authority to declare spiritual realities based on God's Word. Ultimately, believers must not confuse Christ's spiritual kingdom with earthly political efforts, but instead ensure their personal entry into it through genuine faith and actively pray for its complete arrival.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
Systematic Theology
2006
2006-09-24

The One Anothers - Part 3

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "The One Anothers (Part 3)," stresses the vital role of attitudes in cultivating healthy church relationships. Focusing on "orientation," he identifies four essential mindsets Christians should adopt: 1. **Unity**: Be "of the same mind," meaning a "team mindset" focused on commonalities like shared love, connection in the Spirit, and Christ's cause. This unity, fostered through prayer, enables mutual acceptance and glorifies God, not demanding agreement on every minor issue. 2. **Humility**: Regard others as more important, prioritizing their welfare and interests. This mirrors Christ's servant heart and is cultivated by submitting to authority, serving others, and yielding to God's will. Pride is the enemy of all godly relationships. 3. **Patience**: Bear with others' weaknesses, endure wrongs, and readily forgive. It means granting grace for spiritual growth, recognizing maturity takes time. Cultivating this involves acknowledging one's own depravity and reflecting on God's patience towards us. 4. **Affection**: Treat fellow believers as closest family or friends, showing genuine devotion and care. This is symbolized by the "holy kiss," advocating sincere, pure, and culturally appropriate expressions of familial love within the church.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
2006
2006-09-17

The Church in God's Eternal Plan - Part 2

The text, "The Church in God�s Eternal Plan (Part 2)," explores the relationship between Israel and the Church, emphasizing its profound theological ramifications. Pastor Tom Pennington advocates for progressive dispensationalism, which acknowledges both significant similarities and clear distinctions between these entities. Similarities include one people of God saved by faith in Christ's work, benefiting from the Spirit, and sharing new covenant promises. However, three key distinctions exist: 1. **Distinct Identities:** Israel refers to a specific ethnic nation, while the Church is a separate spiritual body, never called "the new Israel." 2. **Distinct Economies (Phases):** The Church was part of God's original plan, not a "Plan B." A key difference is the Spirit's baptism, which began at Pentecost for New Testament believers, marking a shift in God's program from Israel to the Church, as seen in Jesus' parables and Romans 11. 3. **Distinct Promises:** While sharing many spiritual promises, Israel retains unique future promises of an earthly land restoration (Ezekiel 36) and a leading role in an earthly kingdom. Ultimately, understanding these distinctions matters because God's unwavering faithfulness to His irrevocable promises to Israel (Romans 11:29) guarantees His faithfulness and irrevocable calling to believers today.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
Systematic Theology
2006

No Results Found.

We couldn’t find anything matching your search.

Now Playing -
Now Playing
00:00
-00:00