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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What God Values in a Woman
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "What God Values in a Woman" (1 Peter 3:3-6) explores how Christian women should align their priorities with God's. He cautions against a preoccupation with external adornment�excessive focus on physical beauty, elaborate jewelry, or attention-seeking clothing�not as outright prohibitions, but as misdirected priorities that often reflect pride. Instead, Peter emphasizes that God values "the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit," which is precious in His sight. A gentle spirit involves calmly accepting God's providence and being gracious towards others, while a quiet spirit signifies inner tranquility and peace, undisturbed by external circumstances. These lasting, internal qualities are paramount. Developing such a spirit requires several paths: embracing salvation's grace, fixing one's hope in God alone, submitting to biblical authorities, diligently doing what is right according to God's Word, and refusing to succumb to fear. By pursuing these internal virtues, Christian women manifest a beauty that is truly valuable and pleasing to God.
Nothing to Crack: the Clear Message of The Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown's *The DaVinci Code*, a popular novel and film, is widely perceived as historical fact despite being fiction, warranting a response from the church. The book intertwines a murder mystery with a fabricated narrative: Jesus married Mary Magdalene, had a child, and the Catholic Church suppressed this truth. Brown employs deceptive tactics, blurring fact and fiction�claiming "fact" about the Priory of Sion, a known hoax�and fabricating historical details while putting his spiritual message in the mouths of "experts." His "manifesto" systematically attacks Christian tenets: he asserts the Bible is a corrupt human document edited to deify Jesus, promotes goddess worship and the "sacred feminine," claims Jesus was a mere mortal whose divinity was a later invention, denies original sin, and suggests salvation via fertility rites. Historical evidence contradicts these claims, showing New Testament writings predate Gnostic texts and early church fathers affirmed Christ's deity long before Nicaea. Brown's aims are to undermine Christianity, promote neo-paganism, and prompt readers to reject traditional faith. This poses dangers, including a cultural shift towards paganism and undermining nominal Christians' faith.
Wisdom from Hell vs. Wisdom from Heaven - Part 3
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon on James 3:13-18 contrasts "Wisdom from Hell" with "Wisdom from Heaven." He highlights a societal shift towards "duty to self," where self-fulfillment is prioritized, even influencing evangelical communities. While true godly wisdom involves fearing God, understanding His ways, and applying His word, resulting in good behavior and gentleness, James focuses on its counterfeit. Counterfeit wisdom, any thought contrary to God's word, is characterized by bitter jealousy�a selfish, intense emotion driven by personal advancement and resentment of others' success�and selfish ambition�proud self-interest, aggressively promoting oneself, often by demeaning others. These vices, manifesting in secular and church contexts, are not harmless; consistent practice indicates a lack of true faith. This "hellish wisdom" originates not from God but is earthly, natural, and ultimately demonic, traceable to Satan's rebellion. It inevitably produces disorder, causing disputes, factions, and rebellion against God-given authorities, and "every evil thing," as pride and self-interest fuel depravity. Christians are called to put off these sins and embrace love and humility, emulating Christ's self-sacrificing example, while non-believers are urged to turn from self-rule to Christ for pardon and new life, living for Him instead of self.
Wisdom from Hell vs. Wisdom from Heaven - Part 2
The text, "Wisdom from Hell vs. Wisdom from Heaven," highlights our inability to objectively evaluate our own culture or lives, akin to a fish not knowing it's wet. This necessitates an external, objective standard: God's eternal Word. The sermon examines James 3:13-18, contrasting "wisdom from heaven" with "wisdom from hell." Godly wisdom is paramount, defined by fearing God, understanding His ways, and practically applying them�essentially, a genuine relationship with Christ. It's acquired through a saving knowledge of Jesus, thorough study of the Bible, the influence of wise companions, and prayer. This true wisdom is evident in consistent "good behavior" (obedience to God's Word) and a heart characterized by "gentleness." This gentleness involves humble submission to God's will, accepting circumstances without complaint, and a gracious, kind spirit toward others, even in times of wrongdoing. In stark contrast, "wisdom from hell" (worldly wisdom) appears rational but is ultimately destructive. It encompasses every thought, attitude, and act contrary to God. Contemporary examples include self-fulfillment, self-sufficiency, self-definition, self-absorption, and moral relativism. This pervasive mindset, though seemingly wise, leads to foolishness.
Wisdom from Hell vs. Wisdom from Heaven - Part 1
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "Wisdom from Hell vs. Wisdom from Heaven, Part 1" highlights the cultural gap in understanding biblical texts, comparing it to humorous cross-cultural communication mishaps. Introducing James 3:13-18, which contrasts earthly and divine wisdom, Pennington first establishes the "categorical priority" of godly wisdom. He explains that biblical wisdom was historically valued above all earthly possessions, exemplified by Solomon's request and emphasized throughout scripture as crucial for protection, success, and divine favor. Biblical wisdom is defined not as mere academic knowledge (like Greek philosophy), but as a God-centered, practical "skill in living" that pleases Him. This includes three elements: fearing God as the life's controlling principle, understanding His revealed ways and attributes, and possessing the practical ability to apply God's Word to one's life, resulting in righteous conduct. This essential wisdom is acquired through a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, diligent study of God's Word, cultivating relationships with wise companions, and consistent prayer. Prioritizing and actively seeking this divine wisdom is paramount for every believer.
The Great Debate: Calvinism & Arminianism
The text explores the historical and theological debate between Calvinism and Arminianism, emphasizing its contentious nature. It traces the roots of the discussion from Augustine vs. Pelagius, through the Reformation figures like Calvin, to the Synod of Dort (1618), which codified the "five points of Calvinism" (TULIP) as a response to Arminian articles. At its core, the debate asks who initiates salvation, who is sovereign over it, and who accomplishes regeneration. Calvinism posits God's sole initiative and sovereignty (monergism), while Arminianism emphasizes human free will and cooperation (synergism). The TULIP acronym summarizes Calvinist doctrines: **Total Depravity** (humanity is spiritually dead and unable to save itself without God); **Unconditional Election** (God chose individuals for salvation based solely on His will, not foreseen merit); **Limited (Definite) Atonement** (Christ's death effectively secured salvation for the elect); **Irresistible (Effectual) Grace** (God's Spirit infallibly draws the elect, making them willing to believe); and **Perseverance of the Saints** (God preserves the elect in faith to the end). Arminianism contrasts these points by emphasizing man's ability to believe through "prevenient grace," election based on foreseen faith, Christ's death making salvation possible for all, grace that can be resisted, and the possibility of losing salvation.
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