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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Your Faith: Dead or Alive? - Part 1
In his sermon "Your Faith: Dead or Live? (Part 1)," Pastor Tom Pennington of Countryside Bible Church delves into James 2:14-26, a passage he identifies as the epistle's most controversial and crucial theological section. Pennington clarifies that James is not contrasting faith and works as methods of salvation, but rather distinguishing between a genuine, living faith that saves, and a deceptive, dead faith that ultimately condemns. Drawing parallels with the "War of the Worlds" broadcast and the pervasive nature of self-deception, Pennington warns against believing one possesses true saving faith when it lacks the evidence of good works. He explains that "works" are not religious activities, but rather a consistent pattern of obedience to God's Word�the opposite of "lawless deeds." True salvation, a gift of God's grace received through faith, invariably produces a transformed life characterized by such good deeds. An "autopsy of dead faith" reveals an "empty profession" of belief that, despite sincere conviction, consistently yields no pattern of obedience. Examples from Matthew, John, and Acts illustrate individuals who professed faith but whose lives demonstrated a fundamental lack of genuine transformation.
The Effectual Call
This sermon by Tom Pennington defines the "effectual call" as a crucial divine act within the "ordo salutis," or order of salvation. He distinguishes it from the "general call," which is the outward, universal proclamation of the gospel that can be rejected. The effectual call, however, is an inward, specific, and efficacious act of God the Father, working through His Word and Spirit, which sovereignly regenerates individuals and makes them willing to respond in saving faith. Key characteristics of this effectual call include its specific nature (not everyone receives it), its inward working (within the mind and heart), and its guaranteed effectiveness, as seen in biblical examples like Lazarus and Lydia. This divine call is also immutable, ensuring that all whom God effectually calls will be justified and ultimately glorified. Believers are called to holiness, fellowship with Christ, freedom, peace with fellow believers, a life of proclamation, perseverance in suffering, and to receive God�s eternal kingdom and glory. Consequently, recipients of this call are urged to live a life worthy of such a profound divine invitation.
No Condemnation - Part 1
This sermon, "James No Condemnation," shifts focus from James to Romans 8:1-4, prompted by James 2:10: "whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all." The pastor highlights the neglected role of God's moral law in modern Christianity, asserting its importance in revealing sin and leading individuals to Christ. The Ten Commandments, delivered with divine authority, are presented as comprehensive categories of God's will, demanding not only external conformity but also internal virtue, ultimately summarized by Christ as loving God and neighbor. A true understanding of the law exposes humanity's pervasive sinfulness, far beyond superficial transgressions. This realization reveals two critical problems: the law demands perfect obedience, and its violation incurs eternal death. Therefore, our sole hope lies in Christ, whose death atoned for our law-breaking and whose life provided our necessary righteousness. Romans 8:1-4 declares "no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," meaning no guilty verdict or death sentence for believers. This profound reality is attributed to two factors: our inseparable union with Christ as our representative, and the liberating power of the Holy Spirit through the gospel, freeing us from attempting to earn righteousness by keeping the law.
No Condemnation - Part 2
This sermon, "No Condemnation (Part 2)" based on Romans 8:1-4, explains the profound truth that believers are free from divine judgment. Pastor Tom Pennington asserts that humanity's sin against God's perfect law justly incurs eternal condemnation. However, for those "in Christ Jesus," this condemnation�the verdict of guilty and the sentence of eternal death�is removed. This incredible shift is possible because believers are inseparably united with Christ, and the Holy Spirit has liberated them from the law's demands. God achieved this through His Son, Jesus. Since the law, weak through human flesh, could not justify us, God sent Jesus in human likeness (without sin) as a substitute. On the cross, God condemned sin in Jesus, pouring out the wrath and punishment due to humanity upon Him. This "Great Exchange" ensures "the requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us," meaning Christ's perfect obedience is credited to us. This "no condemnation" applies to all who "walk according to the Spirit," characterized by a mind set on spiritual things and submission to God's law, which demonstrates their salvation.
Pride and Prejudice - Part 2
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon on James 2:1-13, titled "Pride and Prejudice," addresses the sin of partiality, or favoritism and prejudice, which involves unfairly judging or favoring individuals based on external factors like wealth or social status. He opens with the story of a Declaration of Independence bought for $4, illustrating how people often misjudge true value, especially concerning human beings made in God's image. Pennington presents four arguments against partiality. First, it's inconsistent with God's sovereign choice, as God often chooses the poor to be rich in faith. Second, it's inconsistent with reality; historically, the wealthy often oppress believers and blaspheme Christ's name. Third, partiality is inconsistent with God's "royal law"�to "love your neighbor as yourself." Breaking this foundational command through partiality makes one guilty of violating the entire Law, which is a unified expression of God's will. Lastly, it is inconsistent with true, saving faith, as genuine faith is characterized by mercy, reflecting the mercy God has shown us. The sermon emphasizes that showing partiality is a serious sin, not a minor offense, and a lack of mercy toward others reveals an absence of vital apprehension of God's mercy in one's own life.
Chosen by God: The Biblical Doctrine of Election
Tom Pennington introduces the controversial doctrine of election, defining it as God's eternal, sovereign act of choosing specific individuals for salvation, not based on any foreseen merit, but solely on His good pleasure. He offers extensive biblical support, particularly from Romans 9, where examples like Jacob and Esau demonstrate God's unconditional choice, predating any human action or worth. Pennington addresses common objections. He refutes the accusation of unfairness, explaining that God has the right to show mercy or justice, and no one receives less than they deserve. He also addresses concerns about human freedom, using the potter and clay metaphor to assert God's sovereign right to determine destiny for His own glory, not to preserve human free will, which is morally fallen. He clarifies that reprobation (God passing over some) is a sorrowful act demonstrating justice based on the sinner's unrepentance, distinct from His active, joyful election. Finally, Pennington highlights the doctrine's positive impacts: fostering humility, encouraging evangelism (as God chose the means as well as the elect), providing comfort in all circumstances, promoting personal holiness, and demanding profound praise for God's amazing, unmerited grace.
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