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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Bad to the Bone: A Study of Human Depravity - Part 4
This sermon, "Bad to the Bone: A Study of Human Depravity (Part 4)," focuses on "total inability," asserting that unregenerate humanity is utterly incapable of responding to or pleasing God. The speaker traces historical theological conflicts, from Augustine versus Pelagius to Luther versus Erasmus, highlighting this doctrine's centrality. Defining "free will" as "self-determination"�the ability to choose according to one's desires�the sermon clarifies that fallen man's desires are inherently corrupt, rendering him morally unable to choose God or spiritual good. Biblical passages illustrate this inability: man cannot act contrary to his sinful nature, enter God's kingdom, embrace spiritual truth, obey God, or come to Christ for salvation unless the Father "irresistibly draws" him. The argument that responsibility implies ability is addressed, explaining that God's law reveals sin and inability, rather than empowering obedience. Consequently, salvation must be a monergistic (God-alone) act of sovereign grace, demolishing human pride, empowering evangelism by relying on God's work, and demanding eternal gratitude.
Hook, Line & Sinker - Part 1
Tom Pennington's sermon, "James Hook, Line, and Sinker, (Part 1)," examines James 1:13-18, focusing on the foundational issue of temptation. Using a fishing analogy to illustrate deception, Pennington explains that temptation is a universal human experience originating internally, not from God, who is "untemptable" and tempts no one. The sermon outlines two crucial biblical responses to temptation. First, believers must "accept full responsibility" for their sins. Blame-shifting, a common human trait, is presented as an indirect accusation against God. Instead, Pennington asserts that sin stems from our own "corrupted heart" and "depraved hearts." Second, it is vital to "identify the source" of temptation: "each one is tempted by his own lust." Here, "lust" refers to any "strong desire" or "craving," not exclusively sexual. These cravings can transform even good things into sinful desires when pursued in excess, at the wrong time, or in rejection of God's providence. They are rooted in our "unredeemed humanness" or "flesh" and are the ultimate cause of every sinful act. Pennington concludes with practical steps: examine your heart for blame-shifting, identify the specific cravings fueling your frequent temptations (e.g., anger driven by a craving for control), and confess these underlying desires to God.
Bad to the Bone: A Study of Human Depravity - Part 3
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "Bad to the Bone" explains that understanding human depravity is crucial for appreciating God's grace. He illustrates depravity with Augustine's pear theft, chosen not out of need but for the pleasure of the sin itself, highlighting humanity's innate desire for gratuitous evil. Pennington argues the biblical view of human nature isn't merely "sick," but "dead in trespasses and sin," stemming from Adam's "original sin," which includes both imputed guilt and inherited spiritual corruption. "Total depravity" means sin permeates every part of our being�mind, will, emotions, and body�leaving nothing spiritually good in us. Our "good deeds," if not from a redeemed heart, hold no value in God's eyes, akin to Monopoly money in a real bank. Citing extensive scripture, particularly Romans 1 and 3, he demonstrates that all humanity is corrupt in morals, understanding, will, and behavior, inherently lacking fear of God. Without Christ, humanity stands guilty, defenseless, under God's wrath, utterly hopeless, and aware of this dire condition. Recognizing this profound depravity should foster humility, watchfulness, a fervent pursuit of personal holiness, immense gratitude for Christ's deliverance, and an eager longing for His return and ultimate, complete redemption.
The Church: Where Do You Fit In?
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "The Church: Where Do You Fit In?" from 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, emphasizes that every Christian must actively participate in the church, which the New Testament likens to a physical body. An ineffective church often results from members failing to function as designed, stemming from flawed mindsets (spectator, professional), distractions (busyness, family), fear, ignorance of God's design for the church, or disobedience. Pennington outlines four foundational principles from 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 concerning spiritual gifts. First, God's Spirit sovereignly chooses each believer's unique "grace gift" (charismata) for service, creating diverse abilities like teaching or serving. Second, the Lord determines the specific contexts or ministries where these gifts are to be employed. Third, God the Father ultimately determines the results of these efforts, protecting believers from pride or discouragement. Finally, the purpose of every gift is for the common good of the church and, ultimately, for the glory of God through Jesus Christ. Believers are encouraged to value diversity, avoid discontent or pride, and actively get involved in serving, trusting in God's sovereign plan for their unique role.
Bridge Over Troubled Water - Part 3
This sermon, based on James 1:2-12, explores how believers should respond to life's trials and troubles. Pastor Tom Pennington illustrates that just as physical pressure is essential for muscle health, spiritual pressures build and develop our spiritual strength. The core message is that God uses life�s troubles to refine our character and mature our faith, provided we respond correctly. Four godly responses to trials are outlined. First, cultivate a joyful attitude, not delighting in the trials themselves, but in their potential to produce spiritual maturity and endurance. Second, utilize God's available resources, such as prayer, wisdom, and grace, which He provides during difficulties. Third, avoid focusing on earthly circumstances: the humble should glory in their exalted spiritual position as God's children, while the rich should glory in their spiritual humiliation, acknowledging wealth's temporary nature and spiritual liabilities. This counters prosperity gospel theology. Fourth, live with an eternal perspective, understanding that persevering under trial proves genuine faith and ultimately leads to the "crown of life," which is eternal life promised to those who love God. This eternal viewpoint helps believers endure present afflictions, knowing they are temporary compared to future glory.
Bad to the Bone: A Study of Human Depravity - Part 2
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "Bad to the Bone," delves into human depravity, asserting its foundational importance for understanding salvation. He illustrates this concept not only through extreme examples like Nazi war criminals but also through the pervasive daily sins evident in every individual's life, such as pride and selfishness. The sermon defines "original sin" as the inherited sinful state and corruption passed down from Adam, which is the root of all personal sin. Pennington outlines key theological perspectives on this doctrine, contrasting the Pelagian view (humans born innocent, sin by example) and the Arminian view (physical corruption but no inherited guilt from Adam), with the Reformed view (Adam's sin imputed guilt, corruption, and death to all humanity, rendering us unable to please God). Addressing the common objection that inheriting Adam's guilt is unfair, the pastor explains that if this imputation is unfair, then the imputation of Christ's righteousness (which operates similarly) would also be deemed unfair. He clarifies that God's judgment ultimately rests on personal sins, though Adam's sin establishes our guilty standing. Pennington favors the "Federal Covenant" or "Representative" view, where Adam acted as humanity's representative, leading to the imputation of his sin.
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