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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Ecclesiastes: Getting a Grip on Life
Pastor Tom Pennington introduces Ecclesiastes as a profound book of Old Testament wisdom literature, designed to make us realists about life "under the sun." He argues that true wisdom isn't about understanding God's master plan, but about seeing life as it truly is and responding appropriately. Solomon, the author, presents life's "vanity" not as unregenerate thought, but as a divinely inspired philosophy: life is vain even with God. Pennington highlights two core themes: First, life is a gift from God, meant to be enjoyed within His boundaries. He cites multiple passages encouraging celebration and joy, noting that New Testament scripture affirms this perspective. Second, life has serious limitations, depicted by phrases like "vanity of vanities" and "chasing after wind." This "vanity" stems from the Fall, rendering life fleeting, unsatisfying, mysterious, and uncertain. He illustrates these limitations through examples like the temporary nature of work. The ultimate conclusion of Ecclesiastes, then, is to "fear God and keep His commandments," reminding us to enjoy the gift of life while focusing on God, the Giver, especially when life's inherent limitations prove challenging.
God's Eternal Decree - Part 1
This text introduces and defines "God's eternal decree," a theological concept described as profoundly life-transforming. Analogizing how complex human endeavors require detailed plans, the pastor argues that God, as the creator of an infinitely intricate universe, must operate by a comprehensive, eternal blueprint. Various theological definitions emphasize this decree as God's eternal purpose, established before creation, sovereignly determining and bringing about "whatsoever comes to pass" for His own glory. A key distinction is drawn between God's sovereign will (His decree), which invariably happens, and His moral will (His precepts), which can be disobeyed. Scriptural evidence from passages in Psalms, Daniel, Isaiah, Acts, Romans, and Ephesians reinforces God's absolute sovereignty, foreknowledge, and purposeful control over all events, marking it as a defining attribute of the true God. The decree is characterized as a single, unified, and utterly comprehensive plan, encompassing every detail of existence�God's actions, the free choices of creatures (both righteous and wicked), and all secondary causes, all working towards predetermined ends. The narrative of Joseph and his brothers serves as a powerful illustration: their evil intentions were ultimately part of God's greater, good plan.
The Last Word
Tom Pennington's sermon "The Last Word Philippians 4:20-23" highlights the profound significance of final messages, which encapsulate a person's deepest convictions. He argues that the apostle Paul's concluding verses in Philippians (4:20-23) offer weighty insights into the priorities that defined his life and ministry, themes consistently echoed in his actual last letter, 2 Timothy. Paul presents three essential priorities for believers: 1. **Live to the glory of God (Philippians 4:20).** God's ultimate goal in all His actions, from creation to redemption, is to exalt His own glory. Therefore, true worship and every aspect of a Christian's life should similarly be driven by a passion to glorify Him. 2. **Live for the good of the saints (Philippians 4:21-22).** Paul prioritized deep, embracing relationships with fellow believers, whom he called "God's holy people." This commitment extended to ministry partners, the wider church, and even unexpected converts within Caesar's household, underscoring a universal bond in Christ. 3. **Live in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:23).** Grace signifies God's unmerited favor toward the undeserving. It's a continuous need, not merely for salvation but for daily living and eternity, as believers perpetually rely on God's unending kindness found solely through Jesus.
The Joy of Giving - Part 2
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "The Joy of Giving, Part 2," drawn from Philippians 4:14-19, underscores the profound importance of Christian giving. He identifies materialism, debt, and a lack of knowledge or obedience as common obstacles to faithful giving, emphasizing that giving is crucial to God. Pennington outlines four core principles for Christian giving: 1. **Give with the right mindset:** View giving as a partnership in advancing the gospel. 2. **Give according to God�s prescribed plan:** Giving should primarily flow through the church, supporting gospel initiatives, those in need, and local church ministries, consistently and systematically. Unlike Old Testament tithes, the New Testament emphasizes freewill offerings, determined by individual desire, ability (even sacrificially), and personal purpose, always given cheerfully, not under compulsion. 3. **Give with spiritual motives:** Focus on the spiritual "profit" or eternal blessings that accrue to the giver, rather than seeking material returns. Giving is ultimately an act of worship and a test of one's allegiance to God. 4.
The Joy of Giving - Part 1
Pastor Tom Pennington introduces "The Joy of Giving" from Philippians 4:14-19, acknowledging the topic's unpopularity among preachers and congregations. He clarifies his motives are not personal financial gain or church distress, but rather because giving is a direct theme of the Scripture passage and one of five essential activities commanded for corporate worship (praise, prayer, reading, teaching, and giving). He asserts that giving is an absolutely essential and greatly beneficial part of the Christian life. Pennington outlines two core principles of Christian giving. First, "give with the right mindset," viewing giving as a partnership (koinonia) with fellow believers and God in the advancement of the gospel. The Philippians' support for Paul exemplifies this, as does Christ's teaching that caring for the "least of these" is caring for Him. Second, "give according to God�s prescribed plan." This involves two aspects: giving should primarily flow through the local church, as demonstrated by New Testament examples, and it should be directed towards God's established priorities. These priorities include supporting missionaries, helping those in need (with a primary focus on fellow believers and family), and sustaining the local church's ministry, especially those who labor in teaching and preaching.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness!
This sermon, "Systematic Theology Great Is Thy Faithfulness!", underscores the foundational importance of understanding God's character, particularly His faithfulness, for one's spiritual life. It posits that what one believes about God shapes their spiritual future, emphasizing that God stands in absolute contrast to unfaithful humanity. God's faithfulness is intricately linked to His truthfulness: He is metaphysically genuine, logically rational, ethically reliable in His communication, and covenantally true, always fulfilling His promises. The sermon illustrates God's faithfulness through various demonstrations: His righteous judgment of the wicked, His chastening of the righteous, His care, protection, and preservation of believers, His guarantee of eternal promises, and supremely, in the person of Jesus Christ. Practically, knowing God's unwavering faithfulness should inspire praise, guarantee ultimate salvation, ensure forgiveness for confessed sins, strengthen faith, provide hope and comfort in suffering, and protect from sin by offering a way of escape from temptation. Believers are called to imitate God's faithfulness in their relationships and service. Ultimately, God will use faithfulness as the standard for judging our service. This profound truth serves as the bedrock of confidence, hope, and joy for believers, enabling them to trust God's unfailing promises even amidst life's greatest trials.
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