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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1 John
2 Corinthians
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
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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
James
John
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
Matthew
Missions Sunday
No Whining Allowed
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Philippians
Power Over Temptation
Preserving the Unity of the Church
Psalm 23
Q&A
Recovering a Lost Legacy
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Riches to Rags
Romans
Ruth
Sanctification
Six Steps to Spiritual Stability
Sunday Evening Online
Systematic Theology
Thanksgiving Sermons
The Deadly Sin of Anger
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?
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2 Thessalonians
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2005-03-13

The Dying Theory of Evolution - Part 1

Tom Pennington's sermon, "The Dying Theory of Evolution (Part 1)," argues against Darwinian evolution, emphasizing that while scientific evidence can support faith by revealing God's intelligent design (Romans 1), it must never supersede scripture. He introduces a video, "Unlocking the Mystery of Life," which highlights the irreducible complexity of microscopic life as proof of a designer, aiming to equip Christians against evolution. Pennington contends that evolutionary theory is "dying" due to inherent scientific and logical flaws. He distinguishes between microevolution (variety within species, partially accepted) and the broader "package" of materialistic evolution, which he refutes: macroevolution (origin of new species), the spontaneous origin of life, and the origin of matter from nothing. Pennington asserts that evolution's supposed causal forces�"accident, randomness, chance"�are meaningless concepts, mere mathematical probabilities devoid of actual power, serving as a modern idol substituting for God. He illustrates this with the Philistines in 1 Samuel, who attributed their woes to "chance" rather than God. Ultimately, understanding creation, as Hebrews 11:3 affirms, requires faith in God's revealed word rather than fallible human theories, thereby grounding one's confidence in the eternal Creator.

Tom Pennington
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Systematic Theology
2005
2005-03-13

What God Has Joined: A Biblical View of Marriage - Part 1

Pastor Tom Pennington introduces a series on marriage and family, stressing its foundational importance for civilization, spiritual health, and the church. He warns against conforming to the prevailing "mindset of the age" regarding marriage (Romans 12), urging believers to instead anchor their views in God's eternal Word. Drawing primarily from Genesis 2:18-25, Pennington identifies three divine purposes for marriage: 1. **Relationship**: Created in God's image, humans are made for deep connection, mirroring the Trinity's fellowship. Marriage aims for an intimate, abiding relationship between spouses, threatened by fleshly desires, pride, and selfishness. 2. **Help**: Woman was created as a "helper suitable" for man. This role is not inferior, but rather a comprehensive, God-given responsibility for wives to support their husbands, love their children, and manage the home, echoing Christ as "the Helper." Husbands must not exploit this for personal gain, nor wives neglect it for self-serving pursuits. 3. **Completion**: The "suitable helper" signifies an "exactly corresponding" partner. This design dictates marriage between one man and one woman, who, while intrinsically equal, are distinct and complementary. Their differences are divinely ordained to create a complete whole, urging spouses to appreciate rather than attempt to "re-engineer" each other.

Genesis
2:18-25
Tom Pennington
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Marriage & Family by God's Design
Genesis
2005
2005-03-06

God's Eternal Decree - Part 2

Tom Pennington's sermon defines God's eternal decree as His single, comprehensive, and unchangeable plan, established in eternity solely by His will for His own glory. This decree encompasses everything that comes to pass, from the macro-level of the cosmos to cellular intricacies, and includes all events, details of human lives, righteous and wicked free acts, and even accidental occurrences. The ultimate purpose of this plan is to sum up all things in Christ, bringing Him to have first place in the universe. God's decree is efficacious, infallibly determining events either directly (directive) or by permitting free agents to act (permissive). While God does not author sin, He sovereignly orchestrates even human sinful choices to accomplish His predetermined purposes, as exemplified by Joseph and Christ's crucifixion. This doctrine does not negate human free will or responsibility, but rather ensures that all outcomes align with God's ultimate design. Understanding God's eternal decree should inspire awe, demolish pride, encourage trust, promote thankfulness, and provide peace in decision-making, while guaranteeing the fulfillment of all divine prophecy and promise.

Tom Pennington
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Systematic Theology
2005
2005-03-06

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.

Ecclesiastes
Tom Pennington
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Ecclesiastes
2005
2005-02-27

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.

Tom Pennington
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Systematic Theology
2005
2005-02-27

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.

Philippians
4:20-23
Tom Pennington
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Philippians
Philippians
2005

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