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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An Aerial View of the New Testament
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Lord, Teach Us To Pray
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Your Faith, Dead or Alive?
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2004-09-05

Just By Faith Alone - Part 2

This sermon, drawing from Philippians 3:1-11, addresses humanity's most profound question: "How can a man be just or righteous before God?" It posits two fundamental answers: human effort and merit, or God's grace alone through faith alone, crediting Christ's righteousness. The speaker emphasizes justification (being declared righteous) as absolutely essential to Christian faith, being the source of joy, the focus of Scripture, and a safeguard for eternity. He warns that justification is constantly under attack, historically by Judaizers who added works like circumcision to faith, and today by any group that adds human effort to God's grace for salvation. The core of the message identifies three marks of true Christians, the "true circumcision": they worship God in the Spirit, meaning their entire life is a Spirit-empowered act of worship and service, not mere external ritual. They glory solely in Christ Jesus, boasting only in His finished work rather than their own accomplishments. Finally, they put no confidence in the flesh, understanding they contribute absolutely nothing to their salvation, recognizing that righteousness comes solely by grace. True believers place all their trust and reliance completely in Jesus Christ alone for their standing before God.

Philippians
Tom Pennington
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Philippians
2004
2004-08-29

Just By Faith Alone - Part 1

The sermon, drawing from Philippians 3:1-11, centers on "Justification by Faith Alone" as Christianity's indispensable foundation. Theologians like Martin Luther asserted the Church cannot endure without it. Only two paths to righteousness exist: God's gift by faith or human effort. Paul seeks to reignite appreciation for this amazing grace. Justification is essential, first, as the source of true joy, stemming from Christ's imputed righteousness which covers all sin and credits His perfect life to believers. It consistently appears as Scripture's focus and the essence of Paul's ministry, safeguarding against gospel misunderstanding, unbelief, and counterfeits. Second, justification is constantly attacked. Paul warned against "Judaizers" ("dogs, evil workers, false circumcision") who added human effort like circumcision and law-keeping to faith for salvation. Modern versions still add works to faith, replacing Christ's "done" work with human "do." Scripture insists on repentance and belief in the gospel alone. This doctrine demands fierce defense, exemplified by Paul confronting Peter's compromise. Believers must uphold this central truth, just as reformers like Latimer died for it.

Philippians
Tom Pennington
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Philippians
2004
2004-08-29

Absolute Power - Part 1

Tom Pennington's sermon explores God's omnipotence, defining it through two aspects: His sovereign will and His power to execute it. God's "decretive will" refers to everything He has determined from eternity past that *will* certainly come to pass, often remaining secret until fulfilled. Examples include the creation of the universe by His word, Joseph's life, and Christ's crucifixion, all orchestrated by God's plan. This will is free, immutable, and efficacious. In contrast, God's "preceptive will" is His revealed moral commands and ideals in Scripture. This includes what God *desires* (e.g., all to repent, be perfect) but may *not* always come to pass, as it depends on human obedience. For believers, this understanding has crucial ramifications: (1) obey God's revealed precepts, (2) humbly submit to His sovereign, decretive will for your life, (3) trust God to ultimately bring good from all circumstances (Romans 8:28), and (4) make non-moral life decisions using biblical wisdom. This involves praying for wisdom, searching scripture for principles, seeking godly counsel, analyzing legitimate options, making a decisive choice in faith, and thanking God for His providential direction, rather than relying on arbitrary signs.

Tom Pennington
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Systematic Theology
2004
2004-08-22

To Infinity and Beyond

The text explores God's omnipresence, defining it as His being everywhere present, filling all space, and His immensity as being unlimited by space, which He Himself created. God is not physically confined or moving; biblical references to Him "coming down" or "leaving" denote special manifestations for specific purposes, rather than actual spatial relocation. He is distinct from His creation, not identical with it (not pantheism). Key propositions highlight that God is unbound by space, yet He fills all space in the totality of His being, not diffused. While God is everywhere, He chooses specific parts of space for special manifestations, and His omnipresence serves various purposes: sustaining the universe, judging the wicked, and blessing believers. This profound truth means access to God is always available through Christ, not confined to a building. It acts as a terror for unbelievers with nowhere to hide from judgment, a comfort for Christians promised His constant presence, and a purifying influence, reminding us to live "coram Deo"�before God�s face�knowing He perceives all. Sin causes a spiritual removal from His blessing presence, which repentance can restore, and in eternity, believers will experience a unique, intimate manifestation of God�s omnipresence.

Tom Pennington
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Systematic Theology
2004
2004-08-22

In High Definition - Part 2

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "In High Definition, Part 2" from Philippians 2:19-30 presents Epaphroditus as a profound model of a person God honors. Far from mere travel plans, this passage, like Eric Liddell's story, illustrates how ordinary believers can earn divine honor. Epaphroditus, an unassuming layperson from Philippi, is immortalized for qualities every Christian should emulate. Firstly, he was a **Christian Brother**, a genuine believer deeply committed to God's family and caring for fellow believers' needs. Secondly, a **Fellow Worker**, actively engaged in ministry rather than being a spectator. Thirdly, a **Fellow Soldier**, possessing a "wartime mindset," willing to endure hardship and self-denial for Christ's cause. Fourthly, a **Trustworthy Steward**, dependable and faithful in all responsibilities, big or small. Fifthly, a **Loving Friend**, demonstrating selfless concern for others, even while gravely ill himself, reflecting Christ's humility. Finally, a **Courageous Christian**, willing to take significant risks, even his life, for Christ's work, mirroring the early church's "risk-takers." Pennington urges listeners to respond by thinking about, esteeming, and imitating such individuals. Epaphroditus, though not famous or a church leader, became an eternal model by prioritizing Christ's service, demonstrating that God honors those who live out these Christ-like characteristics.

Philippians
Tom Pennington
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Philippians
2004
2004-08-15

The Great Sacrifice

Pastor Tom Pennington introduces the Old Testament sacrificial system by recounting a vivid experience of witnessing a pagan animal sacrifice in India, noting it's a distorted echo of humanity's inherent understanding that sacrifice is needed to approach God. He outlines five foundational truths revealed through these Old Testament practices, which ultimately point to Jesus Christ. First, **God demands sacrifice from every person** due to His perfect holiness and humanity's sinfulness; this is now fulfilled solely through Christ's sacrifice. Second, the **sacrifice is for God**, intended to satisfy His wrath�a "soothing aroma"�rather than being a work for the worshiper's justification. Old Testament believers were justified by faith, expressing their need for God's mercy through sacrifice. Third, **sacrifice is always substitutionary**: an innocent life dies in place of the guilty, as Christ perfectly demonstrated by enduring God's wrath in our stead. Fourth, **animal sacrifices were never the grounds for permanent forgiveness**; they were merely a "shadow" and a "reminder of sins," incapable of truly expiating guilt. Finally, **God is ultimately satisfied only with a perfect human sacrifice**: His Son, Jesus Christ, the God-man.

Tom Pennington
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2004

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