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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No Whining Allowed - Part 2
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "No Whining Allowed (Part 2)" on Philippians 2:14-18 urges believers to "Do all things without grumbling or disputing." Grumbling expresses dissatisfaction with circumstances, while disputing questions God's plans, often revealing an "unbelieving heart." The sermon outlines three key reasons for this command. Firstly, for personal assurance: refraining from grumbling proves one to be a "blameless and innocent child of God above reproach," evidencing genuine trust. Conversely, grumbling, as seen with Israel, can expose a lack of faith. Secondly, for the unsaved: Christians live "in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation." By not grumbling and "holding fast the word of life" (the gospel), their exemplary behavior and message "shine as lights in the world," offering a powerful contrast to a self-pitying world and making their witness credible. Thirdly, for spiritual leaders: a non-grumbling life ensures that leaders like Paul "did not run in vain nor toil in vain." Believers' faithfulness brings God glory and validates their mentors' ministry at the "day of Christ." Paul himself, despite imprisonment and suffering, exemplified this by rejoicing, seeing his trials as a "drink offering.
The Truth About God
The sermon "Systematic Theology: The Truth About God" emphasizes that modern perceptions of God are often "too human," advocating for a return to Scripture for an accurate understanding of His nature. It introduces God's "attributes" as essential, indivisible truths, like facets of a diamond, revealing His glory. The core attribute explored is God's "independence" or "self-existence" (aseity). This means God relies on nothing outside Himself for His being, existing eternally and perfectly complete. Scriptural examples from Genesis, Exodus, Job, Psalms, John, Acts, and Romans demonstrate that God is the uncreated Creator, needing nothing from His creation, and whose purposes are entirely His own, uninfluenced by external factors. This doctrine carries profound implications for believers: 1. **Purpose:** We exist *for* God, not the reverse, to bring Him glory. 2. **Sin:** Living independently is the ultimate challenge to God's self-existence; true faith involves humble dependence and gratitude. 3. **Worship/Service:** Our worship does not fulfill any need in God, but rather acknowledges our profound need for Him and His mercy. 4. **Love:** God's independence underscores His immense love; needing nothing, He chose to create, set His love upon us, and delights in His people.
No Whining Allowed - Part 1
Tom Pennington's sermon, "No Whining Allowed (Part 1)," identifies widespread complaining, grumbling, and disputing as serious sins that challenge God's character, power, wisdom, and goodness. He links these behaviors to an "intellectual rebellion" against God. Pennington draws heavily from Old Testament accounts, particularly Israel's wilderness wanderings (referenced in 1 Corinthians 10 and Philippians 2:14-18), where God severely judged His people for their grumbling against circumstances and provision, which He perceived as directed against Himself. Examples like the vineyard workers and Jonah illustrate how perceived injustices lead to dissatisfaction and arguing with God's plans. Grumbling is defined as expressing dissatisfaction with circumstances or people, ultimately against God. Disputing involves internal skepticism or criticism that questions God's actions and intentions. When we complain, we essentially set ourselves up as God's judge. To overcome these sins, the sermon advocates for unconditional trust in God. This requires intentionally recalling God's sovereign character, His continuous work on our behalf, His immense greatness in contrast to our smallness, and His primary goal of our sanctification over our comfort. We are urged not to repeat Israel's fatal mistakes, but to embrace God's plan with unwavering trust and joy.
The Scandal of the Cross
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "The Scandal of the Cross" (Galatians 6:14) illuminates the offensive nature of the Christian message. To the first-century world, proclaiming a crucified carpenter as God's Son and Savior was profoundly scandalous, as crucifixion was a humiliating punishment reserved for the worst criminals (Galatians 5:11). God, however, purposefully chose this "foolish" method to contradict human wisdom and ensure that all glory for salvation belongs to Him alone (1 Corinthians 1:18-29). Historically, this message was a "stumbling block" to Jews and "foolishness" to Gentiles (1 Corinthians 1:23), a reaction that largely persists today. Christians are thus called to respond to the cross in three ways. First, they must "boast only in the cross," renouncing all self-righteousness and personal accomplishments, acknowledging that every spiritual and temporal blessing flows solely from Christ's work (Philippians 3:4-8). Second, believers must "die to the world," allowing the Holy Spirit to crucify their desires for its values, pleasures, and honors, fostering a new set of priorities (1 John 2:16).
Understanding Your Spiritual Gift
This sermon by Tom Pennington addresses the topic of spiritual gifts from 1 Peter 4:10-11, using the human body as an analogy for the church. Pennington explains that every Christian receives a unique spiritual "charisma" at conversion for selfless service. He distinguishes between temporary "sign gifts" that ceased with the apostles and permanent "edifying gifts" (speaking and serving) for today. He outlines five crucial instructions for spiritual gifts: First, **recognize your specific assignment** � every believer has a God-given capacity, discoverable through scripture, prayer, self-assessment, wise counsel, and faithful service. Second, **understand their exclusive purpose** � gifts are for "serving one another" to edify the body. Third, **have the proper attitude** � be a "good steward" of God's grace, avoiding pride or discontent, knowing God sovereignly determines each gift and its results. Fourth, **learn their legitimate exercise** � speaking gifts must relay God's utterances, while serving gifts must be empowered by God's strength. Finally, **pursue the ultimate goal** � that "in all things, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." The sermon concludes by urging believers to get involved, find their role, and faithfully use their gifts, as the church needs every member to function properly and bring God glory.
God at Work: The Divine Role in Sanctification
The sermon, "God at Work: The Divine Role in Sanctification," reconciles the apparent contradiction in Philippians 2:12-13, which exhorts believers to "work out their salvation" while stating God "is at work in you, both to will and to work." The speaker emphasizes that the Bible, unlike culturally accepted irrationality, contains mysteries but no true contradictions. He elaborates on five features of God's role in sanctification. First, God's powerful and constant energy ("energeto," the same power that raised Christ) works *within* believers, as humans lack the capacity to sanctify themselves. Second, this work is extensive, occurring deep within our souls, where the Holy Spirit indwells. Third, the essence of God�s work is "both to will and to work": God works *to will* by changing our desires, inclining our hearts towards spiritual good, as our natural wills are unable to choose it independently due to sin. He then works *to work* by empowering us to act upon these divinely-inspired desires and decisions. Fourth, this internal transformation is for God's good pleasure, meaning He delights in displaying His love and goodness. Finally, our effort in sanctification (v.
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