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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2004-03-28

United We Stand - Part 2

In "United We Stand, Part 2," Pastor Tom Pennington explores Philippians 2:1-5 to address the critical issue of unity in the church, illustrating disunity's tragedy with a story of a church split over roof shingle color. The essence of unity, Paul teaches, is "being of the same mind"�a deliberate decision to adopt a shared mindset, not necessarily identical opinions. This mindset is defined by three components: a common commitment to "maintain the same love," which is agape love�an unselfish, self-sacrificing desire to meet others' needs, as exemplified in 1 Corinthians 13 and commanded by Christ. Second, a common connection, being "united in spirit" or "together in soul," fostering selfless harmony and transcending unimportant differences. Finally, a common cause, being "intent on one purpose," which for believers is singularly focused on Christ and His gospel. The enemies of unity are identified as "selfishness" and "empty conceit." Selfishness (selfish ambition) involves self-serving motives, power struggles, and divisive factions, often cloaked in spiritual justifications. Empty conceit (empty glory) is arrogant pride, an inflated sense of self-importance where one believes their own convictions, abilities, or preferences are superior, thereby undermining God's glory. Both these sins are rooted in pride, the ultimate enemy of unity.

Philippians
Tom Pennington
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Philippians
2004
2004-03-21

The One True God - Part 1

Pastor Tom Pennington introduces a study on God's attributes, emphasizing that knowing God is central to eternal life and the heart of faith, or "theology proper." He shares his personal journey, crediting A.W. Tozer's "The Knowledge of the Holy" for profoundly expanding his understanding of God's majesty, which he hopes to impart. The study aims to deepen understanding of God's person and work, encourage further scriptural study focused on God, foster closer fellowship, and ultimately glorify God. Tonight's focus is God's existence, asserting that all humans possess an innate, universal knowledge of God (Romans 1-2). Pennington refutes Sigmund Freud's idea that man invented God out of fear, arguing instead that man suppresses the truth of God's existence. He contrasts two approaches to unbelievers: evidentialism, which uses rational arguments, and presuppositionalism, his preferred method. Presuppositionalism contends that God has revealed Himself, and man, being spiritually dead, willfully denies this known truth. Therefore, rational proofs alone cannot bring saving faith; regeneration by the Spirit through God's Word is essential. The Christian's task is to boldly declare God's self-authenticating Word, as unbelievers already suppress the truth they know.

Tom Pennington
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Systematic Theology
2004
2004-03-21

United We Stand - Part 1

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "United We Stand, Part 1" from Philippians 2:1-5 underscores the paramount importance of Christian unity. He illustrates the danger of disunity with a personal anecdote about a church conflict over piano placement, showing how even minor issues can become flashpoints. The Apostle Paul deeply feared disunity, often addressing it first in troubled churches like Corinth, viewing it as a "deadly cancer" stemming from "fleshly hearts" and a focus on personal preferences over core biblical doctrine. God unequivocally detests those who spread strife, and Jesus warned that "any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste." Philippians 2:1 outlines four objective spiritual realities that form the unshakeable basis of Christian unity: 1. **Encouragement in Christ:** The shared comfort and peace experienced through salvation. 2. **Consolation of Love:** The Father's unchanging love, which sustains believers through life's trials and motivates them to love fellow believers. 3. **Fellowship of the Spirit:** Being joined by the Spirit into one body, partnered with God and Christ, and thus with each other. 4. **Affection and Compassion:** God's profound mercy and forgiveness, uniting all who have received it. To receive these immense blessings yet refuse unity with others who share them is profound ingratitude.

Philippians
Tom Pennington
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Philippians
2004
2004-03-14

The Canon: Why These Sixty-Six Books - Part 5

The sermon "The Canon: Why These Sixty-Six Books (Part 5)" argues that the 66 books of the Bible form God's complete and final revelation, rejecting claims of ongoing revelation from figures like Joseph Smith. The canon is closed because the unique roles of Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles in delivering new inspired writings have ceased. This closure is affirmed by centuries of church history. Scriptural passages decisively support this: Hebrews 1:1-2 shows God's ultimate word came through His Son, Jude 3 declares "the faith was once for all handed down," and Revelation 22:18-19, from the last apostle's last book, warns against adding to or subtracting from God's word. A closed canon has profound implications: God has provided everything necessary for faith, salvation, and godly living, making Scripture wholly sufficient. Consequently, believers should not seek new personal revelations through subjective impressions or "inner voices." Instead, diligent study of the existing Word provides all direction and wisdom. Scripture's clarity allows individual understanding without relying on external interpretive authorities, and it alone holds ultimate authority, binding the conscience, a principle championed by Martin Luther.

Tom Pennington
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Systematic Theology
2004
2004-03-14

Not From Around Here - Part 2

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "Not from Around Here, Part 2" on Philippians 1:27-30 emphasizes that true Christians, as citizens of heaven, must live lives that outwardly reflect their faith. Drawing on Paul's letter, Pennington outlines four essential duties: 1. **Stand for the truth:** Uphold, defend, and teach God's Word. 2. **Seek for unity:** Foster a common purpose and mindset among believers. 3. **Strive for the gospel:** Actively advance the good news of Jesus Christ. 4. **Suffer for Christ:** This is the most challenging duty, and a reality for believers worldwide. Persecution takes many forms, mostly verbal�such as ridicule, slander, threats, and false accusations�though physical harm also occurs. Christians should not be alarmed by this opposition. Instead, they should embrace suffering for three reasons: it serves as proof of their salvation and their opponents' destruction; it is a gracious gift from God, a privilege given for Christ's sake, connecting them to His own suffering; and it places them in the good company of countless believers throughout history, including Paul, the apostles, and prophets. Embracing persecution means trusting God, continuing to do right, and glorifying Him through all trials, reflecting a life truly worthy of the gospel.

Philippians
Tom Pennington
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Philippians
2004
2004-02-29

Not From Around Here - Part 1

In "Not from Around Here, Part 1," based on Philippians 1:27-30, Pastor Tom Pennington emphasizes that Christians are citizens of heaven and must live in a manner worthy of this divine citizenship. Drawing an analogy to the ancient Greek "polis" (city-state), he explains that citizenship involves not just privileges, but also significant duties and responsibilities. Pennington outlines three core duties for heavenly citizens: First, to **stand for the truth**. This means diligently knowing, obeying, defending, and teaching God's Word, which serves as their spiritual constitution. Second, to **seek for unity**. Believers should cultivate a common spirit and mindset, a unity rooted in the Holy Spirit and shared biblical doctrine, while avoiding both uncritical acceptance of error and internal conflict among genuine Christians. Third, to **strive for the Gospel**. This calls for actively engaging in a collective, "life and death struggle" to proclaim and defend the Good News of Jesus Christ. Sharing the Gospel with lost sinners is highlighted as the unique mission for believers on earth, as it is the one thing they cannot do better in heaven. Our conduct in this world directly reflects our true allegiance and heavenly homeland.

Philippians
Tom Pennington
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Philippians
2004

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