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
An Aerial View of the Old Testament
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Embracing Our Church's Distinctives
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Five Hallmarks of a Biblical Church
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Hook, Line and Sinker
Just by Faith Alone
Lies Christians Believe
Look in the Mirror!
Lord, Teach Us To Pray
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Your Faith, Dead or Alive?
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2003-11-23

He Is Not Silent - Part 2

While NASA's SETI program spends millions searching for extraterrestrial intelligence, Christians assert they have already received a message from beyond space: God is not silent. God's self-disclosure, or revelation, occurs in two forms. General revelation, through creation, providence, and conscience, universally reveals God's existence, goodness, and moral law, but is insufficient for saving knowledge due to human fallenness. Special revelation, a supernatural unveiling, evolved through history. Initially, God spoke directly (Adam, Eve, Cain, Noah) and appeared in visible manifestations (theophanies, "angel of the LORD," understood as the pre-incarnate Christ). He also communicated through visions and dreams. Crucially, with Moses, God began to inspire written revelation, starting with the Ten Commandments and the Law, adding to it through Joshua and the prophets until Malachi. After 400 silent years, God spoke through angels, dreams, John the Baptist, and most profoundly, through His Son, Jesus Christ, who perfectly "exegeted" God's character and will. After Christ's ascension, appearances to apostles culminated in the book of Revelation, completing special revelation. The text emphasizes that God's non-written revelation was limited to specific people and times.

Tom Pennington
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Systematic Theology
2003
2003-11-23

The Sovereign of Salvation

The sermon "The Sovereign of Salvation" (Philippians 1:6) contrasts human overconfidence with Paul's unwavering assurance, which rests solely on God's character. The central argument is God's absolute sovereignty in salvation, demonstrated by three interconnected truths. First, **salvation is initiated by God**, who chose us in eternity and regenerates hearts, giving new life and understanding, not man seeking Him. Second, **salvation is accomplished by God**, who actively works to conform believers to Christ's image, a continuous process driven by His unwavering purpose. Third, **salvation will be perfected by God**, ensuring ultimate glorification at Christ's return, as God always finishes what He starts. This profound understanding of sovereign salvation yields significant practical consequences. It fosters deep **gratitude**, replacing human pride with thankfulness for God's unmerited grace. It cultivates unshakable **confidence** and assurance in one's personal salvation and in ministry, knowing God preserves His saints. Practically, this truth promotes **humility**, a diligent **pursuit of holiness** (working out salvation because God is at work), and robust **evangelism**. Believers are empowered to faithfully share God's Word, trusting Him to initiate and complete His saving work in prepared hearts. Ultimately, salvation is entirely God's work, from beginning to end, making God Himself our salvation.

Philippians
Tom Pennington
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Philippians
2003
2003-11-16

He Is Not Silent - Part 1

God is not silent, universally revealing Himself through "general revelation" via three channels: creation, providence, and conscience. Creation, from the vast universe to the intricate human cell, constantly declares God's glory, eternal power, and divine nature, leaving humanity "without excuse" (Romans 1). Providence, exemplified by God's consistent goodness in providing sun and rain, witnesses to His character (Matthew 5, Acts 14). Conscience, an innate moral law "written on their hearts" (Romans 2), reveals God as righteous, holy, and a lawgiver, conveying a sense of judgment and wrath. This general revelation proclaims God's existence, attributes, and impending judgment. However, due to humanity's sinfulness and the Fall, people suppress and misinterpret this truth, leading to personal guilt, moral decline, and God's wrath. While God's message is clear, human perception is marred, making general revelation insufficient to lead to saving faith in Jesus Christ. For genuine salvation, "special revelation" through the preached or written Word of God, understood with the "spectacles of faith," is indispensable.

Tom Pennington
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Systematic Theology
2003
2003-11-16

A Real Thanksgiving

In his sermon "A Real Thanksgiving," Pastor Tom Pennington explores Philippians 1:3-5, presenting four principles for genuine thanksgiving. First, acknowledge God as the source of every good thing. True gratitude stems from recognizing that all blessings originate from Him. Conversely, the refusal to credit God is a root of sin and craving, while thankfulness is its antidote. Second, cultivate gratitude as a habit. Paul's thanksgiving was a constant practice, not merely an annual observance. This consistent thankfulness, demonstrated by biblical figures like Daniel and Christ, should be a regular part of prayer, even amid hardship. It reflects trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, thereby glorifying Him. Third, establish people as the object of your thanks. Paul primarily thanked God "for you all," valuing relationships more than possessions. This means focusing on God's grace in the lives of others, appreciating their presence, and expressing that gratitude directly to them. Finally, keep the gospel as the priority. Paul's profound joy and thanksgiving arose from the Philippians' "participation in the gospel." This "koinonia" or partnership in the gospel encompasses believing its message, sharing it with others, financially supporting its spread, and praying for those who minister it.

Philippians
Tom Pennington
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Philippians
2003
2003-11-09

Why Should You Care About Theology? - Part 2

The text underscores the critical importance of Systematic Theology, citing widespread confusion about biblical teachings that can lead to tragic consequences like wrong behavior. Defined as "What does the whole Bible teach us about any given topic?", Systematic Theology organizes God's complete revelation into coherent doctrines such as Bibliology, Christology, and Soteriology, always with Scripture as its foundation. The speaker defends this approach by arguing that everyone inherently practices some form of systematic theology; the aim is to make it accurate and thorough. Christianity is founded on a body of doctrine�"the faith," "the deposit"�that demands comprehensive understanding, guarding, and transmission. The principle of "analogy of faith" dictates that the entire Scripture provides context for interpreting individual passages, requiring a holistic view. Both Christ and Paul exemplified this systematic approach, explaining theological truths by connecting diverse scriptures. Ultimately, Systematic Theology offers numerous benefits: it defends against doctrinal error, guards against wrong behavior (as belief influences conduct), promotes spiritual growth by laying a foundational understanding for Christian living, and profoundly deepens one's relationship with Jesus Christ, stirring devotion as biblical truths are understood holistically.

Tom Pennington
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Systematic Theology
2003
2003-11-09

Philippians' Raison D'tre

Pastor Tom Pennington introduces Philippians as a guide to "basic spirituality 101," exploring its purpose. Paul wrote this letter from Roman imprisonment for several reasons: to express deep affection for the Philippians, report on his circumstances (noting the gospel's progress despite his chains), commend and send home Epaphroditus (who delivered a gift and recovered from illness), and thank them for their consistent financial support. He also confronted church issues like false teachings (Judaizers and libertines) and pervasive disunity rooted in selfishness. Additionally, Paul prepared them for persecution, illustrating that the gospel still advances even amidst suffering. Beyond these immediate concerns, the epistle�s timeless message, its "raison d'etre," is to teach how Christians should think. This is revealed through key concepts: **joy** (unaffected by external trials), **unity** (countering internal strife), **right thinking** (focusing on noble truths), the **gospel** (Paul's passion), and **Christ** (the central figure). Paul's overarching purpose is fostering a mindset consumed with Christ and His gospel. When Christ is the undisputed center, unity flourishes as differences diminish, and unshakeable joy endures despite earthly trials. This foundational shift�making Christ the center of one's spiritual universe�is the core teaching.

Philippians
Tom Pennington
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Philippians
2003

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