Sermons That Exalt Christ

Living by the Compass

In his sermon "Living by the Compass," Tom Pennington encourages listeners to intentionally order their lives to honor Christ, advocating a shift from "living by the clock" (driven by urgency) to "living by the compass" (guided by purpose). Drawing from Proverbs 14:8 and Psalm 90:12, he emphasizes that wisdom involves reflecting on one's life patterns and the brevity of existence, while foolishness is self-deception regarding time usage. An ordered life, Pennington explains, begins with a clearly defined "destination"�a concise statement of personal goals and priorities, similar to Jonathan Edwards' resolutions. The two core biblical priorities for an ordered life are loving God supremely (manifested through immersion in His Word, obedience, and serving His people) and loving one's neighbor (prioritizing key relationships). Practical tools to achieve this include weekly and annual review of one's resolutions, utilizing a daily or weekly planner, and breaking down overarching objectives into specific, actionable goals and tasks. The overarching call is to intentionally steward our limited time on earth, ensuring our lives are shaped by God's priorities and make an eternal impact, rather than being squandered on the non-essential.

The Promise of Christmas - Part 2

This sermon, "The Promise of Christmas (Part 2)," examines Luke 1:26-38, encouraging listeners to truly worship Jesus rather than merely celebrating a holiday. Pastor Tom Pennington highlights Jesus' unique characteristics, building on the previous week's discussion of His unlikely parents. He first details Jesus' extraordinary person: His saving mission (named Jesus, meaning "Yahweh saves," to rescue people from sin through His atoning sacrifice), His divine nature (as the "Son of the Most High," equal with God, confirmed by His enemies and His own claims), and His Messianic role (qualified through Joseph and Mary to inherit David's eternal throne and reign as King). Secondly, the sermon explores Jesus' unique conception: It was unprecedented, as Mary, a virgin, miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit's overshadowing power, resulting in a holy, sinless Child. This virgin birth is foundational to Christianity, fulfilling prophecy and enabling the eternal Son of God to add humanity as one person. The miracle was effortless for God, who can do anything. Mary wholeheartedly accepted this divinely orchestrated plan despite its personal cost, submitting to God's will.

The Promise of Christmas - Part 1

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "The Promise of Christmas (Part 1)," highlights a concerning trend: the declining religious observance of Christmas, with fewer Americans believing in the historical events of Luke 2. Pennington emphasizes Luke's gospel was written to establish the faith's historical certainty, then focuses on the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary (Luke 1:26-38). Mary and Joseph are presented as "unlikely parents" for the Messiah due to their obscure background in Nazareth, a small, unimportant village with a poor reputation. Despite this, they possessed unique qualifications: Mary was a virgin, and both were descendants of King David, fulfilling vital messianic prophecy. Joseph, a righteous and gracious carpenter, provided Jesus' legal claim to David's throne, while Mary provided the physical lineage. The sermon underscores that God chose this humble couple not for their inherent merit or impressiveness, but solely through "sovereign grace." Gabriel's greeting to Mary as "favored one" signifies her as a recipient of God's undeserved grace, not an inherent source. Mary's perplexed, humble reaction further illustrates her understanding of this divine favor. Just as Mary and Joseph were chosen by grace, all believers are called by God's grace, ensuring that all glory belongs to Him.

Christmas Concert 2021 - Message

The Believer's New Relationship to Sin - Part 6

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon from 1 John 1:5 � 2:6 details the "moral test" of genuine belief: a believer's new relationship to sin, functioning as a spiritual diagnostic tool. John's letter seeks to assure true Christians of their faith through tests, this segment focusing on obedience to Christ's commands. God's holiness means knowing Him precludes habitually walking in darkness, forming the basis for distinguishing true from false Christians. A genuine Christian's life shows a pattern of holiness, admits inherent sinfulness, confesses sins, and consistently strives for obedience. This obedience is not the *cause* of salvation, but vital *evidence* (like antibodies), flowing from the Holy Spirit's regenerative work. Scripture, including James 2 and Jesus's teachings, links true faith and love for Christ to keeping His commandments. A false Christian consistently disobeys Christ, rendering their profession a "lie." In contrast, a true Christian consistently, though imperfectly, obeys Jesus' "Word," desiring to know and live it, depending on the Spirit's empowerment. This obedience reveals genuine love for God. Furthermore, true believers actively desire and pursue Christ-likeness, seeking to "walk in the same manner as He walked.

He is Worthy! - Part 4

Revelation chapters 4 and 5 unveil the divine selection process for the universe's ultimate ruler and judge. John witnesses a seven-sealed scroll, representing the title deed to the earth, which no one in heaven or on earth is found worthy to open, causing him profound grief. An elder then announces the "Lion from the tribe of Judah" has overcome. However, John sees a Lamb, "as if slain," standing at the center of heaven. This Lamb, Jesus Christ, embodies sacrificial redemption (the Lamb of God) yet possesses divine attributes of omnipotence (seven horns) and omniscience (seven eyes). He takes the scroll from God's hand, signifying His inherent authority to execute divine judgment and reign over the earth forever. This act unleashes the future judgments of the Great Tribulation. In response, all of creation erupts in universal worship. The four living creatures and twenty-four elders sing a "new song," praising the Lamb for His redeeming blood that purchased people from every nation, making them a kingdom of priests who will reign. Countless angels and every created thing join, declaring the Lamb worthy of all power, riches, wisdom, honor, glory, and dominion forever.