Sermons That Exalt Christ

Loving One Another - Part 1

This sermon on 1 John 2:9-11, "Loving One Another (Part 1)," examines the "social test" of eternal life: a new love for God's people. Pastor Tom Pennington asserts that genuine love for fellow Christians is a foundational test of true faith. John contrasts individuals who claim to be "in the Light" (Christians) yet hate their brother, with those who authentically love. In this biblical context, "hate" is broadly defined as anything falling short of true, unselfish love, ranging from using others for personal gain to outright malice. This lack of genuine love is presented as the natural state of an unbeliever. The sermon highlights that love for fellow believers is the most accurate test of faith because if one cannot love those connected through Christ, they cannot truly love anyone. Unbelievers' "love" is inherently self-centered, whereas true believers are radically transformed by the indwelling Holy Spirit, whose presence invariably produces love as its primary fruit. Consequently, a consistent pattern of unselfish love for others signifies a regenerated heart, while its absence, despite claims of faith, indicates remaining "in the darkness.

The Priority of Love

The sermon contrasts popular, sentimental definitions of love with the biblical understanding, asserting that "holy love" is the essence of true faith. Drawing from 1 John 2:7-8, it explains that the command to love is both "old" and "new." It's old because love is an eternal attribute of God, the greatest commandment summarizing the Old Testament Law, and a foundational truth taught to believers from their salvation. It's new because Jesus Christ uniquely demonstrated genuine love through His life and sacrificial death, raising its standard to "love as I have loved you." Furthermore, it's new because God, through the Holy Spirit, empowers believers to genuinely love, shedding His love in their hearts and producing it as a mark of their new nature. This transformation signifies the passing of darkness and the shining of true light within them. Ultimately, genuine love for God and others is presented as a timeless, paramount command and a crucial test of true Christian faith, indispensable for authentic spiritual life.

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