Sermons That Exalt Christ

Ephesus: Loveless Fidelity

Jesus' Last Words

This sermon unpacks Jesus� seventh and final word from the cross, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit" (Luke 23:46), emphasizing its profound meaning, example, and uniqueness. The three hours of darkness preceding this statement symbolized God's wrath and judgment against human sin, with Jesus enduring the complete forsakenness sinners deserve. Simultaneously, the miraculous tearing of the temple veil signified that Jesus' death had opened direct access to God, removing the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity, as He became our ultimate High Priest and sacrifice. Jesus' death also serves as an example for believers. He found comfort in God's Word and prayer, quoting Psalm 31:5, demonstrating a life immersed in Scripture. He understood death as the physical body's demise while the spirit (the true self) lives on, confidently entrusting His soul to the Father. Moreover, His death was unique because it was voluntary; He "yielded up His spirit" with a "mega voice" at a chosen moment, rather than succumbing to slow suffocation.

Jesus' Baptism of Repentance

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon uses Jesus' baptism (Mark 1:9-11) to explain repentance and prepare congregants for the Lord's Table. He notes that human repentance is often flawed, but Jesus' baptism offers profound lessons. John the Baptist preached a "baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins," calling Jews to acknowledge their sinfulness and prepare for the Messiah, akin to Gentile proselyte baptism. Though John initially resisted baptizing His sinless cousin, Jesus insisted to "fulfill all righteousness." This pivotal event involved the heavens tearing open, the Holy Spirit descending visibly "like a dove," and God's voice proclaiming, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." This affirmed Jesus' identity as the Messiah, the suffering servant, and distinctly revealed the Trinity. Jesus' baptism served three key purposes: it confirmed His identity as God's Son and the Messiah; it fulfilled a perfect, righteous life on behalf of His people, with His righteousness later imputed to believers; and critically, it was a substitutionary repentance for His people. Though sinless, Jesus' participation in a "baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" made our own sincere, yet imperfect, repentance acceptable to God.

A Vision of the Exalted Christ - Part 2

Tom Pennington's sermon on Revelation 1:9-20 continues exploring John's vision of the exalted Christ. After John, exiled on Patmos "in the Spirit on the Lord's day," witnessed Christ's awe-inspiring glory, he "fell at His feet like a dead man," overwhelmed by divine majesty and his own sinfulness. Christ immediately offered gracious comfort, touching John and commanding him, "Do not be afraid." This comfort was rooted in Christ's reassuring character: He is "the first and the last," "the living One," the eternal and true God; He "was dead," having died redemptively for humanity; He is "alive forevermore," possessing an indestructible life, having permanently conquered death; and He holds "the keys of death and of Hades," demonstrating complete, sovereign control over life, death, and the afterlife. Christ then commissioned John to "write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things," thereby structuring the book of Revelation. He clarified that the "seven stars" represent the lead elders or pastors of the churches, held securely in His hand, while the "seven golden lampstands" symbolize the churches themselves, valued by Christ and tasked with displaying His light.

The Reasons for Romans - Part 5

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon on Romans 15:14-33, "The Reasons for Romans (Part 5)," emphasizes the vital role of prayer in supporting missions, likening it to William Carey's "hold the rope" analogy. Paul's "fervent prayer request" in Romans 15:30-33 provides a timeless pattern for missionary prayer. Pennington outlines key lessons: the effectiveness of prayer, which Paul profoundly believed secures God's blessings, urging intense, heartfelt appeals. Motives for praying include our family relationship in Christ, the Lord's authority (as Christ demands we pray for those He sends), and the mutual love the Holy Spirit produces within us. The "heart" of missionary praying is to "strive together" or "agonize" with missionaries, engaging in their conflicts and struggles, placing ourselves in their difficult circumstances. Basic requests include praying for their personal safety (physical and spiritual) and ministry success (equipping saints and evangelizing the lost). The sermon also explores prayer's relationship with God's sovereignty. We must submit our plans to God's will, understanding that prayer is a divinely ordained means through which God often accomplishes His eternal decrees.

The Reasons for Romans - Part 4

Tom Pennington's sermon, "The Reasons for Romans (Part 4)," from Romans 15:14-33, outlines Paul's two main reasons for writing the letter: a timeless spiritual purpose to remind believers of the gospel, and a timely ministry purpose to prepare Roman Christians for his planned visit. This sermon focuses on five future ministry plans and priorities Paul exemplified, which believers should also adopt. First, Paul sought to **use his spiritual giftedness for believers**, desiring to impart spiritual strength and build up the Roman church's faith, anticipating mutual encouragement from their fellowship. Second, he planned to **share the gospel with unbelievers**, specifically targeting Spain and Western Europe, and sought the Roman church's support as a new base for his pioneering missions. This vital support prompted his detailed theological exposition in Romans. Third, Paul aimed to **develop and deepen his relationships with believers**, looking forward to their company and spiritual refreshment. Fourth, he committed to **investing time and resources for the physical help of believers**, undertaking a 2000-mile detour to personally deliver a financial contribution from Gentile churches to the poor Jewish saints in Jerusalem, symbolizing unity and love.