Sermons That Exalt Christ

Smyrna: Faithful in Suffering

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "Smyrna: Faithful in Suffering" from Revelation 2:8-11 addresses the reality of Christian persecution, both as a global phenomenon and an impending threat in America. He defines persecution broadly, encompassing insults, slander, and professional discrimination, not just physical violence. Drawing lessons from Christ's letter to the persecuted church in Smyrna, Pennington emphasizes Christ's self-description as "the first and the last" and "who was dead and has come to life," highlighting His eternal sovereignty and victory over death as a source of comfort. Christ acknowledges Smyrna's severe "tribulation" and "poverty" (spiritually, they are "rich"), and the "blasphemy" (slander) from those He calls a "synagogue of Satan"�unbelieving Jews used as instruments of persecution. The sermon outlines five responses to persecution: do not fear suffering (Christ controls it, is with you, gives courage, and preserves faith), do not mistake its source (Satan orchestrates it), do not miss its purpose (God uses it to test and prove genuine faith), do not question Christ's sovereignty (He determines its duration), and do not forget Christ's reward ("the crown of life," which is eternal life). All true believers, "overcomers," are promised they will never be harmed by the "second death" (eternal punishment).

Risen!

The sermon "Risen!" highlights the unparalleled uniqueness of Christianity, asserting that its founder, Jesus, rose from the dead, leaving an empty tomb, a claim no other major religion makes for its founder. This resurrection is the indispensable foundation of Christian faith; without it, Jesus was a fraud, and faith is rendered worthless. The text recounts the historical events: Jesus' crucifixion, hasty burial, and the Sabbath. On Sunday morning, faithful women, intending to anoint Jesus' body, discovered the massive tombstone rolled away by an angel after an earthquake. Angels proclaimed, "He has risen, just as He said," confirming the empty tomb and designating these women as the first witnesses. The sermon presents compelling evidence for this event: the impossibly displaced stone, the angelic testimonies, Jesus' own prophecies of His resurrection, the empty tomb (unchallenged even by His enemies), and His numerous post-resurrection appearances to over 500 people. Initially, the women reacted with a mix of fear, astonishment, and temporary speechlessness, yet also with profound joy and obedient faith, compelling them to share the news.

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.