Sermons That Exalt Christ

The Reasons for Romans - Part 2

Pastor Tom Pennington explains Paul�s letter to the Romans serves two main purposes: a timeless spiritual reminder of the gospel for all believers, and a timely ministry purpose to prepare Roman Christians for his visit. From Romans 15:17-19, Pennington extracts five crucial lessons for all who serve Christ. Firstly, Christ is the sole reason for all spiritual accomplishments. Paul boasted in what Christ achieved *through* him, emphasizing that believers are merely channels. Secondly, Christ sets the spiritual goal for ministry: "the obedience of the Gentiles." This includes both initial repentance and faith in the gospel, and a lifelong pattern of obedience to Christ's Word, facilitated by preaching and, for apostles, confirming miracles. Thirdly, Christ provides spiritual gifts for each assignment. Paul, as an apostle, was empowered with "signs and wonders" to validate his divine message, a unique gift for that era. For contemporary believers, Christ supernaturally gifts them for their specific roles within the church. Fourthly, Christ determines the precise place for service, as He guided Paul's ministry from Jerusalem to Illyricum, sovereignly positioning each believer in their current sphere of influence.

Salutation & Dedication

The Reasons for Romans - Part 1

Pastor Tom Pennington explains that Paul's letter to the Romans serves as a crucial, timeless reminder of the gospel for all believers. Though written to spiritually mature Christians, not for initial evangelism, its purpose is to continually deepen their understanding and application of fundamental truths. The sermon highlights a biblical "theology of remembering," asserting that the gospel's profound depths and practical implications for life, service, and conduct demand constant revisiting, not because believers forget, but because its richness is inexhaustible. Paul wrote under divine authority, by God's grace and apostolic calling, even describing his ministry in priestly terms�offering believing Gentiles as a sanctified sacrifice to God. The letter reminds us of the gospel's basic tenets: God as Creator, humanity as rebellious sinners, Jesus as the sole Savior, and the call to repent and believe. It also delves into its theological fullness, covering justification, security, sovereignty, and practical implications. Believers are urged to continuously engage with Romans and other gospel-centered resources to keep these essential truths at the forefront of their minds and lives.

Navigating Christian Liberty - Part 8

Pastor Tom Pennington�s sermon on Romans 14:1�15:13 highlights Jesus�s profound willingness to accept those vastly different from Himself, a stark contrast to humanity�s inherent tendency to seek likeness. Paul�s core message for Christians is to �accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us� (Romans 15:7). This command applies to all believers, particularly regarding differences of conscience within the church. Pennington explains that Christ�s acceptance serves as both the standard and the cause for our acceptance of others. Jesus�s ministry, foretold in Old Testament prophecies, fulfilled promises to the Jews while extending God�s mercy to Gentiles, uniting them as one family. This inclusive acceptance brings glory to God and fosters unity. The sermon emphasizes that Christ is humanity�s sole hope and encourages believers to embrace a heart for all nations, fully welcoming every true brother and sister despite differences. It concludes with Paul's benediction from Romans 15:13, praying for believers to be filled with all joy and peace in believing, so they may abound in hope through the Holy Spirit.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ - Part 2

The Book of Revelation, penned by Apostle John around 96 AD amidst Emperor Domitian�s persecution, provided profound encouragement. The speaker champions the Futurist interpretation, asserting that Revelation's major prophecies�including judgments, Christ's Second Coming, and a new heaven and earth�are future. Described as "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" (both from and about Him), its source is God the Father, gifted to the Son for His obedience (Philippians 2). Intended for "bondservants" (all believers), its singular purpose is to "show" them "the things which must soon take place." This central theme, divinely decreed, culminates in "the unveiling of Jesus Christ and His glorious kingdom resulting in the everlasting destruction of His enemies and the everlasting blessing of His saints." Delivered through an angel to John, its inspired content is eyewitness testimony and God-breathed prophecy, meant for public reading and "heeding." A spiritual blessing awaits those who engage with it, revealing God's certain plan and believer's future glory. Its emphasis on events being "soon" and "near" underscores their certainty, rapid onset, and imminence, urging Christians to live in anticipation of Christ's return.

Navigating Christian Liberty - Part 7

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "Romans Navigating Christian Liberty (Part 7)," addresses "issues of conscience"�moral matters not explicitly forbidden, such as contemporary issues. He warns against opinions rooted in "laying up treasures on earth," urging motive-checking, as anger often betrays an earthly focus (per Martin Lloyd-Jones). The sermon reiterates liberty principles: expect and accept differences, and avoid causing sin. Crucially, it stresses *limiting liberty for others' spiritual good*: for believers' edification, unbelievers' salvation, and supremely, *for God's exaltation*. Paul's prayer (Romans 15:5-6) highlights God's gracious nature, granting endurance, encouragement, and unity. This unity isn't identical views on non-essentials, but a "same mind" reflecting Christ's, as taught in Romans 14-15. The ultimate goal isn't unity, but to "glorify God." Accepting one another as Christ accepted us, despite differences, brings God glory and prevents church division.