Sermons That Exalt Christ

Wars, Rumors of Wars & the Last War - Part 2

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon on Daniel 11:20-35, delivered on September 13, 2020, delves into the incredibly precise prophecies concerning Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Pennington highlights that this fulfilled prophecy showcases God's absolute sovereignty over all historical details, from Daniel's era to the end of human history. Antiochus IV, identified as a "despicable person" and the "little horn" from Daniel 8, receives extensive attention in the text due to his profound and dark impact on Israel's history, and his crucial role as a precursor to the Antichrist. Described as arrogant, deceptive, and ruthless, Antiochus seized power through intrigue. He launched intense persecutions against the Jewish people, famously desecrating the Jerusalem Temple by erecting an idol of Zeus�the "abomination of desolation"�and attempting to force Hellenization upon them, which ultimately sparked the Maccabean Revolt. Pennington explains that God allowed this severe suffering to refine, purge, and cleanse His people, distinguishing true believers from those who compromised. The sermon concludes with several lessons: God is sovereign over every detail of history, Jesus Christ rules all earthly kings, human rulers and kingdoms are temporary, and evil often infiltrates God's people through compromise.

God's Sermon on His Name - Part 3

Countryside Bible Church's sermon application, "God's Sermon on His Name (Pt. 3)" from Exodus 33:12-34:9, argues that God's self-revelation in Exodus 34 eradicates inadequate and idolatrous views of Him, replacing them with an authentic understanding of His holiness, greatness, and goodness. The text details God's goodness through His attributes: He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth. Furthermore, His goodness is evident in His actions: He extends lovingkindness for thousands and actively forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin. The application section encourages deep reflection on how God's glory is intrinsically linked to His goodness, examining how a profound grasp of this truth can fortify individuals against temptation. It explores the meaning of attributes like compassion (connecting it to motherhood), grace, and *hesed* (lovingkindness), which signifies God's enduring love and loyalty, leading to His preservation, comfort, and forgiveness of His people. The guide also underscores God's truthfulness in relation to His promises and prompts believers to consider how God's gracious character in forgiving sin should motivate worship, a desire to reflect Him, and the practice of extending forgiveness to others.

The Gift of Work

The sermon application "The Gift of Work" from Countryside Bible Church, drawing from Proverbs, establishes work as a divine gift and calling, urging an understanding of its origin, value, and reasons to honor God daily. The outline details four key principles: Firstly, work reflects God's character (Pr. 8:22-30) and His creative nature. Secondly, it is a direct command from God (Pr. 6:6-11). Thirdly, work must be performed God's way, demanding diligence, integrity, and humility in all tasks. Finally, work serves as a tool to fulfill God's purposes, which include providing for personal needs and enjoyment, supporting dependents, benefiting others, generously giving to those in need, and ultimately serving the Lord Jesus Christ (Col. 3:23-24). The reflection questions prompt individuals to examine their views on work, identify any "sluggard" traits, and consider how a godly work ethic, encompassing discipline, planning, hard work, diligence, integrity, and humility, can be practically applied to love God and others through their daily efforts.

Our Eternal Home is the New Earth - Part 2

God's Sermon on His Name - Part 2

Countryside Bible Church's sermon application, "God�s Sermon on His Name," Pt.2, from Exodus 33-34, centers on how God's self-revelation in this passage corrects our "inadequate, idolatrous views" of Him. It aims to replace them with a profound glimpse into His true holiness, greatness, and goodness. As A.W. Tozer observed, our deep-seated conception of God profoundly shapes our very being. The sermon outlines God�s gracious revelation through His name, highlighting two primary attributes. First, God is holy; His character prevents Him from compromising His law for sinful humanity, thereby necessitating a mediator. Moses briefly filled this role, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate mediation. Second, God is great; He must condescend�or "descend"�to interact with man, demonstrating His "LORD"-ship (Yahweh), which signifies His self-existence, eternality, and immutability. The application encourages reflection on how our view of God practically influences our lives, the crucial need for a mediator due to sin's separation, and the significance of God's condescension. Understanding God's divine name (LORD/Yahweh) and its implications for His character should fundamentally deepen our worship and reverence for the true and living God.

Our Eternal Home is the New Earth - Part 1

In a sermon titled "Our Eternal Home is the New Earth (Part 1)," Pastor Tom Pennington challenges the common perception of heaven, asserting from scripture that believers' eternal home will be a new, physical earth, not an ethereal heaven. He explains that the current universe will undergo a complete destruction by fire, with the "first heaven and first earth" passing away, signifying their utter cessation, much like pain and death will cease to exist. Following this divine "uncreation," God will fulfill prophecies by creating new heavens and a new earth. This new world will be physical and material, similar to our present one but perfected, featuring cities like the New Jerusalem, mountains, nations, and more, though notably "no longer any sea" to symbolize the absence of unrest and sin. The greatest joy will be God's manifest presence among His people, who will experience no tears, death, mourning, crying, or pain, as all sorrow and sin will be gone. God, the Alpha and Omega, guarantees this future, offering entry without cost to those who believe and faithfully follow Christ.