Sermons That Exalt Christ
The preaching of God’s Word is central to the life of the church. Tom's pulpit ministry is dedicated to providing clear, biblical teaching to equip believers, strengthen faith, and exalt Christ.
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The preaching of God's Word is central to worship and of the utmost importance for the sanctification of every believer in Christ.
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A Gospel Response to Government - Part 5
The sermon "Romans: A Gospel Response to Government (Part 5)" from Romans 13:1-7, delivered by Pastor Tom Pennington, asserts that God established human government for humanity's good, viewing it as an expression of His common grace. Referencing the chaos of Seattle's CHOP zone, Pennington highlights the need for authority, stating that every person must submit to governing authorities because God institutes all human authority and appoints rulers. This "minister of God" serves several divine purposes: restraining evil through fear of punishment, promoting good behavior, protecting citizens' safety from internal and external threats, and promoting the general welfare through public services and an ordered, tranquil society. Government also has a responsibility to protect the afflicted, needy, and oppressed. Ultimately, human government reveals the very fact and character of God's perfect, sovereign rule. Our response to earthly authority mirrors our response to God's ultimate authority, urging repentance and submission to Christ, our true King.
A Gospel Response to Government - Part 4
Pastor Tom Pennington�s sermon on Romans 13:1-7 emphasizes that the biblical command to submit to government is a revolutionary concept rooted in divine sovereignty. Historically, Paul addressed believers living under corrupt Roman rule, yet he insisted on submission because God establishes all authority structures and appoints every ruler. Consequently, resisting civil authority is synonymous with resisting God�s ordinance. Pennington clarifies that this mandate applies to every form of government, regardless of the ruler�s morality, unless they command believers to violate Scripture. The sermon explains that the "condemnation" for resistance refers to temporal punishment by the state, which acts as God�s instrument of chastening. Conversely, government is designed to maintain order by punishing evil and praising good; therefore, law-abiding citizens need not fear authority. Pennington warns against arrogance, noting that citizens are not the ultimate authority, even in a democracy. He challenges believers to avoid conspiracy theories and cynicism, urging them to obey laws�such as tax codes and mask mandates�as an act of obedience to God. Ultimately, a gospel-centered response involves trusting God�s sovereignty over earthly powers and living as exemplary citizens to reflect Christ.
Q&A with Tom - Part 2
In an online Q&A (Part 2), Tom Pennington discussed various spiritual topics. He first defined Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality, explaining their origins in cultural Marxism. These ideologies assert that power structures inherently oppress certain groups, emphasizing identity and liberation. Pennington cautioned that these theories are dangerous because they contradict biblical teachings on divine authority, presenting a worldview incompatible with Christianity, which views humanity as sinners needing redemption, not merely oppressors and oppressed. The session then explored Satan's methods: creating ideas antithetical to God (false philosophies), utilizing the world system (lusts, pride), circumstances, and even people. Pennington advised that Christians must immerse their minds in Scripture to cultivate the "mind of Christ" as their defense. Theological questions clarified that the Bible teaches different, just levels of punishment in hell, fitting the crime, and affirmed the Holy Spirit's continued indwelling and role in teaching and empowering believers in the new heavens and earth. Regarding discerning motives, Pennington encouraged honest self-examination and confession but stressed that ultimate judgment belongs solely to God. Finally, delighting in the Lord involves knowing Him through Christ, then passionately pursuing a deeper understanding of His character and works, fostering an insatiable desire for God's truth.
A Gospel Response to Government - Part 3
Tom Pennington's sermon on Romans 13:1-7, titled "A Gospel Response to Government," asserts that human government is a divine mandate, not a human construct. God established authority as a gracious protection against the chaos of fallen humanity, illustrating this by contrasting it with the lawless period of the Judges. The core command is universal: "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." Pennington clarifies what this *doesn't* mean: God doesn't approve every ruler's character, methods, or how they came to power, nor is He *immediately* responsible for their evil actions. While God is sovereign, He permits Satan limited influence over worldly governments and nations. However, God is *ultimately* responsible for appointing all earthly rulers, either directly or by allowing Satan to do so, for His purposes�sometimes as blessings, sometimes as judgment. This also signifies God's ultimate plan to reclaim the world and establish His perfect kingdom under Christ. Consequently, believers are called to submit to, obey, and honor all government authorities, even those considered evil or unjust, recognizing God's ultimate sovereignty and remembering their heavenly citizenship while awaiting Christ's return.
A Gospel Response to Government - Part 2
In this sermon on Romans 13:1-7, Pastor Tom Pennington examines the divine origin of human government. Contrasting biblical truth with secular theories like the social contract or Marxism, Pennington argues that the state is not a human invention but an institution ordained by God. Consequently, Paul commands every person to submit to governing authorities. Pennington explains that God, as Creator, possesses ultimate authority but delegates limited power to humanity to maintain order and restrain sin. This delegated authority exists in four specific spheres: husbands in marriage, parents over children, elders in the church, and civil government over citizens. Citing examples from Genesis, Daniel, and Jesus� trial before Pilate, the sermon demonstrates that God sovereignly establishes all nations and rulers, including unjust ones. While acknowledging biblical exceptions for disobedience only when human laws contradict God's laws, the primary focus remains on submission. Believers are called to respect government not merely as a civic duty, but as an act of obedience to God. Ultimately, Christians must recognize that resisting legitimate authority is equivalent to resisting the ordinance of God Himself.
An Unjust Death, Peaceful Protests, & Violent Riots
Pastor Tom Pennington offers a biblical perspective on recent national events, urging believers to adopt the mind of Christ rather than conforming to political polarities. He identifies the core issue as justice, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to impartial justice for all, free from prejudice. Christians are called to pursue justice for every individual, irrespective of race or profession, actively rooting out partiality and hatred from their own hearts. While supporting legal reforms for equal treatment, Pennington cautions against aligning with organizations or philosophies, such as Critical Race Theory, that promote anti-biblical views. He asserts that the real problem is sin, acknowledging the lasting impact of slavery and defining racism biblically as partiality, prejudice, and hatred�sins inherent in humanity. He also condemns sinful anger, bitterness, and violence, even as a response to injustice, though peaceful protest is permissible. The lasting solution to these issues, Pennington concludes, is the gospel of Jesus Christ, which alone can transform hearts and foster love among all people. Ultimately, Jesus Christ is presented as the only perfect ruler who will faithfully establish justice on earth.
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