Sermons That Exalt Christ

A Friend of Sinners - Part 1

A Gospel Response to Government - Part 6

Pastor Tom Pennington�s sermon on Romans 13:1-7 concludes his examination of the Christian�s responsibility toward government. He presents three final biblical reasons for submission. First, resisting authority invites God�s wrath because the government acts as His "avenger" to punish evil. Pennington explains that the "sword" mentioned in verse 4 authorizes the state to use lethal force, thereby validating capital punishment and the concept of "just war." Consequently, he argues against Christian pacifism, asserting that believers can legitimately serve in military and police roles to uphold justice. Second, submission is required for the sake of conscience, acknowledging government�s role in God�s sovereign plan. Third, rulers are described as "ministers of God," justifying the payment of taxes to support their work. Pennington emphasizes that while governments are imperfect, they function to restrain evil and maintain order. He concludes by challenging Christians to reject cultural cynicism and renew their minds, aligning their political attitudes with Scripture�s command to respect and submit to God-ordained authorities.

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.