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 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.
Q&A with Tom - Part 1
In a Sunday Evening Online Q&A, Pastor Tom Pennington, joined by Jonathan Anderson, addressed several congregational questions. The first topic explored whether it is sinful for churches to refrain from physically gathering due to government restrictions. Pastor Tom explained that while Scripture commands believers to assemble (Hebrews 10), church history includes precedents for temporary cessation during emergencies. The duration, he noted, becomes a "matter of conscience" for a church's elders, who must prayerfully discern when restrictions become excessive or unjust, potentially warranting a Romans 13 response to obey God over man. He advised erring on the side of patience while recognizing when that line is crossed. Next, they distinguished Christian fellowship from mere socialization. "Koinonia," meaning partnership, encompasses an objective reality as believers and a deeper, subjective sharing of lives. This includes mutual encouragement through faith, discussing spiritual growth, struggles, and praying together, as exemplified in Romans 1:12. It's about intentional depth beyond casual interaction. Regarding 2 Chronicles 7:14, Tom clarified that the promise of healing and forgiveness is specifically addressed to God's chosen people, Israel, not a generic promise to nations like America.
A Gospel Response to Government - Part 1
In his sermon on Romans 13:1-7, Pastor Tom Pennington addresses the Christian�s duty to submit to governing authorities. He establishes the historical context, noting that Paul wrote these instructions while living under the tyrant Nero, demonstrating that submission applies even to flawed governments. Pennington cautions against two extremes: mindless unlimited obedience and a rebellious spirit that constantly seeks loopholes. While the text commands submission, Pennington outlines specific biblical exceptions where disobedience or resistance is permissible. These legitimate responses include graciously speaking against sin, utilizing legal means for redress, fleeing unjust punishment, and refusing to obey when government mandates conflict directly with God�s law. However, he emphasizes that these are exceptions, not the rule. Believers must guard their hearts against disrespect, maintaining a spirit of honor even when exercising these rights. Ultimately, the sermon challenges Christians to examine their attitudes toward authority to ensure they reflect a submissive heart consistent with God's sovereign establishment of human government.
A Faithful Life
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "A Faithful Life" (1 Corinthians 15:58) encourages believers to remain steadfast regardless of life's circumstances, from joys to global pandemics. He outlines three theological foundations for living faithfully. First, understanding and believing the Gospel�that Christ died, was buried, and rose again, requiring personal faith, repentance, and commitment to follow Him. Second, believing in Jesus's resurrection, which validates our faith, God's revelation, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life. Third, believing in our own future resurrection, recognizing this life as a temporary prelude to eternity, providing perspective and endurance through hardship. A faithful life is expressed through three core principles: being steadfast by holding fast to God's Word and its truths, being immovable by clinging to the hope of the Gospel and future resurrection, and always abounding in the work of the Lord�diligently serving God and others in spiritual activities. This tireless commitment is sustained by the biblical confidence that our toil is never in vain; God is just and will ultimately reward every act of faithful service. Believers are called to prioritize eternal truths, God's Word, and people's souls, knowing their efforts here have lasting significance.
The Resolve of Jesus Christ
Tom Pennington's sermon on Mark 10:32-34 emphasizes Jesus' unwavering resolve as He journeyed to Jerusalem, knowing His impending suffering. Despite His disciples' amazement and fear, Jesus explicitly prophesied His death and resurrection for the third time, providing precise details: He would be delivered to chief priests and scribes, condemned, and handed to Gentiles for mockery, spitting, scourging, and killing, only to rise three days later. This prophecy served multiple critical purposes. It was an apologetic, confirming Jesus' divine authority and the trustworthiness of His teachings through its perfect fulfillment. It underscored that His death and resurrection were the central priority of His life, meticulously planned by God the Father. Most profoundly, it revealed the immense depth of Jesus' love, as He willingly and eagerly faced unimaginable suffering and God's wrath, offering Himself as a ransom for humanity's sins. Believers are called to strengthen their faith in this loving, sovereign Savior, while non-believers are invited to believe in Him based on this powerful evidence of His identity and purpose.
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