Sermons That Exalt Christ

The Heart of the Christian Life - Part 3

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "Romans: The Heart of The Christian Life (Part 3)," addresses Romans 12:9-21, emphasizing that God is concerned not only with our circumstances but also with our responses, which reveal our hearts. The passage's central theme is genuine, unhypocritical love. Focusing on Romans 12:12-13, Pennington details how Christians should respond to difficult circumstances. For personal trials, believers are urged to "rejoice in hope." This is not wishful thinking but a "joyful expectation and confidence of future good," grounded in the certainty of Christ's return, seeing God's glory, and sharing in it eternally, which makes present sufferings seem "momentary and light." Alongside this, we must "persevere in tribulation," actively enduring life's pressures, knowing that trials produce endurance, proven character, and strengthen our hope, with the Holy Spirit empowering both. In both personal and shared difficulties, Christians should be "devoted to prayer," continually turning to God in faith. For others' needs, love is expressed by "contributing to the needs of the saints," sharing material resources with fellow believers and entering into fellowship with them in their struggles. Additionally, "practicing hospitality" means actively pursuing opportunities to welcome and care for Christian strangers, using one's home for God's kingdom without complaint.

The Rest of the Story: From Resurrection to Ascension

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "The Rest of the Story," delves into Jesus' ministry between His resurrection and ascension, a crucial 40-day period often overlooked. He outlines a timeline, placing the resurrection on April 9th, 30 A.D., and the ascension 40 days later on May 17th. The central focus of this time was Jesus' 11 post-resurrection appearances to over 500 individuals, including Mary Magdalene, the Emmaus Road disciples, Peter, Thomas, and a large group in Galilee during the Great Commission. These appearances served as "many convincing proofs" of His resurrection, an essential part of the Gospel, and provided teaching on the "kingdom of God" (Acts 1:3). The Ascension itself marked Jesus' intentional departure to heaven, signifying His exaltation, role as High Priest and Advocate, and the sending of the Holy Spirit. Pennington also notes three post-ascension appearances to Stephen, Paul, and John. A key lesson from the Emmaus Road narrative emphasizes Jesus' individual care for each disciple, His commitment to preserve their faith, and, importantly, that His primary method for strengthening belief is through the thorough explanation of Scripture, rather than solely through miraculous visions.

The Heart of the Christian Life - Part 2

In his sermon on Romans 12:9-21, Pastor Tom Pennington addresses the challenging times faced by his congregation, emphasizing that God is concerned not only with their circumstances but also with their responses, which reveal their hearts. He highlights that genuine love, as introduced in Romans 12:9 ("Let love be without hypocrisy"), is the core of Christian life and is practically expressed through how believers respond to difficult situations. Pennington outlines several key responses: First, Christians are called to **rejoice in hope**, a "happy certainty" of God's future glory, which provides joy and confidence even amidst present suffering and trials. Second, they must **persevere in tribulation**, actively enduring difficulties, understanding that such pressures build character and deepen hope. Both hope and perseverance are ultimately God-given and Spirit-produced. Third, believers demonstrate love by being **devoted to prayer** for themselves and others, showcasing their trust in God. Finally, love compels Christians to **contribute to the material needs of the saints**, sharing resources and entering into fellowship with those facing hardship, and to **practice generous hospitality**, actively welcoming and caring for unknown believers to advance God's kingdom.

It Is Finished!

Pastor Tom Pennington's Easter sermon, delivered remotely during the pandemic, centers on Jesus's sixth saying from the cross: "It is finished!" (John 19:30). He explains this translates to the single Greek word "tetelestai," a perfect tense verb signifying "it has been finished." This declaration was intentional, as Jesus knowingly fulfilled scripture and orchestrated events to make this powerful pronouncement. It was also pictorial, recalling first-century uses like a servant completing a task, a mission accomplished, a perfect sacrifice, an artist finishing a masterpiece, and, most vividly, a debt paid in full. Theologically, "tetelestai" means Jesus fulfilled all Old Testament messianic prophecies, completed His vicarious suffering and earthly mission, and fully satisfied God's justice and wrath against sin. This signifies He purchased complete forgiveness for sins and eternally earned salvation for every believer, emphasizing that salvation is a gracious gift received by faith in His completed work. The cry is intensely personal, inviting a response: believers should deepen their love and commitment to follow Jesus, while non-believers are called to trust in Christ's finished work, confessing Him as their Lord and God. The Resurrection serves as the Father's divine "Amen" to Jesus's triumphant declaration.

Passion Week Background and Introduction

Lord Willing - Part 2

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon on James 4:13-17, "James Lord Willing (Part 2)," addresses our human illusion of control over life, particularly in the face of current global crises. He emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and providence, stating God controls all life's details. The text critiques those who plan their future without acknowledging God, calling such actions irrational due to life's uncertainty and brevity (we are "just a vapor"). The proper response, from James 4:15, is humble acceptance of God's providence. This means genuinely understanding, acknowledging, and submitting to His eternal plan for our existence and future activities, not merely uttering "If the Lord wills" superficially. It also entails obeying God's moral will. Refusing this submission is identified as "cosmic arrogance"�boasting in self-sufficiency�and a "deliberate sin" of omission, for failing to do what we know is right. This reveals our profound need for God's grace and Christ's perfect righteousness. Believers are thus called to joyfully submit to God's will in all circumstances, giving thanks for His wise and sovereign control, a posture in direct opposition to self-assured pride.