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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Gifted to Serve - Part 4
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon, "Romans Gifted to Serve (Part 4)," based on Romans 12:3-8, emphasizes that all Christians are spiritually gifted for service. Focusing on the gift of prophecy (v.6), he addresses its nature by examining four common views. He dismisses the idea of continuing revelation equal to Scripture as aberrant, and the charismatic view of fallible, second-tier revelation as inconsistent with New Testament standards for prophecy. Biblical prophecy, whether Old or New Testament, is presented as direct, infallible revelation from God, requiring 100% accuracy and perfect agreement with prior Scripture. Pennington argues that prophets no longer exist today, citing Ephesians 2:20, which describes apostles and prophets as foundational roles that concluded once the New Testament, God's complete and final revelation, was established. Therefore, there is no need for new prophecy. The sermon concludes by stressing that the Bible is God's authoritative and sufficient Word, providing everything necessary for salvation and Christian living, a "more sure word" than even direct experience. We possess God's complete and trustworthy Word.
Gifted to Serve - Part 3
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon on Romans 12:3-8, "Romans Gifted to Serve," emphasizes that every member of the Body of Christ has a unique and vital function, much like organs in the human body. Paul calls believers to present themselves to God and then to service within the church, giving two core instructions: "think about your spiritual gift accurately" and "use your spiritual gift responsibly." The sermon distinguishes between temporary sign gifts (like apostleship, miracles, and tongues), which served for early church revelation and confirmation and have ceased, and permanent edifying gifts, which are active today. The eight permanent gifts include teaching, exhortation, evangelism, pastor-teacher, service/helps, giving, leading/administration, and showing mercy. These gifts are often blended, creating immense diversity within the church. Identifying one's spiritual giftedness involves studying Scripture, praying for God's direction, assessing personal desires and natural abilities, seeking confirmation from church leadership, and most importantly, actively serving. The most practical step is simply to get involved in church life, as "the Spirit can steer a moving vehicle." Every Christian possesses a unique capacity to serve God and build up the church.
The Spiritual War Behind World History - Part 2
The text from Daniel 10 unveils a profound spiritual war between real, intelligent beings: holy angels, devoted to God, and Satan's demons, aligned against Him. This chapter introduces Daniel's final vision, revealing how this unseen conflict profoundly influences world history. Demonic "princes" are assigned to powerful nations like Persia and Greece, actively working to thwart God's plans and influence human leaders against His people, Israel. Conversely, holy angels are deployed in response to prayer, protecting God's people, providing aid, and ensuring divine purposes are accomplished. This spiritual battle also underpins phenomena like unbelief and personal temptation. Despite the relentless efforts of evil forces, God is utterly sovereign; Satan and his demons operate only within His permission and control, unable to derail His ultimate will. Believers are assured that "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world," affirming that Christ has already triumphed, and His eternal kingdom will ultimately prevail.
Gifted to Serve - Part 2
In "Romans Gifted to Serve (Part 2)," Pastor Tom Pennington discusses applying the gospel through service, urging believers to accurately understand and responsibly use their spiritual gifts as outlined in Romans 12:3-8. He compiles a comprehensive list of New Testament gifts from Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4, then categorizes them. Pennington primarily focuses on "temporary sign gifts," explaining their purpose was to confirm divinely appointed messengers and the new revelation they brought from God. Historically, miracle-working men like Moses, Elijah, Christ, and the Apostles appeared in specific, limited periods to authenticate those speaking God's direct words. The sermon argues that gifts such as apostleship ceased because their unique qualifications�witnessing the resurrected Christ, personal appointment by Christ, and the ability to perform miracles�are no longer met. Furthermore, other miraculous gifts declined even within the New Testament era itself and were recognized as having ceased by early church fathers. With the completed and confirmed Word of God (the Bible) now available, these revelatory and confirmatory sign gifts are no longer necessary for the church today.
The Spiritual War Behind World History - Part 1
Pastor Tom Pennington introduces Daniel chapter 10, emphasizing God's complete sovereignty over nations and individual lives. This passage provides a unique and clear glimpse into the unseen spiritual war that profoundly affects the events of human history. Daniel, around 85 years old and still in Babylonian captivity, was in deep mourning, fasting, and praying for three weeks over Israel's desperate circumstances and the opposition they faced in rebuilding the temple. By the Tigris River, Daniel experienced a terrifying vision of a glorious heavenly being, described with linen attire, a gold belt, a body like beryl, a face like lightning, and eyes like flaming torches. This figure, possibly a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, overwhelmed Daniel, causing him to lose all strength and fall unconscious, while his companions sensed a supernatural presence and fled. Pennington highlights several lessons from this encounter: God's infinite greatness and holiness demand reverence, He is always with His people in their difficulties, persecution of believers is a normal expectation, and engaging in strategic prayer is a crucial task. This vision serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual realities influencing our physical world.
The Church, God's New Temple, & You
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon from Countryside Bible Church, on the occasion of sending out Northlake Bible Church, emphasizes the profound unity shared by believers in Christ, drawing from Ephesians 2:19-22. He explains that through Christ's work, believers are no longer strangers but are united with God and each other. Paul illustrates this union with three metaphors: believers are citizens of God's kingdom, members of God's family (adopted as children), and critically, "stones in God's temple." This third image highlights a deep, interdependent unity. Like ancient buildings, individual "stones" (believers) are meticulously shaped by God to fit together. The temple's foundation is the inspired teaching of the apostles and prophets (God's Word), with Jesus Christ as the essential cornerstone, ensuring the church is Christ-centered. This living temple is where God manifests His presence�His new "Holy of Holies"�stressing its holiness and the priority of worship. The metaphor explicitly rejects narcissistic, consumeristic, or spectator mentalities, calling every believer to active, interdependent service for the body's growth and health. Ultimately, as these two churches begin separately, they are urged to remember their organic unity as God's dwelling place on Earth, faithfully reflecting His presence in their respective communities.
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