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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Temptations of the Digital Age - Part 3
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "Temptations of the Digital Age (Part 3)" asserts that while technology is not inherently new, it intensifies existing temptations, with all digital devices ultimately belonging to Jesus Christ, who dictates their use. He reviews prior points on substituting the trivial for the essential and internal sins like covetousness. This installment focuses on sexual and relational temptations. Sexual temptations include pervasive pornography�now widely accepted, especially among youth, and generating little guilt�social media adultery, and lust fostered by entertainment. Biblically, Jesus teaches that lust is adultery of the heart, an eternally damning sin requiring radical, repentant action. True Christians, transformed by the Spirit, are not enslaved to these sins but must fight them through dependence on Christ, practical steps, and God's Word. Relational temptations involve misusing speech through gossip, slander, and bearing false witness. Christian communication must be truthful, edifying, and gracious, not rotten or malicious. Perverting justice, evident in rash judgments and "cancel culture" without biblical evidence or delegated authority, disrespecting God-ordained authority, and meddling in others� affairs are also significant digital dangers.
Temptations of the Digital Age - Part 2
The sermon uses the analogy of Steve Irwin's fatal stingray encounter to warn against becoming too comfortable with spiritual dangers, particularly those amplified by the digital age, which can "pierce our hearts and destroy our lives." Building on a prior discussion of substituting the trivial for the essential, this sermon identifies four major internal temptations: 1. **Pride, Self-Love, and Self-Promotion:** Manifested through selfies, humble-brags, and online egalitarianism leading to self-proclaimed expertise, pride is presented as the universe's first sin and an abomination to God. Believers are urged to cultivate humility by not comparing themselves favorably to others, avoiding self-praise, acknowledging all blessings as received from God, regarding others as more important, serving others, and submitting to authorities and God's providence. 2. **Covetousness:** The digital age (e.g., Amazon, social media feeds) fuels this Tenth Commandment sin, which characterizes unbelievers. Christians must replace it with contentment and thankfulness. 3. **Envy:** Defined as displeasure or malice from seeing others possess what you desire, envy is exacerbated online and leads to destructive behaviors like strife, deceit, and malice. It is a deed of the flesh and incompatible with Christian living. 4.
Temptations of the Digital Age - Part 1
Pastor Tom Pennington discusses the unique temptations of the digital age, unprecedented in their volume, constant availability, private setting, and increasing acceptability among Christians. He attributes these challenges not just to technological progress, but to Satan's system, designed to enslave and weaken believers. Pennington aims to help listeners recognize technology's subtle influence, respond biblically, and make devices servants rather than masters. The core temptation is "substituting the trivial for the essential," manifesting in three critical ways. First, it replaces biblical truth with personal opinion, either by embracing the prevailing mindset of the age or by promoting one's own views without clear scriptural backing. Christians are urged to test all information against the Bible, not exceeding "what is written." Second, it substitutes worthless distractions for biblical priorities; constant screen time often displaces vital spiritual disciplines like prayer, praise, and Scripture meditation. Finally, it substitutes virtual relationships for authentic, face-to-face biblical connections. Social media can foster an illusion of companionship without the demands of true friendship, contrasting sharply with the biblical emphasis on in-person fellowship with God and others. Believers must examine their digital habits to ensure their devices remain servants, not masters.
Three Hallmarks of a Biblical Church Member - Part 2
Tom Pennington's sermon "Three Hallmarks of a Biblical Church Member" focuses on two essential characteristics of genuine church membership: commitment to service and commitment to fellowship. Firstly, a biblical church member is dedicated to **service**, ministering to the church. Saved to serve like Christ, every believer should use their spiritual gifts�unique, Holy Spirit-imparted capacities�to build up the body. These are permanent, edifying gifts (temporary sign gifts ceased). Whether a "speaking" gift, requiring one to deliver "utterances of God," or a "serving" gift, demanding reliance on "God's strength," all contributions are for the common good. Serving fellow believers is fundamentally serving Christ Himself. Secondly, a biblical church member is committed to **fellowship**, loving the church. This "koinonia" means actively sharing lives, driven by a shared partnership in the gospel. It includes common worship, deep spiritual interaction (both group and one-on-one), mutual care, and edification. This demands moving past a consumer mindset, actively connecting in smaller groups, and pursuing individual relationships. Failure to engage in fellowship reflects a lack of love for Christ. Embracing these hallmarks helps believers reflect Christ's design for their involvement in His church.
Three Hallmarks of a Biblical Church Member - Part 1
Tom Pennington's sermon, "Three Hallmarks of a Biblical Church Member (Part 1)," begins by defining "hallmark" as a mark of genuineness, then challenges listeners to not just seek a "Biblical church," but to *be* a "Biblical church member," moving beyond a consumerist "restaurant mentality" to embrace responsibility within the church. He introduces three hallmarks: engaging in corporate worship, ministering through spiritual gifts, and participating in fellowship. This sermon focuses on the first: corporate worship. Pennington defines worship as seeing and savoring God's worthiness, responding to His self-revelation from a God-centered heart rather than mere emotion. Corporate worship involves the entire local church collectively doing this. Its biblical priority is demonstrated by Jesus' consistent practice of weekly synagogue worship and the New Testament church's shift to weekly Sunday gatherings (the Lord's Day) in response to Christ's resurrection. Scriptural passages like Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:1, and Hebrews 10:24-25 underscore this command not to forsake assembling. Pennington emphasizes that alternative activities like streaming or parachurch ministries are not substitutes; true love for God necessitates loving His people by gathering with them.
Only God Knows
Tom Pennington's sermon, "Only God Knows," based on Psalm 139:1-6, powerfully asserts God's profound and intimate knowledge of every individual. God "searches" and "knows" us completely, encompassing every physical detail, our private actions at home, every thought and motive (even before they are formed), all our journeys, predictable patterns, and every word we speak. This divine omniscience, far from being frightening for believers, is presented as an incredible source of comfort, reassurance, and protection. For Christians, this knowledge should inspire humility, awe, and deep trust in God's constant presence and care. It motivates them to honestly confess sins, ask God to reveal hidden faults, and find encouragement in His awareness of their trials, faithful service, private spiritual disciplines, worthy motives, and genuine love for Him. Conversely, for those not following Christ, God's all-encompassing knowledge means that every unrepented sin is recorded, leading to a just judgment. Pennington passionately urges non-believers to repent and place their trust in Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross provides forgiveness and a way to avoid God's righteous wrath. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that through Christ, we can find grace and guidance for a life pleasing to God.
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