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.
Engage with the most recent teaching from God’s Word.
The preaching of God's Word is central to worship and of the utmost importance for the sanctification of every believer in Christ.
Explore messages organized to help you grow in Christ.
Search and filter sermons for quick access.
Human Responsibility - Part 3
The text, based on Romans 9:30-10:21, addresses human responsibility in salvation, particularly why many Israelites rejected Christ. It establishes two fundamental realities: God is perfectly righteous and demands righteousness from all who enter His presence, yet humanity is inherently unrighteous (Romans 3:10). This dilemma offers only two paths: attempting to earn righteousness through personal merit and good works, which inevitably fails, or receiving it as a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul expresses profound sorrow and prays for Israel's salvation, highlighting their personal accountability for unbelief. He identifies their primary errors as a misunderstanding of the Law's purpose�believing it's a means to earn favor rather than a guide to Christ�and an unwillingness to embrace salvation by faith alone. While many possess "zeal for God," it is "not in accordance with knowledge." They fail to comprehend "God's righteousness," which is the divine gift of a right standing through faith in Christ, and instead strive to establish their own righteousness through works. This self-righteous pursuit is futile and condemned by the Law itself.
Q & A
Pastor Tom Pennington opens a Q&A session by reflecting on the Shepherds Conference, highlighting messages from John MacArthur on divine evaluation and Sinclair Ferguson on holiness. He sets ground rules for questions, emphasizing genuine inquiry over challenging the pastor. The session covers several theological questions: 1. **Bible Smuggling:** Asked about lying to smuggle Bibles, Pastor Tom advises against direct contradiction of truth, citing God's inability to lie, while acknowledging Christian liberty and courage. He suggests truthful but benign answers. 2. **Assurance of Salvation:** To balance self-examination with assurance, he recommends "for every look at yourself, take ten looks at Christ." Focus on the *direction* of growth in love, humility, and holiness, not perfection. He encourages using specific Bible verses as a "short sword of the Spirit" against doubt (e.g., Psalm 9:10, John 10:27-29, Philippians 1:6, Jude 24-25). 3. **Fasting:** Fasting is a valid, scriptural practice but should not be a regimented routine or a means to earn favor with God. It should be a heartfelt response to anguish or a deep need for prayer, connected to spiritual earnestness. 4.
Four Soils - Part 2
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "Four Soils" from Matthew 13:1-23 explores the Parable of the Sower, highlighting the critical role of the human heart's condition in responding to the gospel. The "seed" is identified as the Word of God, specifically the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The "sower" is anyone who shares this divine truth. Jesus describes four types of "soil," each representing a different heart. The **hard soil** symbolizes an unreceptive heart that hears the gospel but doesn't genuinely understand it, allowing the evil one to snatch it away. The **rocky soil** signifies a superficial heart that initially receives the word with joy but lacks deep roots; it quickly withers under affliction or persecution, revealing temporary faith. The **thorny soil** illustrates a preoccupied heart where worldly worries, the deceitfulness of wealth, and life's pleasures choke out the gospel, rendering it unfruitful. Finally, the **good soil** represents a heart prepared by God, which hears, understands, and consistently bears fruit�Christian character and good works�demonstrating true, lasting faith. This parable offers crucial insights: there are only four responses to the gospel, three of which are initially favorable but not genuine. True, permanent faith flourishes only in a heart divinely prepared.
Four Soils - Part 1
Pastor Tom Pennington examines Matthew 13:1-23, using the Parable of the Sower to explain varied responses to Jesus' ministry and reconcile divine sovereignty with human responsibility. The parable describes four types of soil: hard-packed paths, where seeds are devoured by birds, symbolizing those who hear but lack understanding, allowing Satan to snatch the message; rocky ground, where seeds sprout quickly but wither without deep roots, representing superficial enthusiasm that fades under adversity; thorny soil, where weeds choke the growth, illustrating faith suffocated by worldly worries and desires; and good soil, which yields abundant crops, signifying those who hear, understand, and bear lasting fruit. Jesus explained that He spoke in parables to reveal truth to those "granted" understanding (His disciples) and simultaneously conceal it from those whose hearts were dull and unwilling to perceive. Unbelief is attributed both to Satan's blinding influence and individuals' *own* active choice to love darkness and sin, thus bearing personal responsibility. Conversely, genuine faith and spiritual understanding are entirely the result of God's sovereign grace and election, meaning believers can take no credit for their prepared hearts.
When Empires Fall - Part 1
This sermon on Daniel 5 explores God's absolute sovereignty over the rise and fall of empires, framing it as a "divine philosophy of history." The narrative highlights Babylon's grandeur under Nebuchadnezzar, contrasting it with its sudden demise. The chapter focuses on one fateful night when King Belshazzar, a wicked co-regent, defiantly hosts a lavish feast despite Cyrus the Great's Persian army besieging the seemingly impregnable city. In a drunken act of blasphemy, Belshazzar orders sacred vessels taken from Yahweh's Temple to be used for drinking, a direct challenge to God and Daniel's prior prophecy of Babylon's fall. Suddenly, a disembodied hand appears and writes an inscrutable message on the wall, terrifying the king. His wise men are baffled, unable to read or interpret the inscription. The Queen Mother, remembering Daniel's extraordinary wisdom under Nebuchadnezzar, suggests he be summoned. This sets the stage for Daniel to interpret the divine message, powerfully reinforcing the sermon's core lesson: no government, leader, or empire, no matter how defiant or protected, is beyond God's immediate reach and ultimate control. God, who remains unmoved and unchallenged, holds all rulers accountable and executes His eternal plan for history.
Human Responsibility - Part 2
This sermon on Romans 9:30 � 10:21 addresses why few Jewish people believed in their Messiah, emphasizing human responsibility alongside divine election. Paul explains that Gentiles attained righteousness by faith without pursuing the Law, while Jews, seeking righteousness through works, failed. This failure stems from misunderstanding the Law's purpose and, critically, "stumbling over the Messiah." Jesus is presented throughout Scripture as the "Cornerstone"�a foundational, tested stone by which all else is measured. For believers, He is precious; for those who reject Him, He becomes a "stone of stumbling and a rock of offense," leading to destruction. Many today still stumble over Jesus due to His divine, sinless, and exclusive claims, and the humbling message of His cross that offends human pride. Ultimately, there are only two responses to Christ: either one believes and builds their life upon Him as the sole Cornerstone for salvation, or they reject Him through antagonism or apathy, leading to being crushed. True faith means Christ becomes the central foundation of one's life, and God promises that believers will never be disappointed or shamed at judgment, as their hope rests securely in Him.
No Results Found.
We couldn’t find anything matching your search.
Explore The Word Unleashed
Our ministry brings together expository preaching, theological precision, and practical application for the good of Christ's church and the daily living of Christ's people.
.webp)
Sermons
Listen to expository sermons that clearly teach God’s Word and guide you in daily living.
Radio
Tune in to gospel-centered programs that share biblical truth and strengthen your daily walk with Christ.
Training
Join courses and workshops designed to deepen your faith and equip you to serve others with biblical wisdom.
.webp)
From the Pastor's Desk
Read pastoral messages that encourage, instruct, and help you apply God’s Word to every part of your life.
.webp)
Hymns
Discover timeless hymns that lift your heart in worship and remind you of God’s abounding grace and faithfulness.
Podcasts
Stay rooted in Scripture through our podcast series.