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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2018-11-04

Divine Election - Part 6

Tom Pennington's sermon "Romans Divine Election (Part 6)" explores the profound doctrines of divine election and reprobation from Romans 9:6-29. He stresses studying these truths with genuine interest in God's revelation and profound humility, acknowledging God's sovereignty and not exceeding scriptural bounds, as highlighted by Calvin and Deuteronomy 29:29. Paul structures Romans 9-11 to answer why Israel rejected their Messiah, beginning with "The Reality of Divine Election." Pennington explains that not all physical descendants of Abraham are spiritual Israel, due to God's selective election. He then addresses objections to this doctrine. First, against the charge that "God's will isn't fair," Paul contends God justly extends mercy to some (Moses) and justly passes by others to demonstrate justice (Pharaoh), as all deserve judgment. Second, regarding the objection "man's will isn't free" if election is unconditional, Paul responds by asserting God's sovereign right as the Potter over the clay, emphasizing that the true issue is often a distorted view of God. Pennington further explains that while humans have "freedom of self-determination" (choosing according to their desires), their will is profoundly bound by depravity.

Tom Pennington
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Romans
2018
2018-10-28

God's Plan for Human History - Part 1

The text "Daniel God�s Plan for Human History (Part 1)" argues against the modern belief in life's randomness, asserting that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is sovereign over human history and has a meticulous plan, which the Book of Daniel thoroughly demonstrates. Chapter 2 begins with King Nebuchadnezzar deeply troubled by a dream and demanding that his wise men not only interpret it but first recount its content. Driven by fear and distrust, he threatens to dismember them and destroy their homes if they fail, promising great rewards if they succeed. The Babylonian wise men, including magicians, conjurors, sorcerers, and Chaldeans, confess their inability to perform this task, stating that only gods, "whose dwelling place is not with mortal flesh," could reveal such a secret. This admission enrages the king, who immediately orders the execution of all the wise men in Babylon, a decree that also targets Daniel and his friends.

Tom Pennington
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Daniel
2018
2018-10-28

Divine Election - Part 5

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "Romans Divine Election (Part 5)" (Romans 9:6-29) addresses why most of Israel rejected their Messiah, focusing on the reality and defense of divine election. He tackles the objection, "God isn't fair," by illustrating that God's sovereign choice to grant mercy (through Moses) is based solely on His free decision, not human will or effort. Crucially, God's mercy is only possible because His perfect justice was satisfied through Jesus Christ's atoning death for believers' sins. Conversely, God also justly passes by others (through Pharaoh), hardening hearts already in rebellion, to whom He shows justice. This "reprobation" is God's passive decision to allow sinners to face deserved consequences, not an active instigation of evil. Pennington highlights key distinctions: God actively chooses the elect with delight, while sorrowfully passing by the non-elect, whose damnation stems from their own sin and refusal to believe, not from God's malice. Ultimately, God justly provides mercy to some and justice to others, with no one receiving injustice, demanding faith in His righteous sovereignty.

Tom Pennington
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Romans
2018
2018-10-21

First Lessons in Sovereignty

This sermon on Daniel 1, "First Lessons in Sovereignty," introduces the book's central theme: Yahweh's ultimate sovereignty over individuals, nations, empires, and all human history. Daniel, a powerful figure in Babylon, exemplifies this truth. Chapter 1 serves as a prologue, showing God's sovereign hand in Daniel's life. God delivered Jerusalem and its temple vessels into Nebuchadnezzar's power, fulfilling ancient prophecies (Daniel 1:1-2). This demonstrates God's faithfulness, even in judgment, and His humble nature in allowing His name to be dishonored for His people's ultimate good. God also sovereignly orchestrated the selection and training of Daniel and his three friends for Babylonian court service (Daniel 1:3-7). Despite Nebuchadnezzar's efforts to assimilate them through education, royal food, and renaming them after pagan gods, God was in control, preparing them for His purposes. Daniel's courageous decision not to defile himself with the king's food, due to Mosaic law and pagan associations, highlights God's blessing of obedience (Daniel 1:8-16). After a ten-day test on vegetables and water, God miraculously made Daniel and his friends appear healthier, prompting the overseer to continue their chosen diet.

Tom Pennington
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Daniel
2018
2018-10-21

A Biblical Perspective of Abuse

This sermon provides a biblical perspective on abuse, defining it as the misuse of legitimate authority, often repeatedly injuring another person. It establishes God as the sole ultimate authority, who then delegates *limited* authority to humans in the contexts of marriage (husbands), family (parents), church (elders), and civil society (government). However, God also sets strict biblical limits on these human authorities. Husbands are commanded to love sacrificially, parents to avoid provoking anger, elders to lead by example, and government authority is subordinate to God's law. Misusing this delegated authority through consistent sin, physical or sexual violence, dominating leadership, or abusive speech deeply angers and dishonors God, making such actions unacceptable among believers. The text emphasizes that God provides accountability for abusers through His Word, conscience, government (for illegal acts), and the church, which is mandated to protect victims, implement discipline for unrepentant abusers, and offer biblical counsel. Ultimately, God Himself holds all human authorities accountable and will judge those who abuse their power.

Tom Pennington
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2018
2018-10-07

Divine Election - Part 4

Tom Pennington's sermon "Romans Divine Election (Part 4)" explores Romans 9:6-29, focusing on the biblical doctrine of divine election. He explains that election is an undeniable aspect of God's sovereignty, where He constantly makes choices, even for salvation. Using the examples of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Pennington argues that God's choice for salvation is unconditional, not based on human merit, genetics, or any foreseen actions. Instead, it stems solely from His sovereign love and grace, as seen in "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." The sermon addresses how divine election reconciles with God's universal love and His desire for all to repent. Pennington distinguishes between God's universal love for all mankind (e.g., providing sun and rain for everyone) and a *special, redeeming, electing love* reserved for those He chooses. "Hated" in this context signifies being "passed by" for this special redemptive favor. He also differentiates between God's *moral will* (commands or desires, which can be disobeyed) and His *sovereign will* (decrees that always come to pass). God's sovereign will to elect, ultimately for His own glory, is paramount.

Tom Pennington
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Romans
2018

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