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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2 Corinthians
An Aerial View of the New Testament
An Aerial View of the Old Testament
Anchored Section 1
Anchored Section 2
Anchored Section 3
Baptism Services
Bible Study for Every Christian
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Christmas Concert Messages
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Committing to Christian Relationships
Daniel
Deadly Dangers
Embracing Our Church's Distinctives
Ephesians
Five Hallmarks of a Biblical Church
Hold Fast
Hook, Line and Sinker
John
Just by Faith Alone
Lies Christians Believe
Look in the Mirror!
Lord, Teach Us To Pray
Mark - The Memoirs of Peter
Marriage & Family by God's Design
Matthew
Missions Sunday
No Whining Allowed
Ordination Services
Passion Week Sermons
Power Over Temptation
Preserving the Unity of the Church
Psalm 23
Q&A
Recovering a Lost Legacy
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Riches to Rags
Romans
Ruth
Sanctification
Six Steps to Spiritual Stability
Sunday Evening Online
Systematic Theology
Thanksgiving Sermons
The Deadly Sin of Anger
The Distinctives of Countryside Bible Church
The First Testament of Jesus Christ
The Memoirs of Peter
The Reason We Live
The Sermon on the Mount
Trending vs. Truth
United in Christ!
Watch Your Mouth!
We Were Made to Worship
When Life's Not Fair
Your Faith, Dead or Alive?
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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
2018-09-30

Divine Election - Part 3

This sermon, "Romans Divine Election (Part 3)," addresses why a majority of God's chosen people, Israel, rejected their Messiah, attributing it to divine election as expounded in Romans 9:6-29. Pastor Tom Pennington explains that God's saving promises were made to true spiritual Israel, not merely all physical descendants of Abraham. Through biblical illustrations, particularly the choice of Jacob over Esau, the sermon argues for *unconditional election*. God's choice for salvation is not based on genetics, human relationships, personal merit, demerit, or even foreseen faith. Paul emphasizes that God chose Jacob before birth, "so that God's purpose according to His choice would stand" (Romans 9:11). This highlights that if election depended on human will or works, God's infallible purpose could fail; therefore, it rests solely on "Him who calls"�God's sovereign grace. The sermon notes that the very objections Paul anticipates ("It's not fair," "It violates human freedom") confirm the unconditional nature of God's election. The doctrine's ultimate purpose is to humble believers, ensuring "no man may boast before God" and solely exalting God's grandeur and grace.

Tom Pennington
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Romans
2018
2018-09-23

An Introduction to Daniel

Tom Pennington introduces the Book of Daniel, situating it historically in the 7th century B.C. Judah, due to persistent idolatry, faced God's judgment and a prophesied 70 years of Babylonian captivity. Nebuchadnezzar's 605 B.C. siege of Jerusalem led to the first deportation, capturing young Daniel and other Jewish nobility. This event, though devastating, was God's grace, as Daniel's rise to power would later benefit the exiled Jews and uphold God's name among pagan nations who otherwise might perceive Yahweh as weak. The book is heavily criticized, with many scholars rejecting Daniel's authorship due to its incredibly detailed prophecies (e.g., Daniel 11) which they claim are "too accurate" to be pre-written without supernatural foreknowledge. However, compelling evidence supports Daniel's authorship, including his own claims within the text, contemporary prophet Ezekiel's references to him, and Jesus Christ's direct confirmation. Extra-biblical sources like 1 Maccabees and the Dead Sea Scrolls also attest to its antiquity. Daniel's life in Babylon spanned roughly 70 years, serving across two great empires. The book uniquely shifts between Hebrew (addressing Israel) and Aramaic (addressing Gentile nations), reflecting its dual audience.

Tom Pennington
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Daniel
2018
2018-09-23

Divine Election - Part 2

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "Romans Divine Election (Part 2)" explores the doctrine of divine election, a topic he acknowledges is often unpopular and attacked in contemporary churches. He urges listeners to approach Romans 9 humbly, letting the Scripture speak for itself, even if the truths seem difficult. Pennington refutes common mistaken ideas: that election isn't taught in the Bible, that it applies to groups rather than individuals, or that it's about service instead of salvation. Using biblical illustrations from Abraham and Isaac, Pennington demonstrates God's sovereign choice of specific individuals for salvation, not based on their merit but purely on His grace. Abraham, an idolater, was unilaterally chosen by God. Similarly, Isaac was chosen over Ishmael before birth, not for any good works, but to fulfill God's promise and become a spiritual child. Just as God miraculously intervened to give Isaac physical life, He supernaturally intervenes to give spiritual life to those He chooses. For believers, election is a humbling truth that fosters profound gratitude, recognizing that salvation is entirely God's work. For unbelievers, the question is not "Am I elect?" but "Am I willing to repent and believe in Jesus Christ?

Tom Pennington
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Romans
2018
2018-09-16

The Transforming Power of Scripture

The sermon contends that God's Word is the most powerful force on Earth, surpassing even the scientific "nuclear strong force." It demonstrates this power through creation, where God simply spoke the universe into being (Psalm 33), and in its ability to transform human hearts, likened to a hammer shattering rock (Jeremiah 23) and a two-edged sword piercing intentions (Hebrews 4). Focusing on Psalm 19:7-14, the text describes Scripture as perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, and true. This divine revelation restores the soul from death to life, makes the simple wise, brings joy, enlightens understanding, and provides an eternal, unwavering guide for righteousness. The Word's incomparable worth is stressed as being more valuable than the finest gold and sweeter than honey, offering ultimate satisfaction. Believers are called to a personal response: heeding its warnings, pursuing the blessings of obedience, receiving its confrontation of sin, trusting its promise of forgiveness, and seeking protection from deliberate and ruling sins. Through Scripture, one can pursue ongoing sanctification, aligning thoughts and words to be acceptable in the sight of God, our Rock and Redeemer.

Psalms
19:7-14
Tom Pennington
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Psalms
2018

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