Sermons That Exalt Christ

Sin Is Not Your Master - Part 1

Tom Pennington's sermon "Romans Sin Is Not Your Master - Part 1" clarifies Romans 6:1-14, arguing that this section is often misunderstood as a new topic (sanctification) but is, in fact, a continuation of Romans 5, developing the theme of the believer's security in Christ. Paul's central question in Romans 6:1, "Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?", directly stems from Romans 5:20-21, which states that grace abounded where sin increased. Pennington emphasizes Paul's resolute answer: "May it never be!" This strong rejection underscores that the gospel of grace does not promote continued sin. Paul raised this question for four key reasons: to refute opponents who slandered the gospel as encouraging sin, to illustrate the implications of grace and justification for true believers, to confront professing Christians who excused habitual sin (antinomianism), and to demonstrate that the true, grace-focused gospel naturally invites such potential misunderstandings. Central to Paul's argument is Romans 6:2: "How shall we who died to sin still live in it?" Pennington explains that "died to sin" refers to a definitive, past event that occurred at the moment of salvation, signifying a radical change in the believer's relationship to sin.

The One True God (Part 3)

He Is Risen

Pastor Tom Pennington asserts that Jesus' resurrection is the indispensable foundation of Christian faith, citing 1 Corinthians 15, which outlines the gospel: Jesus died for sins, was buried, raised on the third day, and appeared to many. This was a real historical event, not fiction, evidenced by numerous witnesses. Devoted women, including Mary Magdalene, were the first human witnesses, discovering the empty tomb after arriving to anoint Jesus' body. God also testified through a severe earthquake and an angel who rolled away the stone, allowing witnesses to see Jesus was gone. Roman guards, securing the tomb, were terrified by these supernatural events and the empty tomb. Angels declared, "He is not here, for He has risen," inviting the women to confirm it. The undisturbed grave clothes further negated grave robbery. Jesus himself appeared multiple times�to the women, Emmaus disciples, and eventually over 500 disciples�disproving claims of insufficient evidence. Pennington concludes that if the resurrection is true, believers must respond by confessing Jesus as Lord, worshipping Him as God, and proclaiming Him as Savior, as mere belief in the historical event is insufficient; true faith demands complete submission and obedience to Christ.

The One True God - Part 2

The text emphasizes that God's existence is self-evident through creation, providence, and conscience, necessitating faith to approach Him. It asserts God's utter incomprehensibility; He is unique, unlike anything in the universe, and cannot be fully or exhaustively understood by humans. Scripture reveals His greatness, ways, and thoughts as unsearchable and infinitely higher than ours. Despite this, God *can* be known because He has chosen to reveal Himself truthfully, though partially, through His Word and Jesus Christ. To aid human understanding, Scripture employs anthropomorphisms (attributing human characteristics like hands) and anthropopathisms (attributing human emotions like regret), which are figurative expressions, not literal descriptions of an infinite God without bodily passions. The sermon condemns idolatry, including holding unworthy thoughts about God, and refutes anti-theism, pantheism, and polytheism, labeling other gods as demonic. It defines the true God as a distinct, living, infinite Spirit�immaterial, invisible, incorruptible, and immortal. Fundamentally, God is personal: self-conscious, self-determining, and relational, both within the Trinity and with His creation, as perfectly exemplified in Jesus Christ. We are called to worship this personal, transcendent God in spirit and truth, continually learning about Him even into eternity.

The Triumphal Entry

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon on the Triumphal Entry (Mark 11:1-11) contrasts Jesus' humble royal entrance with grand worldly events, emphasizing its profound significance. Jesus deliberately orchestrated His entry into Jerusalem on a specific, unridden colt, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9 and publicly declaring Himself Israel's long-promised Messiah, King, and the perfect Passover Lamb. This intentional act, demonstrating His omniscience and sovereignty, challenged the nation's leaders to respond to His claims. During this dramatic event, Jesus wept over Jerusalem, foreseeing its rejection of Him and subsequent destruction in 70 AD, a reminder of divine judgment for those who ignore His rule. He also entered the temple, inspecting it before cleansing it the next day, and healed the sick, demonstrating His compassionate kingship. The Triumphal Entry unequivocally proves Jesus' claims to be King and Messiah, a truth later acknowledged even by Pilate at His crucifixion. It also foreshadows His second coming to establish His eternal kingdom. For us today, this event underscores humanity's desperate need for the cross, as our inherent rebellion mirrors the crowd's varied responses to Jesus.

The One True God - Part 1

Pastor Tom Pennington introduces a study on the Person of God, emphasizing that a right understanding of God is foundational for both theology and practical Christian living, citing McLeod and Tozer. The study aims to impart biblical knowledge, encourage further exploration, and foster deeper fellowship with God. The sermon posits that the Bible assumes God's existence (Genesis 1:1), deriving knowledge from His self-testimony, not human reason. Pennington details general revelation: humanity possesses intuitive knowledge of God through creation (Romans 1), conscience (Romans 2), and providence (Acts 14), rendering all without excuse. However, sin suppresses this inherent truth, making scriptural guidance essential. Classic rational arguments�cosmological, teleological, ontological, and moral�are discussed, highlighting their logical limits. The speaker advocates for a presuppositional approach, where these arguments, rooted in Scripture, serve to dismantle unbelievers' false objections rather than independently prove God. Ultimately, God reveals Himself through general revelation, moral law, Jesus Christ, and decisively, propositionally in His Word. Yet, human spiritual blindness (2 Corinthians 4:4) means even Scripture isn't enough. True, saving belief in God�s existence requires the miraculous regeneration of the Holy Spirit, who illuminates darkened hearts through the Gospel. The Bible never proves God's existence but declares it, labeling deniers as "fools.