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.

Black and white close-up of a person writing in a notebook with an open book beside them.
A man giving a speech at a podium.

Explore messages organized to help you grow in Christ.

Search and filter sermons for quick access.

2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
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
Christmas Sermons
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
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
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
Revelation
Riches to Rags
Romans
Ruth
Sanctification
Six Steps to Spiritual Stability
Sunday Evening Online
Systematic Theology
Thanksgiving Sermons
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?
1 Corinthians
1 John
1 Peter
1 Samuel
1 Timothy
2 Corinthians
2 Thessalonians
2 Timothy
Acts
Colossians
Daniel
Deuteronomy
Ecclesiastes
Ephesians
Exodus
Galatians
Genesis
Hebrews
Isaiah
James
John
Lamentations
Luke
Malachi
Mark
Matthew
Numbers
Philippians
Proverbs
Psalms
Revelation
Romans
Ruth
Titus
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
2016-09-11

The Canon - Part 1

The "Anchored" series emphasizes anchoring faith in God's truth, contrasting with being swayed by various doctrines. The text explores the concept of authority, noting that every belief system has one, ranging from human reason to sacred writings. It defines "canon" (from a Greek word for ruler/standard) as the authoritative list of God-inspired books that govern belief and practice, distinguishing Protestant (Scripture alone) from Roman Catholic (Church-determined) views. The Old Testament canon, identical in content to today's Protestant Bibles, was settled by 400 BC and unequivocally affirmed by Jesus. Its authority derives from God's direct authentication of Moses as His mouthpiece at Mount Sinai. Moses predicted future prophets would continue this divine communication. These prophets were authenticated by two criteria: their predictions always coming true, and their messages aligning perfectly with previous divine revelation. Their inspired writings were immediately accepted and added to the existing "book." Thus, confidence in the Bible's 66 books rests not on later church councils, but on God's own divine and historical authentication of His messengers and their written word.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
Anchored Section 1
2016
2016-09-04

Work Is a Divine Gift and Calling

This sermon by Tom Pennington emphasizes that work is a divine gift and calling, a truth largely forgotten by the modern church. Contrasting with the common view of work as a curse, Pennington asserts that work predates the Fall, is an inherent part of God's character, and will continue into eternity; the Fall merely introduced hardship, not work itself. Drawing from Ephesians, the sermon outlines key biblical principles for Christians. Work is a command and a blessing, intended for our needs and enjoyment, to benefit others (as common grace), support dependents, provide for the needy, advance Christ's kingdom, serve as a testimony, and ultimately glorify God. Believers are called to work with integrity, wholeheartedness (not just "eyeservice"), and a genuine concern for their employer's well-being. Crucially, Christians are to view their daily tasks as working directly for Jesus Christ, knowing He sees and will reward every good deed. Without Christ, work is ultimately meaningless, but when done "as unto Christ," it gains eternal significance and purpose.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
Hold Fast
2016
2016-08-28

Hell Is For Real

In "Hell Is For Real," Pastor Tom Pennington asserts that eternal hell is a forgotten but essential biblical truth, often rejected despite clear scriptural teaching, especially from Jesus. He refutes unbiblical alternatives like universalism and annihilationism. Pennington emphasizes that both Old and New Testaments consistently portray hell. Old Testament examples, like Isaiah 66 and Daniel 12, describe an unending state of torment for the wicked, equally eternal as life for the righteous. Jesus, speaking more about hell than anyone else, used "Gehenna"�a vivid reference to a continuously burning garbage dump outside Jerusalem�to depict hell as a real place of conscious, fiery, and eternal suffering for both body and soul, as seen in Matthew's warnings and the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. Apostles like Paul, Jude, and John also describe it as "eternal destruction" and a "lake of fire" with "no rest day and night." The sermon highlights hell's attributes: it is eternal, conscious, and involves profound physical and mental suffering, symbolized by fire, darkness, and "weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
Hold Fast
2016
2016-08-14

Jesus Will Return

Pastor Tom Pennington�s sermon "Hold Fast Jesus Will Return" underscores the Second Coming as a fundamental, though often overlooked, Christian doctrine. He clarifies that Jesus' Second Advent involves two distinct events: the Rapture, where Christ retrieves His saints before the Tribulation without judgment, and the Second Coming, where He returns with His saints to earth after the Tribulation, bringing judgment. Focusing on Mark 13:24-27, Pennington outlines the Second Coming's timing as "immediately after that tribulation," preceded by dramatic cosmic signs. These include the sun darkening, moon losing its light, stars (meteors) falling, and the heavens being shaken�events consistent with cataclysms described in Revelation. Jesus will then appear globally and visibly as the "Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory," fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating His divine authority as King of Kings. His primary purpose is to gather His elect who survived the Tribulation, while also executing vengeance on the wicked. For non-Christians, this truth serves as a solemn warning to repent before it's too late.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
Hold Fast
2016
2016-08-07

Christians Love the Church

The text "Hold Fast: The Forgotten Truths We Must Always Remember Christians Love the Church" emphasizes that loving the church is a foundational, often-forgotten truth for real Christians. It clarifies that the "church" primarily refers to the *local* assembly of believers, not just the universal body or a building. The author argues that real Christians love the church because it is at the center of God's eternal plan, serving as His primary stage to display His wisdom to angelic beings. It is also described as God's family, His dwelling place on earth, and the supreme object of Christ's love, for which He died, is cleansing, and will return. Consequently, this love should manifest in concrete commitments: belonging to a local church, making it a priority over other life commitments like career or family activities, faithfully serving within it using spiritual gifts, building genuine relationships with fellow believers, and sharing a passion for evangelism to grow God's family. A Christian's love for the church directly reflects their love for God.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
Hold Fast
2016
2016-07-24

Expository Preaching Is the Biblical Pattern

The text argues that expository preaching, defined as reading, explaining, and applying Scripture systematically (often verse-by-verse), is the biblical and historically consistent pattern for the church, a truth largely forgotten today. Many modern churches, exemplified by Andy Stanley's dismissive views and seeker-sensitive approaches, reject this method as outdated or ineffective. However, strong arguments support its necessity. Practically, it ensures a Bible-centered ministry, addresses all Scripture themes, forces engagement with difficult passages, and promotes spiritual growth. Theologically, it flows naturally from the doctrine of divine inspiration, as God�s very words are taught as He revealed them. Historically, this method has been the consistent practice from early church figures like Justin Martyr to Reformation leaders such as Luther and Calvin. Biblically, the pattern is evident from Moses' exposition of the law in Deuteronomy, the Levites and Ezra's ministry in Nehemiah 8, Jewish synagogue worship, Jesus' own teaching ministry in synagogues, and the New Testament apostles' commands to elders in 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy. Therefore, individuals should prioritize personal Bible study, seek churches committed to expository preaching, and diligently apply the preached truth as Christ�s voice.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
Hold Fast
2016

No Results Found.

We couldn’t find anything matching your search.

Now Playing -
Now Playing
00:00
-00:00