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
1 John
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
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
James
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
Philippians
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 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?
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
Selected
Selected Scriptures
Titus
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
2016-11-27

Old Testament: The Pentateuch - Part 2

Tom Pennington's sermon offers an aerial overview of the Old Testament Pentateuch, focusing on the Bible's central theme: God is redeeming a people by His Son, for His Son, to His glory. The Old Testament consistently points to the Redeemer's coming. Genesis recounts humanity's inherent wickedness from universal dealings (Creation, Fall, Flood, Nations), leading to God's gracious initiation of the patriarchal period (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph). Through Abraham, God chose a family to uniquely display Himself and bring forth the promised "seed"�the Messiah�who would spiritually bless all nations. Moses, by faith, foresaw Christ, choosing God's enslaved people over Egyptian prestige. Israel's strategic location in Canaan facilitated their role as a witness nation, and their 400-year bondage in Egypt demonstrated God's patience, awaiting the Amorites' complete iniquity. Genesis also prophesies the Redeemer's lineage: from a woman, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and specifically the tribe of Judah. Exodus further illuminates God's redeeming character. Its central message is that Yahweh is a covenant-keeping, redeeming God, symbolized by the Passover. The Ten Plagues, rather than mere punishment, were direct attacks on Egypt's false gods, serving an evangelistic purpose.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
Anchored - Section 1
2016
2016-11-27

A Portrait of Faith - Part 1

Based on Romans 4:17-22, Pastor Tom Pennington examines the "portrait of faith" exemplified by Abraham to define true, saving faith. Pennington argues that Paul uses Abraham�s life to illustrate that justification is solely by God�s grace through faith, rather than by law or works. The sermon distinguishes genuine biblical faith from non-saving varieties, such as natural probability, historical acceptance of facts, or temporary emotional responses. Instead, Pennington identifies three essential elements required for saving faith. The first is **knowledge** (*notitia*), understanding the specific truths of the Gospel and Christ�s nature. The second is **assent** (*ascensus*), the intellectual conviction that these claims are true; however, Pennington notes that even demons possess this level of belief. Therefore, the defining element of saving faith is **trust** (*fiducia*). This involves a volitional surrender to Christ�s lordship, moving beyond mere intellectual agreement to total personal commitment. Pennington likens this to marriage: knowing about someone and agreeing they are trustworthy is insufficient without the "I do" of lifelong commitment. True justification requires this complete reliance on Christ, resulting in a life of obedience similar to Abraham�s.

Romans
4:17-22
Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
Romans
Romans
2016
2016-11-20

Give Thanks & Sing!

The sermon connects the American Thanksgiving tradition, tracing its roots to the Pilgrims, back to biblical revelation, particularly Psalm 92:1-4. The pastor asserts that giving thanks and singing praises to God is "good" because it glorifies Him, fulfills His commands, edifies other believers, and enriches our souls. True thanksgiving involves verbally expressing gratitude directly to Yahweh, the one true God, and singing His praises, individually and corporately. Ingratitude is presented as a severe sin, with unbelievers often failing to acknowledge God as the source of blessings. Our thanksgiving should primarily focus on two aspects of God�s character: His "lovingkindness" (hesed), which signifies His profound, steadfast, redeeming love that sovereignly transforms and transplants believers, and His "faithfulness," meaning His unwavering reliability in keeping His promises. This gratitude should be constant, day and night, reflecting an intentional, Spirit-filled life. These core truths of God's eternal love and faithfulness are supremely celebrated in Christ at the Lord's Table.

Psalms
92:1-4
Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
Thanksgiving Sermons
Psalms
2016
2016-11-13

Old Testament: The Pentateuch - Part 1

This sermon emphasizes the Old Testament's foundational role for believers, presenting it as an "aerial tour" to understand its overarching history and message. It argues the Old Testament is a fundamentally Christian book, not pre-Christian, with its unifying theme identical to the entire Bible: "God is redeeming a people by His Son, for His Son, to His own glory." This central message means the Old Testament, penned by Moses and others, continuously points to Christ's coming. The text highlights that Christ is omnipresent in the Old Testament, from His creative act in Genesis 1:1 to His frequent appearances as "The Angel of the Lord"�identified as the pre-incarnate Son. The New Testament writers and early church fathers consistently affirmed that the Old Testament, including its laws and narratives, serves as instruction for Christians and testifies explicitly about Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero of its redemptive story. Therefore, all Christians are encouraged to diligently study the Old Testament to comprehend God's full plan of salvation centered on His Son.

Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
Anchored - Section 1
2016
2016-11-13

How Can I Be Justified?

Addressing the age-old question of how sinners can be right with a holy God, Pastor Tom Pennington, examining Romans 4:13-16, explains Paul's defense of justification by faith alone. Building on previous discussions that justification is by God's grace and for all people, the sermon focuses on the *means* of being declared righteous. Paul asserts that God's promise to Abraham�to be heir of the world, signifying ultimate salvation and eternal life in Messiah's kingdom�was not achieved through the Law but through the righteousness of faith. This is because law-keeping cannot justify; it voids faith, nullifies God's promises (as perfect obedience is impossible), brings wrath, and increases guilt. Instead, justification *must* be by faith alone. This ensures it is entirely by God's grace, giving Him full glory, and makes salvation accessible to everyone�Jews and Gentiles alike, independent of law. Crucially, this faith-based justification guarantees the promise to all descendants, because it relies wholly on God's unwavering character and promise, not on human effort, providing unwavering security for all who believe in the Messiah.

Romans
4:13-16
Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
Romans
Romans
2016
2016-11-06

Can I Be Justified?

This sermon, based on Romans 4:9-12, explores the critical question of who can be justified, emphasizing the Bible's living and active power to transform believers. Pastor Tom Pennington argues that God's plan for salvation, specifically justification by faith, is for both Jews and Gentiles. He substantiates this by examining Abraham's story: Abraham was declared righteous by faith in Genesis 15, predating his circumcision in Genesis 17 by 14-25 years. Circumcision, therefore, was not the basis for Abraham's justification but rather a *sign* and *seal* of the righteousness he had already received through faith. This divine timing served a crucial purpose: to establish Abraham as the spiritual father of all who believe�both uncircumcised Gentiles and circumcised Jews who follow his faith in the Messiah. The text highlights that Gentiles, despite their former spiritual alienation, have always been part of God's broader redemptive plan. Ultimately, the sermon concludes that external signs or rituals do not grant salvation; true justification comes through personal repentance and faith solely in Jesus Christ, just as Abraham believed.

Romans
4:9-12
Tom Pennington
Access Now
|
Romans
Romans
2016

No Results Found.

We couldn’t find anything matching your search.

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