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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The preaching of God's Word is central to worship and of the utmost importance for the sanctification of every believer in Christ.
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The Implications of Justification - Part 3
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "The Implications of Justification (Part 3)" from Romans 3:27-31 argues that salvation by faith in Christ, far from nullifying God's law, profoundly establishes it. He contrasts unjust human judges who ignore law with God's perfect righteousness, emphasizing that God never tolerates sin and must punish every transgression, either through eternal condemnation or Christ's sacrificial death. The gospel, which justifies sinners solely by grace through faith in Jesus' perfect obedience and atoning work, has three key implications: it excludes all human boasting, underscores the exclusivity of salvation (one God, one way through Christ), and critically, validates God's law. Paul forcefully refutes the notion that faith renders God's law worthless, declaring it reinforces its validity. Justification establishes the law in six ways: Christ perfectly fulfilled its ceremonial pictures and types, perfectly kept all its moral precepts, and completely paid its penalty. He also fulfilled the law's primary purpose�to reveal sin and lead people to Him. Moreover, the gospel enables believers to love and obey God's abiding moral standards through the Holy Spirit, and this gospel of justification by faith aligns perfectly with Old Testament teachings.
Do You Love Me?
In this sermon, Tom Pennington prepares his congregation for the Lord's Table by reflecting on John 21:15-17, where Jesus asks Peter "Do you love Me?" three times, corresponding to Peter's denials. This interaction emphasizes the need for believers to take sin seriously and reaffirm their genuine love for Christ. Pennington asserts that true Christian faith is not merely intellectual assent or emotional stirring, but a profound, personal love for Jesus. He cautions against relying on subjective self-assessment to gauge this love, presenting instead four objective tests from Scripture: 1. **Value:** Is Jesus more valuable to you than everything else in the world, including possessions, status, pleasure, and even personal sin? 2. **Affection:** Is your affection for Jesus greater than for any other person, including family, friends, or even yourself and your personal desires? 3. **Love for People:** Do you genuinely love His people�other Christians and the Church? Loving Jesus is inseparable from loving His body. 4. **Obedience:** Do you obey His commands? While not perfect, a true believer's life is characterized by a consistent direction and passion for obedience to Christ's word. These tests reveal the true state of one's soul.
The Redeemer - Part 1
This sermon concludes the book of Ruth, focusing on "The Redeemer" (Ruth 4:1-22). Pastor Pennington briefly recaps previous acts: Elimelech's sinful move to Moab, Naomi's return and Ruth's conversion, and God's provision through Boaz. In the final act, Boaz, at the city gate, strategically presents the opportunity to redeem Elimelech's land. A closer relative initially agrees but declines when Boaz reveals it includes marrying Ruth to raise an heir, fearing it would jeopardize his own inheritance. Boaz then publicly accepts the full responsibility, declaring his noble intent to preserve the deceased's name. The community blesses Ruth and Boaz, praying for many descendants who would build Israel, like Rachel, Leah, and Perez. The sermon emphasizes that the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer is not Boaz, but Yahweh (God), whose "hesed" (steadfast covenantal love) sovereignly orchestrates all events, from famine to legal transactions, to care for His people and fulfill His eternal purposes. This divine commitment, proven by giving His own Son, extends to all who seek refuge in Him today, assuring us that God will tirelessly work all things for our ultimate good.
The Implications of Justification - Part 2
Tom Pennington's sermon "The Implications of Justification (Part 2)" addresses the challenge of postmodernism, which rejects absolute truth and promotes moral relativism and religious pluralism�the belief that all religions lead to the same God. Pennington asserts that Scripture, particularly Romans 3:27-31, unequivocally teaches otherwise. He explains that justification by faith alone has crucial implications. First, it excludes all human boasting, as salvation is a gift of God's grace, not earned by human works or merit. Second, it underscores the gospel's exclusivity, built on four theological realities. There is **theism** (God exists, evident to all), **monotheism** (there is only *one* unique, self-existent God�Yahweh�and all other "gods" are demonic), and **universality** (this one God is the God of all humanity, not just one group, having a global plan for salvation). These lead to the conclusion of **exclusivity**: there is only *one way* to God. This way is through faith alone in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross, as He proclaimed, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." This singular path compels believers to share the gospel, recognizing that people cannot believe without hearing this unique truth.
The Implications of Justification - Part 1
Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon on Romans 3:27-31, "The Implications of Justification (Part 1)," explores the profound consequences of justification by faith alone, serving as crucial "cross-checks" for understanding God's salvation. The primary implication is that justification by faith fundamentally excludes all human boasting. Pennington explains that sinful pride in one's merits, morality, knowledge, or religious rituals (like the Pharisee in Luke 18 or Paul before Christ in Philippians 3) is incompatible with God's plan. God designed salvation this way�through grace and faith, not works�so that He alone receives glory and refuses to share it (Isaiah 48:11; Ephesians 2:8-9). He chose the "foolish" and "weak" of the world precisely so no one could boast before Him (1 Corinthians 1). Romans 3:27 contrasts a "law of works" (human effort) with a "law of faith," arguing only the latter silences boasting because humans contribute nothing. Pennington defends Luther's "faith alone" interpretation of Romans 3:28, stating it captures Paul's intent despite the word "alone" not being explicitly in the Greek.
Jesus Will Cost You Everything!
Preaching from Mark 8:34-38, Pastor Tom Pennington asserts that following Jesus "will cost you everything," challenging the prevalent "pop Christian gospel" of cheap grace. Jesus, having predicted His necessary suffering, death, and resurrection as a ransom for sins, outlines three non-negotiable conditions for true discipleship, applicable to all. First, one must "deny himself," renouncing the old self and approaching Christ as a spiritual beggar, embodying true repentance. Second, "take up his cross daily," signifying a willingness to value Jesus above one's own life, embracing potential death, shame, or persecution for His sake. Third, "follow Me," submitting to His will, prioritizing His Kingdom, and obeying His commands as Lord and Teacher. This "high cost of discipleship" is presented as a brilliant investment. It�s the only path to eternal salvation; gaining the world means nothing if one forfeits their invaluable soul. Ultimately, Jesus, the one making these demands, will be the final judge. Therefore, true Christianity requires this total, ongoing commitment, moving beyond superficial or cultural faith.
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