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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2015-08-16

Battling Sexual Lust and Sin

Pastor Tom Pennington addresses the pervasive sin of sexual lust, rampant in our technological age, using 1 Corinthians 6:12-20. He emphasizes that while unrepentant sexual sin signifies one isn't a true Christian, believers still battle this universal temptation. Biblical change requires "putting off" sinful behaviors (even radical steps), "putting on" positive virtues (pursuing righteousness, faith, love, peace), and crucially, "renewing your mind" with God's Word. The core of renewal lies in understanding seven truths about our bodies. First, sexual lusts must never be rationalized; they are not Christian liberty but enslave us. Second, our bodies were made for Jesus Christ, not immorality. Third, our bodies are eternal, resurrected and transformed, so how we use them matters. Fourth, our body's members are members of Christ, meaning sexual sin unites Christ to that impurity, including mental lust through pornography. Fifth, sexual sin uniquely dishonors our body. Sixth, our body is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, making it a sacred temple; sinning is done in God's direct presence. Finally, our body belongs to Jesus Christ, bought at the price of His blood; we are His, and must glorify God in our bodies.

1 Corinthians
6:12-20
Tom Pennington
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1 Corinthians
2015
2015-08-09

I Object! - Part 2

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon "I Object! (Part 2)" on Romans 3:1-8 examines common objections to the gospel, highlighting how Satan blinds unbelievers with false philosophies like postmodernism and pluralism, creating "fortresses of ideas" that the gospel challenges. Pennington elaborates on Paul's masterful responses to Jewish objections. He first briefly reiterates that while Jewish heritage doesn't guarantee salvation, Jews were uniquely entrusted with "the oracles of God," thus God's integrity remains (v. 1-2). The sermon then focuses on the objection that the gospel undermines God's faithfulness (v. 3-4). Jews questioned if God's promises to Abraham would be nullified if some Jews didn't believe. Paul emphatically replies, "May it never be!" God is absolutely trustworthy, even if every human is a liar. His faithfulness is demonstrated equally in keeping promises of blessing and threats of judgment, a truth often ignored by false teachers. Finally, Pennington addresses the objection that the gospel undermines God's justice (v. 5-6). If human unrighteousness showcases God's righteousness, is God unjust to inflict wrath? Paul again declares, "May it never be!" God's right to justly judge the entire world is foundational and unquestionable.

Tom Pennington
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Romans
2015
2015-08-02

I Object! - Part 1

The provided text, "The Book of Romans I Object! (Part 1)," by Tom Pennington, pastor-teacher at Countryside Bible Church, explores Romans 3:1-8. It sets the stage by recalling Paul's "courtroom drama" where he convicted pagans (Romans 1) and Jews (Romans 2) as sinners needing the gospel, emphasizing that Jewish privileges do not guarantee salvation. Chapter 3 opens with the Jewish "defendants" raising objections to Paul's indictment, arguing his gospel undermines God's character. This sermon focuses on the first objection: "What advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision?" The Jews questioned the value of their special status if it didn't secure their salvation, implying Paul's message undermined God's integrity and Old Testament promises. Paul's response is that while Jewishness doesn't contribute to *personal* salvation at judgment, it offers "great in every respect" advantages. The supreme privilege, discussed in detail, is that they were "entrusted with the oracles of God" � the divine Scriptures. These Old Testament writings were a unique gift, pointing the way to God and salvation through the coming Messiah, a truth Jesus Himself affirmed.

Tom Pennington
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Romans
2015
2015-08-02

A Sacred Trust

During the ordination of Dusty Burris, Pastor Tom Pennington expounds on 2 Timothy to define a pastor�s primary duty: the stewardship of biblical truth. Highlighting the Apostle Paul�s relationship with Timothy, Pennington outlines four essential imperatives for every minister holding this "sacred trust." First, a pastor must **teach the truth**, relying solely on "sound words" from Scripture rather than human wisdom to ensure the congregation's spiritual health. Second, he must **live the truth**, modeling faith and love so that his personal character aligns with his doctrine. Third, he must **guard the truth**, acting as a sentinel against internal and external threats such as distortion, distraction, and false teaching. Finally, he must **pass on the truth**, entrusting the gospel to faithful men capable of teaching others to ensure the faith survives for future generations. Pennington emphasizes that this charge places the pastor in a historical succession beginning with Christ and the Apostles. He concludes by reminding the new pastor that his ultimate evaluation before God will depend on his faithfulness to this precious deposit.

2 Timothy
Tom Pennington
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2 Timothy
2015
2015-07-26

Be Careful How You Build

Tom Pennington�s sermon, "Be Careful How You Build," (1 Corinthians 3:9-17) charges newly ordained minister Peter, and all church leaders, to build Christ's church faithfully. The message outlines three critical instructions. Firstly, leaders must "build on the right foundation," which is Jesus Christ and the New Testament revelation concerning Him. Building on anything other than divine truth results in a structure that is not the true church. Secondly, they must "use the right materials," signifying quality teaching and pure motives. Inferior teaching or self-serving ambition (like "wood, hay, and straw") will be consumed by Christ's evaluative fire at judgment, leading to a loss of reward, though salvation remains secure. Finally, leaders must "remember the rightful owner." The church is God's temple, His holy sanctuary. To damage or destroy it through factionalism, heresy, or personal agendas will incur God's severe judgment. The sermon emphasizes that leaders are part of a multi-generational building project with an established blueprint, urging them to follow God's plan, build with integrity, and acknowledge God's ultimate ownership.

1 Corinthians
3:9-17
Tom Pennington
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1 Corinthians
2015
2015-07-26

False Claims and Empty Rituals - Part 3

In his sermon on Romans 2:25-29, Tom Pennington addresses the problem of "false claims and empty rituals," arguing that many people are "mislabeled" regarding their faith, believing they belong to God but lacking genuine spiritual connection. He explains Paul's challenge to first-century Jews who relied on their ethnicity, knowledge of Scripture, and the ritual of circumcision for salvation. Pennington emphasizes that external morality, biblical knowledge, and religious rituals�whether circumcision for Jews or baptism for some Christians�are insufficient. They represent justification by works, which demands impossible perfect obedience and fails to address the root problem: the unregenerate human heart. True belonging to God's people, Paul argues, is an inward transformation�a "circumcision of the heart" accomplished by the Holy Spirit, not by adhering to the "letter" of the law or external observance. God looks beyond outward appearances to the heart, which is the source of all thoughts and actions. Pennington applies this truth by urging listeners, especially professed Christians, to self-examine: Has the Spirit of God truly changed their hearts, making them "new creations" who authentically love God and others, rather than merely performing external religious acts? This internal change, not outward observance, is the real evidence of salvation.

Tom Pennington
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Romans
2015

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