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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False Claims and Empty Rituals - Part 2
Tom Pennington's sermon "False Claims and Empty Rituals (Part 2)" on Romans 2:25-29 addresses the dangerous misconception of relying on religious rituals for salvation. Citing examples like the Roman Catholic Eucharist and ancient Jewish circumcision, he explains that many mistakenly believe certain acts confer righteousness or guarantee acceptance by God. Paul's argument in Romans posits only two paths to God: justification by works or justification by faith in Jesus Christ. Pennington clarifies that if one seeks salvation through rituals�such as circumcision, baptism, or reciting a "sinner's prayer"�they are, knowingly or unknowingly, choosing the path of justification by works. This path, however, demands *perfect* and consistent obedience to God's entire Law. A single transgression invalidates any ritual or perceived merit, rendering it useless and leading to condemnation. Circumcision, for instance, was intended as an outward symbol of an inward spiritual cleansing and heart change performed by God, not a means of salvation itself. Since humanity is incapable of perfect obedience, rituals and personal efforts offer no hope for salvation.
False Claims and Empty Rituals - Part 1
Tom Pennington's sermon on Romans 2:25-29, "False Claims and Empty Rituals (Part 1)," confronts the misconception that external religious adherence guarantees salvation. It highlights Paul's critique of "religious" individuals (first-century Jews) who placed confidence in nationality, morality, scriptural knowledge, and especially, the ritual of circumcision. Pennington clarifies that circumcision, unique to Israel, was a *sign* of a necessary *inward* spiritual cleansing and heart transformation, divinely accomplished by the Spirit, not a human work. Old Testament texts (Deuteronomy 10, Jeremiah 4, Deuteronomy 30) emphasized a "circumcised heart," a change God performs. Abraham's righteousness, Romans 4 shows, came through faith *before* his circumcision. First-century Jews, however, wrongly saw the physical act as a "passport to Heaven," a false confidence Paul (and the Jerusalem Council) vehemently rejected as a "false gospel." The sermon concludes that no external ritual, Christian or otherwise, can save; true salvation requires a divine "new birth" (John 3), a radical heart change by the Holy Spirit, achieved through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone, abandoning all other hopes.
In God We Trust - Part 2
The sermon addresses the legalization of same-sex marriage as a "watershed moment" dividing true and false Christianity. The speaker cites immediate consequences: a Montana man seeking a polygamy license, the Oregon bakery case where Christians faced persecution and speech restrictions, and the Episcopal Church's affirmation of same-sex weddings, demonstrating a trend of capitulation. Scripture is presented as unequivocally defining homosexuality as sin, making this issue a test of loyalty to Christ over culture. Christians are urged to respond by remembering God's sovereignty, acknowledging His divine abandonment of a pagan culture, and trusting Christ to build His church. They must treat unbelievers with dignity, realize the gospel shines brightest in darkness, and expect persecution, responding with joy, love, prayer for deliverance and gospel advance. Additionally, Christians are called to diligently pray for national leaders' salvation, wisdom, and just rule, for the nation's welfare, and for preservation from judgment due to the righteous. As citizens, they should be concerned about constitutional breaches and moral decline, and be prepared to legally defend religious liberty, always prioritizing the gospel and avoiding disrespectful or violent resistance.
In God We Trust - Part 1
Pastor Tom Pennington addresses the 2015 Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage (Obergefell v. Hodges), calling it a monumental event that compels him to provide biblical guidance. He warns the decision immediately threatens religious liberties, anticipating radical activists will seek to silence all disagreement. Pennington asserts that the Bible's teachings on marriage (one man, one woman) and homosexuality (sin) remain unchanged, regardless of cultural or legal shifts. He outlines six Christian responses: 1. **Remember God is on His throne**: Do not fear or despair; God is sovereign over nations and rulers, even when they act in rebellion. 2. **God is behind this change (as judgment)**: This cultural shift reflects human rebellion and God's "divine wrath of abandonment" (Romans 1), where evil is called good. 3. **Christ will build His church**: Nothing, not even death or persecution, will overpower His church. 4. **Care about attitudes toward unbelievers**: Treat all people with consideration and respect, honoring those in authority, even while disagreeing with their policies, and avoid sinful anger or disrespect. 5. **The gospel shines brightest in darkness**: This cultural climate provides a clearer mission field for evangelism, as the primary goal is saving souls, not merely improving society. 6.
Under Yahweh's Wings - Part 1
This sermon on Ruth 1:22b-2:23 details God's providence in the lives of Naomi and Ruth. Following Elimelech's disastrous move to Moab and subsequent family tragedy (Act 1), Naomi repents and returns to Bethlehem with her converted Moabitess daughter-in-law, Ruth (Act 2). Act 3, "Yahweh's Protection and Provision," begins with their destitute arrival in Bethlehem during the barley harvest, a sign of God ending the famine. Ruth, a widow and foreigner, plans to glean in the fields as provided by Mosaic law for the poor. Crucially, Ruth "happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz," a wealthy and noble kinsman of Elimelech. The sermon emphasizes that this "chance" encounter is, in the original Hebrew, a deliberate irony highlighting God's meticulous *providence*. God orchestrates every detail, not by accident, but to accomplish His will. This divine arrangement met Ruth and Naomi's immediate needs for food and ensured their long-term care. More profoundly, this providentially guided meeting between Ruth and Boaz was essential for the lineage of King David, and ultimately, for the birth of Jesus Christ, leading to our salvation.
A Pattern for Confession
This sermon on Psalm 51 outlines a divine pattern for Christian confession, a crucial practice despite believers' justification in Christ. Pastor Tom Pennington emphasizes that while our sins are no longer against God as our judge, they are against Him as our loving Father, necessitating heartfelt confession. David's Psalm 51, born from his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah, provides this inspired guide. The sermon presents five core principles for confession. First, appeal to God's character, approaching Him as a beggar who relies solely on His grace, steadfast love (hesed), and compassion to blot out transgressions, wash away iniquity, and cleanse from sin. Second, accept full responsibility for your sin: recognize that every sin is a personal affront to God, acknowledge that His judgment is just, and understand that sin originates from your fallen nature, not external circumstances. Third, hope in God's mercy, believing He will grant wisdom, cleansing, and restore joy. Fourth, seek spiritual renewal, praying for a clean heart and an increasing desire for holiness. Finally, commit to worship, as true confession naturally leads to praise and a renewed commitment to serve God, allowing believers to prepare their hearts for communion with hope.
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