Rev. Thomas R. Penry III
Personal Vision Statement
"I am committed to engaging, educating, and equipping the Body of Christ by embracing a Biblical worldview through the study of original languages and systematic theology. My goal is to provide essential spiritual tools and opportunities for, guiding individuals on their Reformation journey rooted in Sola Scriptura, Solus Christus, Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, and Soli Deo Gloria. Together, as the body of Christ, exploring, learning, and maturing in our faith.
Colossians 2:6-23."
Personal Mission Statement:
I am Committed to the Principles of the Kingdom of God by preparing God's people for Works of Service in providing the Body of Christ (His Church) with the Spiritual Tools, Skills, and Opportunities necessary to reach the Unity of Faith, to Build up one another, to Know God more profoundly, and to become Mature, attaining to the Whole Measure of the Fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 4:1-16, Acts 28:30-31
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Daily Advancement Challenge:
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I will Encourage/Engage, Educate & Equip Reformational Leaders in Christ.
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I will Embrace the Gospel of the Kingdom (A Biblical Worldview) & reject Post-Modernism-Marxist Critical Thinking
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I will call for Biblical Justice as found in Christ & Contend for Truth: True Truth as found in the Gospel of Christ Jesus (Isaiah 59:4).
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In so doing, Redevelop the Wastelands - Raise the Foundations - Reparair the Breach - Restore the Path (Isai58:12).
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5 Things to do - Every day!
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Every day, I intend to add value to people! - Everything flows from the Gospel of Jesus Christ,m which is foundational! The results add value to people.
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Every day, I will Think of ways to add Value. I will look at my Schedule in the Morning and see where I am going, and whom I am going to see, and ask, "What can I do to add Value to People?
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Every day I will look for ways to add Value!
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Every day I will do things that will add Value. At the end of the day, the last thing I will do every evening, is do a 10-minute inventory of my day, and the questions that I will ask myself: "Who did I add Value to today?", Who did I Serve today?", Was Jesus Christ exalted and God the Father Glorified?
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Every day I will Encourage others to add Value to People.
(1 Corinthians 13: 1-13; Colossians 3:16-17)​​​
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Personal Logo and Moto
(Based upon John Calvin's personal logo and moto)​
Cor meum tibi offero Domine prompte et sincere
My heart for Thy cause I offer Thee, Lord, promptly and sincerely​
Instraurare Ominia in Christo (Ephesians 1:10) (Alles in Christi emeuern)
Renewing/Reestablishing everything in Christ
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Penry Family Crest​
The Shield of the Descendants of >Elystan Glodrydd
The Tudor Rose seen as the English equivalent of
Martin Luther's Reformation Rose
The Crown of Thorns symbolizing commitment to Christ
The 5 Sola's of the Reformation in accord with
the Foundation of Scripture:
Sola Fide, by faith alone.
Sola Scriptura, by Scripture alone.
Solus Christus, through Christ alone.
Sola Gratia, by grace alone.
Soli Deo Gloria, glory to God alone.
A Personal Testimony of Faith in Christ
My testimony begins at a Free Will Baptist Church in Richmond, California. Along with my other siblings, we attended Sunday School and Church. My parents would always say that we kids would go to Church until age 16, and then we could decide whether or not we wanted to continue. For me, the decision became clear in November of 1967. Our Church Youth Group watched a Billy Graham film called "For Pete's Sake" at the California movie theater in Berkeley, California. Following the movie, the Lord convicted me of my sin and my need for Him as Lord and Savior. The person who met me up front by the Big Screen was Jack Crews. Jack led me through the points of Salvation and led me in prayer to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I had "walked the aisle" several times before, but this was different. The Holy Spirit's conviction of my sin was unmistakable, and I responded by committing my life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Soon afterward, my Sunday School Teacher, Lester Purser, took me aside and encouraged me to follow the Lord in Baptism. I attended the Baptismal class offered and was Baptized by Pastor W. Dean Moore.
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Though I knew Christ as Savior, I did not have the assurance of my Salvation. The Church I grew up in was Arminian in theology and looking back, I see that they were faithful in teaching me the basics of sin and salvation but not assurance. I wavered in my Christina life. One week, I would feel saved; the next week, I would have grave doubts.
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While in the Air Force stationed in Germany, I met Bill and Bonnie Jackson. Bill was the first to sit down with me and explain that I can be assured of my salvation. He took me to John 5:24. The realization of that verse took hold of me, and I realized for the first time what it meant to be a committed Christian. This scripture gave me a foundation to grow in my Christian life.
What I Believe and Why I Believe it
What I Believe: I believe the Bible is God's very own word to mankind. Using human authors, God has given humanity words that will connect us to God Himself. But words in and of themselves are cold and subject to human bias and opinion. This is why the person of Jesus Christ is central to my beliefs. Jesus is God's Word personified. Jesus is the fulfillment of all God has given us in the Bible.
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The Bible is very clear concerning Mankind's condition in relationship to God. By our selfishness, we have rebelled against God. By our self-sufficiency, we have rejected all God offers us. As a result, there is an emptiness that plagues all of humanity. The word used to identify this condition is the word 'Sin.' Sin is not just a mistake or misunderstanding; it is willful disobedience to God, which in turn separates us from God. I believe it is self-evident that man cannot remedy this separation from God. We need someone sinless to bring us back into a right relationship with God; we need someone to represent us. That someone is Jesus Christ – who suffered and died in our place and raised from the dead to secure our relationship with God. The structure by which I can competently and confidently convey these truths is within the framework of Reformed Theology.
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Why I Believe it: The first part (What I believe) is a statement of faith I have been thoroughly convinced of throughout the years. These are the statements that reflect my background, education, and convictions. These are the statements that I try to live by. I know what sin is in my life. I know that there are potentially destructive things within me, not only to me but also to those around me. I can see a part of me that is selfish - a part that could care less about others. As long as my needs are met and I get what I want, I am satisfied. There is another part of me that tends to be sarcastic – a part that would not hesitate to put another person down to make myself look good. These are potentially very destructive and what I unreservedly call 'Sin' – acts of rebellion against God. (Romans 7:15-20)
Given the potential truths in my life, I need a standard by which to live, something I can refer to that will keep these things in check. I need a standard by which to identify the things I have mentioned along with others. I am compelled to live by the standard of the Bible.
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The person of Jesus Christ expresses the very words I live by. He puts flesh and blood into these words. He is very real in my life, which I cannot deny. I would love to have the opportunity to share this reality face-to-face because it cannot be adequately shared on paper. It takes a person-to-person contact.
I look forward to sharing and learning with anyone who wants to share in this Reformation Journey.