Compass Weekly Sermons

Genesis 1 and 2 aren't the only places we find creation patterns in scripture. In this sermon, we begin the second half of this sermon series by looking at new creation. In this sermon, Pastor Will walks through Colossians 1, showing us that life has been changed because of the coming of Christ. We have been redeemed, set free, and brought into the kingdom of God. And now Jesus is exalted above all of the powers. When we follow Jesus, we are living up to the image of God we were created to be. Our life can represent new creation.

In Genesis 1 and 2, specific things are said about humans created in the image of God. One important pattern is the pattern of "Male and Female." In this sermon, Pastor Will walks through Genesis 1 and 2, showing that men and women are equally created in God's image, both made for dominion. As we see throughout creation, God desires unity and not uniformity. Our differences are beautiful as we all follow Jesus together.

Once God created humanity in His own image, He gave us three important gifts. First, God gave us meaningful, dominion-quality work to perform. Second, God gave humans a day of rest every week. Third, God gave the first humans community. In this sermon, Pastor Will explores these three patterns and how they affect our lives as Christians today.

In the midst of the creation narrative found in Genesis 1 and 2, another striking moment happens. The pinnacle moment of the creation is when God creates humanity. Join Anna Brown as she untangles layers of meaning found in comparing Genesis to other ancient documents, revealing a God who loves his creation made in his image. What you will find will change how you view this passage, and humanity, forever.

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." Perhaps the most familiar and recognizable words from scripture, the first verses of Genesis 1 tell a story about creation. Or do they? In this sermon, Pastor Will travels back in time to show that Genesis 1 is about the Creator more than the creation. The initial audience would have heard Genesis 1 as an answer to their questions about God primarily, not as a scientific explanation of creation. We would do well to hear these words the same way today.

As humans, we grow up learning to observe patterns all around us. In the Bible, one of the most common and prevalent patterns could be called the cycle of failure. God creates something good, humanity recognizes it as good, and we start with obedience. But eventually, we decide that we know more than God and then comes the fall and failure. This cycle repeats over and over until Jesus comes. In this sermon, Pastor Will talks about the good news that Jesus was always obedient, that he gave his whole life as a sacrifice for us, and he was raised from the dead. Jesus broke the cycle of failure, and God broke the cycle of death.

At the end of the book of Acts, we find the apostle Paul being faithful to the end. Paul is preaching the gospel of the kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ from the beginning of his ministry to the very end. In this sermon, Pastor Will traces the centrality of the gospel of the kingdom of God, showing how important it is for us to be able to share this same message with others. We are the continuation of this great mission to disciple others.

In Acts 16, we find the apostle Paul in Philippi, a city of major Roman importance. As Paul navigates life and ministry in this city, one decision seemingly leads to catastrophe. He ministers to a young slave woman, and she has a demon cast out of her, kicking off an incredible series of events. In this sermon, Rev. Leon Weller walks through Acts 16, showing that God is there with us even in our lowest moments, that miraculous things can happen anytime, and that we can always walk through life looking on the bright side.

One of the unfortunate aspects of human nature is that humans are not impartial. Social scientists have proven again and again that we are prejudiced and experience partiality. In the first century church, they had problems with partiality as well. In Acts 10, we find Peter bringing the gospel to the Gentiles. But as John Ely points out, there is much more to the story here. We find that Peter is cooperating with the work of the spirit, and we can, too.

Paul was living life the way he thought God wanted him to live. He was a diligent Pharisee, he studied under the best rabbi, and he was going places. Then everything changed when Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus. This meeting forever changed Paul, but Paul had to cooperate with the heavenly vision - he had to repent and submit to the spirit's leading over time. Paul is an example to us of how no one is too far gone to feel the love of Jesus.