Compassion Christian Church

In the final week of the series 'The Lies We Like,' Marcus addresses the complex and sensitive topics of gender dysphoria and transgenderism. Marcus emphasizes the need for a compassionate and respectful approach to these topics. He acknowledges that many in the congregation may personally relate to these issues and stresses the importance of focusing on people, not just theories. Marcus argues for a biblical perspective that values the body God has given us, advocating for mental renewal rather than seeking to conform our bodies to our minds. Ultimately, he reassures all individuals struggling with these challenges that they are loved by God and welcomed in His community, emphasizing that their identities are defined by God's love, not societal labels._______________________________________En la semana final de la serie 'Las Mentiras que Nos Gustan', Marcus aborda los temas complejos y sensibles de la disforia de género y el transgenderismo. Marcus enfatiza la necesidad de un enfoque compasivo y respetuoso hacia estos temas. Reconoce que muchos en la congregación pueden identificarse personalmente con estas cuestiones y subraya la importancia de enfocarse en las personas, no solo en teorías. Marcus aboga por una perspectiva bíblica que valore el cuerpo que Dios nos ha dado, abogando por la renovación mental en lugar de tratar de conformar nuestros cuerpos a nuestras mentes. En última instancia, asegura a todas las personas que luchan con estos desafíos que son amadas por Dios y bienvenidas en Su comunidad, enfatizando que sus identidades están definidas por el amor de Dios, no por las etiquetas sociales.1 Corintios 6:19-20Mateo 19:4-5Romanos 12:1-2

Pastor Marcus discusses the importance of forgiveness versus the modern tendency of cancellation in relationships. He emphasizes that true forgiveness is rooted in recognizing God's immense grace toward us and choosing to absorb the cost of others' wrongs instead of seeking vengeance. Through the parable of the Unforgiving Servant, he illustrates how failure to forgive reflects a misunderstanding of God's mercy in our lives. Ultimately, Marcus urges the congregation to embrace forgiveness as a means of maintaining community and healing relationships, highlighting that difficult but necessary choices lead to deeper connections with both God and others.

Pastor Marcus discusses the deception of the belief that "God wants me to be happy," highlighting that while it's partially true, it can lead to misunderstanding God's nature and priorities. He emphasizes that true happiness is found not in our fleeting desires but in striving for holiness and a genuine relationship with God. By nurturing holiness, we can achieve a deeper, lasting joy that surpasses mere temporary happiness. In essence, God values our happiness but prioritizes our spiritual growth, urging us to pursue Him as the ultimate source of fulfillment.______________________________________________________________________________________El Pastor Marcus habla sobre el engaño de la creencia de que "Dios quiere que sea feliz", resaltando que si bien es parcialmente cierto, puede llevar a un malentendido de la naturaleza y prioridades de Dios. Enfatiza que la verdadera felicidad se encuentra no en nuestros deseos efímeros, sino en esforzarnos por la santidad y una relación genuina con Dios. Al nutrir la santidad, podemos alcanzar una alegría más profunda y duradera que supera la mera felicidad temporal. En esencia, Dios valora nuestra felicidad, pero prioriza nuestro crecimiento espiritual, instándonos a perseguirlo como la fuente última de plenitud.

In his sermon, Cam emphasizes the importance of the Bible as a unique and divine communication from God, highlighting its capacity to reveal truth and provide guidance in a world filled with lies. He addresses common misconceptions about the Bible, arguing that it is not merely another religious text, but rather a living document that has maintained incredible consistency and durability through the centuries. Cam encourages the congregation to engage with the Bible daily, trust its teachings, and obey its principles to experience true blessings in life. Ultimately, he calls on individuals to challenge their doubts about the Scripture and to recognize its transformative power for those who truly embrace it.___________________________________________________En su sermón, Cam enfatiza la importancia de la Biblia como una comunicación única y divina de Dios, destacando su capacidad para revelar la verdad y proporcionar orientación en un mundo lleno de mentiras. Aborda conceptos erróneos comunes sobre la Biblia, argumentando que no es simplemente otro texto religioso, sino un documento vivo que ha mantenido una increíble consistencia y durabilidad a través de los siglos. Cam anima a la congregación a interactuar con la Biblia diariamente, confiar en sus enseñanzas y obedecer sus principios para experimentar verdaderas bendiciones en la vida. En última instancia, hace un llamado a las personas a desafiar sus dudas sobre la Escritura y a reconocer su poder transformador para aquellos que realmente la abrazan.

Pastor Harrison discusses the deceptive nature of individualism, which can lead us to prioritize our desires over authentic relationships with others and God. He emphasizes that while individualism celebrates personal authenticity, it often fosters isolation and self-centeredness, reducing other people to mere instruments for our happiness. Instead of looking inward to define ourselves, Harrison encourages us to "look up" to God, who teaches us about our true identities and purposes. Ultimately, he calls for a community-centered approach, where we recognize our roles within the Church as part of a greater mission to embody Christ's love together._______________________________________El Pastor Harrison discute la naturaleza engañosa del individualismo, que puede llevarnos a priorizar nuestros deseos sobre las relaciones auténticas con otros y con Dios. Él enfatiza que, si bien el individualismo celebra la autenticidad personal, a menudo fomenta el aislamiento y el egocentrismo, reduciendo a otras personas a meros instrumentos para nuestra felicidad. En lugar de mirar hacia adentro para definirnos, Harrison nos anima a "mirar hacia arriba" a Dios, quien nos enseña sobre nuestras verdaderas identidades y propósitos. En última instancia, llama a un enfoque centrado en la comunidad, donde reconocemos nuestros roles dentro de la Iglesia como parte de una misión más grande para encarnar juntos el amor de Cristo.

In his sermon, Marcus discusses the pervasive nature of lies, particularly focusing on "likable lies" that promise comfort but ultimately lead to regret. He emphasizes that these lies often stem from cultural pressures and highlights the false belief that multiple religions can equally lead to salvation. Using scripture, he asserts that Jesus is the only way to God, challenging the audience to embrace the truth even when it's difficult. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to confront these lies in order to experience true freedom and love, making the case that love must be rooted in truth.

In his sermon, Marcus emphasizes the importance of taking next steps in our relationship with Jesus, especially following the powerful move of God during Easter. He highlights the six practices early disciples devoted themselves to: groups, serving, giving, rhythms, outreach, and worship. Marcus encourages the church to embrace these practices to experience the abundant life that comes from following Jesus as apprentices. He also introduces a redesigned app that will help individuals identify and take actionable steps in their discipleship journey.

Pastor Marcus Johnson emphasizes the extraordinary promise of Jesus' resurrection, offering victory and freedom to those burdened by shame, fear, and hopelessness. Through the story of Mary Magdalene, he illustrates how Jesus meets individuals in their pain and confusion, highlighting that belief isn't merely intellectual but a trusting relationship with Him. He urges listeners to recognize the transformative power of faith, as demonstrated by John and Peter, who encountered the empty tomb and found belief amid skepticism. Ultimately, Pastor Marcus calls everyone to believe in Jesus as the source of new life, encouraging them to trust that if Jesus walked out of the grave, they too can walk in newness of life.

In the final sermon in the series, Marcus emphasizes the importance of building your life on the teachings of Jesus as the solid foundation, contrasting it with the dangers of a shaky foundation. He warns against hypocrisy by highlighting that merely professing faith without a genuine relationship with Jesus will lead to judgment. The crowd was astonished at Jesus' authority, realizing that their response to Him cannot be trivialized; they must choose to see Him as either a lunatic, liar, or Lord. Ultimately, Marcus calls for a true acknowledgment of Jesus as the King who fights for His people, encouraging the congregation to share this transformative truth with others.

In his sermon, Ken emphasizes the importance of the choices we make, which determine our life paths and ultimately our destinations. He highlights that true fruitfulness comes from remaining in Jesus, as illustrated in John 15, where believers are urged to abide in Him to produce good fruit. Ken reflects on personal experiences, illustrating how one's path can lead to regret and brokenness if not aligned with God's will. The key takeaway is that genuine transformation and fruitful living cannot be achieved through mere effort but through surrendering to and abiding in the Holy Spirit.

This week Pastor Marcus emphasizes the fundamental choice between two paths: the broad road leading to destruction and the narrow road leading to true life with Jesus. Highlighting the costs of following Jesus, which can be extreme, Marcus declares that the blessings far outweigh these challenges. He urges listeners to fully submit their lives to Jesus, symbolized by the concept of surrendering keys to different aspects of their lives. Ultimately, Marcus concludes by stressing that entrance to life in God's Kingdom begins with accepting Jesus—the narrow gate—before embarking on the transformative journey of faith.

Continuing in the Sermon on the Mount series, Harrison discusses the importance of not judging others. He emphasizes that while the scripture warns against a condemning attitude, it doesn't mean we shouldn't discern right from wrong. Harrison challenges listeners to reflect on their own flaws before criticizing others, encouraging a humble approach to relationships. He concludes by reminding us to treat others as we wish to be treated, which encapsulates the essence of Jesus' teachings.

Emphasizing that anxiety stems from our worries rather than external circumstances; Marcus addresses the pervasive issue. He highlights Jesus' teaching from the Sermon on the Mount, urging listeners to seek God's kingdom first instead of being overwhelmed by life's demands. Individuals can foster a non-anxious life by observing their stress, naming their anxieties, and reflecting on God's character. Ultimately, Marcus encourages believers to trust in God's care, as it is through surrendering to Him that they can find peace amid life's challenges.

In his first sermon at Compassion as Pastor Emeritus, Cam dives into the importance of where we invest our treasures. Highlighting that earthly possessions are temporary while heavenly treasures are eternal; he urges listeners to reflect on their financial priorities, arguing that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with God rather than material wealth. Cam discusses six principles to help believers store up treasures in Heaven, including recognizing that all we have belongs to God and that living with an eternal perspective transforms our approach to giving. Ultimately, Cam calls for a commitment to generosity that reflects one's faith and prioritizes a lasting legacy in God's kingdom.

Pastor Marcus addresses the issue of hypocrisy, particularly within the church, emphasizing many people are turned away from Christianity due to the actions of hypocritical believers. He introduces a deeper understanding of hypocrisy as doing the right things for the wrong reasons, highlighting the importance of motivations behind our actions. Marcus warns that performing good deeds for recognition can lead to spiritual emptiness, urging the congregation to evaluate their intentions. He concludes by contrasting the relationship with God as a loving Father rather than a transactional boss, emphasizing that true rewards come from a genuine connection with Him, not from seeking approval from others.

Pastor Ken emphasizes the importance of genuine prayer and fasting as essential components of a Christian's intimate relationship with God. He shares his personal struggles with prayer, highlighting true prayer involves surrendering one's will to God rather than trying to impose it. Ken encourages believers to be authentic in their prayer life, acknowledging their dependencies and the need for forgiveness, while recognizing that God already knows their needs. Ultimately, he emphasizes that through sincere communion with God, individuals can experience profound transformation and deeper intimacy in their faith journey.

Discussing Jesus' warnings about lust and its destructive consequences, Pastor Marcus highlights how harmful it can be not only to individuals but to relationships as well. He emphasizes sex is a sacred and delightful gift from God, it must be enjoyed within the boundaries of marriage. Pointing out that engaging in lustful thoughts or pornography undermines those boundaries and leads to lasting damage. Marcus reveals that pornography affects both men and women, often resulting in unrealistic expectations that can harm relationships, particularly for women who feel pressured to conform to objectified standards. By encouraging confession and accountability, Pastor Marcus calls for genuine healing, reminding his audience that mercy and forgiveness are available through Jesus.

By using keys denoting different life aspects Marcus emphasizes the importance of fully surrendering every area of our lives to Jesus. He tackles the pervasive issue of anger in society, illustrating how it roots in contempt, leading to broken relationships and division. Jesus warns that harboring anger damages our spiritual connection with God and calls for immediate reconciliation with others. Ultimately, Marcus encourages the congregation to reflect on their anger and to respond by actively pursuing peace and valuing every person as a creation worthy of God's love.

In the 5th week of the sermon series, Marcus emphasizes Jesus' role in fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. He asserts that while individuals must strive for righteousness beyond that of the Pharisees, they cannot achieve it on their own; highlighting that Jesus brings the Law to completion and offers grace, allowing believers to fulfill the Law through faith in Him. Marcus encourages followers of Christ not to be discouraged by the impossible standards set forth, as through Christ, they receive a new heart and the strength to obey. Ultimately, illustrating the transformative power of Jesus' love by sharing a poignant story of forgiveness, reminding the congregation that they too can overcome insurmountable challenges through faith.En la quinta semana de la serie de sermones, Marcus enfatiza el papel de Jesús en el cumplimiento de la Ley y los Profetas. Afirma que, si bien los individuos deben esforzarse por la justicia más allá de la de los fariseos, no pueden lograrlo por sí solos, destacando que Jesús lleva la Ley a su cumplimiento y ofrece gracia, permitiendo a los creyentes cumplir la Ley a través de la fe en Él. Marcus alienta a los seguidores de Cristo a no desanimarse por los estándares imposibles establecidos, ya que a través de Cristo, reciben un nuevo corazón y la fuerza para obedecer. En última instancia, ilustra el poder transformador del amor de Jesús compartiendo una historia conmovedora de perdón, recordando a la congregación que ellos también pueden superar desafíos insuperables a través de la fe.

Pastor Harrison emphasizes the dual roles of disciples as both "salt" and "light," highlighting their importance in revealing the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. He notes disciples are called to maintain their distinctive character, ensuring they bring flavor and preservation to the world, as salt does to food, while engaging in good deeds that reflect God's love and truth. They are also called to shine as a light, by reflecting the glory of the Father to the world. Ultimately, Harrison inspires listeners to actively embody the roles of salt and light, serving their communities and glorifying God through their actions.

Emphasizing that true change starts within the heart and is not based on external circumstances, Pastor Ken Philbeck discusses the concept of a blessed life as outlined in the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:1-16. He explains that being "blessed" goes beyond just happiness, signifying a state of contentment and fulfillment found in surrendering to God's will. By living out the principles of the Beatitudes, such as humility, mercy, and meekness, individuals can discover a deeper sense of joy and spiritual significance. Pastor Ken encourages listeners to fully surrender their lives to Jesus, highlighting that true happiness stems from this commitment and serves as a light to the world.

In this sermon, Pastor Marcus Johnson discusses the significance of the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of genuine commitment to Jesus as opposed to merely being part of the crowd. He contrasts the relationship between disciples and the larger crowds, underscoring that true followers of Jesus engage deeply with His teachings rather than just admire from a distance. Marcus challenges listeners to evaluate their own relationship with Jesus, encouraging complete surrender by providing Him all the keys to their lives instead of just some. Ultimately, he asserts that while the teachings of Jesus may be demanding and confrontational, they lead to the abundant blessings of God's Kingdom for those who fully commit.

In his sermon, Marcus Johnson introduces a new series focused on the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing its significance as a profound collection of Jesus' teachings. He highlights the importance of understanding the concept of The Kingdom, which is deeply intertwined with Jesus' message and mission, framing it as a radical vision for how believers should live. By examining the biblical narrative from creation through the prophets to Jesus, he illustrates how Jesus embodies the true King, fulfilling God's promise and offering salvation. The sermon sets the stage for a transformative exploration of Jesus' teachings, encouraging the congregation to engage deeply with the Word of God.

Pastor Marcus Johnson emphasizes that while Christmas is often marketed as a time of joy and peace, many feel overwhelmed and stressed during this season. He utilizes Mary's experience, as described in the genealogy with which Matthew begins his Gospel, along with further details from the Gospel of Luke, to illustrate that one can find peace even amid life's uncontrollable circumstances. We can shift our perspective and reduce anxiety by focusing on God's sovereignty and character instead of our challenges. Ultimately, Marcus encourages us to embrace our role as servants of God and trust in His promises, providing a pathway to peace.

Pastor Harrison continues his exploration of the genealogy of Christ by discussing the significance of Rahab. He highlights her transformation from a negatively labeled figure in her community to a woman of faith. Despite her past as a prostitute, Rahab's story illustrates that one's identity does not have to be defined by past mistakes. By choosing to help the Israelite spies, Rahab recognizes the power of God and seeks a new legacy for herself and her family. Ultimately, her inclusion in Jesus' genealogy serves as a reminder that faith can redefine one's life and legacy. Harrison concludes by encouraging listeners to trust Jesus to transform their own identities.

In his sermon, Marcus continues to highlight the importance of Jesus' genealogy as presented by Matthew by focusing on its messy and sinful lineage to illustrate God's grace. Specifically examining the story of Judah and Tamar, he reveals how Judah, despite his flaws and sins, becomes a significant part of the family tree leading to Jesus. The narrative showcases God's ability to work through imperfect individuals and emphasizes that who Jesus came from reflects who He came for—sinners in need of grace. Ultimately, Marcus encourages listeners to acknowledge their flaws and embrace the forgiveness offered through Jesus, reinforcing the core message of hope during Christmas.

Pastor Marcus Johnson emphasizes the significance of Christmas as a turning point in history marked by the birth of Jesus for all of humanity, not just those who are Christian. He explains how the four Gospels present unique perspectives on Jesus' life, landing on Matthew's genealogy that highlights the flawed and marginalized individuals in Jesus' lineage. It is this genealogy which illustrates that Jesus came to offer grace and healing to all, particularly those who recognize their need. Ultimately, Pastor Marcus encourages listeners to embrace the inclusive nature of Jesus' mission and understand that God's grace extends to everyone, regardless of their past.

Pastor Marcus emphasizes the importance of living with eternity in mind during Vision Week, where the church reflects on the previous year and looks forward for whats in store in the next. Using the illustration from Hebrews, that life is like a race that requires endurance, he urges the congregation members to look beyond temporary pleasures for the eternal rewards of faith. He shares powerful testimonies of individuals in the church who have chosen to sacrifice immediate comforts for a greater purpose, highlighting their transformation and impact. Ultimately, Marcus reminds everyone that, like Jesus, we must focus on the ultimate joy of spending eternity with God while actively working to reach others with the message of hope.

Pastor Harrison seeks to show the dissonance between the current brokenness of the world and the intended peace, justice and love of God's kingdom through emphasizing the prayer of Jesus for God's kingdom to be realized on earth as it is in heaven. He goes on to explain the biblical narrative of redemption, noting the entrance of sin and the resulting separation from God, and how Jesus came to restore that relationship, offering reconciliation and new life. Living in the 'Now and Not Yet' kingdom means embodying God's kingdom in our daily lives and actively participating in the ministry of reconciliation. Pastor Harrison concludes by urging listeners that, as followers of Christ, they are ambassadors of the kingdom, bringing hope and healing to a world yearning for the peace and love of God. It is only through Christ that the world, and us as humans in this world, can be restored to what God intended. 

Pastor Ken Philbeck emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's Kingdom over our own desires. He highlights the struggle of living in a broken world while waiting for the fulfillment of God's promises, and draws parallels with biblical figures who experienced similar challenges. With hope anchored in the future glory to come, Ken encourages believers to remain patient and trust that God is working for their good, even in times of suffering. He concludes by reminding the congregation that joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the assurance of God's faithfulness and upcoming eternal joy.