Update on Sacrament Church in east Nashville

Sacrament LogoIt is such an honor to partner with a new church in east Nashville called Sacrament Church.  My friend Preston Sharpe came to CIL in January to share the vision for Sacrament, and we were glad to announce our partnership then. Since that time, the church had an Easter launch, and have established themselves as a presence in their community.

I have admired how Preston and his team have integrated in the community, taking part in the customs and events of their neighborhood.

The church currently meets at Inglewood Elementary School each Sunday at 10 a.m.

Spread the word about this church to friends in that area.

Watch this video to get a glimpse of what is happening at this sister church:

 

 

 

Are you thinking or reacting?

Angry Woman

Facebook LogoReact, instead of think. I’ve been guilty of it as much as anyone. Social media gives us a wider audience to spread the unfiltered thoughts that we use to only say in the privacy of our home.

We would all be wise to think critically before posting our opinion on social media, or spewing it out in a social engagement.

Many times I work out thoughts verbally with my wife, family, and closest friends.  These unguarded conversations help me “talk through” my emotions. That process helps me refine my perspective, and sometimes causes me to change my mind on an issue.

In contracts to this close group, in a public forum I want my opinions to be filtered, seasoned and effective.

 

As Christians, I believe critical thinking includes:

– Knowledge of the Bible.

– Experience.

– Ability to listen to another opinion with an open mind (civility).

– Basic understanding of theology and history.

– Cultivation of the fruit of the Spirit.

An understanding of current events. As we regularly follow current events, we will be able to frame the significance of those events properly in light of all the characteristics I have mentioned above.

The more we think critically on a consistent basis, the times we do react will be more effective and honor Christ.

So, keep thinking!

Is God Sovereign Over the Weather?

Weather - big rig

Well, yes. That seems obvious.  He is sovereign over all things. Yet, we often complain about the weather mindlessly, as if our negative attitude about the heat or cold will change the situation. Now I understand that most of our complaints about the weather are simply conversation fillers as we participate in small talk throughout the day. But, I have met many people whose disposition is determined by what is happening in the weather.

As we looked at the Providence of God in my Wednesday class, we found many Scriptures that acknowledged and praised God through the expression of the weather. Here is a sample of some of the most impactful verses on this subject:

Psalm 148:7-8 (HCSB)
Praise the Lord from the earth 
. . .
lightning and hail, snow and cloud,
powerful wind that executes His command.

Job 37:6-13 (ESV)
For to the snow he says, ‘Fall on the earth,’

    likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour.
He seals up the hand of every man,
    that all men whom he made may know it.
Then the beasts go into their lairs,
    and remain in their dens.
From its chamber comes the whirlwind,
    and cold from the scattering winds.
10 By the breath of God ice is given,
    and the broad waters are frozen fast.
11 He loads the thick cloud with moisture;
    the clouds scatter his lightning.
12 They turn around and around by his guidance,
    to accomplish all that he commands them
    on the face of the habitable world.
13 Whether for correction or for his land
    or for love, he causes it to happen.

Matthew 5:45 (HCSB)
For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

While I do believe we need to care for creation as Christians conservationists, we have far less control of the weather than we’d like to think.  Just consider about how often the meteorologist miss it on their prognostications!

Father, the weather is another example of your Sovereign, Providential character!

Mark 10, Divorce and Re-Marriage

Mark 10

We have spent several years moving in and out of the book of Mark in “verse by verse” preaching.  We will preach other sermon series that emphasize a variety of Scriptures, then return back to teachings from Mark.

As we started a new message series in Mark 10 yesterday, I intentionally skipped over Mark 10:1-12.  While this passage gives us an important message from Jesus, I did not feel it was necessary to revisit this theme as a congregation in light of a past sermon.  In 2012, I delivered a message called “If I Divorce, Can I Remarry Again?”

You can listen to the 2012 sermon as an interpretation of Mark 10:1-12, though Matthew 19:1-9 is the primary text for this message.

http://indianlake.sermon.net/main/main/5908856

I thank God that His Scripture is our standard for doctrine and practice.

 

 

Bible Reading Plans for 2014

Since today is the first day of September, its a good time to reinvigorate your Bible Reading plan. If you aren’t following a plan, you’re not reading us much Scripture as you think. I recommend you do the New Testament plan, but there are other options listed in this blog, too. Let’s move on towards maturity!

Aaron's Angle

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I want to share with you the Bible reading plans I have used over the years.  I have found that having a Bible Reading plan keeps you focused, holds you accountable and leads you to passages of Scriptures that you may not read yourself.

I go through the Complete Bible Reading plan, and I must admit that it gets difficult to me at times.   I have built up some endurance through the years, so those of you who are seasoned at reading the Bible, this plan may work for you too.   Depending on the reading selection and your reading pace, this will take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes a day.

However, most of you need to start with the New Testament Reading plan.   This plan only takes 5 minutes a day, 5 days a week.   If you get some extra time or motivation, you can explore…

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