Month: February 2019

Learning from Joseph

On By Aaron AllisonIn Art, CIL News, DevotionalLeave a comment
JosephRevealedToBrothers
I have noticed a lot of people struggling with their mood, outlook, and emotional health in the last few weeks. I love how authentic everyone is with their feelings. This vulnerability is so much better than the days when Christians wore masks of perfection.
 
Still, why now? Is it all the recent rain? Is it the winter darkness and lack of vegetation? Is it the loss of momentum from New Year’s resolutions?
 
While I don’t want to minimize anyone’s personal experience, I must observe that some of this angst is predictable. Most years, we start January with some level of optimism but seem to plod through the winter months with a survival mindset. While winter doesn’t bother me as much as some people, believe me – I have my challenging times each year!
 
I wrote all of this because I think Sunday’s sermon is going to help people. We will look at a statement Joseph made in Genesis 45:5, “God sent me ahead.” Discovering Joseph’s perspective on his life may give you some perspective on yours.
 
Join me at CIL at either 9am or 10:45am.
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“The Recognition of Joseph by His Brothers”
Date: 1816-1817
Artist: Cornelius, Peter von, 1783-1867

Christianity Offers Something Different

On By Aaron AllisonIn DevotionalLeave a comment

Forgiveness

What does Christianity have to offer culture? The last couple of years it has become evident that a post-Christian culture does not understand grace, forgiveness, and transformation. We offer these.

While that which is secret, underground, and unchecked needs to be exposed; as Christians we oppose the evil stronghold, not the person.

God forgave us, so we forgive.

All humans are flawed.
All humans behave wickedly.
All humans are offered grace.

“What God has made clean, do not call impure.” – Jesus (Acts 10:15)
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*This is not in direct reaction to any current news story, but a general observation about our culture’s response to individual shortcomings.

Do not skip Sunday night service for the Super Bowl! :-)

On By Aaron AllisonIn Church History, CultureLeave a comment
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The evangelical church has gone through several phases since the Super Bowl started taking place right in the middle of the traditional Sunday night service.

Phase 1 (1980s): You are a bad Christian if you even think about skipping Sunday night service to watch the Super Bowl.

Phase 2 (early 1990s): We will all watch the Super Bowl at the church. This will include a potluck, youth fundraiser, and technical difficulties.

Phase 3 (late 1990s): Watch the Super Bowl with a group from the church, but you have to turn it off and do a devotional at half time.

Phase 4a (late 2000s): Watch the Super Bowl at home, but don’t enjoy it too much. Don’t get used to skipping church!

Phase 4b (late 2000s): The weekly Sunday night service is eliminated. (See the correlation to Phase 4a)

Phase 5 (early 2010s). Make the Sunday morning worship service to the Almighty God revolve around a Super Bowl theme. 🙂Worship team, buy your favorite NFL jersey to wear on stage.

Phase 6 (late 2010s): Skip church all day, because it’s Super Bowl Sunday.

 

* Disclaimer: I had fun writing this post. It was not meant for pastoral direction or cultural critique.