The Sunday after Easter is unique as an inevitable correction to the swell of Easter attenders. However, Christianity is still in Eastertide, so the celebration continues despite the many who have moved on. I preached on one of my favorite subjects – Provision. I know the story from 2 Kings 4:1-7 is an encouragement to those in overwhelming debt that God cares and has provision for them.
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Since 2010, an important part of my monthly rhythm has been the Third Thursday pastors gathering in Nashville. Each month, Jeremy Rose, the senior pastor of Axis Church, hosts pastors, church planters, and ministry leaders who need camaraderie and helpful insight.
As the group has developed, Jeremy has allowed me to serve as part of the leadership of this group. A few times each year I teach, and on the other months, I love to receive insight from another pastor. I am so grateful for this opportunity and benefit from the blessing of long-term relationships.
I hope that the era of the mask debate has ended in the United States. I appreciate people who choose to wear a mask out of concern for the potential spread of disease. I find it helpful when others use the mask as a physical symbol they are ill, and it may be good to continue these practices voluntarily.
However, it is not the government’s role constitutionally to require medical intervention or preventative acts. I hope the government mandates we experienced in 2020-2022 become a short-term learning experience of what not to do. The government can encourage, promote, urge, and provide medical masks. Our tax dollars pay for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the research and recommendations they offer, but it is not in their authority to create requirements.
Should you wear a medical mask in the future? Maybe, but it should be up to you.
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Picture description: A passenger prepares to board a flight departing Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on March 15.
John Moore/Getty Images North America
We celebrated Jesus! It was satisfying to see new and old friends prioritizing Jesus. Angela Primm‘s anointed voice was a gift to focus us on Jesus. Aubrey McGowan followed the Spirit as he led us in worship, so it was not a superficial Easter celebration. We connected with the heart of God, and he touched us.
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As Easter weekend begins, I am honored to share the gospel through the Hendersonville Standard, our local newspaper.
“Easter means the world is resurrecting to the best expression of creation.”
For Easter, we will offer three opportunities to worship!
Easter Services #1 – Saturday, April 16 at 6 PM
Easter Service #2 – Sunday, April 17 at 9 AM
Easter Service #3 – Sunday, April 17 at 10:45 AM
Easter at CIL includes excellent music with the CIL Worship Team and award-winning vocalist Angela Primm. The Saturday option (6 PM) allows families to worship together, providing childcare through age four. The two Sunday services (9 AM and 10:45 AM) have an Easter Egg Hunt for all kids while parents receive ministry. We will celebrate because He’s alive!
What a great Palm Sunday at CIL Church!
We installed Mauricio Barahona as the newest CIL pastor, as he joins our staff as the full-time Student Pastor. Mauricio is 31 years old, married to Renee, and they have two girls, ages 4 and 2. Mauricio has over ten years of youth ministry experience, and he desires to have a long career in student ministry. Mauricio and Renee come to us from Pennsylvania but are originally from Miami. It was great to welcome them to our spiritual family!
My close friend and mentor Dan Scott preached a fantastic message! Dan is such a gift to the body of Christ!
You can experience the service by clicking here!
For those who dare accept it, I have positive news. I recognize that media outlets and religious leaders are stoking fear, distrust, and hidden conspiracies. While that is one lens to see the world, there is another perspective I want to suggest. Good things are happening during our lifetime!
Now, there are many things I am concerned about – medical ethics, inflation, the value of the dollar, a porous southern border, affordable housing, health care access, the misuse of executive orders, and federal overreach – to name a few. There is much concern, but there are also reasons to give thanks.
The world is falling apart. The world is advancing.
You can choose either tune to be the soundtrack of your life. Scripture teaches us that sin and evil are present in this world and increasing in many. Yet, Scripture teaches God’s victory over sin, and He is redeeming the world for His purposes through the church.
Try positivity – you may like it!
We turned the corner into April this weekend, and I felt like I had a safe message titled, “My Prayers for CIL Church.” However, as I shared seven prayers I have for CIL Church, it turned into a visionary message. The Lord stirred many people for our church’s vision, and I also know the Lord spoke to people about their call and dreams. What an impactful day!
Aaron's Angle 