A Sunday to Remember with Aubrey McGowan and family

What a Sunday! Four were baptized in water, including Aubrey McGowan, our worship pastor, and one of our three Elders. Aubrey is one of the most remarkable Christian men I have ever known, and I have known him since 1995. Aubrey does not have a clear memory of his water baptism as a child, so after counsel and prayer, he felt the Lord lead him to this step. Amazingly, his oldest two sons also were baptized in water. These steps all created a special memory I will always cherish.
I preached week 15 of our series on Philippians, teaching titled “Enemies of Citizens” from Philippians 3:17-21.

You can watch the sermon here:

The entire service is here:

Consider Jesus

We may be envious of the strong and successful, but we are inspired by those who shine in adversity. Jesus is the greatest example, so look to Him.

“For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up” – Hebrews 12:2-3 (CSB)

Do you feel stuck?

Do you feel stuck? There have been a lot of times in my life when I have felt no progress, which is discouraging.

What should you do when you feel stuck? Grow. Do something to help you grow today. Read something. Write something. Try something new. Pray. Think. Go for a walk.

Growth steps may be the last thing you feel like doing when you perceive stagnation, but a nudge of motion starts the momentum. You’ll be surprised how much God does when you are open to growth in the secret times.

Sumner Summit for Men

Guys, September 22 is for you! 

Pastor Jacob Bell has been working hard to create CIL’s next men’s event – Sumner Summit. Men, will you prioritize this night be registering right now! 

This night is a gathering for men looking to engage in truth, community, and service. Sumner Summit is a series of 15-minute talks on unique topics to inspire conversation and action amongst men.

We have invited community leaders to speak:

Raising a Godly Family

Dr. Bryce Fox, Professor at Trevecca Nazarene University

Walking Above Pornography

Chad Hutton, Graduate Intern at the Babb Center & Pastor of City of Refuge Church

Finances Unto the Lord

Jason Cline, Author of Financial 180

Sumner Summit is free to attend, but for just $12, you can join us for dinner from Moe’s!

Free childcare is available (with dinner included for your kids)!

Get more information and register HERE!

Dream again!

Randy Carter with Priority One ministries spoke at CIL Church yesterday, and encouraged us to dream again. I really needed to hear this encouragement from Scripture from a seasoned pastor who has been ministering for decades.

We were not able to stream the 9:00 AM service, but you can access the 10:45 service here:

If you want to watch the sermon only, click below:

The passing of Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth’s passing today reminds us that when used to serve, tradition adds stability and dignity to our human experience. While the monarchy is an outdated institution in our modern republics, its evolved, mostly symbolic role gives Americans a connection to our past. 

My Allison family branch came from England in 1658, so I take an ancestral interest in the story of this English throne. It will be an interesting few days of reflection for Americans as we have a variety of responses to this historic shift. 

Are you working on your marriage?

I have been married for over 24 years to Beth, and I love our life together. It has been a lot of work for us to build this marriage as we have experienced significant marital conflict and some daunting relational challenges. We have a great marriage today because we have worked hard and not quit during the tough times. Both professional counseling and attending marriage conferences have been an important part of our longevity.

CIL Church is having a marriage conference on September 16-17, and I want engaged and married couples to participate. Brent and Janis Sharpe are licensed therapists and pastors – they are EXCELLENT teachers! The practical things the Sharpes teach benefit couples at all stages.

We also have fun activities planned for your kids! Pastor Faith and her team are creating a fun experience for elementary kids. Your children will not want to miss this chance to connect! There is also childcare for nursery-age children.

The cost is only $40 per couple, and this conference will bring about immediate, positive change.

https://cil.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1371534

Where is your confidence?

You may feel good about yourself and full of confidence, but that confidence is so fragile.

All it takes is the …
• The wind of comparison
• The storm of adversity
• The earthquake of tragedy
Our confidence in ourselves crumbles so quickly.

Instead of “watching out” for misplaced confidence and personal pride, watch the Holy Spirit work! What will the Holy Spirit do?

The Holy Spirit changes my priorities, focus, and outcomes. Let these truths from Philippians 3:1-11 feed your soul and lead you to a more excellent way to live.

Click below for Spirit-filled worship and my message from Sunday.

For the sermon only click below: