Author: Aaron Allison

Husband to Beth. Dad to Abbey, Luke & Lincoln. Lead Pastor of CIL Church In Hendersonville, TN.

“For Such a Time As This” and Trip to Houston

On By Aaron AllisonIn DevotionalLeave a comment

I know Sunday’s service was excellent because Beth and I worshipped at a hotel in Houston. We were visiting family but were so blessed by Abbey Allison and Rob Still leading worship music and Jacob Bell bringing the sermon. Jacob’s sermon was titled, “For Such a Time As This.” See the links below if you were not at the service or want to experience it again.

Also, the picture above is of me with my brother, only 1st cousin (my other brother), and sister on a quick visit to Houston. We loved supporting the younger generation in their weekend activities.

WATCH SERMON

WATCH FULL SERVICE

Prayer reminds us Yahweh has a personality

On By Aaron AllisonIn DevotionalLeave a comment

When I first engaged in spiritual formation, every prayer was answered the way I wanted, and those prayer successes built my faith.

But, after a while, I inevitably learned that not every prayer will be answered as I expect.

Yahweh is not our wish-list generator.
He is not a genie in the bottle.
He is not a force or energy.
Yahweh is a God with a personality, intelligence, and will.

We pray to Yahweh, and He responds according to His purposes and will.

We struggle in this. We rest in this.

The Asbury revival of 2023

On By Aaron AllisonIn Charismatic / Spirit-Filled, Current EventsLeave a comment

I have been following reports for the last week about the revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. From what I read and discern, I am EXCITED about this and WELCOME IT as an impactful development in American Christianity. 

The current length of the service, which has continued since February 8, is historic. This revival will be remembered in the history books from what has already occurred. But the story is not over.

People from around the nation are gathering at Asbury to observe and receive, and this national interest will spread gospel passion to multiple locations. Hopefully, we are just at the beginning. Still, revival does not last perpetually, so let’s embrace and rejoice in what God is doing in this surprising development. The Kingdom is breaking in! 

Sunday Review – February 12, 2023

On By Aaron AllisonIn CIL Services, Current Events, Sermons, SportsLeave a comment

It was a good Sunday. I have always liked the Kansas City Chiefs, and have lots of friends from college in Kansas City who are fanatics for the team. It was fun to see them win the big game for the second time in five years.

Sunday’s services were great. I shared a message titled, “Disappointment in Prayer.” I think this teaching will help people, and I intend to write on this subject later in the week.

We had a packed 9 AM service, but we had plenty of room in the 10:45 AM service. Pray with me that our 9 AM service remains full, and we also fill up the second service. All for God’s glory!

WATCH FULL SERVICE

https://www.youtube.com/live/PzXdVPfg-eM?feature=share

WATCH SERMON ONLY

The Converge “Unleash Conference”

On By Aaron AllisonIn CIL NewsLeave a comment

Last week the full-time CIL Staff went to a conference in Florida called “Unleash” for the second year in a row. While it was an incredible conference both years, we did not just randomly attend. The conference is put on by a network of churches we are part of called Converge. Specifically, we are part of a district called Converge MSC, as we network together for church planting, ministerial health, and faithfulness to Scripture. 

While I have been personally walking with this group since 2011, the CIL Leadership Board voted to officially join the network, and we became a Converge church in 2021. While we have retained our autonomy as an independent church, it is a blessing to be part of a movement that provides us safety, strength, and opportunities to grow like we did though the conference. As the Converge tag line often reminds us, “We are better together.”

The ups and downs of ministry, in 4 days

On By Aaron AllisonIn CIL News, CIL Services, Family NewsLeave a comment

It’s been quite a few days – the highs and lows of being a pastor. We had an amazing men’s retreat, and it was a dream come true to see so many CIL men engaged in community and Christian growth. It was also wonderful to have my two adult sons voluntarily attend with me!

Some long-time friends and ministry partners with CIL Church lost their one-month-old daughter after her brave fight to qualify for a heart transplant. Beth and I were with the family during this process, culminating with a Celebration of Life service at CIL on Sunday night. There were many heavy and holy moments these last few days.

I am so grateful for the church and its consistent testimony of Jesus each Sunday. My soul needed this Sunday’s service, and I was particularly touched when singing the hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

WATCH FULL SERVICE

https://www.youtube.com/live/HFk4mNVfsJs?feature=share&t=39

WATCH MESSAGE ONLY

“Eternal Trinity, you are a deep sea…”

On By Aaron AllisonIn Church History, DevotionalLeave a comment

Not everything old is good. Not everything old is better.

But, something with age can bring comfort, bridging us to our ancestors and our shared humanity. This ancient prayer inspires me, reminding me that people seek the Lord in every generation. I want to be such a person.

“Eternal Trinity, you are a deep sea,
into which the more I enter the more I find,
and the more I find, the more I seek”
– St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)

Reset Your Alliances

On By Aaron AllisonIn CIL Services, SermonsLeave a comment

Man, it was a good day at CIL Church.

The theme of Reset continues, as my teaching this week was titled “Reset Your Alliances”. Life is about relationships, so we constantly move in and out of relational alliances. I shared five different alliances that we need to evaluate by God’s vision and standards. Discover how you can reset your relationships with God’s perspective and blessing.
 
242 Small Groups launched Sunday night! I am so encouraged by the visionary way our 242 Small Group Leaders are viewing their ministry to impact the CIL family and their neighborhoods. I believe significant kingdom relationships are being established through our 242 Small Groups. God is going to impact our area and nation through these Kingdom relationships.
 
God is doing great things through Christ Is Love Church, and I am thrilled to tell you about it!

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Discerning the Consumption of Thoughts

On By Aaron AllisonIn DevotionalLeave a comment

We purchase thoughts. Whether it’s tuition for higher education, a subscription to a streaming service, or the gas we use when driving to a podcast – thoughts cost us something. I challenge you to discern the consumption of thoughts. Ideas are not free; they cost you monetarily and take up space in your imagination.

If you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit has given you discernment to evaluate an idea by Scripture and by the witness of the Spirit. Not every attractive idea is a beneficial concept. Let the Holy Spirit lead you in discerning the consumption of thoughts.

Colossians 2:8 (CSB)
Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ.