Today was another Sunday building the Kingdom of God through His church. Aubrey McGowan gave a challenging message that called for a focus on God’s glory.
Several people became CIL Partners after participating in our CIL Forward seminar. Thanks be to God!
On Sunday, we acknowledged All Saint Sunday since All Saints Day is November 1. This annual recognition continues to increase in meaning as I see more clearly the “cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1)” that surrounds me. Each year, my list of deceased Christian friends grows, so I also want my heart for heaven to grow. The cloud also includes Christians in the past whose stories, songs, and writings point me to Christ today. Our service on Sunday exalted Jesus, the supreme one whom all saints worship.
You can watch the service by clicking below:
October 31 reminds us of all the good things since the Protestant reformation. I have gratitude for access to Scripture, understanding the priesthood of each believer, and a richer grasp of grace. The courage of Martin Luther and other reformers calls us to seek God’s truth continually
My heart is full after a great Sunday. It was so busy that I did not have the time or energy to reflect through this blog until now. Our service was strong, with five baptisms, anointed worship, and a wave of repentance that came through our ministry time.
Then, there was the annual church picnic! Meghan Breinig and her team did a fantastic job creating a shared experience for our entire CIL family. What a blast we had! I am so thankful for those memories we made.
You can watch the service by clicking here:
Sunday was a day with a lot of Kingdom activity. Some intense things were happening in people, and I had significant conversations and deep prayer. My message titled “You are enough” spoke to the core of our identity and stirred some truth we all need to hear.
Our youth group had a successful Fall Retreat. That weekend has been an important developmental activity for our church family.
Thank you, Lord, for all of this!
Watch the service by clicking here
Today’s services were full of life. The two Joshes did so well! Josh Johnson led us in worship, and Josh Sakis preached. Such a powerful time together! The nature of sin was clearly defined, and Christ’s knock on the door was emphasized. Josh’s sermon applied to everyone. It was so good!
We knew ahead of time that Fall Break Sunday brings challenges with so many people traveling. Then, it rained. Yet, visitors came, and those in town were faithful to the gathering. The worship music had a depth that was formative and satisfying. My teaching on “Manipulation: The Jezebel Spirit” was thought-provoking. I am glad we did not break from corporate worship. He is always there when we gather in His name.
My heart is full from Sunday’s services. Seven were baptized, and we had a special baby dedication at 9:00 AM. I am so grateful for the church and the weekly gathering for worship. It is what God’s people have always done, and the remnant will continue to do so. And if the Lord tarries another one thousand years, believers will be gathering for worship then.
This is what God has called us to do. This is who we are.
Both of our services were strong today, but there was a wave of spiritual intensity during the end of our musical worship set at 10:45 AM. Pastor Aubrey sang a spontaneous song about the joy of the Lord, and I could feel us all stirred. You can experience this in the video posted below. (We do not usually record the 10:45 AM service, so this was a neat exception! The part I am referring to starts around 24 minutes, 30 seconds).
My sermon on “Resisting the Devil in Unspectacular Way (Part 1)” was very practical and seemed to impact a lot of listeners. I look forward to sharing the second part next week.
This week was so complex that I had not taken the opportunity to write on this blog. Still, it is cathartic for me to review Sunday, and it creates a historic archive for our church and my ministry.
Pastor Jacob Bell preached for the first time at CIL, and he was so well prepared and clear in his communication. What a heart for God that came through his message titled “On the Roadway with Jesus.” Jacob is only 25 years old, but his wisdom and maturity come through in his life and this message. I anticipate great things through his ministry.
WATCH the service by clicking below:
Labor Day weekend has its challenges for churches, but God was faithful to give us a blessed day together. I preached a message of faith called “Praise as Long as I Live.” I called the saints to DECADES of worship to God.
Our key verse was Psalm 146:2
I will praise the Lord all my life;
I will sing to my God as long as I live.
I hope you have a blessed Labor Day and that praise will be on your lips.
Aaron's Angle 