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)
The season of Lent has become an important part of my yearly rhythm as I join the global church in preparing for Easter. This season in the church calendar begins on Ash Wednesday, which this year falls on March 2.
CIL Church will have an Ash Wednesday service at Noon, which includes live worship, communion, and the imposition of ashes. Also, we will open the sanctuary for a come-and-go prayer and imposition of ashes for an hour, beginning at 7 am.
Join us for either or both of these times as we dedicate our hearts anew to Jesus.
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 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.
I am sorry this blog has recently had so many death notices. It is an unusual time. However, I want to acknowledge and inform you of this impactful death.
Thomas McKenzie was a strategic and important voice in Nashville and America. I am so sad to learn of his sudden and tragic death on August 23. My prayers and love for The Church of the Redeemer, and all who are mourning this loss. He was special and needed.
Today is Maundy Thursday. The term “maundy” comes from the Latin word “command.” On this night, we remember Jesus’ new command:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
At a Maundy Thursday service a few years ago, these words hit me with power and conviction. This Scripture has been my life verse since then. I do not always live this Scripture, but it is my standard of spirituality.
On Maundy Thursday, we recognize that Jesus established Holy Communion as our way to remember and connect with Him. We also remember that Jesus washed His disciple’s feet on this day, so we should also serve each other.
The observance of Maundy Thursday is important preparation for Good Friday and the Easter celebration.
On this MLK Day, let’s remember the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s was a Christian movement birthed out of the church. Dr. Martin Luther King personified the campaign, but he represents thousands of pastors and congregation members who lived the Biblical call to justice in their generation.
Now, it is our turn to do the same.
On this day, it is good to acknowledge the courage of Martin Luther, whose challenge of the Roman Catholic church on October 31, 1517, tipped the momentum of the Protestant Reformation. Since then, there has been an avalanche of revelation, Scripture distribution, innovation, and church leadership access.
We celebrate the light of the gospel given to all humanity!
On Thursday, I went to Dallas for Pastor J. Don George‘s funeral. It was a hard but beautiful day. I saw old friends, many that I did not even have the chance for a conversation. I am blessed to be part of the company of pastors who descend from Pastor George’s ministry.
This picture is a treasure to me. Pastor George and Jaroy Carpenter are anointing me with oil before a mission trip in 1990. Behind us is Calvary’s long-time worship leader Lynn Hancock, extending his hand in prayer towards us. Lynn also passed away just a few weeks ago. He was such a good friend to my family and me in my formative years. I learned how to worship in Lynn’s ministry.
I am sad Pastor George and Lynn Hancock have passed away, but I know I will see them again.
We had such a powerful worship experience last night. We took that evening to lean into the “Spirit stream” and found refreshing in the Lord.
Last Sunday, I started our vision series CIL Forward and shared our identity as a Three Streams church. Here is the chart that we shared during the sermon about the Biblical-basis for a Three Streams identity. Pastor Dan Scott introduced this chart to me a few years ago, and it has been a great way to put in words how God has formed us.
Aaron's Angle 