Multiply Church

The third week of Advent invites us to pause and reflect on a powerful and transformative theme: joy. It’s a week marked by celebration, as we light the pink candle on the Advent wreath, also known as the “Shepherd’s Candle.” This symbol reminds us of the joyful proclamation delivered to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth: "I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11) Joy Amid Uncertainty The shepherds were unlikely recipients of such momentous news. They were ordinary people, going about their daily routines, likely enduring challenges and hardships. Yet, God chose to deliver the message of joy to them, reminding us that joy is not reserved for the privileged or the perfect moments in life. It is a gift available to all, no matter the circumstances. For many of us, this season can feel overshadowed by stress, grief, or unmet expectations. The...

     Welcome to our second week of Advent, a season of waiting and preparation. This week, we are talking about the theme of peace, exploring its biblical roots and its relevance in our lives today. As we journey through the scriptures, we aim to understand the peace that Jesus brought into the world and how we can embody and share this peace in our daily lives.      Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. It is marked by four themes: hope, peace, joy, and love. Each week, we light a candle representing one of these themes, culminating in the lighting of the Christ candle on Christmas Eve. This tradition symbolizes the light of Christ coming into the world.      Isaiah 9:6-7 foretells the coming of a child who will be called the Prince of Peace. This prophecy highlights the eternal peace that Jesus would bring, a peace that surpasses all understanding and is rooted in justice and righteousness. ...

     Hope is a powerful force that drives us forward, even in the darkest times. According to Merriam-Webster, to hope means "to cherish a desire with anticipation, to look forward to something with a specific desire." As believers, our hope is anchored in Jesus Christ, who promises us eternal life and guides us through our daily struggles.      One of the key verses highlighting hope is Isaiah 9:2: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone." This verse symbolizes the Israelites' hope for the coming of the Messiah, a hope that was fulfilled with the birth of Jesus Christ.      Hope is not just about the afterlife; it plays a crucial role in our daily existence. We hope for happy marriages, better lives for our children, and positive outcomes in our work. This hope is fueled by our confidence in God's love and control over our lives.      The l...

     Worship is a vital part of our spiritual journey. At Multiply, we choose songs that are biblically accurate and glorify Jesus, regardless of their origin. The focus is on lifting up the name of Jesus and ensuring that our worship points to Him. This approach helps us stay grounded in our faith and keeps our worship pure and meaningful.      Worship is not just about singing; it's about experiencing the presence of God. When we sing songs that glorify Jesus, we are reminded of His goodness and faithfulness. This strengthens our faith and encourages us to keep moving forward, even in difficult times.      Life is full of ups and downs, but as believers, we have the assurance that we are not alone. God walks with us through every valley, and His presence gives us the strength to keep going. Our lives are a testimony of His faithfulness, and our stories can inspire others to trust in Him.      Many in our congregation have fac...

     Adversity refers to unfavorable conditions marked by misfortune, calamity, or distress. Everyone faces it at some point in life. The Bible acknowledges this reality and provides guidance on how to navigate through it.      In the biblical context, comfort means to come alongside someone in their time of need, offering strength and hope. God is described as the "Father of compassion and the God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3). He comforts us so that we can, in turn, comfort others.      Paul's message to the Corinthians highlights that comfort and adversity are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they often coexist. Paul shares his own experiences of extreme pressure and despair, yet he found comfort through God's intervention and the prayers of fellow believers.      God comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others facing similar challenges. This creates a cycle of support and encouragement within the body of...

     Reflecting on recent elections, it's clear that regardless of the outcome, God's plan prevails. Whether we are pleased with the results or not, it's essential to trust that God is orchestrating events according to His divine purpose. This perspective helps us remain unified and focused on our faith rather than getting caught up in political divisions.      Being a pastor is more than just preaching; it's about building relationships and genuinely caring for the congregation. The pastor's role is to lead, love, and serve the church community, supported by elders and other church leaders. This collaborative effort ensures that the church remains grounded in God's word and His plans.      Our church community is filled with unique stories and celebrations. From wedding anniversaries to children giving their lives to Jesus, these moments remind us of the joy and blessings within our church family. These celebrations are a testament to the lo...