Posts

Understanding Hope

     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...

My Prayer for You

     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...

Finding Comfort in Adversity

     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...

Understanding God's Plan and Our Role in His Kingdom

     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...

Looking Forward to the Day

     In a world of uncertainty and chaos, getting caught up in the events around us is easy, especially during election seasons. However, as followers of Jesus, we should focus on the eternal truths and the mission God has given us.      The sermon series, "Signs of the Times," aligns with the current season, addressing the anxieties and questions many have about the end times. In Matthew 24, Jesus' disciples asked Him about the signs of His return and the end of the age. Jesus' response spans two chapters, focusing not on the exact timing but on how we should live in anticipation of His return.      In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus describes the final judgment, where He will separate people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The sheep, representing His true followers, will be placed on His right, while the goats, representing those who do not belong to Him, will be placed on His left.      Jesus explains that the separation w...

Could Today Be the Day?

     As parents, we know the difference between a child's genuine gratitude and a manipulative "I love you" aimed at getting something. Similarly, God delights in our sincere worship, not just our requests. True worship is about loving God for who He is, not just for what He can give us.      Whether you've had a great or challenging week, spending time in God's presence can transform your outlook. Just a few moments with Him can change everything, reminding us that only God has the power to bring true peace and joy.      In Matthew 24:29-31, Jesus describes the signs that will precede His return. The sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky. These events will be followed by the appearance of the Son of Man, coming with power and great glory.      As we know, summer is near, and when the leaves of the fig tree come out, we can recognize the signs of Christ's return. Jesus emph...

Living Each Day Like It's Your Last

       The term "abomination of desolation" is a phrase that originates from the book of Daniel and is referenced by Jesus in Matthew 24:15. It describes a sacrilegious act that causes utter destruction and desolation. Historically, this was fulfilled when a Syrian king desecrated the Jewish temple, an event that was both horrifying and deeply offensive to the Jewish people.      In verses 16-18, Jesus emphasizes the urgency with which the disciples must flee when they see the abomination of desolation. He instructs them not to waste any time gathering belongings but to escape immediately. This sense of urgency underscores the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action.      Jesus describes a period of great tribulation in verses 21-22, a time of suffering so severe that it has not been seen since the beginning of the world. He uses prophetic hyperbole to stress the magnitude of the tribulation, emphasizing that it will ...