Multiply Church

     Over the past few weeks, we've been exploring a series titled "Master," and it's been a powerful experience, both as a pastor and as a Jesus follower.      We began by focusing on the unique nature of Jesus as our living hope. Unlike other gods, Jesus is alive, having conquered death itself. This truth isn't just a theological concept; it's the foundation of our lives. He's the master not just in title but in reality – the captain of our ship, the authority over our lives. Recognizing this has profound implications for how we live, whether we're the type to plan every detail of our lives or we tend to just go with the flow.      In the first week of the series, we talked about the "Heart of God." The second week, we delved into the "Mind of Christ." And now, we're focusing on the "Power of God." This topic is particularly close to my heart. I've been grappling with it, wrestling with what it means to truly und...

     For a song to become an act of worship, two critical elements must be present. Firstly, there needs to be an object of worship – in my faith, that's Jesus, God. Secondly, our hearts must be aligned toward this object. The Bible teaches us that when we sing with our hearts turned to God, His spirit enters the space, inhabiting the praises of His people.      This belief that God shows up when worshipped isn't just a religious concept; it's a relational one. If someone were worshiping you, wouldn't you want to be present to hear it? This is how I view God's presence in worship. He promises to be there, and I've witnessed this promise fulfilled countless times.      I've seen the atmosphere change when people set aside their personal agendas to seek God. During a weekend dedicated to fasting and prayer, we saw a shift in the room, a presence that wasn't just emotional but spiritual. We need this spirit of God to guide us, to lead us beyond ...

     The start of a new year often brings about reflections and resolutions, but this year, my approach is distinctly different. I'm compelled to share with you a revelation that's been stirring in my heart, a revelation about aligning our plans with God's will.      Being both a businessperson and a pastor, goal setting is ingrained in my DNA. I thrive on challenges and achievements. However, this year, I'm prompted to consult the Master before embarking on any plan. It's not about what I want to accomplish; it's about what God wants to accomplish through me.      My prayer hasn't been about personal achievements but rather, "Lord, what can I do for You this year? How can I make a real difference?" This shift in perspective is significant. It's easy to trip over plans and ambitions, but the Bible reminds us that while we may have many plans, it is God who orders our steps.      In 2024, I sense a unique calling, a call not jus...

The Joyful Gift of Giving Recently, I've been contemplating the true essence of joy, especially in the context of giving. A profound example of this came when I gave my son, Hayden, my other truck on his 16th birthday. This gesture wasn't just about handing over keys; it was about ensuring his safety and independence. The joy I felt was starkly different from the mere happiness of acquiring material things. It was tied to the act of giving and the well-being of a person I deeply care about. Joy vs. Happiness: Understanding the Difference The difference between joy and happiness is significant yet often misunderstood. Happiness is often a fleeting feeling, sparked by things like purchasing items or indulging in pleasures. However, joy is deeper and more lasting. It's intertwined with our interactions and relationships with others. When we're alone or focused solely on materialistic pursuits, we might find temporary happiness, but the enduring joy that comes from meaningf...

The Essence of Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is a time universally acknowledged for gratitude and appreciation. However, the Lord reminds us that gratitude should not be confined to a single day. Entering His courts with thanksgiving is a practice we should embrace daily, not just during the Thanksgiving season. A Mandate to Proclaim God's Goodness As believers, we are called upon to proclaim God's goodness. This isn't merely a suggestion; it's a mandate. We are faced with a choice: to be obedient to this call or not. The compelling reason behind this mandate is God's unwavering faithfulness. Reflecting on God's Faithfulness The faithfulness of God is evident throughout history. Consider the miraculous events like the parting of the Red Sea, where God led the Israelites from slavery to freedom. These stories aren't just historical accounts; they are testimonies of God's enduring love and power. Personal Reflections and Challenges Embracing God's Goodness...

Understanding Our Nature and God's Goodness It's in our human nature  to question, "Why would he do that? We're the good people." However, a deeper dive into God's word reveals a different truth: "There is none good. No, not one."  This is crucial because if God reserved His blessings only for the good, then none would receive them. Understanding this helps us not to get surprised or upset when God blesses those we perceive as unrighteous. It's a reminder that our righteousness is like filthy rags before Him. The Righteousness of Faith What changes the equation is our faith in Jesus. Through Him, God's righteousness is imputed on us. This is not because of our inherent goodness, but because of the goodness of God that comes into our lives through faith. Therefore, it's important to realize two things: 1. All good gifts come from God. 2. Jesus is the ultimate good gift from God. The Story of the Samaritan Woman Consider the story of the ...

As a part of our church family, I've realized something profound and heartening: We are all responsible for equipping each other for a vital mission. It's not just about individual spiritual journeys; it's about collective growth and support. This mission isn't solely for our leaders or specific individuals. It's for every single one of us , and that includes me, you, and every person who steps into our church, seeking solace, guidance, or a sense of belonging. The Mission: Multiplying the Kingdom of God What exactly is this mission we're talking about? It's about multiplying the kingdom of God . It's a mission that goes beyond the walls of our church, into the hearts and lives of people we meet every day. Whether it's through studying God's word, teaching, sharing testimonies, or even learning to pray, every action and word counts towards this greater purpose. Our Collective Responsibility It’s crucial to recognize that this task isn't desi...