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Worship

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Give Blessing To God -- Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22) -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - B -- 2008
1. Give blessing to God, the star of creation.
How Good It Is To Live As One -- Psalm 133 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Reformation Sunday - B -- 2008
1. How good it is to live as one In unity and love,
Creation's God Reigning In Splendour -- Psalm 24 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- All Saints Day - B -- 2008
1. Creation’s God, reigning in splendour, Oh, what a glorious sight to behold.
Praise To The Lord -- Psalm 146 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2008
1. Praise to the Lord, my soul delights in praising
How Peaceful The Family With Whom The Lord Dwells -- Psalm 127 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - B -- 2008
1. How peaceful the family with whom the Lord dwells. Security marks his control.
Oh, To God Alone Be Glory -- 1 Samuel 2:1-10 -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Proper 28 | Ordinary Time 33 - B -- 2008
1. Oh, to God alone be glory, for his tender, loving care.
The Reign Of Christ Is Here -- Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18) -- Clyde W. Wentzell -- Christ The King (Proper 29) - B -- 2008
1. The reign of Christ is here! Good Christian friends, draw near.
Christmas Candlelight Service -- Mark Wm. Radecke -- 2008
Christmas Candlelight Service The Entrance Rite
Shattering Christmas To Find Christmas -- Rod Tkach -- 2008
Introduction
Bread For The Journey -- Genesis 3:17-19 -- Rolf Svanoe -- 2008
Some of the best memories I have as a child are associated with the sense of smell.

Drama

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This Is My Life -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
God wants to do more in our lives than we can ask or imagine, but often we feel that because of the
Unsinkable -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
Can life be compartmentalized? If unfaithfulness leaks into one part of our life, will it sink us?
A Problem With Your Card -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
Is life to be spent collecting debt and then trying to manage it?
The Voice Of Despair -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
Each of us long for a purpose and a meaning to life.
The Voice Of Purpose -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
The man in the drama has found a relationship with God, and the Voice of Despair has lost his power
How's Your Vision? -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
When our spiritual vision needs adjustment, we can't see past the end of our noses, and often we don
Seeds? -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
God has big dreams for our lives.
You Think I'm What? -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
Are you entitled to your employer's paper clips, cars, time, coffee, and pencils for your personal u
A Risky Gamble -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
In "A Risky Gamble" we listen in on a conversation in a casino.
Just Look At Yourself! -- Jill Lamkin -- 2006
Because of a wrong turn in space and in time, two deliverymen leave a very large screen television a

Sermon

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Proclaiming the Good News -- Mark 1:14-20 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - B -- 2011
In Washington Irving's Sketch Book he tells of a whimsical character by the name of Rip Van W
Seeing Is Believing -- John 1:43-51 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - B -- 2011
Eugene Peterson tells about his boyhood days growing up in the "Big Sky" country of Montana.
Baptizing in the Spirit -- Mark 1:4-11 -- Richard A. Hasler -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - B -- 2011
In Alex Haley's pioneer study, Roots, there is a poignant scene when Kunta Kinta, a slave, dr
Seeking the Bethlehem Star -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2011
The Moravians, a small but influential Christian denomination, have a distinctive symbol known throu
Expecting Surprises on Judgment Day -- Matthew 25:31-46 -- Richard A. Hasler -- New Year's Day - B -- 2011
A number of years ago when I lived in upstate New York I belonged to a Rotary Club.
Being Aware of What Is Happening -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Richard A. Hasler -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2011
Every evening about sunset at a popular hotel on the island of Maui, a young Hawaiian walks to the e
Distinguishing Between Disaster and Blessing -- Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) -- Richard A. Hasler -- The Nativity of our Lord - B -- 2011
There is an old Taoist story about a wise man who lived on the northern frontier of China.
Believing the Impossible -- Luke 1:26-38 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
There are a lot of good things to say about being a parent or a grandparent and one of the joys is t
Testifying to the Light -- John 1:6-8, 19-28 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
Edmund Morris, in the first volume of his brilliant trilogy, The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt,
Modeling Humility -- Mark 1:1-8 -- Richard A. Hasler -- Second Sunday of Advent - B -- 2011
As a young man Benjamin Franklin sought to attain moral perfection; consequently, he made a list of

Children's sermon

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Honoring Mothers -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: Good morning, Pastor. Are we honoring mothers today?
"Just Say No" -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: What's that big button you're wearing for, Peter?
"Just Say No" II -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter! What's that shirt you're wearing?
Camp Presentation -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. What have you been up to?
Rise And Shine -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Hello, everyone. Today I've asked Peter to lead us in a prayer.
The Good Shepherd And The Flock -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. It's good to have you with us this morning.
Our Silent Partner -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. It's good to have you with us again.
Keeping In Touch -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
(Puppet should pause between lines)
Buffet Sunday -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Peter: Boy, did I ever have trouble getting you to church this morning.
Know When To Duck -- H. Burnham Kirkland -- 2004
Pastor: Good morning, Peter. Did you like your Sunday school lesson today?

Worship Service

Preaching

SermonStudio

Psalm 51:1-17 -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
As this Lenten season begins, it might be a good thing to think deeply about confession.
Psalm 51:1-17 -- Psalm 51:1-17 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
It may not seem like a big deal, but has anyone noticed that confession has fallen out of favor in a
Psalm 51:1-12 -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Forgiveness -- it's the Christian buzzword. We talk about it a lot.
Psalm 51:1-12 -- Psalm 51:1-12 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Once in a while, it occurs to us that we can be real stinkers.
Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Ask someone who doesn't go to church what it is that they don't like about church. Ask anyone.
Psalm 50:1-6 -- Psalm 50:1-6 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
How do we feel about judgment?
Psalm 48 -- Psalm 48 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
It is not an easy thing to grasp something greater than ourselves.
Psalm 47 -- Psalm 47 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Psalm 47 conjures memories of long ago rock concerts where throngs of jubilant young people roared t
Psalm 47 -- Psalm 47 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
"Clap your hands, all you people!
Psalm 47 -- Psalm 47 -- Schuyler Rhodes -- 2009
Reading this psalm, one can almost hear the hip-hop beat. "Clap your hands all you people!

Stories

SermonStudio

Preaching Back Home -- Mark 6:1-13 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 9 | Ordinary Time 14 - B -- 2008
All four gospels tell us that Jesus was rejected by his hometown and home synagogue.
"If I But Touch ..." -- Mark 5:21-43 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2008
Happy ending. Two wonderful healing stories, one sandwiched in the middle of the other.
Peace In The Midst Of The Storm -- Mark 4:35-41 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 7 | Ordinary Time 12 - B -- 2008
Suppose for a few minutes that you are one of them.
The Day God Voted -- 1 Samuel 15:34--16:13 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - B -- 2008
Are you ready to vote? These days it seems as if that were a perpetual question.
Be Careful What You Wish For ... You Just Might Get It! -- 1 Samuel 8:4-11 (12-15) 16-20 (11:14-15) -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 5 | Ordinary Time 10 - B -- 2008
This is graduation time in many communities.
Never, Never, Never, Never Give Up! -- 2 Corinthians 4:5-12 -- David E. Leininger -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2008
"Never give up. Never give up.
Expressing The Inexpressible -- Isaiah 6:1-8 -- David E. Leininger -- Trinity Sunday | 1st Sunday after Pentecost - B -- 2008
What can we ever say about God that is adequate?
Beating Babel -- Acts 2:1-21 -- David E. Leininger -- Day of Pentecost - B -- 2008
Once upon a time, in the dim and distant past, a little Jewish child asked, "Mommy, Daddy, why do pe
God's Battleship -- John 17:6-19 -- David E. Leininger -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - B -- 2008
Several years ago, there was a convention of clergy gathered at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta under th
"He Ascended Into Heaven" -- Acts 1:1-11 -- David E. Leininger -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2008
Familiar words. Churches have been repeating them for centuries in the Apostles' Creed:

Prayer

SermonStudio

Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
This past week, Creator God, when storms and tornados swept through our community four consecutive n
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Sometimes, dear Lord, we clearly see you in the behavior of others.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Today, our Savior, we are remembering the thousands of people who have been injured or killed from v
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, in whom we place our trust, how good it is to come together to worship you.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Eternal King, how great you are.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, our Listener, some of us have difficulty praying, while some of us come by it easily, regular
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Our Creator and Savior, we witness that your hand is unwavering as you guide the destiny of all peop
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Thank you, God, for the month of May. Silently green leaves waken and stretch to their fullness.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
Dear Lord, as you know, we respond in very different ways to rain.
Sundays after Easter -- Rolland R. Reece -- 2000
O God, why can't we always be on vacation? Resting when we wish, swimming when we wish.

Devotional

SermonStudio

Epiphany 7 / Ordinary Time 7 -- Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret -- it leads only to evil.
Epiphany 7 / Ordinary Time 7 -- Genesis 45:3-11, 15 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - C -- 2009
I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. -- Genesis 45:4
Epiphany 6 / Ordinary Time 6 -- Luke 6:17-26 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. -- Luke 6:20
Epiphany 6 / Ordinary Time 6 -- 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2009
Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrec
Epiphany 5 / Ordinary Time 5 -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2009
Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.
Epiphany 4 / Ordinary Time 4 -- Luke 4:21-30 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - C -- 2009
All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.
Epiphany 5 / Ordinary Time 5 -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2009
In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty ...
Epiphany 5 / Ordinary Time 5 -- Psalm 138 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2009
I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart ... -- Psalm 138:1a
The Epiphany Of Our Lord -- Ephesians 3:1-12 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany of the Lord - C -- 2009
... enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ.
Epiphany 5 / Ordinary Time 5 -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Stephen P. McCutchan -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2009
Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man! -- Luke 5:8

Poems

Pastoral Resources

Children's program

Pageant

Adult study

Youth Resources

Monologues

Church Programs

Meditations

Candlelighting service

Biblical Studies

Humor

SermonStudio

Epitaphs -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
"Here lies Lester Moor,Four slugs from a 44,No less, no more." (The old west)
Exams -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Dr. Robert Palmer tells of a student who failed to prepare
Excuses -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
One Sunday Barry Bailey's televised service lost its sound for
Exercise -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Someone has said the only exercise that some people take is
Expectations -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
Some things never turn out to be as big as you expected:
Faith -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
During World War II, in a Humphrey Bogart movie, a sailor says
Family -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The new neighbor was talking with a seven-year-old boy living
Farm And Farmers -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The proverbial city child was getting his first glimpse of
Father -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
The teacher asked the new arrival in kindergarten what her father's name was.
Fire -- Hoover Rupert -- 1994
An oil well caught fire in Oklahoma. The owners called in

Faith Development

Bible Study

Children's Resources

Self Help

Liturgy

Illustration

Spirituality

Biblical Study

Inspirational

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Whatever you do, do it the best you can -- Ecclesiastes 9:10 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Whatever you do, do it the best you can
When the ox is in the ditch -- Luke 14:5 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: When the ox is in the ditch Location: Luke 14:5
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also -- Matthew 6:21 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also
A whisperer separates the best of friends -- Proverbs 16:28 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A whisperer separates the best of friends
A widow's mite -- Mark 12:42 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: A widow's mite Location: Mark 12:42
Wisdom is more precious than jewels -- Proverbs 3:15 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Wisdom is more precious than jewels
With God all things are possible -- Mark 10:27 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: With God all things are possible Location: Mark 10:27
Woe is me! -- Psalm 120:5 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Woe is me! Location: Psalm 120:5
Wolves in sheep's clothing -- Matthew 7:15 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: Wolves in sheep's clothing Location: Matthew 7:15
You are the salt of the earth -- Matthew 5:13 -- Ellis Dillard Thompson -- 1998
Expression: You are the salt of the earth Location: Matthew 5:13

Christian Life

Easter

Lent/Easter

Church Growth

Sacrament

Healing

Death

Funeral

Memorial

Observance

Christian

African-American History

Thanksgiving Day

Marriage Ceremony

Wedding Vow

Home Blessing

Church Anniversary

Women's Day

Men's Day

Church Leaders

Mother's Day

Gathering Prayer

Unison Prayer

Thanksgiving Prayer

Intercession

Fellowship

Christian Faith

UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Ascension of the Lord
28 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
29 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
26 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Easter 7
22 – Sermons
120+ – Illustrations / Stories
24 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
21 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Pentecost
29 – Sermons
150+ – Illustrations / Stories
30+ – Children's Sermons / Resources
20+ – Worship Resources
28 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

New & Featured This Week

SermonStudio

Frank Luchsinger
Huckle the Cat and his school teacher Miss Honey the Bear, Bananas Gorilla, Captain Salty, Pig Will and Pig Won't, Sergeant Murphy the Police Dog, and my favorite, Lowly the Worm; if you know these names then you are familiar with the work of Richard Scarry, author and illustrator of children's books, who passed away in '94 at age 75. Scarry wrote over 250 books, which in thirty languages have sold over 100 million copies. He said, "The greatest compliment I can receive is to be told that some of my books are held together with more Scotch tape than there is paper in the original book.
David E. Leininger
We reflected earlier on Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code and its assertion that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married and were parents of a daughter. True, there is nothing at all in scripture to back up such a claim, but can you imagine what kind of parent Jesus would have been?
Constance Berg
Pastor Wallace was loved by many, many people. He had come to a rural, agricultural area and stayed for 41 years. He and his wife Bea had four children, three of whom would become pastors themselves. The fourth was a missionary teacher in Madagascar. Pastor Wallace's second and last call was to another rural church he started only thirty miles away. He stayed fifteen years. His reputation was tough but fair; disciplined but compassionate; strong but just.
Jerry L. Schmalenberger
Seasonal Theme
Jesus out of the grave and alive and with us.

Theme For The Day
We are prayed for by Jesus that we might be unified with each other and with our God. A summary of the Season of Easter.

First Lesson
Acts 1:1-11
Return To The Upper Room
Stan Purdum
At first reading, this psalm presents a scattering of themes. Some scholars think it was not a psalm at all, but a listing of headings to a number of liturgical pieces. Most, however, see in Psalm 68 the underlying theme of the victory and reign of God, the Divine Warrior -- the God who was with the people of Israel in the wilderness (v. 7). Psalm 68 calls the kingdoms of the world to acknowledge that God is the warrior king who reigns over all. It presents God as the power and strength of the chosen people.
Carlos Wilton
(Occurs in all three cycles of the lectionary. See The Ascension Of Our Lord, Cycle B, for an alternative approach.)

The brief Psalm 93 seems archaic, from the standpoint of our culture. The Lord is enthroned, here, as a cosmic king. The accoutrements of royalty are front and center: the robe of majesty, the girding-on of strength (suggesting a royal broadsword), the throne, the royal decree. Its message, loudly declared from the first verse onward, is simplicity itself: the Lord reigns!
George M. Bass
The church year theological clue
Russell F. Anderson
BRIEF COMMENTARY ON THE LESSONS

Lesson 1: Acts 1:1--11 (C, RC, E, L)
David O. Bales
In 1936, near the beginning of the Spanish Civil War one horrible center of fighting was the Alcázar fortress near Toledo. In the middle of horrific fighting, however, every day the firing stopped twice in order to allow a blind beggar to tap his way on the street between the firing lines. We can imagine how welcome those few minutes were to the men on both sides. They probably hoped that the blind man walked slower to give them a few more seconds of peace. Then the reprieve ended and the slaughter again engulfed the two armies that were struggling to kill each other.1
Schuyler Rhodes
I love this story. It doesn't matter how many times I hear it, or how it's told, it never fails to grab me in a new and different way. It's really an incredible tale. And by incredible I mean just that. Without credibility! Who could actually buy a story like this? The disciples, cowardly and virtually faithless, abandoned the Master and scattered in the chaos of his arrest and execution.
Lee Griess
It's one of those stories that circulates around the internet. I don't know if it's true or not but it's so interesting that I have to share it with you. It seems that a woman came home to find her husband in the kitchen, shaking frantically with what looked like a wire running from his waist toward the electric outlet in the wall. Intending to jolt him away from the deadly electricity, she grabbed a piece of wood that was leaning by the back door, and gave him a good whack, breaking his arm in two places. It was a shame. He was not being electrocuted at all.
Richard L. Sheffield
I want to take the text seriously this morning. It would be easy not to, because Luke's story of the ascension of Jesus is not easy no matter how you take it. For you and me, twenty centuries later, this story may be very hard to take very seriously.

Our take on the ascension of Jesus might be on the order of liturgy as lift-off: Jesus being lifted up to the Air Force song: "Off we go into the wild blue yonder, climbing high into the sky!"

The Immediate Word

Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Nazish Naseem
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
For May 17, 2026:
  • When Jesus Prays by Chris Keating. Jesus’ high priestly prayer is rooted in the authority of God’s love, and not from a posture of authoritarian control.
Christopher Keating
Dean Feldmeyer
Nazish Naseem
Thomas Willadsen
Katy Stenta
Mary Austin
George Reed
For May 17, 2026:
  • When Jesus Prays by Chris Keating. Jesus’ high priestly prayer is rooted in the authority of God’s love, and not from a posture of authoritarian control.

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
Call to Worship:
Jesus prayed for us all, that we might be protected and united. In our worship today let us explored what it means to be one just as Jesus and the Father are one.

Invitation to Confession:
Jesus, sometimes we are more ready to criticise other Christians than to be united with them.
Lord, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we get hung up on small details instead of seeing the big picture.
Christ, have mercy.
Jesus, sometimes we are too selfish to open up and welcome other people.

StoryShare

Argile Smith
Charles D. Reeb
John S. Smylie
Contents
What's Up This Week
"Wayne's Deployment" by Argile Smith
"In The Event of Power Failure" by Charles D. Reeb
"Where's the Finish Line?" by John Smylie


What's Up This Week
John E. Sumwalt
Frank Ramirez
Contents
"The God of All Grace" by John Sumwalt
"Keeping the Word" by Frank Ramirez


* * * * * * * *


The God of All Grace
by John Sumwalt
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11

And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.
-- 1 Peter 5:10

CSSPlus

Cynthia E. Cowen
The Point: Jesus has the authority to give eternal life.

Special Occasion

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