This meditation workbook is designed to unite all the things we Christians do in our daily lives with the goal of growing in the Lord Jesus. Because it is founded in prayer and Scripture, we can expect the power of God to be present in our use of the workbook. However, that’s not the whole picture. We have an essential role to play—even beyond the daily readings. This program requires that we take an active role in putting what we find into practice each day.
Here are a few suggestions for success:
I encourage you to take on the challenge. God’s Word promises us the presence and power of His Spirit when we seek God… so we have nothing to lose and great blessings to gain.
… And so, it begins.
Prayer:
Scripture: Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Colossians 3:1-7
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts
on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds
on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden
with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will
appear with him in glory.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality,
impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these,
the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you
once lived.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Colossians 3:8-11
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
1 John 4:7-12
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
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This Week’s Theme: My responsibility to God.
Sunday Meditation Questions:
First Reading: Deuteronomy 10:12-15
Second Reading: James 1:22-27
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 19:16-21
Sermon Title: “Who’s Responsible?” Rev. Timothy Price, preaching
Preacher’s Main Points:
What is God saying to ME in this?
What concrete thing can I do this week to put God’s Word into action?
Prayer:
Philippians 3:7-11
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
1 John 4:16-18
And so we know and rely on the love God
has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way,
love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of
judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear
in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.
The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Philippians 2:1-5
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ,
if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness
and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same
love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or
vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of
you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of
others.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Micah 6:6-8
With what shall I come before the LORD
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Matthew 9:9-13
As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man
named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he
told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners"
came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked
his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor,
but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'
For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
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This Week’s Theme: My responsibility to me
Sunday Meditation Questions:
First Reading: Psalm 16
Second Reading: Galatians 5:19-26
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 5:33-37
Sermon Title: ________________________________ Karen Koenig, preaching
Preacher’s Main Points:
What is God saying to ME in this?
What concrete thing can I do this week to put God’s Word into action?
Prayer:
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
James 5:7-12
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See
how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient
he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because
the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you
will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets
who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who
have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the
Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Above all, my brothers, do not swear--not by heaven or by earth or by anything
else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will
be condemned.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
James 4:7-12
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he
will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your
hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn
and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves
before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother
or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law,
you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver
and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to
judge your neighbor?
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
John 15:1-8
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that
does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already
clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain
in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither
can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him,
he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not
remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches
are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words
remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my
Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Psalm 4
Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD . Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?" Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD . You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD , make me dwell in safety.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
James 3:9-12
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
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This Week’s Theme: My responsibility to others.
Sunday Meditation Questions:
First Reading: Isaiah 58:9-12
Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-14
Gospel Lesson: Luke 6: 37-42
Sermon Title: _________________________________ Rev. Timothy Price, preaching
Preacher’s Main Points:
What is God saying to ME in this?
What concrete thing can I do this week to put God’s Word into action?
Prayer:
1 John 4:19-21
We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Colossians 4: 2-6
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Mark 12: 28-31
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating.
Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all
the commandments, which is the most important?"
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O
Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your
heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'
The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment
greater than these."
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Romans 13:8-10
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Romans 15:1-6
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the
weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for
his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it
is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that
through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity
among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth
you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Hebrews 13: 1-3
Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
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This Week’s Theme: My responsibility to Church.
Sunday Meditation Questions:
First Reading: Hebrews 10:23-25
Second Reading: Acts 2:42-47
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 7:24-27
Sermon Title:________________________________ Sandy Gilbreth, preaching
Preacher’s Main Points:
What is God saying to ME in this?
What concrete thing can I do this week to put God’s Word into action?
Prayer:
James 5:13-20
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy?
Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders
of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will
raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your
sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer
of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and
it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and
the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers, if one
of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember
this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death
and cover over a multitude of sins.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
James 3:13-18
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it
by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But
if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast
about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from
heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and
selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving,
considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Galatians 6: 7-10
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.
A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from
that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from
the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for
at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as
we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong
to the family of believers.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Psalm 133
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in
unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as
if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Galatians 6: 1-6
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Galatians 5:13-15
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
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This Week’s Theme: My responsibility to the world.
Sunday Meditation Questions:
First Reading: Psalm 24:1-6
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:22-27
Gospel Lesson: Luke 9:23-25
Sermon Title: ______________________________ Micheal Coats, Preaching
Preacher’s Main Points:
What is God saying to ME in this?
What concrete thing can I do this week to put God’s Word into action?
Prayer:
1 Peter 5:6-11
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that
he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares
for you.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring
lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith,
because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the
same kind of sufferings.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after
you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong,
firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
1 Peter 2:9-12
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called
you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but
now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you
have received mercy.
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from
sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the
pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds
and glorify God on the day he visits us.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Exodus 23:1-9
"Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man
by being a malicious witness.
"Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a
lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, and do not show favoritism
to a poor man in his lawsuit.
"If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to
take it back to him. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen
down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it.
"Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. Have nothing
to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death,
for I will not acquit the guilty.
"Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the
words of the righteous.
"Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens,
because you were aliens in Egypt.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Leviticus 19:32-36
" 'Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD .
" 'When an alien lives with you in your land, do not
mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born.
Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.
" 'Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight or quantity.
Use honest scales and honest weights,
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Matthew 25:34-40
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come,
you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared
for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something
to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and
you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked
after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry
and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you
a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we
see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of
the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Romans 12:14-19
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those
who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do
not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not
be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes
of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace
with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath,
for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says
the Lord.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
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This Week’s Theme: My Responsibility to the Gospel (Word of God)
Sunday Meditation Questions:
First Reading: Psalm 126
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:53-58
Gospel Lesson: Luke 19:37-40
Sermon Title: ______________________________Karen Koenig, preaching
Preacher’s Main Points:
What is God saying to ME in this?
What concrete thing can I do this week to put God’s Word into action?
Prayer:
Hosea 10:12
Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD , until he comes and showers righteousness on you.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Luke 20:45-47
While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, "Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Luke 17:1-4
Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people
to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It
would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around
his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves.
"If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he
sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and
says, 'I repent,' forgive him."
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Luke 23:44-49
It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the
whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain
of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father,
into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed
his last.
The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely
this was a righteous man." When all the people who had gathered to witness
this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all
those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood
at a distance, watching these things.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Prayer:
Luke 23:50-56
Now there was a man named Joseph, a member
of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision
and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for
the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body. Then he took
it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock,
one in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath
was about to begin.
The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb
and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and
perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.
What is the main lesson for me?
What concrete action will I take right away?
Putting it all together.
Sunday Meditation Questions:
First Reading: Isaiah 54:2-4
Second Reading: James 3:13-18
Gospel Lesson: John 20:1-9
Sermon Title: _____________________ Timothy Price, preaching
Preacher’s Main Points:
What is God saying to ME in this?
What concrete thing can I do this week to put God’s Word into action?
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