Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

[Sunday] - Resurrection of Van Gogh- God's Greater Story - Romans 7

The famous artist is troubled. Stuck in an asylum for over a year, all he can do is paint what he can see. One day his brother sends him a picture from Rembrandt, of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Van Gogh sees life once again. 

Service [above] Sermon [under]

Digital Bulletin May 24

Questions for the Week

  1. Do you have a favorite work of art?  Why is it your favorite?

  2. Read Romans 7:1-13.  Are there rules that at one time you thought would bring life, but actually bear the fruit of death (see v. 5 specifically)?

  3. Look at verse 4, what is the secret to living a life that is full of fruit for God?  Is it following rules?

  4. How have you seen the resurrected life of God coming to you in these tough times of coronavirus?

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Claude Hessee - 5/24, Peggy Sawyer & Rod Kerstner - 5/25, Gertrude Behrens - 5/26, Soo Choung - 5/29

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK:  Ed & Jo Anne Furniss - 5/26 (30 Yrs), 

Cris & Coli Escher - 5/27 (14 Yrs), Pam & Ken White - 5/28 (32Yrs)

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available at the church for your convenience.  

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM! Starting at 10:30 AM, Sunday, you are welcome to join us in a virtual fellowship gathering on ZOOM.  On your computer go to our website which is: www.GracelutheranPSL.com and click on the link. 

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “live” Bible study online for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM.   Directions for participating can be found on the web page www.GracelutheranPSL.com.   Check it out, and if you need assistance, please call the phone number listed. 

AND…. even if you are not computer savvy or do not have computer access, you can participate over your phone.  

GIVING - Changing over to a social distance model of ministry has been quite challenging. We have had to purchase new equipment and spend lots of time getting ready. Remember, during this time, the church’s expenses will not go down even though we are not meeting in person.  During this time, we want to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time.”

Online Giving We have begun using Paypal for online donations. We have been approved as a trusted non profit organization. If you would like to give through Paypal, please go to: www.GraceLutheranPSL.com and click the “GIVE” button on the upper right side of the page.

Print and Submit Prayer Requests

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

[Sunday] - Reflection - God's Greater Story - Romans 6

When we are looking at participating in a greater story, we usually desire to neglect and hide our weaknesses. However, we see that we are baptized into Christ’s death and participate in his resurrection. Wait, what? Baptized into death? How is this the greater story?

Service [above] Sermon [under]

Digital Bulletin May 17

Questions for the Week

  1.  Describe a time when you felt beat up by life.

  2. Read Romans 6:1-14.  What is the relationship between grace and sin?

  3. Read Romans 6:15-23.  What do you think Paul means when he says you are now a slave to righteousness, as opposed to a slave to sin?

  4. How has Jesus pulled you through the sin of your past and given you new life?  What does he mean for you now?

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Joyce Matte - 5/18, Allison Schultz & Ervin Schimkat (99th)- 5/19, Danielle Hoffman - 5/21, Pat Gebhardt - 5/22

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Raquel & James Thomson - 5/17 - 44 years!

REMEMBERING TOM  Our prayers are with Mary Anne and the Roksvold family in mourning and remembering Tom Roksvold, for he passed away Wednesday afternoon. Video recording of the graveside service will be available.

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available at the church for your convenience.  

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM! Starting at 10:30 AM, Sunday, you are welcome to join us in a virtual fellowship gathering on ZOOM.   Follow the same directions for the “Zoom Bible Study” that are on the web page to join the group, or you can also phone in and join the conversation.   

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “live” Bible study online for you to participate in on Thursdays at 10:30 AM.   Directions for participating can be found on the web page www.GracelutheranPSL.com.   Check it out, and if you need assistance, please call the phone number listed. 

AND…. even if you are not computer savvy or do not have computer access, you can participate over your phone.  

GIVING - Changing over to a social distance model of ministry has been quite challenging. We have had to purchase new equipment and spend lots of time getting ready. Remember, during this time, the church’s expenses will not go down even though we are not meeting in person.  During this time, we want to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time.”

Online Giving We have begun using Paypal for online donations. We have been approved as a trusted non profit organization. If you would like to give through Paypal, please go to: www.GraceLutheranPSL.com and click the “GIVE” button on the upper right side of the page.

Print and Submit Prayer Requests

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

[Sunday] - Say What?! Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

This phrase makes some wonder, “Is clean living how I get close to God?” Is cleanliness even the goal? The cross did not seem very clean, and yet that is how He washed us all.

Service [above] Sermon [under]

Digital Bulletin May 10

Questions for the Week

  1. What’s the messiest mess you’ve ever had to clean up?

  2. Read Matthew 23:27-28.  Describe a time when you felt like a whitewashed tomb?

  3. According to Jesus what happens when we cleanse ourselves to look clean on the outside?

  4. Read Titus 3:4-8.  How are we ultimately made clean? 

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Norm Neuberger - 5/11, Greta Tuning - 5/14, Deborah Lemke - 5/15, Victoria Thomason, Diane Heinz & Glenn Swiston - 5/16

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Chuck & Joyce Strickler 5/15/1965 - 55 years!

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available at the church for your convenience.  

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM! Starting at 10:30 AM, Sunday, you are welcome to join us in a virtual fellowship gathering on ZOOM.   Follow the same directions for the “Zoom Bible Study” that are on the web page to join the group, or you can also phone in and join the conversation.   

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris has started an online “live” Bible study for you to participate in.   Directions for participating can be found on the web page www.GracelutheranPSL.com.   Check it out, and if you need assistance, please call the phone number listed. 

AND…. even if you are not computer savvy or do not have computer access, you can participate over your phone.  

GIVING - Changing over to a social distance model of ministry has been quite challenging. We have had to purchase new equipment and spend lots of time getting ready. Remember, during this time, the church’s expenses will not go down even though we are not meeting in person.  During this time, we want to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time.”

Online Giving We have begun using Paypal for online donations. We have been approved as a trusted non profit organization. If you would like to give through Paypal, please go to: www.GraceLutheranPSL.com and click the “GIVE” button on the upper right side of the page.

Print and Submit Prayer Requests

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

[Sunday] - Say What?! God Gains Another Angel

What happens when you die? That is such a hard question, but what we do know is that God has made you in his image, and even when we die we will still be with him in his image.

Service [above] Sermon [under]
Sermon Released Monday Morning

Digital Bulletin May 3

Questions for the Week

  1. What do you think your neighbor would say is the role of angels?

  2. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.  What does Paul have to say in this passage about those who pass away?  What hope do we have?

  3. Read Luke 24:36-43.   Why do you think he has the disciples touch him and ask them for a meal?   After Jesus rises, is he a ghost, or did he have a physical body?  

  4. What words would you use to encourage someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one?

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Kent Bowen -5/3, Paxton Becker-Sauber 5/4, 

Richard Harms - 5/5, Linda Gannon -5/6, Steven Choung - 5/8, Phyllis Schimkat - 5/9 

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available at the church for your convenience.  

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM! Starting at 10:30 AM, Sunday, you are welcome to join us in a virtual fellowship gathering on ZOOM.   Follow the same directions for the “Zoom Bible Study” that are on the web page to join the group, or you can also phone in and join the conversation.   

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris has started an online “live” Bible study for you to participate in.   Directions for participating can be found on the web page www.GracelutheranPSL.com.   Check it out, and if you need assistance, please call the phone number listed. 

AND…. even if you are not computer savvy or do not have computer access, you can participate over your phone.  

GIVING - Changing over to a social distance model of ministry has been quite challenging. We have had to purchase new equipment and spend lots of time getting ready. Remember, during this time, the church’s expenses will not go down even though we are not meeting in person.  During this time, we want to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time.”
Online Giving We have begun using Paypal for online donations. We have been approved as a trusted non profit organization. If you would like to give through Paypal, please go to: www.GraceLutheranPSL.com and click the “GIVE” button on the upper right side of the page.

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

[Sunday] - Say What?! God Help Those who Help Themselves

When does God begin to help us? What does it mean to be in need? The apostle Paul understands what it means to have a lot or a little. But through it all, he is content because God is helping him all the way.

Service [above] Sermon [under]
Sermon Released Monday Morning

Digital Bulletin April 26

Questions for the Week

  1. When have you heard the phrase “God helps those who help themselves?”  Why is it normally said?

  2. Read Genesis 12:10-20.  Describe what happens when Abram takes things into his own hands and tries to help himself in a time of distress.  How do we often try to do the same thing?

  3. Read Philippians 4:10-15.  What does this say about contentment?  

  4. Describe a time when you have been strengthened by Jesus’ presence in your life.

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

[Sunday] - Say What?! God Won't Give You More Than You Can Handle

When someone we love or know faces some kind of distress or trouble, we often, in an attempt to comfort them, say, “Don’t worry. God won’t give you more than you can handle.” But that is a heavy yoke to give someone when Jesus’ yoke is easy, and His burden in light.

Service [above] Sermon [under]
Sermon Released Monday 8AM

Digital Bulletin April 19

Questions for the Week

  1. Describe a time in life when you’ve felt overwhelmed.

  2. Which Biblical stories can you think of where people were overwhelmed, given more than they could handle on their own?

  3. Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-11.  What does Paul say about suffering and being overwhelmed?  During his time in Asia, was he able to handle it himself? What was the result of that suffering?

  4. Read Matthew 11:25-30.  What is Jesus’ invitation for you in times when it feels like you have more than you can handle on your plate?

  5. How would you encourage someone who is going through a rough time, feeling like they had more than they could handle?

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

[Easter Sunday] - Life Together

It’s clear that women played an important role in the story of Jesus. It’s intriguing that almost all of Jesus’ male disciples abandoned him in his final moments, but it’s women who are the first to witness and proclaim a new life and forgiveness for all.

Service [above] Sermon [under]

Digital Bulletin Easter Sunday

Questions for the Week

  1. Describe a time when you’ve had to make the most out of a bad situation.

  2. Read Mark 16:1-8.  What are the women expecting to happen?  How are they trying to make the most of a bad situation?

  3. What actually happens?  What are they told to do in response to Christ’s resurrection?

  4. How should we live in response to Christ’s resurrection?

Remember the Daily Grace

www.GraceLutheranPSL.com/Daily
Check the site often for funny, serious, video, articles, biblical and what-not.
Let’s Bring Grace and Peace to a Chaotic and Lonely Time.

Important Posts from the Week.

The Video Played During Service

PRAISE SONG FOR THE PANDEMIC - written and read by Christine Valters Paintner, from Abbey of the Arts and music by Giants & Pilgrims. Explore more at http://...
Prayer Requests

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

Good Friday - Stations of Loss

The Stations of Loss

Remember the Daily Grace

www.GraceLutheranPSL.com/Daily
Check the site often for funny, serious, video, articles, biblical and what-not.
Let’s Bring Grace and Peace to a Chaotic and Lonely Time.

Important Posts from the Week.

Prayer Requests

Watch the Latest Photo Video!

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

[Maundy Thursday] Peter - Life Together

We talk with Peter on the Skype line.

Remember the Daily Grace

www.GraceLutheranPSL.com/Daily
Check the site often for funny, serious, video, articles, biblical and what-not.
Let’s Bring Grace and Peace to a Chaotic and Lonely Time.

Important Posts from the Week.

Prayer Requests

Watch the Latest Photo Video!

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

[Sunday Service] Palm Sunday - Life Together

Jesus and his followers have made the long uphill trek to Jerusalem, and they begin to feel victorious. After all, they had just climbed a mountain, and they are with the one who will continue to climb all the way to the top of Rome itself. But is that what Jesus does, climb mountains to the top? Or is he calling us to follow him to the trenches of God’s work, the cross?

Service [above] Sermon [under]

Digital Bulletin April 5

Questions for the Week

  1. When you had a big accomplishment (such as a graduation or promotion), how did you celebrate it?

  2. Read Mark 11:1-11.  How do the disciples and Jesus’ followers celebrate as Jesus comes into Jerusalem at the time of the Passover?  Who do they think Jesus is?

  3. Read John 12:12-26.  In John 12:24, what do you think Jesus means about a grain of wheat falling, dying, and then bearing fruit?  

  4. What does John 12:24 have to do with Jesus’ death and resurrection?  What does this have to do with our life as we follow Jesus?

Remember the Daily Grace

www.GraceLutheranPSL.com/Daily
Check the site often for funny, serious, video, articles, biblical and what-not.
Let’s Bring Grace and Peace to a Chaotic and Lonely Time.

Important Posts from the Week.

Prayer Requests

Watch the Latest Photo Video!

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

[Wednesday Service] Pilate - Life Together

He washed his hands of the dirty situation with Jesus. He did not have to worry about it anymore. He was clean. But was he?

  • What a Friend we have in Jesus

  • Psalm 70

  • Matthew 27:1-26 [NKJV]

Remember the Daily Grace

www.GraceLutheranPSL.com/Daily
Check the site often for funny, serious, video, articles, biblical and what-not.
Let’s Bring Grace and Peace to a Chaotic and Lonely Time.

Important Posts from the Week.

Prayer Requests

Watch the Latest Photo Video!

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

[Sunday Service] Natural Light - Life Together

Natty light, Bud Light, and Miller Lite - they can be found everywhere; you’re always able to find  one on tap. But which one of these would Jesus drink? I have joked that Jesus would only want the best, some local craft beer brewed by someone wearing suspenders and a mustache. But after reading about his last drink, I think he would have shared a Natty Light after a late shift.

↓↓↓↓ Just the Sermon ↓↓↓↓-↑↑↑↑ The Whole Service ↑↑↑↑

Digital Bulletin March 29

Questions for the Week

  1. What are you thirsty for?  What’s your beverage of choice?

  2. Read John 19:17-29.  What causes Jesus to thirst?  What is he thirsting for?

  3. Read 1 Peter 4:1-6.  In times of suffering, what are some things that you’ve thristed for that have let you down?

  4. According to Peter, because of Jesus and his love for us, in times of suffering, what should you love and desire?

Remember the Daily Grace

www.GraceLutheranPSL.com/Daily
Check the site often for funny, serious, video, articles, biblical and what-not.
Let’s Bring Grace and Peace to a Chaotic and Lonely Time.

Important Posts from the Week.

Prayer Requests

Watch the Latest Photo Video!

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher Service, Sunday, Sermons Cris Escher

[Sunday Service] Invisible Love - Life Together

Jesus, while on the cross, looked up into the sky and yelled, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me?” This seems appropriate for today, as we see so much change in the last two weeks. Things are closed, the economy is bad, and I am watching worship on a screen. Is God somewhere else as well? But Peter encourages us to remember the God that is always here, the invisible love.

↓↓↓↓ Just the Sermon ↓↓↓↓-↑↑↑↑ The Whole Service ↑↑↑↑

Digital Bulletin March 22
PDF Bulletin

Questions for the Week

  1. Describe a time where you didn’t feel and see Jesus working and wondered where he was.

  2. Read Mark 15:21-39.  Have recent world events caused you to read this differently?  If so, how so?

  3. Read 1 Peter 1:6-9.  According to Peter, where is Jesus when you don’t see him?

  4. Describe a time in the past when you faced challenges that you realized Jesus was near. How can you encourage someone with that this week?

Remember the Daily Grace

www.GraceLutheranPSL.com/Daily
Check the site often for funny, serious, video, articles, biblical and what-not.
Let’s Bring Grace and Peace to a Chaotic and Lonely Time.

Important Posts from the Week.

Prayer Requests

Watch the Latest Photo Video!

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Sunday Cris Escher Sunday Cris Escher

Elijah to Elisha - UnBelievable

In this transitional section of the narrative, Elijah denounces idolatrous Ahaziah and later gets carried up to heaven; Elisha takes up the prophetic mantle in the spirit of Elijah.

Digital Bulletin Feb 16
Prayer Requests

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Peace - Arrival - Luke 1

This season can seem so overwhelming. This party, that shopping, those friends; it can seem like there is so much you have to do that it is just overwhelming. Think about Mary the mother of Jesus. How overwhelming would her life be here with so much pressure? Yet in feeling all of her pressure, she sits in humility and sings a song of excitement.

Digital Bulletin DeC 22

Questions for the Week

  1. A week before Christmas how do you normally feel?  Excited? Anxious? Overwhelmed? Something else? Why do you feel this way?

  2. Read Luke 1: 46-56.  This is Mary’s song of praise.  What themes do Mary highlight? Where do you see Jesus living out these themes in his life and ministry?

  3. In our gospel lesson we see both Mary and Elizabeth covered in excitement as God has come to the unworthy and humble.  What are some ways you can get wrapped up in this true excitement of Christmas this week?

Prayer Requests

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Sunday Cris Escher Sunday Cris Escher

Uncomfortable King - Uncomfortable - Daniel 2

The king wakes up and yells for his wisest men. They run in and see a distraught and angry king. He had a terrible dream and wants to know what it means or he will kill all of his wise men. Is this what true power looks like -- that it can wake up on the wrong side of the bead and end life in whomever it chooses? Perhaps Daniel’s description of the dream will bring comfort to the king, but maybe not.

Digital Bulletin August 18th

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON DURING THE WEEK -

  1. Read Daniel 2:1-16.  How would you feel working for someone like King Nebuchadnezzar?  

  2. Read Daniel 2:17-30?  What does this tell us about God?  How is He different from others who have power in the world?

  3. Read Daniel 2:31-45.  What does the King’s dream ultimately mean?  How does remembering that the kingdoms of the world are temporary give you a sense of hope? 

  4. Read Colossians 2:14-15.  How does Jesus disarm these powers to give you an eternal sense of hope?

Prayer Requests

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Sunday Cris Escher Sunday Cris Escher

Here Am I, Send Me - The Spirit Experience - Acts 28

At the closing of the book of Acts, Luke beckons us to look back, not only looking at the successes and failures of the church but to look at them through the life of Paul. We see where challenges and struggles with eyes that will not see and ears that will not hear take place. Yet, Paul, in chains, still preaches without hindrance. He continues to say, “Here am I! Send me!” May we face the challenges with the same creed.

Digital Bulletin August 4th

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON DURING THE WEEK - “Rough Seas”

  1. Tell a story of a time when you tried to tell someone something important and they didn’t understand.

  2. Read Acts 28:17-31.  What does Paul do in Rome?  Why do so many people not believe his message about Jesus?

  3. Read Isaiah 6:1-13.  Isaiah is a prophet called by God to speak His word to His people.  What is the message Isaiah has to say to God’s people who had gone astray in the Old Testament?  

  4. Why do you think Paul quotes Isaiah at this point in Acts?

  5. What should we do with the message Jesus gives us, in a world that often doesn’t want to hear?  How does the ending of Acts give you hope?

Prayer Requests

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The Beautiful Name - The Spirit Experience - Acts 3-5

Outside the temple there was a gate called Beautiful. This gate was a sign post as to how the kingdom of God was here with the people, and that kingdom was making everything beautiful. However, outside this beautiful gate is a disabled beggar asking for change. This gate is hardly living up to the expectation of its name, but then Peter comes by and gives this beggar life and beauty in a name that is above every name.

Digital Bulletin may 19th

As you read through Luke, what has been one new thing you have learned about Jesus?  

  1. What does the name of Jesus mean to you?

  2. Read Acts 3:1-10.  What does the crippled man ask for?  How does Peter respond? How does Jesus work in this situation?

  3. What do you think the name of Jesus means for the disabled man after he is healed?

  4. Read Acts 4:1-14.  How do the leaders of the temple respond to the healing?  Why do you think they are so upset?

  5. What does Peter say in response?  What does it look like for you to trust in the name of Jesus only?  

  6. How can you use this story to encourage someone this week?

Prayer Requests

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Sunday Cris Escher Sunday Cris Escher

Free To Live - God's Grace

Today we see that although we have nothing to give in exchange for our salvation, God, in his grace, sets us free through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now we have much to give—all of the riches of God’s grace to share with others in Jesus’ name.

Digital Bulletin Oct 21st
Prayer Requests

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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Insiders - Heavenly Armor

“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” The Lord has brought us into His unity, and now we put on His strength and His armor to not fight in flesh and blood but against all forms of evil which desire to divide.

Paul is encouraging us, saying through Jesus, the promise of Abraham, has come true, that those who were once outsiders are now insiders; those who were lost are now found. “A plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” Ephesians 1:10
— Insiders
Digital Bulletin Sep 30
Prayer Requests

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

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