{"id":1001,"date":"2018-04-23T20:08:37","date_gmt":"2018-04-24T03:08:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/?p=1001"},"modified":"2018-04-23T20:20:56","modified_gmt":"2018-04-24T03:20:56","slug":"easter-unites-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/2018\/04\/23\/easter-unites-us\/","title":{"rendered":"Easter Unites Us!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><font color='black' size='2' face='arial'><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:WordDocument>   <w:View>Normal<\/w:View>   <w:Zoom>0<\/w:Zoom>   <w:TrackMoves\/>   <w:TrackFormatting\/>   <w:PunctuationKerning\/>   <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas\/>   <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false<\/w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>   <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false<\/w:IgnoreMixedContent>   <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false<\/w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>   <w:DoNotPromoteQF\/>   <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US<\/w:LidThemeOther>   <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE<\/w:LidThemeAsian>   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\tmso-pagination:widow-orphan; \tfont-size:11.0pt; \tfont-family:\"Calibri\",\"sans-serif\"; \tmso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; \tmso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; \tmso-fareast-font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; \tmso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; \tmso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; \tmso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; \tmso-bidi-font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; \tmso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} <\/style>\n\n <![endif]--><\/p>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;color:#212121\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-1001-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Easter-4-04-22-18.mp3?_=1\" \/><source type=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/FILELINK?_=1\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Easter-4-04-22-18.mp3\">http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Easter-4-04-22-18.mp3<\/a><\/audio>&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The Fourth Sunday of Easter<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">April 22, 2018<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Acts 4:23-33<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Easter Unites Us! <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoBodyText2\"><span style=\"mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt\">On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>\u201cSovereign Lord,\u201d they said, \u201cyou made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>\u2018Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.\u2019<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>All the believers were one in heart and mind.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(NIV1984)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Dear fellow worshipers of our living Lord and Savior,<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">There are any number of things in this world that bind us together and unite us with other people.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>For example, when a man and a woman stand before the altar of the living God and speak their marriage vows they are bound together and united in a way which is unique to the estate of marriage.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If that couple is blessed with a child they are bound together and united with that child for the rest of their lives.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Sometimes common interests, common hobbies or complimentary personality traits bind people together and unite them as friends.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Today, my friends, my goal is to use this portion of God\u2019s holy Word to remind us that even though we may all come from very different backgrounds, even though we may all have very different interests and even though our personality traits may at times clash more than they complement each other we are all bound together in a special unique way.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Today let\u2019s see that:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">Easter Unites us!<\/i><\/b><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>There are three things we want to see this morning.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>First, let\u2019s see that Easter unites us as we face opposition to our faith.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Second, let\u2019s see that Easter unites us as we boldly proclaim God\u2019s Word.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Finally, let\u2019s see that Easter unites us in our love and concern for each other.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Look at the opening verse of our text for today.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We\u2019re told, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cOn their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>You may recall from last Sunday that after Peter and John had miraculously healed the man who was born crippled they were put in jail for <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cteaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead\u201d<\/i> (Acts 4:2).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Since the Sanhedrin now realized that they had no justification for putting Peter and John in jail and since the Sanhedrin now realized that they could not deny that Peter and John had indeed miraculously healed this man, the Sanhedrin desperately resorted to bullying.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>First, they commanded Peter and John <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cnot to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus\u201d<\/i> (verse 18).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then they threatened Peter and John.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(See Acts 4:21)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Finally they had no choice but to release them.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">What did Peter and John do next?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Did they go back to their homes and hide?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Did they wallow in self-pity? <span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;<\/span>Not at all!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We\u2019re told that as soon as they were released Peter and John went to the family of believers and <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201creported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then what happened?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Did the church go into hiding?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Did the family of believers collectively sigh, \u201cWoe to us!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Now what are we going to do?\u201d?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Not at all!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When the Christians in Jerusalem heard what had happened to Peter and John they united together in prayer!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Now look at the prayer which the Christians in Jerusalem offered up to the God of heaven.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In verse 24 we hear them praying to the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cSovereign Lord\u201d<\/i> who <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cmade the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Did God\u2019s people need to be afraid of the enemies who were now opposing them?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Did God\u2019s people need to be concerned about the threats that were being leveled against them by these so-called religious leaders?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Hardly!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Why?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Because they knew!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>They knew that the Sovereign Lord, the Almighty Creator of all things was with them and would protect them!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Now look at verses 25-28.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The family of believers in Jerusalem was now able to look back at what we called the Old Testament Scriptures and see that all of this had been revealed by the Sovereign Lord long before any of it took place.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>At the time of Jesus\u2019 betrayal, at the time of Jesus\u2019 trial, at the time of Jesus\u2019 crucifixion the disciples did not understand why all of this was happening.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Now they did!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Now they understood that the Lord\u2019s holy servant Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed One.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;<\/span>Now they understood why as the Christ, why as this world\u2019s only Savior from sin Jesus <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">had<\/b> to suffer and die on the cross and why Jesus <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">had<\/b> to rise again on the third day.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>That common faith in Easter, that common confession of Jesus as the risen Lord and Savior united the believers in Jerusalem.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It bonded them together as they now faced opposition to their faith.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Have the enemies of God\u2019s Church given up attacking the message of our crucified\u2014 and risen\u2014 Savior?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Has opposition to the Truth of Scripture died down over the course of the last 2,000 years? Absolutely not!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Over the course of the past few weeks I have tried to point out that the true message of Easter is still being attacked right down to this very day.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Sometimes the opposition to Easter is open and easy to see.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Sometimes the opposition to Easter is very subtle and much more difficult to detect.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Either way, my friends, you and I need to be united against anyone and everyone who is opposed to <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cproclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead\u201d<\/i> (Acts 4:2).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The reality of Easter is what gives us the unity that we need to we stand firm against those who oppose the Christian faith today.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">At the same time that Easter unites us as we face opposition, this unity is not confined to a purely defensive position.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>While it is extremely valuable for us to come together here in God\u2019s house to seek solace and strength as brothers and sisters in the faith, it is just as vital that we go out there\u2014 that we go out into the world and boldly proclaim the true message of Easter to others!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Here I direct your attention to two verses of our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In verse 29 we hear God\u2019s people pray, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cNow, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then in verse 33 we are told, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cWith great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">There was a time when Jesus\u2019 disciples were so afraid of men such as the chief priests and the elders of God\u2019s people that the disciples fearfully locked themselves in a room!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(See John 20:19)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Now they were not only <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">asking<\/b> the Lord to give them the power to speak God\u2019s Word <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cwith great boldness,\u201d<\/i> but they were actually <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">doing<\/b> just that!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>They went out and boldly testified to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>What made the difference?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>What transformed Jesus\u2019 disciples from fearfully huddling in a locked room to boldly proclaiming the Truth of God to others?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It all comes down to\u2014 Easter!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>On that first Easter Sunday the risen Christ said to His disciples, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cPeace be with you!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As the Father has sent me, I am sending you\u201d<\/i> (John 20:21).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>With the Truth of Easter clearly standing right before their eyes and with the power of the Holy Spirit joyfully filling their hearts\u2014 especially after the day of Pentecost\u2014 Jesus\u2019 disciples were indeed united in boldly proclaiming to others the Good News of what God has done!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The same thing holds true for us, my friends.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>On the day of our Christian baptism the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured into our hearts.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Through the power of the Holy Spirit we have been given the gift of saving faith.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>That gift of saving faith enables us to look at the cross and see that God\u2019s Son willingly suffered and died to pay for our sins.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>That gift of saving faith enables us to look at the empty grave in the garden and see that because Jesus physically rose from the dead we are now <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">justified<\/i>!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>That gift of saving faith enables us to see that because Jesus physically rose from the dead the entire world had been <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cDeclared:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Not Guilty!\u201d<\/i> by the Sovereign Lord, the Almighty Creator Himself.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Because we are united in our common faith in Jesus as our risen Lord and Savior, because Easter bonds us together as brothers and sisters in Christ we now have the joy, the privilege and the responsibility to boldly proclaim the Truth of God\u2019s Word to others.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>By simply talking to people about our crucified and risen Lord, by openly living our life in a way which sets us apart from the unbelieving world, by supporting mission work with both our offerings and our prayers we are united with God\u2019s people all across the world as we join with the apostles in <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ctestifying to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">We have seen then that Easter unites us as we face opposition to our faith.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We have seen that Easter unites us as we boldly proclaim God\u2019s Word.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Now let\u2019s see that Easter unites us as we show love and concern for each other.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Look at verse 32 of our text, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cAll the believers were one in heart and mind.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Because of the unity that God\u2019s people enjoyed, because Easter united them <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cin heart and mind,\u201d<\/i> God\u2019s people gladly and willingly shared the material blessings that the good Lord had entrusted to their care.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">I\u2019ve often wondered what happened to that depth of unity.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>How did God\u2019s people go from gladly sharing everything they had to many of God\u2019s people today openly expressing the attitude:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>\u201cAll the church wants is <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">my<\/b> money\u201d\u2014 as if we actually own anything at all?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>I know a pastor who once tried to get his members to turn in a piece of paper which <u>anonymously<\/u> listed their household income.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He was trounced with criticism as the vast majority of his congregation flat out refused.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">While I certainly understand that there are many different ways for God\u2019s people to show their love and concern for each other I also believe that the offerings which we place on the altar of our living God are perhaps the closest modern-day parallel that we have today to what we hear God\u2019s people doing here in our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Not only do our offerings serve as an expression of our love and thankfulness to the Lord for all that He has so graciously done for us, but our offerings also serve as an expression of our love and concern for others\u2014 especially as we strive to make sure that the Truth of God\u2019s Word is faithfully proclaimed among us and faithfully handed down for generations to come.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">There are indeed any number of things that bind us together and unite us with other people.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Marriage, family, friendship and common interests are just a few examples of this.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>But there is nothing, my friends, absolutely nothing that binds us together like Easter.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Easter unites us as we face opposition to our faith.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Easter unites us as we boldly proclaim God\u2019s Word.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Easter unites us as we show love and concern for each other.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Praise God for the unity that Easter gives to us\u2014 a unity that will last into eternity.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">He is risen!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He is risen indeed!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">To God be the glory!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Amen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<p> <\/font><\/p>\n<div class=\"postie-attachments\">Download sermon audio ::  <a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Easter-4-04-22-18.mp3\">Easter-4-04-22-18.MP3<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Fourth Sunday of Easter April 22, 2018 Acts 4:23-33 Easter Unites Us! &nbsp; On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.&nbsp; When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.&nbsp; \u201cSovereign Lord,\u201d they said, \u201cyou [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1001","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sermon"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1001","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1001"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1001\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1001"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1001"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1001"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}