{"id":1003,"date":"2018-04-29T16:26:13","date_gmt":"2018-04-29T23:26:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/?p=1003"},"modified":"2018-04-29T16:34:20","modified_gmt":"2018-04-29T23:34:20","slug":"easter-empowers-the-means-of-grace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/2018\/04\/29\/easter-empowers-the-means-of-grace\/","title":{"rendered":"Easter Empowers the Means of Grace!"},"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-1003-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Easter-5-04-29-18.mp3?_=1\" \/><source type=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/FILELINK?_=1\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Easter-5-04-29-18.mp3\">http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Easter-5-04-29-18.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 Fifth 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 29, 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 4:26-40<\/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 Empowers the Means of Grace <\/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\">Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, \u201cGo south to the road\u2014the desert road\u2014that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The Spirit told Philip, \u201cGo to that chariot and stay near it.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>\u201cDo you understand what you are reading?\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Philip asked.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>\u201cHow can I,\u201d he said, \u201cunless someone explains it to me?\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/span>So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>\u201cHe was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Who can speak of his descendants?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>For his life was taken from the earth.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The eunuch asked Philip, \u201cTell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, \u201cLook, here is water.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Why shouldn\u2019t I be baptized?\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>And he gave orders to stop the chariot.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.<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\">Have you ever stopped to consider how many of the things that you depend on are completely dependent on something to power them?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>You get up in the middle of the night and flip a little switch on the wall\u2014 fully expecting the light to come on.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>But, that light is completely dependent on electricity to power it!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>No electricity\u2014 no light!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>You get in your car to go to your doctor\u2019s appointment.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>But, before you get halfway down the block your car starts to spit and sputter and soon the engine stops running.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As you coast to the curb you look down at the gas gauge and remember that you were supposed to stop for gas yesterday!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Unless you are tooling around town in a Tesla your car is completely dependent on gas to power it!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>No gas\u2014 no go!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Whether we are conscious of it or not, my friends, we are very much dependent on things that are very much dependent on something to power 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 let\u2019s take that reality and apply it to Jesus\u2019 Church here on this earth.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>You all know how much emphasis I place on the Means of Grace\u2014 the message of the Gospel as it comes to us in both Word and Sacrament.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The Means of Grace are what the Church is all about!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>But, have you ever stopped to consider the fact that the Means of Grace need something to power them?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>With that in mind let\u2019s use this portion of the book of Acts to see that:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">Easter Empowers the Means of Grace.<\/i><\/b><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>First, let\u2019s make sure we understand the event that is recorded for us here in our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then, let\u2019s see if there is a way to apply this text to our hearts and our lives 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\">The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch is relatively familiar and relatively easy to understand.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In the bigger picture of the book of Acts the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch gives us an opportunity to see how the message of the Gospel rippled out from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria and ultimately to the ends of the earth.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(See Acts 1:8)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>But even though this is an amazing account of how God\u2019s people are given amazing opportunities to share their faith with others our goal this morning will remain very specific.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Our goal is to see how Easter empowers the \u201ctools\u201d that we have been given to carry out the Great Commission\u2014 <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cGo and make disciples of all nations\u201d<\/i> (Matthew 28:19).<\/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\">Since the \u201cworking definition\u201d of the Means of Grace is, \u201cThe Gospel in <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">Word<\/i><\/b> and Sacrament\u201d let\u2019s begin by looking at the prominent place which God\u2019s Word is given here in our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The Lord God Himself had given to Philip what might be called a \u201cpicture perfect evangelism experience.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Philip was told to go south on the road that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As he is walking Philip meets a eunuch\u2014 but not just any eunuch.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Not only was this man from the ancient country of Ethiopia (which today would be southern Egypt and northern Sudan), not only was this man an important government official, not only had this man <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cgone to Jerusalem to worship\u201d<\/i> (verse 27), not only was this man reading from <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cthe book of Isaiah the prophet\u201d<\/i> (verse 28), but this man was reading from Isaiah 53 where the Lord describes the suffering, death and resurrection of the Promised Messiah!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(Verses 32-33)<\/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\">&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 verse 34-35 of our text, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThe eunuch asked Philip, \u2018Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?\u2019<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about 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\">Beginning with the first Gospel promise in Genesis 3:15 and continuing throughout the entire Old Testament era, the Lord always gave His Old Testament children enough insight into His Plan of Salvation for this world so that they could be saved\u2014 purely by grace through faith in what God promised He would do for them.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Obviously, however, some of the Old Testament believers did not always understand some of the Messianic prophecies which God revealed to them.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>So what did Philip do to help his man?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Did Philip say to the Ethiopian eunuch, \u201cWell, what <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">I<\/b> think this <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">probably<\/b> means is\u2026\u201d?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Did Philip say to the Ethiopian eunuch, \u201c<b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">One<\/b> way to interpret what Isaiah says is\u2026\u201d?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/span>Did Philip try to tell the Ethiopian eunuch, \u201cWhat Isaiah probably <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">meant<\/b> to say was\u2026\u201d?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Absolutely not!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Philip proclaimed what God had revealed through His servant Isaiah by simply sharing with the Ethiopian eunuch <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cthe good news about Jesus.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>And since we\u2019re told that Philip began with the very portion of Isaiah which the Ethiopian eunuch was reading, Philip undoubtedly walked this Ethiopian eunuch through the events of what we call Holy Week\u2014 including 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\">&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\">This first section of our text is why you and I can say that Easter <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">empowers<\/i> the message of God\u2019s Word.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If Easter were not true then this book (the Bible) would be false.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If Jesus did not physically rise from the grave this book (the Bible) would not only <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">be<\/b> dead but it would also <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">bring<\/b> death.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>But because Easter is true we know that the rest of God\u2019s holy Word is also true!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Because Jesus lives we know that this book (the Bible) is not only the living Word of our living God but this Book also brings life to you and to me!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Easter is the inexhaustible source of power which assures us that when we are faithfully sharing God\u2019s Word with others, when we are faithfully telling people that God\u2019s Son died on the cross to pay for their sins and then rose from the grave to guarantee their salvation\u2014 then, my friends, then we are wielding a \u201ctool\u201d which has the \u201cenergy,\u201d the \u201cpower\u201d to first bring a person to their knees in repentance and then lift them to their feet with the joy of salvation!<\/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, Easter not only empowers God\u2019s holy Word but it also empowers God\u2019s holy Sacraments.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Here in our text we are specifically reminded of how Easter empowers the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>After hearing about what Jesus had done for him, after being brought to faith in Jesus as his only Savior from sin the Ethiopian eunuch turned to Philip and said, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cLook, here is water.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Why shouldn\u2019t I be baptized?\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>So Philip baptized him.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>From that day forward this man\u2019s Christian baptism served as the \u201cknot at the end of his spiritual rope.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>No matter what did or did not happen in his life when he got home to Ethiopia this man could always \u201chold on\u201d to what <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">God<\/b> had done<b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"> for<\/b> him.<\/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 this very day, my friends, Easter empowers the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Baptism\u2019s \u201cpower\u201d to wash away sins, Baptism\u2019s \u201cpower\u201d to \u201ccleanse\u201d us in the eyes of a holy, just and perfect God, Baptism\u2019s \u201cpower\u201d to create the gift of saving faith in the heart of even the youngest child is based upon the death and the physical resurrection of Jesus the Christ.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In Romans 6:4 Paul tells us, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cWe were therefore buried with him <\/i>(i.e. Jesus Christ) <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.\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\">In much the same way, the reality of Easter is what empowers the Sacrament of Holy Communion.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Because Jesus was able to keep His promise and physically rose from the dead on the third day so also we have the confidence of knowing that Jesus is able to keep all the promises He makes to us\u2014 including His promise that in His holy Supper He gives us His true body and His true blood to assure us that <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">all<\/b> of our sins <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">are<\/b> forgiven.<\/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 we may not always stop to think about it, Easter does indeed \u201cempower\u201d the Means of Grace.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Without Easter the Bible is just another book.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Without Easter Baptism is just a nice ceremony we use to \u201cchristen\u201d or to \u201cdedicate\u201d our children.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Without Easter the Lord\u2019s Supper loses its meaning, its importance and its power for you and for me.<\/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\">Is there a way to properly apply all of this to our hearts and our lives today?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>I think there is.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Being a Christian in this sin-filled world is not an easy thing to do.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Openly proclaiming the Truth of God\u2019s holy Word, openly living our life in a way that is pleasing to our risen Savior, openly bearing the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cfruits of faith\u201d<\/i> that our God expects to see in our lives\u2014 no, that that is not always easy to do!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Sometimes we get \u201cdown.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Sometimes we feel \u201coverwhelmed.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>If\u2014 or perhaps I should say when\u2014 that happens to you I encourage you to remember this:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Easter empowers the Means of Grace!<\/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\">Whenever you are feeling overwhelmed by anything in your life turn to the power-filled Word of your God.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Re-read the Easter accounts recorded in sacred Scripture.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Listen as your risen Lord says to you, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cPeace be with you\u201d <\/i>(John 20:21), <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cI am with you always\u201d<\/i> (Mathew 28:20), <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest\u201d <\/i>(Matthew 11:28).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When other people don\u2019t seem to appreciate you for who you are and what you do for them, remember what God did <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">for <\/b>you when you were baptized in His holy Name.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Remember that you are His beloved child, a child to whom He says, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cFear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine\u201d <\/i>(Isaiah 43:1).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When you feel as though you have perhaps failed in your role as a Christian, come to the altar of your risen Lord and Savior and listen as He comforts you and strengthens you with the words, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThis is my body given for you\u2026This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins\u201d<\/i> (Luke 22:19 &amp; Matthew 26:28).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When you are concerned about your children and what the future has in store for them remember the day that you lovingly brought them to the baptismal font and watched a miracle take place as their sins were washed away and your heavenly Father adopted your precious child as His own precious child.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When your journey here on this earth comes to an end take comfort in knowing that Easter not only guarantees to you a sweet blessed family reunion in heaven, but Easter guarantees that your physical death automatically ushers you into a glorious eternal life in your heavenly Father\u2019s Home!<\/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\">It is not difficult for us to realize that many of the things we depend on in our day to day lives are completely dependent on something to power them.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Every time we flip that little switch on the wall, every time we stop to fill up the car with gas we are reminded of this truth.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>My prayer then this morning is actually quite simple.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Even though the celebration of Easter may seem to be fading into the backdrop of history I pray that we will remember how important it is for us to hang on to the reality of Easter each and every day of the year.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Easter is what makes this book the powerful living Word of our God.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Easter is what empowers Baptism to wash away our sins and give us the gift of saving faith.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Easter is what empowers the Sacrament of the Lord\u2019s Supper to strengthen our faith and to keep us in the saving faith until the very end of our life.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>So remember, my friends:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Easter empowers the Means of Grace which God Himself has given to you and to me.<\/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 style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><\/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<p> <\/font><\/p>\n<div class=\"postie-attachments\">Download sermon audio ::  <a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Easter-5-04-29-18.mp3\">Easter-5-04-29-18.MP3<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Fifth Sunday of Easter April 29, 2018 Acts 4:26-40 Easter Empowers the Means of Grace &nbsp; Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, \u201cGo south to the road\u2014the desert road\u2014that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.\u201d&nbsp; So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge [&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-1003","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\/1003","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=1003"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1003\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1003"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1003"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1003"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}