{"id":1005,"date":"2018-05-06T16:27:36","date_gmt":"2018-05-06T23:27:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/?p=1005"},"modified":"2018-05-06T16:53:49","modified_gmt":"2018-05-06T23:53:49","slug":"easter-empowers-us","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/2018\/05\/06\/easter-empowers-us\/","title":{"rendered":"Easter Empowers 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>   <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE<\/w:LidThemeComplexScript>   <w:Compatibility>    <w:BreakWrappedTables\/>    <w:SnapToGridInCell\/>    <w:WrapTextWithPunct\/>    <w:UseAsianBreakRules\/>    <w:DontGrowAutofit\/>    <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark\/>    <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp\/>    <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables\/>    <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx\/>    <w:Word11KerningPairs\/>    <w:CachedColBalance\/>   <\/w:Compatibility>   <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4<\/w:BrowserLevel>   <m:mathPr>    <m:mathFont m:val=\"Cambria Math\"\/>    <m:brkBin m:val=\"before\"\/>    <m:brkBinSub m:val=\"&#45;-\"\/>    <m:smallFrac m:val=\"off\"\/>    <m:dispDef\/>    <m:lMargin m:val=\"0\"\/>    <m:rMargin m:val=\"0\"\/>    <m:defJc m:val=\"centerGroup\"\/>    <m:wrapIndent m:val=\"1440\"\/>    <m:intLim m:val=\"subSup\"\/>    <m:naryLim m:val=\"undOvr\"\/>   <\/m:mathPr><\/w:WordDocument> <\/xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState=\"false\" DefUnhideWhenUsed=\"true\"   DefSemiHidden=\"true\" DefQFormat=\"false\" DefPriority=\"99\"   LatentStyleCount=\"267\">   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"0\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Normal\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 7\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 8\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"9\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"heading 9\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 7\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 8\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" Name=\"toc 9\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"35\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"caption\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"10\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Title\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"1\" Name=\"Default Paragraph Font\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"11\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Subtitle\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"0\" Name=\"Body Text 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"22\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Strong\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"20\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Emphasis\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"59\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Table Grid\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Placeholder Text\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"1\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"No Spacing\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Revision\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"34\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"List Paragraph\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"29\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Quote\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"30\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Intense Quote\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 1\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 2\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 3\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 4\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 5\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"60\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Shading Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"61\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light List Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"62\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Light Grid Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"63\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 1 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"64\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Shading 2 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"65\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 1 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"66\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium List 2 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"67\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 1 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"68\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 2 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"69\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Medium Grid 3 Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"70\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Dark List Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"71\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Shading Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"72\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful List Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"73\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" Name=\"Colorful Grid Accent 6\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"19\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Subtle Emphasis\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"21\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Intense Emphasis\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"31\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Subtle Reference\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"32\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Intense Reference\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"33\" SemiHidden=\"false\"    UnhideWhenUsed=\"false\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"Book Title\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"37\" Name=\"Bibliography\"\/>   <w:LsdException Locked=\"false\" Priority=\"39\" QFormat=\"true\" Name=\"TOC Heading\"\/>  <\/w:LatentStyles> <\/xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> \n\n<style>  \/* Style Definitions *\/  table.MsoNormalTable \t{mso-style-name:\"Table Normal\"; \tmso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; \tmso-tstyle-colband-size:0; \tmso-style-noshow:yes; \tmso-style-priority:99; \tmso-style-qformat:yes; \tmso-style-parent:\"\"; \tmso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; \tmso-para-margin:0in; \tmso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; \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-1005-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Easter-6-05-06-18.mp3?_=1\" \/><source type=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/FILELINK?_=1\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Easter-6-05-06-18.mp3\">http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Easter-6-05-06-18.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\">The Sixth 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\">May 6, 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 11:19-26<\/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 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=\"layout-grid-mode:line\"><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><span style=\"mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt\">Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The Lord\u2019s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. <span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;<\/span>News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.<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\">Last week you and I saw how Easter empowers the Means of Grace\u2014 the message of the Gospel as it comes to us in God\u2019s holy Word and God\u2019s holy Sacraments.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Without the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ the central message of the Bible is based upon a lie.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(See 1 Corinthians 15:12-19)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Without the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ Baptism becomes a sweet outward ceremony that has absolutely no eternal\/religious meaning to it at all.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Without the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ the Lord\u2019s Supper is just an ordinance that we follow to try and \u201cfeel good\u201d about ourselves.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">With <\/b>the physical resurrection of Jesus as an historical fact, the Bible, Baptism and Holy Communion are filled with unequaled power\u2014 the power that flows from the Truth:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>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\">Our sermon for today focuses on the next natural step in the progression.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Since Easter empowers the Means of Grace and since God has given the Means of Grace to us in order to create and strengthen the gift of saving faith in the hearts of sinners, today let\u2019s see how:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">Easter Empowers 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 how Easter empowers us to share our faith.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then let\u2019s see how Easter empowers us to encourage others.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Finally, let\u2019s see how Easter empowers us to be different from the unbelieving world around 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=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Easter empowers us to share our faith.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Look at how clearly that truth is brought out in the opening portion of our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Luke writes, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cNow those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection to Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The Lord\u2019s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.\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\">I personally find it very interesting that one of the ways that the Lord used to spread the message of Easter was to allow His Church to experience persecution.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>On the very day that Stephen was executed for proclaiming to the people of Jerusalem that they had <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cbetrayed and murdered\u201d <\/i>the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cRighteous One,\u201d<\/i> Jesus the Promised Messiah, we\u2019re told that <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ca great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.\u201d<\/i> (See Acts 8:1)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Now think about those words.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Humanly speaking, if someone is being persecuted for their faith\u2014 to the extent that they have to leave everything behind and run\u2014 one would think that once they stopped running they would keep quiet and lay low!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Not so with Jesus\u2019 disciples!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Luke tells us that when some of the Jews who fled Jerusalem got to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch they began <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201ctelling the message\u201d<\/i>\u2014 but only to their fellow Jews.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>While it is difficult for us to understand the division and the deep seated animosity that existed between the Jews and the Gentiles at this time, there was a cultural and religious barrier that was extremely difficult for some if not many of the descendants of Abraham to overcome\u2014 even the apostle Peter.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(See Acts 10:9ff; Galatians 2:11ff)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Some of God\u2019s people, however, were so overwhelmed by the reality that Jesus lived and died to pay for all the sins of all mankind, some of God\u2019s people were so overwhelmed by the reality that Jesus physically rose from the dead to guarantee eternal salvation to everyone who believes and trusts in Him that <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThey began to speak to Greeks also, telling them 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\">Only Easter can empower God\u2019s people to look past all cultural barriers, to disregard the color of a person\u2019s skin or the language that they speak and freely share their faith\u2014 their faith in a crucified (Pointing to the cross) and risen Savior!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Right down to this very day Easter is what empowers us and motivates us to share the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cgood news about the Lord Jesus\u201d<\/i> with others\u2014 no matter whether they live across the street or on the other side of the world.<\/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\">Why?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Why does Easter empower us and motivate us to share our faith with others?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Because we know, my friends.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We know that just as Jesus kept His promise to physically rise from His grave on the third day, so also Jesus will keep His promise to one day return to this earth at the end of the age in all of His power, majesty and glory.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We know that each and every single human being will be judged by the risen Christ.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We know that everyone who rejects what Jesus as done <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">for <\/b>them (Pointing to the cross) will hear Him say to them, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cDepart from me you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels\u201d<\/i> (Matthew 25:41).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We know that only those who believe and trust in what Jesus has done <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">for <\/b>them (Pointing to the cross) will experience first-hand the glorious promise He gives to us, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201c<b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">I<\/b> am the resurrection and the life.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He who believes in <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">me<\/b> will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">me<\/b> will never die\u201d<\/i> (John 11:25, 26).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We know that the <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">only <\/b>way for <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">anyone <\/b>to come to faith in Jesus is when God the Holy Spirit works the gift of saving faith in their heart through the Means of Grace\u2014 the Gospel in Word and Sacrament.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>And so the joy and the reality of Easter empowers us to share our faith with others\u2014 whether that is done personally with our friends, relatives, acquaintance and neighbors or whether that is done through our Synod as we train and send missionaries all across the world.<\/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 power of Easter, however, does not end there.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Not only does the reality of Easter empower us to share our faith with others, but the reality of Easter also empowers us to encourage others.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Luke continues in our text, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cNews of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.\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\">Why did the church choose to send Barnabas to Antioch?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Because the church recognized that Barnabas had the spiritual gift of encouragement!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(See Romans 12:8)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In fact, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cBarnabas\u201d<\/i> was not even this man\u2019s \u201cgiven name\u201d!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In Acts 4:36 we\u2019re told, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cJoseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement)\u2026.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Barnabas was the one who convinced the disciples in Jerusalem that the feared persecutor named Saul had indeed been brought to faith in Jesus as his Savior and was now preaching <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cfearlessly in the name of Jesus.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(See Acts 9:26ff)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>How did Barnabas encourage the disciples in Antioch?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Luke very simply tells us that he <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cencouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>So simple!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>So powerful!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>So necessary\u2014 especially when you are being persecuted for your 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\">Easter empowers <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">you <\/b>to be a Barnabas, my friends.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As we gather here in God\u2019s house on Sunday mornings it doesn\u2019t take long to see someone who could use some <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cencouragement.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We know each other well enough to know if someone is experiencing health difficulties or family difficulties.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We know each other well enough to realize when someone has not been here to God\u2019s house for a few weeks now.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Instead of asking someone, \u201cWhere\u2019s Sally been?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Is she okay?\u201d we can be a <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cBarnabas\u201d<\/i> to Sally.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We can encourage her by calling her on the phone or by sending her a card in the mail.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As soon as we walk out of this church we easily find ourselves in \u201cnot-so-friendly\u201d territory.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We need to be there for each other.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We need to support each other.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We need to encourage each other as we continue on our journey 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\">What do you do?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>What do you say?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>I encourage you to simply follow the example of Barnabas and <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cencourage them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Easter empowers you to do exactly that!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The fact that Jesus lives, the fact that Jesus is the Victor, the fact that Jesus has promised to be with us always, the fact that Jesus is now ruling over everything in heaven and on earth for the good of His Church, the fact that Jesus has promised to come back for us\u2014 whether at the time of our death or at the end of the world\u2014 all of this means that we have been given both the power and the means to encourage each other to <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cremain true to the Lord with all <\/i>(our) <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">heart\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\">While this text does indeed reveal to us how Easter empowers Jesus\u2019 disciples, I personally think that the most powerful portion of this text is found in the closing sentence, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThe disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><\/i>There are only two other places in the New Testament where Jesus\u2019 disciples are called <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cChristians.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In Acts 26:28 King Agrippa says to the apostle Paul, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cDo you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>And in 1 Peter 4:16 the Lord\u2019s apostle says to us, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cHowever, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.\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\">What we learn here, my friends, is that Easter empowers Jesus\u2019 disciples to be different from the unbelieving world around them.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>This means that Easter now empowers us to <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cshine like stars in the universe as <\/i>(we) <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">hold out the word of life\u201d<\/i> to others.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(See Philippians 2:15, 16) <span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;<\/span>Whether it was the Christians in Antioch so many years ago or us today Easter empowers us to talk differently and to think differently, to live differently and even to love differently from those who does not know that Jesus lives!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(See Matthew 22:37-40; 1 John 2:15-17)<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Since we know what the risen Christ has done <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">for <\/b>us, since we know what the risen Christ has promised <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">to <\/b>us\u2014 how can we <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\">not <\/b>be different from those who do not know Him!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(Pointing to the cross)<\/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\">As I mentioned last week, it\u2019s not difficult for us to realize that we depend on things in our life that need something to power them.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>My prayer today is that we will humbly yet joyfully acknowledge that Easter empowers us!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Easter empowers us to share our faith.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Easter empowers us to encourage others.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Easter empowers us to be different from the unbelieving world around 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=\"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<p> <\/font><\/p>\n<div class=\"postie-attachments\">Download sermon audio ::  <a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Easter-6-05-06-18.mp3\">Easter-6-05-06-18.MP3<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; The Sixth Sunday of Easter May 6, 2018 Acts 11:19-26 Easter Empowers Us! &nbsp; &nbsp;Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews.&nbsp; Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to [&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-1005","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\/1005","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=1005"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1005\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1005"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1005"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1005"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}