How we give is more important than what we give. God demands purity in worship and will not tolerate anything less.

Chapter 4 presents a crossroad for the early church. Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin and questioned about the miracle performed the day before. These two men had a choice - they could follow what man said, or follow Jesus. Their decision would impact world history.

The backdrop for Peter's message is the healing of the lame man outside the Temple. That man was not allowed to enter the Temple because he was considered unclean because of his ailment. Yet, here he was walking because Peter and John gave the only thing they had - Jesus. Peter reminded everyone that the only way to worship God is through salvation in Jesus Christ.

People are precious to Jesus, no matter who they are. This lame beggar was not allowed to worship in the Temple because of his physical condition. It took an encounter with Jesus to heal the man so he could worship God. The same is true for each of us today. We need the healing power of Jesus just to come before the throne of God.

Christianity is a unique religion. It tells us something no other religion tells us – God came to man. In every other religion, you must do something to go to God for salvation. Not so with Christianity. Christianity says that God loves you so much that He came to you to offer you salvation. That salvation was bought for each of us by Jesus dying on the cross, being placed in a borrowed tomb, and being resurrected three days later. Our faith rises and falls on the resurrection, but what does the resurrection mean for us?

Luke gives a majestic picture of Jesus entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. He shows the symbolism of a triumphant hero returning from battle, and the crowd cheering Him on. We see the religious officials worried about the commotion. rebuke of Jesus because of the crowd, rebuke of the officials by Jesus. There are fulfilled prophecies and prophetic statements about the future of Jerusalem. And yet, there is a small, but often overlooked detail - Jesus weeping for the city. Did you know that in the Gospels there are only three times Jesus cries? John 11:35 where He weeps at the grave of Lazarus. When He rode into Jerusalem. And in the Garden the night of His betrayal. Why did Jesus weep? Come with us today as we see that Jesus weeps for us.

When God shows up, people are changed. The church's responsibility is to teach the converts the faith's foundations and befriend them so they are supported.

What happens when God's people are obedient, and God shows up? People are moved, hearts are changed, and the Kingdom is impacted. When we are confronted with the reality of who Jesus is, then we need to decide what we are going to do.