From the sermon preached on June 22, 2025
In The Book of Acts, a Unified Church is defined not by uniformity or lack of conflict, but by a people united in heart and soul through the power of the Holy Spirit. According to Pastor Rich Romero, this unity is characterized by bold prayer that asks for power rather than ease, radical generosity that prioritizes people over possessions, and a shared commitment to living on mission regardless of external circumstances.
What does the Bible say about a Unified Church?
Pastor Rich Romero explains that a unified church is deeper than just a social club or a group of friends. It is a “spiritual family” held together by the Holy Spirit. In Acts 4:32, we see that the believers were of “one heart and soul”. This unity wasn’t natural—after all, Peter and the other disciples likely had different personalities and backgrounds. But the Holy Spirit unified them in purpose over preference.
For busy families and people, this is a vital reminder: You were not designed to carry your burdens alone. Whether you are navigating parenthood, marriage, or career stress, you need a spiritual family to stand with you.
Why should we pray for boldness instead of easy lives?
When we face challenges—like a difficult diagnosis, financial trouble, or global instability—our natural instinct is to pray for safety. We ask God to remove the problem. However, the early church prayed differently.
In Acts 4, after Peter and John were arrested and threatened, the church held a prayer meeting. Remarkably, they did not pray for their enemies to be removed or for their lives to be comfortable. Instead, they prayed for boldness.
Pastor Rich quotes David Brooks to illustrate this profound shift in perspective:
“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men and women. Do not pray for tasks to equal your power. Pray for powers to equal your tasks”.
The “Prayer for Boldness” is about asking God to broaden your shoulders rather than lighten your load. For parents, this means asking God for the capacity to handle the chaos of raising children with grace, rather than just wishing the chaos away.
Who was Barnabas and what is "Equal Sacrifice"?
A key figure introduced in this text is Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was a Levite who owned a field, sold it, and brought the money to the apostles to care for the needy.
This story teaches us about the concept of “equal sacrifice” versus “equal amounts.” In the Kingdom of God, generosity isn’t about the dollar figure; it is about obedience.
| Biblical Figure | The Gift | The Principle |
| Barnabas | Sold a field (Real Estate) | Sacrificing security for the Kingdom. |
| The Widow | A jar/Two coins | Giving all she had. |
| You | Time, Talent, Treasure | Surrendering what the Holy Spirit asks of you. |
Pastor Rich notes that Levites were not typically supposed to own land, yet Barnabas did. By selling it, he was letting go of a status symbol and financial security to ensure there was no needy person in his spiritual family. This challenge asks us: What are we holding onto that God is asking us to surrender for the sake of others?
What does it mean to be "Living on Mission"?
It is tempting to look at the state of the world—wars, rumors of wars, and political tension—and want to “stock up on canned goods and add barbed wire around our backyards”. However, the Bible makes it clear that we are not called to retreat. We are called to be living on mission.
The “Great Commission” in Matthew 28 and the mandate in Acts 1:8 are not suggestions. They are commands to be witnesses “from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth”.
Practical Ways to Live on Mission Today:
• The Workplace: View your job not just as a paycheck, but as a mission field.
• The Community: Be a witness to your Starbucks barista or your neighbor.
• The Home: Model dependency on the Holy Spirit for your children.
Pastor Rich emphasizes that prayer without mission is incomplete. We cannot just pray in a room and ignore the world; we must let our prayer fuel our witness.
How do we stay filled with the Holy Spirit?
One of the most relatable illustrations Pastor Rich uses is the concept of “Super Mario” levels. We often think the Christian life is jumping from one mountaintop victory directly to another. In reality, life is a series of mountains and valleys.
In Acts 2, the disciples were baptized in the Holy Spirit. Yet, in Acts 4, they are described as being “filled” again. This teaches us a crucial theological truth: There is one baptism, but many fillings.
You will run out of patience. You will run out of energy. You will face new “Goliaths” that require new strength. The solution is to come back to the source—the Holy Spirit—and ask to be filled again. As the sermon states, “You grow when heat is applied”. Don’t be afraid of the stretching; just make sure you are refilling your spirit through prayer and community.
Conclusion: Unity Commands a Blessing
The devil does not fear a large church; he fears a unified church. When we are united in heart, sacrifice, and grace, Acts 4:33 says that “great grace was upon them all.”
If you are looking for that grace—a divine enablement to do what you are called to do—it is found in unity. It is found in spiritual family.
Action Step: This week, take a moment to pray the prayer of Acts 4 over you, your family and even your church family. Don’t just ask God to make your week easy. Ask Him to give you the power and boldness to handle whatever comes your way, knowing that He is with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between unity and uniformity in the church?
Pastor Rich Romero explains that unity is not uniformity. Uniformity means everyone looks and acts the same. Biblical unity is supernatural; it is diverse people held together by the Holy Spirit, united in purpose and mission despite their differences.
Who was Barnabas in the Bible?
Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement,” was a Levite introduced in Acts 4. He is known for his radical generosity, specifically selling a field he owned and giving 100% of the proceeds to the apostles to help the needy in the early church.
Why do Christians need to be "filled" with the Holy Spirit more than once?
While the Baptism in the Holy Spirit may be a foundational experience (like in Acts 2), believers face new challenges and “valleys” that require fresh strength. The disciples were filled again in Acts 4 to face persecution, illustrating that we need continual refilling to live a bold Christian life.
