Acts 4:36-5:15 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the
apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of
Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But a certain man named Ananias, with
Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being
aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan
filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own?
And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived
this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell
down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these
things. And the young men arose and wrapped him
up, carried him out, and buried him. Now it was about three hours later when
his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether
you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” Then Peter said to her, “How is it that
you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of
those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you
out.” Then immediately she fell down at his
feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and
carrying her out, buried herby her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and
upon all who heard these things.
Continuing Pastor Rick’s message preached last Sunday, in our
church’s Sermon series though the book of Acts, though he is too young to
remember the classic Clint Eastwood Spaghetti Western, used the title as his
sermon points. It starts with (1) “the good”: Barnabas stepping up and going
first, leading the way for others to follow. Later Barnabas accompanies Paul on
His Missionary journeys. (2) “The bad”: Ananias and Sapphira desired to look
good in society on the outside, but were lying to the church and God. They
seemed so close and pretty impressive, but were fakes; Christ was not in their
heart. They cared about stuff, more than God and thereby turning their back on
God. What are we pouring our heart into – things or God? Taking your eyes off
God is putting your eyes on something else. Lying to the Holy Spirit is disobedience
to God’s commands and a holy, righteous and just God must judge sin. Don’t miss
the moment. Matthew
22:37-38
“Jesus said to him, “‘You
shall love the Lord your
God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.”
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
(3) “The Ugly”: Sin leads to
death and all have sinned. By show of hands, who has lied to the Holy Spirit? Where
is our heart? What are our idols? We really earn our wages. Do we really
understand that we need a Savior? 2 Corinthians 5:21 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that
we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” When we repent and accept the gift of salvation from God, the
sins of the world are put on Jesus and Christ’s righteousness is put on us. Let’s
go for those two things and live as a gospel community; the gathered body of
Believers following after Jesus and telling others that they may find
forgiveness at the foot of the cross and giving God the glory with our life. Praise
and honor and glory to the One who gave His only begotten Son, and to the Son
that gave Himself for us. Experience God’s power, love, mercy and mighty grace.
Respond to His presence. God is good. Lord, your will be done.
I’m in!
In Christ, Brian
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