But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest.
Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!”
As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Acts 5:1-5
This is more than just a problem from days long ago. It is not an ancient isolated incident. It is a problem for today.
Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit as did his wife with the same results – death!
People lie, whether intentional or not, in or about church.
When it co mes to giving in church, do you tithe or do you just give an offering?
When it comes to Bible study and meditation, do you read your Bible every day or just once in awhile?
There are a few things to notice from the scripture.
First, whatever you have is in your control. You can do with it as you wish but be truthful about it.
If you don’t read the Bible everyday then be honest and say no.
Perhaps you can ask for prayer for strength to read it everyday.
The scripture reveals that Satan tempts us and fills our heart to lie to each other and to God.
I think if this incident took place in the church today it would change the church.
If someone was condemned and dropped dead in the front of the church, more people would probably watch their step.
Everyone who heard about it was terrified. Acts 5:5
Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened. Acts 5:11
What the church lacks today is a reverent fear of the Lord.
It’s time to get back to basics!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Prov 1:7