Instead of asking, why did they experience the consequences of God so fast, maybe we should ask, why do we experience the consequences of God so slow?
One of the greatest threats, if not the greatest threat to the Church in this generation is not open rebellion, It is quiet deception.
As you study outsiders looking in on the movement of Jesus, you notice that one of the primary things that always rises to the surface for why new people don't want to join the community of faith is this word called hypocrisy.
This incident isn't about financial discrepancy, it's about maintaining the integrity of the spirit-filled community at its very foundation.
Do you know what acts chapter five is primarily about? It's about authenticity. It's about God's passion for a real, honest, generous Church.
Ananias and Sapphira
5 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.
7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you[a] sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.
Acts 4:32-5:11
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