ok so I have quite a bit for Acts 5 as well.
Acts 5:1-11 (NIV84)
"1 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet. 3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” 9 Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” 10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events. "
Ok so I know it's a lot of verses but bare with me. The reason God struck down Ananias and Sapphira was because they lacked integrity. Revival requires integrity. I've said it before but it's worth saying again. Revival isn't about a growth in numbers or a growth in fame or a growth in finances. Although those things usually are associated with revival, the only thing that matters is how much of it is focused on Jesus.
Integrity is important. We need to be people who are willing to prove our integrity. I think the biggest part of integrity is honesty. I heard a saying once that stuck with me. "It's better to confess than it is to admit." It would have been better for Ananias and Sapphira to confess that they had held on to some of the money.
Acts 5:12-16 (NIV84)
"12 The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed."
Verse 13 really sticks out to me there. Everyone liked what they said, but no one wanted to join them. The people wanted to wanted to follow but they didn't want to be persecuted like Peter and John.
This is a good lesson on leadership. People get excited when a good leader is in charge, people like putting their trust in a good leader. But the funny thing about being a leader is that you get the most crap and most recognition. People either loved or hated the apostles.
We should remember to encourage our leader for everything that they do.
Well my tablet is doing that thing again lol. Here are the sections I will write on tomorrow. I've really enjoyed Acts so far!
Thanks for reading,
-JDWayt
Tomorrow:
Acts 5:38-39 (NIV84)
Acts 5:41-42 (NIV84)
No comments:
Post a Comment