Sermon Tone Analysis

The American industrialist, Henry Ford, was once asked to donate money for the construction of a new medical facility.

The billionaire pledged to donate $5,000.

The next day in the newspaper, the headline read, "Henry Ford contributes $50,000 to the local hospital."

The irate Ford was on the phone immediately to complain to the fund-raiser that he had been misunderstood.

The fund-raiser replied that they would print a retraction in the paper the following day to read, "Henry Ford reduces his donation by $45,000."

Realizing the poor publicity that would result, the industrialist agreed to the $50,000 contribution in return for the following: That above the entrance to the hospital was to be carved the biblical inscription: "I came among you and you took me in."

Sermon Title...

Ananias and Sapphira...

This story is

In NT

most solemn

most serious

What lessons for us?

Context of Story

Acts 4:32–35 (ESV)

Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

And with great power the

--

apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.

There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.

Many People Joining

Many needing help.

Why?

Many of these early believers were immediately cut off from family and friends by the zealous bigotry of the Jews, and it was necessary to provide them with food and shelter.

- AA p. 70

Why great need?

lost jobs

lost families

lost financial foundation

People giving up

everything to be

Christian.

Leaders,

saw their sacrifice,

care for them.

Others sell their stuff

to provide for those

who gave up all.

They have a

joint treasury.

Apostles manage

the moneybag

to provide for all.

(next chapter

Deacon job).

Commune

You see why?

But How?

No more selfishness?

No more pride?

No more arrogance?

No more fighting

No more arguing?

for top place?

How?

This liberality on the part of the believers was the result of the outpouring of the Spirit.

- AA p. 70

Outpouring of Spirit

great evidence of

Christian living.

This way of living.

gave more power

to their preaching.

Those who listened.

knew it wasn’t just

a show...

Satan wanted to

destroy it.

damage public testimony

hurt church!

You get context...

What is happening

Showing God’s character

clearly

distinctly.

Satan wants to

mar that.

Ananias and Sapphira

context?

Huge sacrifices

people giving up all

people losing much

other caring for them

member selling things

giving their retirement

Why did that make

this decision.

What is their story?

With others, these professed disciples had shared the privilege of hearing the gospel preached by the apostles.

They had been present with other believers when, after the apostles had prayed, “the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.”

Acts 4:31.

Ananias and Sapphira

were not newly come

to the faith.

They were leaders.

they were among

the 120.

people looked up to them...

Deep conviction had rested upon all present, and under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, Ananias and Sapphira had made a pledge to give to the Lord the proceeds from the sale of certain property.

It was at Pentecost

HS convicted them.