reality is truth.

Text

Acts 5:1–11 NKJV

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 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. 3 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? 4 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.” 5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. 7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 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.” 10 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 her by her husband. 11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

this is really a continuation of (NKJV) 36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

lets set the stage:

this text is not about money tithing or giving. it is about authentic relationship.

the man the apostles called Barnabas sold land and laid it at the apostles feet for the furtherance of the mission of the church.

Personal Confession:

i Love the Lord with all my heart. except for my family of origin the longest love fair of my life is with the Lord.

while God calls some men to do bi-vocational ministry. that means that their are people who are called of God to hold a job. in The Apostle Paul makes a case for vocational Ministry.

in recent years 70 or so. pentecostal or charismatic evangelist have taken advantage of the undiscerning well intentioned heart of some who give because they feel like the person behind the pulpit needs it.

there are others who give based on the promise of increase that comes from the giving. I have said before if that actually unqualified worked then atheist would tithe.

the blessing of Giving is obedience to God.

Exegesis

Games people Play

(NKJV)

Lying to the Holy Spirit

5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 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.

taking off of Acts 4: