Honesty or dishonesty with God? The Church is growing. Satan has tried to stop it through external means. Now Satan will try and corrupt the early Church from within. Watch this 24 minute video to understand what God wants to do in your life. Acts 4:32-37; Acts 5:1-16
To view all scriptures used in this sermon click the word "Read More" below.
To view all scriptures used in this sermon click the word "Read More" below.
Acts 4:32-37; Acts 5:1-16
32 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. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 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 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Acts 5 1 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 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.
2 Chronicles 7:14 14 if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
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Quote from my friend Kevin-
" I want to be Pentecostal in practice not just in theology. My experience does not always match my beliefs. As I read through the book of Acts, what I read in the early church is not necessarily what I am experiencing today. I long for it to.
I want to see the power of God at work. I desire for the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk. I desire to see the lost be found, the hurting healed, the disenfranchised find community.
I am full of questions. Why do I not see it? Is it sin in my life? Am I not worthy? Do I need to fast and pray more? Is it something I earn? I get frustrated with those who make it sound so simple or give formulas. They have not worked for me.
I am desperate. I want more of Jesus. I desire to see His church to be established among all peoples everywhere. I want to see the power of God displayed not for my glory, not my kingdom, nor my advancement but for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.
I am hungry. I desire more of his word. I want more than head knowledge. I desire for the word of God to change my heart.
I am thirsty. I want more of the Spirit in my life. I desire for springs of living water to well up in me.
I want the gifts of the Spirit to be evident in my life and ministry. I desire to see the body of Christ to be built up.
I want to be Pentecostal in practice and theology.
I do not have questions to ask but a prayer to pray.
Father, fill me with your Spirit! "