Post by Aaron on Jul 21, 2016 13:06:18 GMT
A rather strict story listed here but a great one. Ananias and Sapphire sold what they had and wanted to join the church as we say in the previous chapters this is what the church was do was selling everything they have an coming together as a whole. But they thought that they could cheat God and get away with it by keeping some of their money and not giving it away to the church. I think its awesome that Peter who had the Holy Spirit alive in him knew the real story and confronted them. We can not pretend to bring and give up everything that we have for Jesus and still hang on to some parts. This is really important for us to understand. Following Jesus doesn't mean half devotion, but a full commitment. Just like here sometimes people can put on a good front that they are committed to God but God knows the real truth- and others eventually will being to see it by your words and actions. We need to be fully devoted to God and not hold back and also make sure that we just aren't putting on a good front.
God showed them "harsh" judgment here by as soon as he lie he died. Then after he did Sapphire came back and was asked again about it and he had already knew what happened. She lied again and well same thing happened to her. We see that when we conspire together the evil is multiplied and a lot of the times the punishment is as well. Dont go and conspire with friends and plan evil God knows the truth we can't "beat" him. Great story and has a lot that we can related to I think.
I think one thing from reading about the healing is that it would be really neat to see that today! But that is just a physical healing and that was means for a spiritual healing. Today we might not be able to heal someone physical and make them walk or see or better, but each and every day we have the opportunity to help a person heal spiritual!!! Thats what lasts and is meaningful!
Apostles faced opposition and were arrested because others teachers (false) were jealous about what they were doing. They tried to stop them- but the power of God is stronger than anything and opened up their cells and let them out and told them to go teach again. This is amazing and i know that even for us when we do the will of God that he has a plan for us and does protect us! We are always going to face opposition from the world thats how the devil wants to slow us down, and as we grow in our relationship usually means more struggles along the way! But if we are truly centered around God then there isn't anything that can stop us or take us away! Love Peter always the first one to open his mouth- and thats great he just that Guy that will speak his mind( but is filled by the Holy Spirit) but says i would rather obey God than the world and we need more people to take that stand in our culture! 39 is great and that "But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God." So much there and can take it lots of ways but it just a great reminder!
God showed them "harsh" judgment here by as soon as he lie he died. Then after he did Sapphire came back and was asked again about it and he had already knew what happened. She lied again and well same thing happened to her. We see that when we conspire together the evil is multiplied and a lot of the times the punishment is as well. Dont go and conspire with friends and plan evil God knows the truth we can't "beat" him. Great story and has a lot that we can related to I think.
I think one thing from reading about the healing is that it would be really neat to see that today! But that is just a physical healing and that was means for a spiritual healing. Today we might not be able to heal someone physical and make them walk or see or better, but each and every day we have the opportunity to help a person heal spiritual!!! Thats what lasts and is meaningful!
Apostles faced opposition and were arrested because others teachers (false) were jealous about what they were doing. They tried to stop them- but the power of God is stronger than anything and opened up their cells and let them out and told them to go teach again. This is amazing and i know that even for us when we do the will of God that he has a plan for us and does protect us! We are always going to face opposition from the world thats how the devil wants to slow us down, and as we grow in our relationship usually means more struggles along the way! But if we are truly centered around God then there isn't anything that can stop us or take us away! Love Peter always the first one to open his mouth- and thats great he just that Guy that will speak his mind( but is filled by the Holy Spirit) but says i would rather obey God than the world and we need more people to take that stand in our culture! 39 is great and that "But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God." So much there and can take it lots of ways but it just a great reminder!