In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally invites us to learn from the stories of Ananias and Sapphira.
 

Acts 4:32-37 “All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. 34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need...." 

Spontaneous giving and sharing has broken out among the church. They willingly shared everything and made sure there was no lack. Enter Ananias and Sapphira…

Acts 5:1-11 “But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. 2 He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. 3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. 4 The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!...”

Takeaways:

1. Scripture doesn’t say who killed Ananias and Sapphira. 

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Acts 10:38 “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

Matthew 5:44-45 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.

Don’t create theology from verses that are exceptions. 

2. Ananias and Sapphira were most likely imposters sent to infiltrate the Christian community.

Acts 5:12-14 “Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.”

Verse 4 said Satan had filled their hearts and V9 says they conspired together. 

3. Forced sharing is not biblical.

Marxism, Communism, and socialism are making an ideological comeback in this country and its proponents often try to use scripture to justify it.

Acts 5:4 “The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away.”

Scripture upholds land ownership, property rights and the right to do with one's possessions and money as they wish. 

2 Corinthians 9:7 “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

“The transformation of charity into legal entitlement has produced donors without love and recipients without gratitude.” - SCOTUS Justice Scalia

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