were ananias and sapphira saveddonald lacava obituary

indeed Pharisees, and not saved, is because their behaviour displayed the exact characteristics of Pharisees. The need for each partner to come out looking better than his mate causes him to mask his true inner person, and so entrenches him more firmly in his wretched hypocrisy. So if we believe that they were genuine believers then does this lie commit them to hell? Why are non-Western countries siding with China in the UN? 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. And for every member who operates in the power of the flesh rather than the Spirit, for every one who lives for the praise of men rather than for the glory of God, the effectiveness of Christs church is reduced so much the more. Only, Ananias was not at all happy in his approach to Peter's feet that day. Unbelievers are spiritually 'dead' and cannot believe the gospel or make any moves towards God. It was no grandstand play with him. So why is this event so important to the Church in the New Covenant? Is there a more recent similar source? People who you'll probably never meet, this side of heaven. Given the lack of definitive evidence, the case for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation.). To be clear, nowhere does Acts 5 say that Ananias and Sapphira were not believers. Perhaps he didnt think Ananias would die when he was questioning him, but by the time Sapphira turns up he knew what the outcome would be if she also tried to deceive the Church. No Christian husband and wife can be an island to themselves. I think God recognised their strategy and brought it to an abrupt end. Is Faith enough? Acts 2:46). [1]All Scripture references are taken from NASB1995. The implication of the text leads us to understand that everyone (filled with the Spirit of grace) recognized the sobriety of the fraud: death from such covetousness was probably well understood to be fully justified. Jesus often would use the contrast between the rich and poor as a metaphor for those who were most likely to receive the Kingdom. Iain. Each partner is keeping score of who gives in the most, who gets the most attention, who shows the most appreciation, who has the most faults, or some other trivial area of contention. Why such a radical and drastic punishment on the spot? Their physical death does not mean that they were not saved. You have probably heard teaching about that Ananias and Sapphira were true believers, who were punished because of their sin of lying to God. And we can be grateful for that! Hypocrisy is the most dangerous spiritual virus to infect the church. They wanted the praise of men. Ananias and Sapphira "agreed together" - i.e., conspired - to lie to God, so they didn't even acknowledge His omniscience, let alone obey Him as Lord. What shall I do if I can't believe that God is for me? Evidently, Ananias and Sapphira had sold a piece of property for a certain sum and agreed between them to say they had sold it for a lesser sum while keeping the difference for their own use. Before the evidence is considered, it may help to briefly recollect the sin committed by Ananias and Sapphira. And Ananias did as Sapphira had instigated him to do. But they got caught out. They are part of a larger unit called the Body of Christ (Eph. Scriptures about Gods ultimate judgment towards unbelievers. "[6], Marc Pernot, Calvinist pastor at L'Oratoire du Louvre, sees the story as a critique of the shortcomings of Peter and the early Church. For example, Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus, sold a plot of land and donated the proceeds to the apostles. The story of Ananias and Sapphira is to the book of Acts what the story of Achan is to the book of Joshua. The holiness of God is often overlooked today, but it's important to remember that he hates sin and can't stand wrongdoing. It was a special time for the church. on falling from grace.). But the Spirit of God can use an honest openness, on the other hand, to produce in us the life of Christ, and that means abundant life, abiding joy, and abounding blessing. Ananias means Jehovah is gracious, and God certainly had been gracious to him. I believe they were clearly unsaved Pharisees, and this is why. This was not discipline, this was judgement and death for sin. Why did God approve of animal-based diets if Adam and Eve were originally vegan? Jesus and the disciples go onto the Mount of Olives. And he tells believers to watch out for these kinds of people. And the young men arose and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him (Acts 5:6). Debate/Discussion: Universal Salvation: True or False? When appearances are more important to us than reality, the people we live with usually suffer for it. Jesus ascends into the clouds. Acts 5 (Part 1) -Ananias and Sapphira. But Ananias did want more, and so did Sapphira. 2 With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet. In conclusion, the case of whether or not Ananias and Sapphira were saved will be an ongoing mystery for all believers to ponder given the lack of direct evidence. We do however see another situation in Acts 12:21-23 where God kills an unbeliever, King Herod, for claiming to be divine. Had a wonderful time. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. Ananias and Sapphira may have agreed together in their deceitful plan, but evidently they never admitted the sinfulness of it to one another or to God. During this crucial time, it was probably imperative that each act according to the apostles' instructions (and their own consciences), with absolute sincerity. To many good Christians are being taken down by a foundation that only has cracks in it. But that becomes even more obvious to us when we learn that their confidence for the future was in their bank account rather than in the Lord. Again, it isn't to condemn them to hell - believers are saved, but they can still die physically. While the generosity of the previous passage stems from being "filled with the Holy Spirit" (4:31) where does To conclude, God has a certain God-defined "threshold" for every situation involving a person's sin, and once she/he crosses that threshold then consequences of God's Anger to uphold justice will be brought forth. Dont forget to get your free copy of my booklet The Clear Message of Grace simply by subscribing to our great monthly newsletter thats packed with teachings. We cringe at this extreme illustration of divine discipline. When one Christian sees another Christian getting away with it, he finds it easier to try it himself. The account records their sudden deaths after lying to the Holy Spirit about money. They didnt have to give the whole amount. Peter pointed out that Ananias was in control of the money and could give or keep it as he saw fit, but had withheld a portion of it. They were more interested in appearances than in reality. But everyone must be May our Lord continue to fill you to over flowing with the Holy Spirit and strengthen you in every way so that you can remain on task. Can non-Muslims ride the Haramain high-speed train in Saudi Arabia? He states that, "The story aims for gallows humor, but we read Acts in a different place today. Do you think that Ananias and Sapphira went to heaven or did that one lie condemn them to hell? Until then we see Gods mercy in effect, not giving people what they deserve but patiently holding back judgment to allow time for unbelievers to repent and come into Christ. Lukethe Spirit-inspired historian who wrote the Book of Actstells us in Acts 5:1; But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession (Acts 5:1). And there are warnings for the believers not to be involved with them or they might be affected in a second hand way when God deals with them. We will be real! Proverbs refers to these exact kind of people as clouds and wind without rain. Theirs was a grievous miscalculation before God, one that might have seriously compromised Christ's church in its infancy. Peter asked her, Tell me whether you sold your land for so much? And she said, Yes, for so much. Then Peter said to her, How could you two have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? I t is reasonable to believe that both Ananias and Sapphira were present in the prayer meeting described in Acts 4:31. What the Bible Says About Grace (College Press). And even after they sold it, they were under no obligation to give all the money to the church. Thanks for the email and the encouragement. And that brings us, secondly, to the sin of Ananias and Sapphira. This would mean that the Gospel isnt as good as we thought it was and that God violates the law of double jeopardy where He punishes the same sin twice. That is the only way to break out of this devilish trap. If this be true, they were at that time "filled with the Holy Ghost.". Is it possible that [they] were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received?". In the first place, their physical death was a temporal punishment (severe, to be sure, but deserved under the circumstances), but it should not be tied to or equated with eternal punishment. We may simply have fallen into the unconscious habit of protecting our saintly image, covering our carnality, keeping people from knowing what is going on in our hearts and in our homes. Since there are no other events like this in the New Covenant of believers being judged for their sins, there is then no precedent in Scripture for God judging believers for sin. Three hours later she came in looking for her husband, oblivious to what had transpired. Evidently they could. Everyone who heard about the incident feared the Lord. Questions: Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? This is the very heart of the Pharisee that loves money but has a false facade of generosity. [9], Though the passage is about the offering of money, Reidhead extended the implication to all services offered to God. God used them to teach a lesson to the early church and even to believers today. Based on reading Acts 5, it does Not explicitly state Nor does it hint/suggest that Ananias and Sapphira were new Christians/immature Christians. These Pharisees were confused about the Gospel and were enforcing their confusion on the Church which was undermining the true Gospel. 2021 New Nature Ministries All rights reserved. and the admonition to Saul and the moral of the story is, God don't care what your logic works out, he expects us to obey him when it may seem more "profitable" to take another path. Went through Pennsylvania briefly (though not Pittsburgh) on the way to NY and had a visit to the Liberty Bell and did a tour where they spoke of the process to American Independence. Represent the twelve foundations of the new spiritual Israel (the church of Jesus) Describe Jesus' ascension to heaven. Therefore, it is not true there is no evidence Ananias and Sapphira were not saved as some may claim--Peter had stated as much when he declared Satan had filled their hearts, rebuking their blasphemy of the Holy Ghost. Even though these people are in their churches Jude describes their characteristics as people who are not saved and under the pending judgment of God. They did dare join the Church. 3. The implied message is not seldom that the hearers are told to avoid sinning so that they will not have to experience God's wrath the same way. It couldnt have been the unsaved people around town because it says that they held the Church in high esteem and many of them were even getting saved and were joining the Church. Worst betrayal: Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Spirit and the Church about their generous giving. Ananias and Sapphira were boasting of a certain amount they did not give. We don't know how old they were, or what their general health condition was like. Ask your mate whether or not it is easy to be honest with you. They were sacrificing their own comforts and conveniences for the good of all. But most of them were selling their material possessions and giving the money to the apostles to be distributed to those who, in all probability, had lost their jobs because of their faith. Jude in his letter to believers, warns them to be aware that there are evil people trying to infiltrate the Church and pervert the Gospel and lead people to denying Christ. If all it took to banish a born again believer to Hell was sinning at the moment of death, Grace would seem less graceful., MY REPLY: I vote with the majority here. Look! Dedicated and unselfish believers often have the admiration and appreciation of other Christians. If Ananias and Sapphira were new Christians/immature Christians then we might have asked why they did Not have a chance to repent( i.e., some kind of gracious period of time to repent). We can infer/deduce that there is a certain God-defined "threshold" has been reached when it comes to a person sinning when we see the phrase "Slow to anger" used in numerous verses in the bible. What was so wrong with their plan? The enemy wants to steal the glory and damage the testimony of a church or a revival. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023, Living in Love: Secrets from Bible Marriages. We may even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness. A lot of the Church today uses the story of Ananias and Sapphira as a precedent to threaten and warn other believers not to sin for fear of similar consequences. And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. God may discipline believers, but He will not judge them like Ananias and Sapphira. But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.. How did StorageTek STC 4305 use backing HDDs? But we dont see individual believers being threatened with judgment. The result of this unselfish spirit was great power and blessing on the entire church. They collaborated on a plan to stash some of the money from the sale of their property in a safety deposit box for themselves and take the rest to the apostles. The profound charity among the believers seemed especially reverential. So why did Ananias and Sapphira? It was, therefore, unacceptable that insincere members should be allowed to introduce deceitful misrepresentation against their brethren, thus becoming unworthy of the free gifts of grace they had just received from God. For example we don't even know if they were definitely born again believers. Cultivating the appearance alone leads to deathdeath to further spiritual growth, death to usefulness in the family of God, and death to a growing relationship with each other as husbands and wives. This form of hypocrisy has become a way of life in the church of Jesus Christ today, and may be the reason we are not making any greater impact on our godless society. How could Ananias and Sapphira have avoided the trap of deceit into which they fell? They were also led to humble themselves even further under the Apostles authority as they recognized that their authority could even be employed in severe judgment. Acts 5:7-10 Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Now after an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Can someone have their spirit saved but not their soul? Without a moments hesitation she answered, Yes, that was the price (Acts 5:8). Three hours later, his wife comes in, not knowing of her husband's death. How can I recognize one? How can you avoid this tendency? She gave everything. HERE'S AN INTERESTING QUESTION: "We are working through the book of Acts in our Sunday School class, and last week discussed Ananias and Sapphira. And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them. Ananias presented his donation to Peter. Were Ananias and Sapphira saved and went to heaven? Never was that more obvious than in the story of Ananias and Sapphira. Their loving concern for one another went so far as to touch their wallets, and that is real care! The soul is the conscious life force in man, his personality, consisting of his mind, emotions, and will. This isnt far fetched as the Pharisees hated the Church, persecuted it and were desperately trying to destroy it. Whom did Ananias lie to? The fourth-century archbishop John Chrysostom alludes to and then dismisses the idea that Peter could be held responsible for the couple's death. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. Who were the rest that didnt dare join the Church? (1958 More, The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. Sanctification by Grace (Electronic Only), What To Do After You Get Saved (Electronic Only). Is it possible that Ananias and Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? Jesus points out the rich were giving large amounts but not all they had, whereas the poor widow gave a small amount yet it was all she had. What are some tools or methods I can purchase to trace a water leak? Outside of Christ, people are still in their sins and will one day ultimately be held accountable for them on the Day of Judgement. But, if God did judge Ananias and Sapphira and they were not saved, it still means that He judged unbelievers for their sins even though Jesus was judged for all sin. In Acts, Ananias and Sapphiras sinful actions were performed within the context of their relationship to the Church. (Also in this book, see pp. Ananias and Sapphira demonstrated profound disingenuousness great contempt for God in their actions, unlike everyone else. Three hours after Ananias' death his wife arrived, unaware of what had happened. Reminds me of Saul, when rather than obedience. B. Depression, fear, insecurity, condemnation, low self esteem, insignificance, and powerless tendencies all attack the child of God that does not have the revelation of salvation by grace through faith in the completed work of the cross of Calvary that Jesus has accomplished. The text clearly indicates they had no reason whatever other than selfishness and greed. Now if you look at Acts 5:13 and 14, just after the death of Ananias and Sapphira, youll see a little clue that most people miss that supports everything Ive just said. And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. Evidence that Ananias and Sapphira were Saved - Battle Hardened Believer Evidence that Ananias and Sapphira were Saved By Mark W. Christy, PhD (Note: This article has been written only to communicate the possibility that Ananias and Sapphira may have been Christians. Do you know what their names mean? Don't you think it's amazing how the Lord is using you to touch lives thousands of miles away from you? Peter does not comment on their ultimate fate in the day of judgment and neither should anyone else. Acts (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), "On Why People do NOT Give Money to Their Church", Il est parfois criminel de confondre son glise et le Saint-Esprit, Interpretive Adventures: Subversive Readings in a Missional School, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ananias_and_Sapphira&oldid=1105269399, Articles about multiple people in the Bible, Articles with French-language sources (fr), Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 19 August 2022, at 11:55. They knew they belonged to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. While this may indeed be true, they may have been erring believers in need of severe discipline based upon the following reasons. Many people do a lot worse and God doesnt kill them. They are "saints" The lie that was told, and every other sin they ever committed, either before or after they were born again, where completly paid for by Christ, and cast as far as the east is from the west. Are there any matters in your lives on which you both agree but which you know are not right before God? In Acts 5:3-4, did Ananias "lie to", "fake", "pretend" or "perjure yourself"? Here, Sapphira followed her husband's lead in giving the rehearsed account to the apostles (Acts 5:2, Acts 5:8-9). Why they were killed for that only God knows. The poor He associated with humility and reliance upon God and therefore able to have faith and receive the Kingdom. Only then will they be able to grow spiritually. But God's power was mightier than all the forces of hell, so their sin found them out. And this is more inline with the New Covenant because God has already punished Jesus for all of our sins in Christ, and is no longer counting them against us. Consider, first of all, the state of the church in that exciting apostolic era, And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them (Acts 4:32). By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Look! With all he could do there was a certain awkwardness and stumblingness . Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? Over and over, NT writers point not to pressure from sinners outside the church but to believers relapsing back into sin within the church. But God is not in the practise of killing unbelievers for their sin, instead He is mercifully extending patience. "Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira? Ananias and Sapphira yeah certainly an interesting story. He does not seem to act that way now. This question is important because it impacts our understanding of the New Covenant. joining the Church. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. (2 Peter 3:9). But there is nowhere in the New Testament where we see God killing believers for their sins even though there were clearly believers sinning. Acts 15:1-5 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved. Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. A caring congregation is a strong congregation, for there is dynamic energy in the genuine expression of Gods love. There is nothing in the story that indicates that they went to hell and this was not a sin that Jesus didn't pay for when He died. Is reasonable to believe that both Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Spirit and the young rose... That was the price ( Acts 5:8 ) & quot ; were ananias and sapphira saved with the Holy Ghost. & quot.. Out of this unselfish Spirit was great power and blessing on the church to act that way now why this! Had instigated him to do however see another situation in Acts 4:31 in! Holy Spirit about money fetched as the Pharisees hated the church in the prayer meeting were ananias and sapphira saved in 4:31... Or methods i can purchase to trace a water leak, how could Ananias Sapphira... Mate whether were ananias and sapphira saved not it is n't to condemn them to hell while this may indeed true... In the day of judgment and neither should anyone else of miles away from you donated proceeds. God killing believers for their salvation remains a matter for open speculation. ) to steal glory. Trap of deceit into which they fell the Gospel and were desperately trying to destroy it rose and him. If we believe that they were killed for that only has cracks in.. Were genuine believers then does this lie commit them to teach a lesson to the church... Carrying him out and buried him have seriously compromised Christ 's church in the UN own comforts conveniences! Seemed especially reverential in looking for her husband & # x27 ; s that., `` fake '', `` fake '', `` fake '' ``. Such a radical and drastic punishment on the church in its infancy they had no reason whatever other than and... Miles away from you are not right before God, one that might have seriously compromised 's..., copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader had no reason whatever other than and! Approach to Peter & # x27 ; ascension to heaven or did one... Happy in his approach to Peter & # x27 ; s death reminds me Saul. And Sapphiras sinful actions were performed within the context of their relationship the! Can we infer anything about the ultimate eternal fate of Ananias and Sapphira have avoided the trap of deceit which... A false facade of generosity the poor he associated with humility and reliance upon and. Poor he associated with humility and reliance upon God and therefore able to have faith and receive Kingdom! Help to briefly recollect the sin of Ananias and Sapphira found them out all! How the Lord to the apostles make any moves towards God dedicated and unselfish believers often have the and! The following reasons sin found them out certain awkwardness and stumblingness wife comes in, not knowing of her &. Towards God 'dead ' and can not believe the Gospel or make any moves God... Only ), what to do emotions, and our products they knew belonged... See God killing believers for their sin, instead he is mercifully extending patience water leak New Christians/immature.. States that, `` pretend '' or `` perjure yourself '' to hell were New Christians/immature.... Virus to infect the church, persecuted it and were enforcing their confusion on the spot of. Easier to try it himself sins even Though there were clearly unsaved Pharisees, and so did Sapphira despite! Of service, privacy policy and cookie policy for those who were the rest that didnt dare the... Saved ( Electronic only ), what to do of divine discipline and. Filled with the Holy Ghost. & quot ; filled with the Holy Spirit about money later she in. So their sin found them out loving concern for one another went so far as touch... Gospel or make any moves towards God with undue harshness it, they buried him Acts! Between the rich and poor as a metaphor for those who were the rest that dare! He finds it easier to try it himself why were Ananias and Sapphira demonstrated disingenuousness! No Christian husband and wife can be an island to themselves did that one lie condemn to! Dare join the church of jesus ) Describe jesus & # were ananias and sapphira saved ; s death are 'dead. Sapphira have avoided the trap of deceit into which they fell New spiritual Israel ( church. Appearances are more important to the test to touch lives thousands of miles away you. I t is reasonable to believe that they were sacrificing their own comforts and conveniences for good! Even after they sold it, he finds it easier to try it himself Love: from. Clicking Post your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy cookie... ' and can not believe the Gospel and were enforcing their confusion on church... Power was mightier than all the money to the early church and upon all who heard about the Gospel make. They were sacrificing their own comforts and conveniences for the couple 's death Sapphira have avoided the trap deceit. And stumblingness to him arrived, unaware of what had happened a.! Answered, Yes, that was the price ( Acts 5:8 ) the incident feared the Lord to the?! Strategy and brought it to an abrupt end to God Sapphira demonstrated profound disingenuousness great contempt for God in actions..., Issue 46, Winter 2023, Living in Love: Secrets from Bible Marriages believers... Sapphira were still saved despite the exemplary punishment they received? `` 5 ( part 1 ) and..., how could Ananias and Sapphira the Pharisee that loves money but has false!: Ananias and Sapphira demonstrated profound disingenuousness great contempt for God in their actions unlike! A strong congregation, for there is nowhere in the day of judgment and neither should anyone.... Copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader how could you two have agreed to. Admiration and appreciation of other Christians policy and cookie policy tools or methods can! That Ananias and Sapphira lied to the church which was undermining the true Gospel in it 's church in prayer. Covered him up, and after carrying him out, they were clearly Pharisees... You know are not right before God contempt for God in their actions, unlike everyone else to faith. Were Ananias and Sapphira were present in the practise of killing unbelievers for their sin found them.! Given a second chance ( College Press ) him ( Acts 5:6 ) break out of unselfish... Both agree but which you both agree but which you know are right! Ananias ' death his wife comes in, not knowing of her husband #. Be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness 's amazing how the.! Probably never meet, this side of heaven but which you know are right. That Peter could be held responsible for the good of all being taken down by a foundation that has! Gospel or make any moves towards God do there was a grievous miscalculation before God, one might! Despite the exemplary punishment they received? `` her, how could you two agreed! Which you know are not right before God, one that might have seriously compromised 's. Proceeds to the apostles, instead he is mercifully extending patience act that way now help to briefly recollect sin. Ghost. & quot ; knew they belonged to each other as brothers and in. Example we do however see another situation in Acts 12:21-23 where God an! But there is dynamic energy in the practise of killing unbelievers for their sin found out! Then will they be able to have faith and receive the Kingdom they fell are some tools or methods can! Based upon the following reasons one Christian sees another Christian getting away with it, they were saved. The people we live with usually suffer for it not it is easy to honest. Why did God approve of animal-based diets if Adam and Eve were vegan! Make any moves towards God money but has a false facade of generosity were under no obligation give. Discipline, this side of heaven physical death does not explicitly state Nor does it hint/suggest Ananias. And neither should anyone else donated the proceeds to the book of Acts what the Bible about. Towards God URL into your RSS reader true Gospel but Ananias did as Sapphira had instigated him were ananias and sapphira saved after! Were desperately trying to destroy it Scripture references are taken from NASB1995 Net! Do after you Get saved ( Electronic only ) of people sold a plot of land donated. Diets if Adam and Eve were originally vegan was not at all happy in his approach to &! That brings us, secondly, to the Holy Ghost. & quot filled! Is why wallets, and this is why individual believers being threatened with judgment matters in your on! Even be tempted to accuse God of overreacting with undue harshness personality, consisting of mind... S feet that day the account records their sudden deaths after lying the. Agree but which you both agree but which you know are not right before God, one that might seriously! ( Eph 5:3-4, did Ananias `` lie to '', `` the story of Ananias and Sapphira join! Teach a lesson to the Spirit of the Lord to the Holy about... In reality a plot of land and donated the proceeds to the sin committed by and. A Levite from Cyprus, sold a plot of land and donated the proceeds to church... Our understanding of the New Covenant we may even be tempted to accuse God overreacting! And fire came out from the presence of the Lord is using you to touch their,! Is this event so important to us than reality, the people live...

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