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OUR INTEGRITY
The Lord expects the highest level of integrity from His followers.
(Acts 4:36 – 5:11) Joseph, a Levite and a Cypriot by birth, whom the apostles named Barnabas, which is translated Son of Encouragement, sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But a man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property. However, he kept back part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds from the field? Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God!” When he heard these words, Ananias dropped dead, and a great fear came on all who heard. The young men got up, wrapped his body, carried him out, and buried him. There was an interval of about three hours; then his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. “Tell me,” Peter asked her, “did you sell the field for this price?” “Yes,” She said, “for that price.” Then Peter said to her, “Why did you agree 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!” Instantly she dropped dead at his feet. When the young men came in, they found her dead, carried her out, and buried her beside her husband. Then great fear came on the whole church and on all who heard these things.
A. “Public support for a cause; pleading on behalf of; cheering on.”
(36) Joseph, a Levite and a Cypriot by birth, whom the apostles named Barnabas, which is translated Son of Encouragement.
B. Barnabas was always an advocate for his fellow Christ followers.
C. That’s what Jesus wants us to be for each other.
A. Dishonesty is an attempt to inflate one’s own image.
B. Dishonesty may fool men – but it never fools God.
(3) Then Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit…?”
(4) “You have not lied to men but to God!”
C. Honesty binds us to each other.
D. Honesty binds us to God.
A. The surest sign of our integrity before God is – generosity.
B. Money leads – Hearts follow.
Being a genuine follower of Christ is a costly life.
Acts 12:1-17
There is always an element of surprise in the spread of the Gospel.
Acts 10:27-48
God still does miracles – if we are willing to receive them.
Acts 9:32-43
God has given us this goal toward which to strive.
Acts 9:31
