Compassion, Character and the Church

The foundation of relationships is trust and trust is based on integrity.

I.	The edification of encouragement

       They Had Everything in Common

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. 

     A.	Stewardship of possessions (v. 32)

           “What we have is a stewardship for serving others.” 

     B.	Power to proclaim the resurrection (v. 33a)

     C.	Great grace (v. 33b)

     D.	Sharing everything in common (vv. 34-35)

            “We are given so that we can give.”

     E.	Example of encouragement (v. 36)

II.	The destruction of deception

      Ananias and Sapphira

5 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. 

      A.	The roots of deception (vv. 1-2)

      B.	The devil’s control (vv. 3-4)

      C.	The destruction of sin (vv. 5-10)

      D.	The awe of God’s holy judgment (v. 11)

More Messages from Pastor Peter Mason

From Series: "God's Message To The Church"