Hello! Today's reading is a little.....intense to start things off. So I feel the need to be a little pastoral here. The story of Ananias and Sapphire is one of those stories that just causes pastors to throw there hands up and say...I just don't know what to make of this. I am not comfortable with the thought that God would strike us down for lying to the Spirit, nor do I think that's even true seeing as Peter lies to Jesus about him denying him and he isn't killed but promoted. The story is not about stewardship or money either. You do not have to feel guilty if you aren't giving your entire life savings to the church. In some sense I think the point of the story is that they bet against God and the success of the church. They were only half way committed. Like any relationship (friend, spouse, job) we don't want our partners to only be half in and ready to bail in case it fails. God is likely the same way. What are your thoughts on this story? Let's read and meditate on it.
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
What does this teach me about the early church?
What does this teach me about God?
What things did the early church struggle with? Is that the same today? What do you make of that if so? Why not, if no?
Today we begin the first of a 4 part series on the book of Acts that is similar to the one we watched on Luke. This isn't an overview video like you watched 2 days ago but rather a thematic overview and discourse. It's fascinating I assure you.
Prayer
We don't have a hymn for today but a written prayer that is found on page 281 of our hymnal. I invite you to pray this aloud giving thanks for the redeemer of our Trinity and his boundless love to take the fall for our own sins - past, present, and future.
Almighty God, you sent your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, to suffer death on a cross. Grant that we may share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and ever. Amen.
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