Andrew Musch - As a boy I began to tell people that I was saved. I did this so the people around me who loved me would quit being so worried about me not being saved. I also tried to convince my own heart I was saved, forgiven and on my way to Heaven.
Memroy Verse: James 1:22 Memory Verse Text: Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Attention Getter:
Point 1: Ananias and Sapphira were likely what appeared to be very fine believers - but at least one sin in their lives was unjudged. Seems as though they were afflicted with pride and wanted the admiration of others. Point 2: They had not been constrained to give all. They wanted to appear as making a great sacrifice - and made pretence that they had given all. Note - in this act -Peter charges Ananias with lying - not to men - but to God. Immediately he drops dead and great fear comes upon those who know what has taken place. Point 3: Sapphira comes three hours later, and unknowingly, also lies about it. She too is taken in death. What a message about the seriousness of sin. For the second time in this story, "great fear" comes upon all the infant church. Point 4: Many other signs and miracles were done and there was much accord amongst them as God continued to add to their numbers. However the fear of God was upon them to such an extent that pretenders didn't dare walk with the true believers. Persecution begins to rear it's ugly head but in spite of it there is further gorwth and joy even in being counted worthy to suffer for His sake. And their unceasing gospel activity magnified the Name and Person of the Lord Jesus.
Notes: Note - this FIRST public SIN in the Church - a severe judgment follows. This points out a PRINCIPLE (OT has a similar judgment in relation to Israel) though subsequent sins were not treated with death as was this one.
This Sunday School Curriculum guide is part of a 254 Sunday School Lesson Book available at www.gospelhall.org. See the Downloads Section of the site for a complete copy.
Andrew Musch
