Podcasts about Ananias

Awakening Church is preaching Giving God's Way.

Pastor Mark Ragsdale preaches on the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, and how their lack of fear of the Lord cost their lives. He warns us against the love of money and the praise of others

Preaching: Ben Lacey - Lead Pastor, Trinity River Baptist Church, Fort WorthSaul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, set out for Damascus intending to arrest followers of Jesus. On the way, he encountered the risen Christ in a dramatic vision, was struck blind, and came face to face with the truth of the gospel. God then sent a disciple named Ananias to restore Saul's sight, pray for him, and welcome him into the family of faith. Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit, baptized, and commissioned by God to become a powerful witness of Christ to the nations, demonstrating God's transforming grace and sovereign purpose.

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Saturday morning, the 13th of June, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in the Book of Acts 22:15: ”For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.” That was the word through Ananias, to the great man of God, Paul the Apostle. Then we go to 1 Timothy 3:7: ”Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside…” You and I have been called to be witnesses for Jesus Christ, just as the Lord called Paul, the Apostle. “Tell the world about the soon-coming king.” You don't have to be a theologian, you don't have to go to university and study theology. No, in the area that the Lord has placed you. I want to tell you about three men who have really impacted my life. The first one was a dairy farmer from America, Demos Shakarian. He was a very successful dairy farmer. One of the biggest in the world in his day, and yet the Lord called him to be a witness to men, and he started the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship, which went right around the world, amongst all denominations and drew many men to Jesus Christ. He was a good witness for the Lord.The second one that really impacted my life was Robert Le Tourneau. Robert Le Tourneau was a very simple man. He was a mechanic, he used his hands, and he had a brilliant mind. He started the earth-moving business, which eventually sold out to Caterpillar. He used to tithe 90% of his income and keep 10% for himself. What an impact he made on the world, especially in the mission field.Then the third man is Dr Ben Carson, the first neurosurgeon to separate two seven-month-old baby boys from Germany, the Binders, and both lived. Normally one would die but in his case, he had a team of over seventy people, and he performed nothing less than a miracle, but what a witness for Jesus Christ!Today, let's use what we've got, and where God put us, to preach the Gospel, and you will be surprised how God will use you.Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day. Goodbye.

Caleb Froedge discusses Acts 5:1-4—“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.'”

Mensagem do Pr. Rodrigo Soeiro pregada no dia 03 de maio de 2026.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.adai.com.br⁠⁠⁠⁠

Send us a message!We follow the early church through persecution, surprising growth, and Spirit-powered ministry as the gospel pushes beyond Jerusalem. We also wrestle with motives, repentance, and reconciliation when God turns enemies into family and calls us to make peace. • persecution scatters believers and spreads the good news into Judea and Samaria • Philip's preaching in Samaria and the city's joy through deliverance and healing • Simon's attempt to purchase spiritual power and Peter's sharp call to repent • Philip guided to the Ethiopian eunuch, Scripture explained from Isaiah to Jesus • baptism and rejoicing as the gospel reaches beyond borders • Saul's road to Damascus encounter with Jesus and the cost of following him • Ananias obeying through fear and Saul filled with the Holy Spirit • Saul preaching boldly, facing plots, and Barnabas vouching for him • Peter healing Aeneas and raising Tabitha as many turn to the Lord Be a Barnabas today. Who needs you to show up for them? At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

Be Careful That You Don't Lie To God Acts 5:1-4 1Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2With 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. 3Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

What if your simple "yes" to God could change someone else's life forever? In this powerful message from Acts 9:1–19, Pastor Mark Roslund explores how God works through ordinary people who choose obedience over understanding. Ananias didn't have all the answers when God called him—he simply said yes. Your obedience may be the key to someone else's purpose. You could be the answer to a prayer you've never heard. The story of your faith isn't yours alone; you are where you are today because of the faithfulness, sacrifice, and "yes" of others who went before you. This message will challenge you to trust that God is working even before you understand what He's doing and to embrace an Ananias spirit—ready to say yes now and ask questions later. https://www.kingdomchurch.ca/connect.html https://www.kingdomchurch.ca/give.html

What if the three most powerful words you could ever say to God are not “Send me”… but “Here I am”?In this inspiring message, Ps Byron explores Isaiah 6 and the Hebrew word Hineni—a response that means far more than simply being present. It speaks of a heart that is available, attentive, surrendered, and ready for God's purposes.Against the backdrop of a beautiful yet broken world, we're reminded that Jesus came for every person: the hurting, the hungry, the forgotten, the searching, and the successful-but-empty. And remarkably, God chooses to work through ordinary people to bring hope and healing.In this message: Why our world is both beautiful and broken  Isaiah's life-changing response: “Here I am. Send me.”  The deeper meaning of the Hebrew word Hineni Four powerful responses to God: Presence – “I am here” Attention – “I am listening” Availability – “I am ready” Surrender – “I am yours to send”  What Abraham, Moses, Ananias, and Jesus teach us about living available to God  Practical ways to live out a lifestyle of “Here I am” God isn't looking for perfection, influence, or extraordinary ability. He's looking for hearts willing to say, "Here I am."The greatest tragedy is not that there is so much need in the world. The greatest tragedy is when those who hear God's voice never respond.Here I am, Lord. Send me.Key Scriptures Isaiah 6:1–8  Genesis 22:1, 7, 11  Exodus 3:4  Acts 9:10  Hebrews 10:7 Key Takeaway"The promises of God are wrapped up in Christ-followers who are present, paying attention, available, and surrendered." — Ps Byron ChickenConnect With UsIf this message encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, share it with a friend, and join us as we continue our Send Me series.⛪ Thrive Church Helping people move towards Jesus.

If God is patient, merciful, and quick to forgive, the real-life story of Ananias and Sapphira is hard to understand. How can God be loving and just? Join us as we start our new series covering the hard parts of Scripture.

This powerful message challenges us to examine the foundation beneath our faith by exploring the critical role of integrity in our spiritual lives. Using the vivid metaphor of a rope with knots representing obstacles to our faith, we're reminded that while faith gets us to a place of promise, it's integrity that keeps us there. The sermon draws from Acts 4 and 5, contrasting Barnabas—who sold his field and brought the full amount with transparency—against Ananias and Sapphira, whose deception cost them everything. The sobering truth is that they weren't just lying to church leaders; they were lying to the Holy Spirit. This story isn't primarily about judgment but about the essential nature of integrity as the infrastructure supporting our faith journey. We learn that integrity comes from the Latin word meaning 'without a crack'—a life fully integrated where we're the same in public as in private. The message offers hope: integrity isn't about perfection but about direction and momentum toward God. When we're tested by stress or blessed with abundance, our true character emerges. The beautiful promise is that integrity brings tangible rewards—confidence, peace, sleep, and trust. Most importantly, we discover that no matter how broken our integrity might be, through repentance and confession, we can rebuild it and become people whose lives can be examined by God without fear.

ATUALIZE SUA VISÃOTalvez você esteja olhando para a vida como uma fotografia…parada, limitada e presa ao que já aconteceu.Mas Deus não trabalha com fotos Ele trabalha com processos.A sua história não é um retrato, é um filme em andamento.Em Atos 9, Ananias vê Saulo pelo que ele foi.Mas Deus o vê pelo que ele se tornaria.Enquanto o homem enxerga passado,Deus revela destino.Nesta mensagem, somos confrontados a ajustar nossa visão,abandonar julgamentos limitados e confiar nos planos perfeitos de Deus mesmo quando eles nos expõem a medos, preconceitos e inseguranças.Deus nos inclui em Seus planos,e o nosso “eis-me aqui” sempre nos compromete com algo maior.Ancorados na verdade de que:Os planos de Deus são perfeitosO Evangelho tem poder para transformarExistem realidades que só Deus pode verAprendemos que Cristo cria novas histórias,restaura destinos e transforma completamente qualquer cenário.Atualize sua visão.Deus ainda está escrevendo.

Tom Scrivens takes us into Acts chapter 5, where the early church faces one of its most sobering moments with the tragic story of Ananias and Sapphira. In a church marked by rapid growth and radical generosity a hidden danger emerges: the desire for cultivating image over integrity. This passage confronts us with the seriousness of hypocrisy, the reality that God cannot be deceived, and the call to live before him in the right kind of fear. Far from being a passage for us to avoid, this scripture helps us rediscover the transforming power of living honestly before God.

Pastor Micah observes Acts 4:32-5:11 when Ananias and Sapphira drop dead for withholding resources from the community. He explores some of the reasons we might hold ourselves back from participating fully and vulnerably in sacred community.

God has always chosen to meet with His people in a gathered community. When Moses finished the tabernacle, the cloud of God’s presence descended and filled the meeting place. The cloud did not settle on every individual tent. It settled where God’s people came together. God’s presence was personal, but it was never private. From the wilderness onward, God established a pattern of meeting with a gathered people who desired His presence. Personal encounters with God are powerful, but they are not meant to replace the church. Paul encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, yet his story did not end there. God sent Ananias to pray for him, restore his sight, baptize him, and connect him to the community of believers. Paul met Jesus alone, but he could not become who God called him to be apart from the body of Christ. Many believers view church as optional, but God often places our healing, encouragement, growth, and breakthrough in relationships with other believers. The gifts of the Spirit were given for the good of others and flourish in community. Scripture teaches that the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. Spiritual gifts require people to serve, encourage, pray for, and minister to one another. God still meets people when they gather in faith. He meets people carrying anxiety, depression, doubt, and burdens they cannot carry alone. The challenge is not only to come expecting an encounter with God, but also to bring others into the meeting place where His presence is transforming lives. The post A House of God’s Presence appeared first on Revival Life Church Boca Raton, FL.

Learn from Philip's desert road encounter that led to the Ethiopian eunuch's conversion, Saul's dramatic Damascus road transformation from persecutor to apostle, and Ananias's courageous ministry to his former enemy. These biblical accounts reveal essential principles for Christian living: trusting God's timing without seeing the full picture, the importance of church community and connection, and how simple obedience can open doors to revival and transformation. Whether you're facing storms of persecution, uncertainty about God's direction, or difficult assignments that challenge your comfort zone, this message provides practical insights for walking in faith. Explore themes of spiritual warfare, divine appointments, supernatural encounters, church growth, evangelism, discipleship, and the power of prayer. Perfect for believers seeking to understand their identity in Christ, overcome fear through faith, and discover how God uses ordinary people for His extraordinary purposes. Keywords include: Christian obedience, Acts of the Apostles, Philip and Ethiopian eunuch, Paul's conversion, Ananias ministry, early church persecution, spiritual growth, faith over fear, divine appointments, church community, Christian discipleship, biblical transformation, Holy Spirit power, evangelism strategies, and overcoming adversity through faith.

In this opening message of Unmasked, Pastor Derek Anglin explores the uncomfortable but necessary subject of hypocrisy through Scripture and personal reflection. Defining hypocrisy as more than inconsistency, the sermon shows that pretending spiritually can become a form of lying to God—not merely acting differently before people, but resisting what God is calling us to truly become. Through Jesus' words to the Pharisees in Matthew 23 and the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, we see that God cares deeply about authenticity, integrity, and the condition of the heart. The message challenges believers to examine where performance has replaced surrender and where outward appearance has become more important than inward transformation. Yet the invitation isn't shame—it's freedom. Colossians 3 points us back to our identity in Christ: because we have been made new, we no longer have to live behind spiritual masks. True transformation happens as we rest in who Jesus says we are and allow Him to renew us from the inside out. The call of this series begins here: step out of performance and live unmasked before God and others.

Spiritual transformation begins when the presence of God confronts the false versions of ourselves that we have built. Saul was sincere, passionate, religious, and fully convinced he was serving God, yet he was fighting against the very thing God was doing. His encounter with Jesus exposed a painful reality: sincerity is not the same as truth. The Christians were not wrong. Saul was. The presence of God revealed that attacking the church was actually an attack on Christ Himself. Personal encounters with God are powerful, but Jesus does not form believers in isolation. Saul met Christ on the Damascus road, yet Jesus did not heal, restore, or disciple him alone. Instead, God sent Ananias, an ordinary Spirit-filled believer, to pray for him, restore his sight, and welcome him into the community of faith. The man who thought he saw more clearly than everyone else discovered that he was the one who could not see. Spiritual gifts are given so ordinary believers can carry the presence of God into the lives of other people. Ananias was not an apostle, celebrity, or public figure. He was simply available and obedient. His willingness to obey became the doorway to Saul’s healing and future ministry. As was said, “Your breakthrough may be waiting on someone else’s obedience.” God intentionally works through His people, and ministry does not belong only to the person holding the microphone. The Spirit-filled church is a community where every believer carries something God intends to use for the benefit of others. Spiritual gifts are not given for status or recognition but for service, encouragement, healing, and discipleship. The church becomes the dwelling place of God’s presence when ordinary people faithfully carry one another’s burdens and participate in the work God is doing in the lives of others The post A House of Transformation appeared first on Revival Life Church Boca Raton, FL.

Discover the incredible transformation story from Acts 9 that shows how God can change anyone's life completely. This powerful biblical account follows Saul's dramatic conversion from Christian persecutor to passionate believer on the Damascus Road. Learn valuable lessons about hearing God's voice, overcoming fear and doubt, and the importance of obedience in your spiritual journey. The story reveals how Jesus appeared to Saul in a blinding light, leading to three days of humility and surrender. Explore how God used Ananias, an ordinary believer, to demonstrate radical obedience despite his fears about ministering to a known persecutor. Understand the significance of calling former enemies brother and how perspective changes through God's eyes. Discover practical ways to develop responsiveness to God's calling in your own life. Learn about the crucial role of advocates like Barnabas who help newcomers integrate into faith communities. This biblical teaching covers themes of conversion, spiritual transformation, hearing God's voice, overcoming fear, radical obedience, forgiveness, and community support. Perfect for anyone seeking to understand how God works in dramatic ways to change lives and use unlikely people for His purposes. Includes practical application for developing a more responsive heart to God's leading and becoming an advocate for others in your community.

As we continue our study through the book of Acts we looked at the story of Ananias and Sapphira. This is a challenging story that explores the idea of "why we do what we do." This is even more important when it comes to us serving God.For more information visit ChristCommunity.Life

Send us Fan MailIn Acts 5:1–11, we encounter one of the most sobering and challenging passages in the entire New Testament—the story of Ananias and Sapphira. Why did God judge them so severely? What was their real sin? And what does this account teach the modern church about holiness, hypocrisy, and the fear of the Lord?In this message, Pastor Timothy Stewart explores how the early church faced not only persecution from the outside, but also deception from within. Through the story of Ananias and Sapphira, we discover that God desires authenticity over appearance, integrity over image, and hearts that fear Him more than they seek the approval of others.Most importantly, we learn that the fear of the Lord is not terror that drives us from God—it is awe that keeps us from playing games with God. At the cross, God's holiness and mercy meet, revealing why the Gospel is the shortest path to a healthy fear of the Lord.Whether you're studying the Book of Acts, wrestling with questions about God's judgment, or seeking a deeper understanding of authentic Christianity, this message will challenge and encourage you.

What does it really mean to be filled with the Spirit? I'm getting married next week: Do you have any advice? Why were Ananias and Sapphira struck dead by God? Should I teach my children to be terrified of Hell?

Is redemption really free, and if so, what was the price? In this episode of Words From The Word, Pastor Roderick Webster opens with the powerful hymn "Nor Silver Nor Gold" by James M. Gray and takes us deep into Acts 22:1-22 (KJV), where the Apostle Paul stands on the steps of the temple and gives one of the most compelling testimonies in all of Scripture.You might be asking — Can someone who actively persecuted Christians really be saved? What happened to Paul on the road to Damascus? Why did Paul go blind, and what does that mean for us? What does it mean that redemption was bought with the blood of Jesus?In this devotion, Pastor Roderick Webster walks us through these key points:- Paul openly identifies with his persecutors, sharing their background before sharing his transformation- A blinding light on the Damascus road stopped Paul in his tracks and changed his direction forever- Ananias, a man of good report, spoke simply — and Paul's sight was restored that same hour- Paul received a clear calling: to be a witness to all men of what he had seen and heard- The crowd listened — until Paul mentioned the GentilesIf this devotion encouraged you, please like, leave a comment, and share it with someone who needs it today. Subscribe so you never miss a new episode of Words From The Word.#WordsFromTheWord #KJV #BibleDevotion #ChristianLiving #GoodNewsBaptistChurchStay connected with GNBC:

Palestra realizada no dia 07/10/2025 na Associação Espírita Obreiros do Bem, em São Carlos/SP.

In this message, Pastor Scott preached from Acts 5:1-11. We wrestled with one of the hardest passages in the book of Acts as we looked at the story of Ananias and Sapphira. From this passage, we learned that the greatest hindrance to the advancement of the gospel is not sin outside the church, but sin inside the church. As followers of Jesus, do we understand the seriousness of our sin? Do we have a holy fear of God, knowing that He is not only loving, but also holy? Whatever sin God may be revealing in our lives, let us repent and, by His grace, take our sin seriously by fighting against it. Check out this sermon to learn more.

What has God been asking you to do that you've been delaying or avoiding? In this powerful message, Pastor Andrew reveals the blessing of obedience and why delayed obedience creates unnecessary tension in our lives.Through the story of Ananias in Acts 9, discover how one ordinary man's obedience to God's voice helped launch the Apostle Paul's ministry — and how your obedience can release breakthrough, purpose, and ripple effects for generations.

Pastor Jason unpacks the sobering story of Ananias and Sapphira from Acts 4-5, challenging us to drop the mask of spiritual performance and embrace radical honesty in Christian community. Hypocrisy still kills today—not always immediately, but over time—destroying marriages, friendships, and faith. God's grace is abundant, but sin still matters deeply to Him, and the church thrives when we confess our struggles rather than hide behind appearances of having it all together.

Most people assume God only works through the exceptionally gifted, the fearless, or the well known. But in Acts, God chooses an ordinary believer named Ananias to step into a moment that would change history. Pastor Hans explores what can happen when ordinary people simply say yes to God, even with questions, uncertainty, and imperfect faith.

From our series: STEP OUT – Step Out For “Paul” – This sermon considers the story of Ananias from Acts 9. Ananias is model of quiet obedience; nothing fancy but faithful. The post Step Out For “Paul” appeared first on Plymouth Meeting Church.

Welcome to Day 2866 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Interacting with the Spirit: Discernment and Devotion. Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2866 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2866 of our Trek.   The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled:  Interacting with the Spirit: Discernment and Devotion. In a time when spiritual experiences are common but theological clarity is often lacking, many believers are left wondering how to rightly interact with the Holy Spirit. Should every spiritual prompting be obeyed without question? Can pastors or teachers claim the Spirit's authority and remain above critique? And how can we know when something is truly from God or when it is a counterfeit? Scripture answers these concerns not with vague encouragement but with strong instruction. The Holy Spirit is real, personal, and present. Yet we are commanded to test the spirits, to examine prophetic claims, and to remain anchored in the Word. This lesson explores both who the Holy Spirit is and how the people of God are called to respond to His voice with reverence, wisdom, and truth. The first segment is: Who Is the Holy Spirit? Yahweh Among Us The Holy Spirit is not a mystical force or a divine power switch. He is the third Person of the Trinity, fully God, fully eternal, and fully personal. From the very first pages of Scripture, we see Him present in creation, hovering over the waters as the breath of Yahweh. He does what only God can do. He speaks, commands, empowers, and gives life. The New Testament affirms this divine identity. Peter tells Ananias in Acts 5 that he has lied to the Holy Spirit, and then immediately states he has lied to God. Paul in Second Corinthians 3 refers to the Spirit as “the Lord.” The Spirit is not a created being nor an impersonal wind. He is Yahweh, and to interact with Him is to encounter the living God. In the Old Testament, the Spirit came upon judges, prophets, and kings to empower them for specific roles. He anointed artisans, guided leaders, and spoke through messengers. Yet He did not dwell permanently within all of God's people. His presence was selective and often temporary. This was not due to any deficiency, but because the covenant had not yet reached its fulfillment. The temple was sacred space. Only after the atoning work of Christ could human hearts become that temple. At Pentecost, this changed. The Spirit descended not on a mountain or a sanctuary but on the gathered body of believers. He came to dwell within them, not just with them. This marked a new chapter in the life of God's people. Every believer now becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit. The same God who descended on Sinai and filled the Tabernacle now fills the hearts of those who belong to Christ. This matters deeply for discernment. When we speak of testing the spirits, we are not dealing with vague impressions or spiritual atmospheres. We are discerning whether what we are hearing or experiencing aligns with the character, authority, and truth of the One who is Yahweh, the Spirit of God. The second segment is: The Call to Discernment John gives a direct and sobering command: do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. This is not a warning against all supernatural experiences. It is a call to distinguish between what is truly from the Spirit of God and what is false. The early church faced false prophets, counterfeit visions, and teachings that claimed divine authority. Today is no different. Paul writes to the Thessalonians, urging them not to quench the Spirit and not to despise prophecy, but to test everything and hold fast to what is good. The balance is clear. We must be open to the Spirit's work while remaining grounded in discernment. Testing is not opposition to the Spirit. It is obedience to Him. Testing involves examining whether a message or experience lines up with Scripture. The Spirit never contradicts the Word He inspired. Isaiah tells the people of his day that if someone does not speak according to the law and the testimony, there is no light in them. This remains true. The Spirit of truth does not speak lies or encourage rebellion against God's Word. We also test by fruit. Jesus said a tree is known by its fruit. Does the spiritual experience or message produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control? Or does it bring division, fear, pride, and confusion? The Spirit builds up the Church in holiness and unity. He does not lead people into chaos or flattery. Another test is whether the Spirit glorifies Christ. Jesus said the Spirit would not speak on His own authority but would take what belongs to Christ and declare it. The Spirit always lifts up Jesus. Any voice or experience that shifts attention away from Him is not of God. Finally, discernment happens in community. Paul instructed the Corinthians that prophetic words should be weighed by others. Even sincere believers can mishear, misunderstand, or be misled. A healthy church does not operate on private revelations that cannot be tested. The Bereans were praised for examining Paul's words against the Scriptures. True spiritual leadership invites scrutiny because it is committed to the truth, not to control. The Third Segment is: Spiritual Abuse and the Misuse of Authority One of the most dangerous distortions of the Spirit's work is when spiritual leaders use His name to shield themselves from accountability. If a pastor or teacher tells the congregation that their words must be accepted without question because they are Spirit-led, something is deeply wrong. No one is above testing. Not even Paul was exempt. In Galatians, Peter is corrected publicly for behavior that contradicted the gospel. True authority submits to the Word of God. When leaders resist examination, they are not protecting the Spirit. They are protecting themselves. The Holy Spirit does not bless pride, manipulation, or spiritual intimidation. He convicts sin but never controls through fear. He leads but does not coerce. He exalts Christ, not personalities. Discernment is not rebellion. It is loyalty to the One who gave us His Spirit and called us to walk in truth. The fourth segment is: Blaspheming the Holy Spirit: The Sin That Will Not Be Forgiven Jesus' warning about the unforgivable sin has caused confusion and fear for generations. In Matthew 12, after the Pharisees accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of Satan, Jesus responds with a grave rebuke. Every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, He says, except for blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. That sin will not be forgiven in this age or in the age to come. To understand this, we must consider the context. The religious leaders had witnessed undeniable evidence of the Spirit's power through Christ. A man was healed and delivered right before their eyes. But instead of responding in humility, they hardened their hearts and claimed the work of the Holy Spirit was demonic. This was not a one-time slip. It was a willful rejection of the truth. They saw the Spirit at work and chose to call Him evil. Their hearts were not just mistaken; they were closed off to repentance. That is what makes the sin unforgivable. It is not a single act. It is a settled posture of rejection that cuts a person off from the very One who brings conviction, faith, and renewal. Blaspheming the Holy Spirit means knowingly and persistently attributing the work of God to the enemy, resisting the Spirit's witness to Christ, and rejecting the truth with full knowledge of what is being denied. It is not a careless word or a moment of doubt. It is a defiant rejection of the Spirit's testimony. For believers who fear they may have committed this sin, that very fear is evidence that they have not. The unforgivable sin is not something someone accidentally stumbles into. It is a deliberate and final refusal of God's offer of mercy. Those who grieve over sin, seek forgiveness, and desire to walk with the Spirit are not guilty of blaspheming Him. This warning matters deeply in our age. When discernment becomes slander, when people mock what is genuinely from God because it does not fit their tradition, when leaders reject conviction and call it attack, they risk silencing the Spirit they claim to serve. The warning is not just for the ancient Pharisees. It is for anyone who hardens their heart and declares what is holy to be unclean. We must test

A look at how we need to be authentic as followers of Christ, based on Acts 5 with the story of Ananias and Sapphira.

Reading Acts 9:10-19 where the Jesus speaks to a man named Ananias and tells him to go lay hands on Saul and baptize him, for Jesus is going to make him an apostle. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!

Send us Fan MailOne decision can set your whole life in motion, and Scripture keeps showing that God often starts with a simple word: go. We walk from Abraham's call to leave home, to Joseph's years of betrayal and integrity, to the moment Jesus is crucified and raised again when evil thinks it has won. The thread tying it together is steady and personal: what people mean for harm, God can turn for good, and He keeps inviting ordinary men and women into that story.From there we move into the Book of Acts, where the promised Holy Spirit arrives at Pentecost and the church is born with a clear response to the gospel: repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Spirit. We talk about what the early church actually looks like day to day: devotion to teaching and prayer, real fellowship, open-handed generosity, and a mission mindset that refuses to stay quiet even when pressure and persecution show up.Then the spotlight shifts to surprising leaders: Stephen the “table waiter” who speaks with Spirit-filled wisdom and becomes the first martyr, Philip who follows the Spirit into Samaria and to an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah, and Saul whose confrontation with Jesus turns a persecutor into Paul the missionary. We also wrestle with integrity and accountability through Ananias and Sapphira, and we bring it home with a practical challenge: do the next thing God calls you to do, even if it feels small, unseen, or costly.If this encouraged you, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find these conversations. What's one step of obedience you know you need to take next?

Everyone in the early church had everything in common; they shared, they met needs, they sold possessions and gave. This is what true community looks like, surrounded by faithful believers in Christ who trust in their Savior for security and provision. Ananias and Sapphira however gave, not out of honor for the Lord, but for public image. We are warned to not pretend and put up false images of ourselves, but instead we are free to give ourselves to the One who saw us at our worst and loved us still.

We love a redemption story — until it's about someone we've actually been hurt by. Jaime Lannister? Sure. Darth Vader? Fine. The Grinch? We gave him a musical. But the person who wronged us in real life? That's a different conversation.In Acts 9, the early church had to answer one of the most defining questions a community can ask: Will we love God more than we hate our enemies?This week at Canvas, Travis walks through the story of Saul — the early church's most hated person — and Ananias, the ordinary believer whose one yes changed the trajectory of Christianity forever. We'll explore what it looks like to be a family that makes room for the person nobody expected.Three things we'll unpack:01. Who we call "lost," God calls "loved."02. Radical grace will likely cost you your reputation.03. Choose to measure people by their highest calling, not their lowest moment.If you've been carrying real hurt from a real person — this one's for you. And if you've ever wondered whether you're too far gone for God to use — this one's for you too.

In this sermon, Meredith looks at the story of Paul's conversion, and particularly the character of Ananias

Pastor Nina continues our Acts series unpacking the story of Ananias and Sapphira. They both wanted to look generous without the cost of true sacrifice. Their story reveals a sobering truth: God takes sacred things seriously. What sacred responsibilities has God entrusted to you, and are you stewarding them with integrity or just trying to look good? Sometimes our most painful moments are when God releases the greatest growth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Early Church Challenges Acts 5-6 Authentic Faith Holy Spirit Power Church Growth Unity Biblical Leadership Lessons Christian Living Spiritual Growth Church Community Ananias Sapphira Story Apostles Ministry Delegation Church History New Testament StudiesDiscover powerful lessons from Acts chapters 5 and 6 about authentic Christian living and church growth. Learn from the sobering account of Ananias and Sapphira, whose deaths reveal the importance of living for God's approval rather than human recognition. Explore how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live boldly for Christ, transforming cowards into courageous witnesses. Understand why God desires authentic hearts over religious performance and how the early church navigated growth while maintaining unity. This study examines biblical principles for spiritual authenticity, community living, wise leadership, and delegation. Perfect for Christians seeking deeper understanding of New Testament church life, spiritual growth, and authentic faith. Includes practical applications for modern believers about holiness, community service, and living wholeheartedly for Jesus Christ. Essential viewing for anyone interested in biblical leadership principles, church history, early Christianity, and spiritual transformation through the Holy Spirit's power.

We return to our Church on Fire sermon series in Acts 5. This passage confronts us with one of Scripture's most uncomfortable stories: the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira. With this difficult passage lies profound grace. We're invited to examine the deadly difference between image management and authentic integrity. The contrast is striking—Barnabas, whose very name means 'son of encouragement,' freely gives everything out of genuine joy, while Ananias and Sapphira, whose names ironically mean 'God is gracious' and 'beauty,' choose performance over honesty. The issue wasn't that they kept some money back—it was theirs to do with as they pleased. The tragedy was their decision to pretend, to seek honor for a sacrifice they didn't actually make. This passage challenges us to ask: Are we more concerned with being seen by others for who we pretend to be, or being known by God and community for who we truly are? The remedy isn't perfection but humility—the courage to confess our brokenness rather than curate our image. In a culture obsessed with virtue signaling and social media performance, this ancient story speaks powerfully to our modern struggle. God can work with our honest failure, but hypocrisy grieves His heart because it blocks the very vulnerability through which healing flows.

Mothers Day 2026 This powerful exploration of Acts chapter 5 confronts us with one of the most sobering moments in the early church: the story of Ananias and Sapphira. While we often celebrate the miraculous growth and supernatural provision in the book of Acts, this passage reminds us that the Christian life isn't just about blessings and miracles—it's fundamentally about honesty before God. The central issue wasn't about money or generosity at all, but about the integrity of our hearts. Ananias and Sapphira weren't required to give anything, but when they pledged to give fully while secretly holding back, they crossed a line from human deception into lying to the Holy Spirit himself. This challenges us to examine our own lives: Are we more concerned with appearing spiritual publicly than being honest privately? Do we bring our real selves to God, or do we wear a mask of religiosity? The severity of God's judgment here wasn't cruelty but love—establishing the sacred foundation of His church. Remarkably, this moment of judgment didn't stagnate the early church but deepened it, leading to even greater miracles and multitudes coming to faith. We're invited to approach holy things with reverence, to allow God to touch the hidden places in our hearts, and to recognize that He desires our authenticity more than our performance.

Why does integrity matter in our faith journey?In today's episode, Mary Alessi guides us through the story of Ananias and Sapphira from Acts 5, exploring how honesty and authenticity form the foundation of a genuine relationship with God. Together, we'll learn what it means to be real in God's presence, why God values truth over image, and how choosing integrity brings freedom and blessing into our lives.Let's come together as a community in prayer and devotion, inviting God to search our hearts and lead us into deeper honesty and healing.Tap HERE to send us a text! BECOME A FOUNDING "MY MORNING DEVOTIONAL" MEMBERIf you enjoy your 5 minute daily dose of heaven, we would appreciate your support, and we have a fun way for you to partner with the MMD community! We've launched our "Buy Me a Coffee" membership where you can buy us a latte, OR become a founding member and get monthly bonus video episodes! To donate, go to mymorningdevo.co/join! Support the showNEW VIDEO EPISODES! You can watch our new video episodes on YouTube! Watch Our Video DevotionalsNEW TO MY MORNING DEVOTIONAL? We're so glad you're here! We're the Alessis, a ministry family working together in a church in Miami, FL, and we're so blessed to partner with the My Morning Devotional community and continue the great work done by the show's creator and our friend, Alison Delamota.We pray our personal reflections and devotions will empower you to grow your faith in God, and that you'll join us every morning in prayer! HELP US GROW THE MMD COMMUNITYSubscribe to the show on this appShare this with a friendJoin our newsletter Follow Us on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠⁠Leave a reviewSupport Our Friends and FamilyConnect with the original host of MMD  Alison DelamotaFollow our family's podcast The Family Business with The Alessis

Are you as a branch abiding in Christ the true Vine? That's what He has taught His disciples to do, of course, then and now! But there are many other competitors to that operating in the church over the past couple of thousand years--like the Mosaic Law, politics, and cultural rules. Join Kevin as we take a dive into being a branch like us abiding on the only true Vine, Christ! // Download this episode's Application & Action questions and PDF transcript at whitestone.org.

Church discipline is one of the most neglected—and misunderstood—teachings in modern Christianity. But what if avoiding it is actually harming the church? In this episode of Take Heart, Cory Wing walks through the biblical case for church discipline and why it has always been considered essential to a healthy church. Drawing from Scripture and the Reformers, this teaching revisits the three historic marks of a true church—and the one many churches quietly ignore. You’ll see how church discipline is not about control or punishment, but about love, restoration, and faithfulness to Christ. This episode covers: • What church discipline actually is (and isn’t) • Why so many churches avoid it today • The three marks of a true church • How discipline protects both the sinner and the church Key passages: Matthew 16 & 18 Acts 5 (Ananias and Sapphira) 1 Corinthians 5 Revelation 2–3 If you’ve struggled with this topic—or seen it misused—this episode brings clarity rooted in Scripture and hope grounded in the gospel.

Church discipline is one of the most neglected—and misunderstood—teachings in modern Christianity. But what if avoiding it is actually harming the church?In this episode of Take Heart, Cory Wing walks through the biblical case for church discipline and why it has always been considered essential to a healthy church. Drawing from Scripture and the Reformers, this teaching revisits the three historic marks of a true church—and the one many churches quietly ignore. You'll see how church discipline is not about control or punishment, but about love, restoration, and faithfulness to Christ.This episode covers:• What church discipline actually is (and isn't)• Why so many churches avoid it today• The three marks of a true church• How discipline protects both the sinner and the churchKey passages: Matthew 16 & 18 Acts 5 (Ananias and Sapphira) 1 Corinthians 5 Revelation 2–3If you've struggled with this topic—or seen it misused—this episode brings clarity rooted in Scripture and hope grounded in the gospel.Watch all of our videos and subscribe to our channel for the latest content >HereHere

In Acts 9, we see that God saves people no one expects, through servants no one would choose, to accomplish what no one can stop. Tyler walks through Saul's story and highlights four movements of grace: God's radical intervention, Ananias's reluctant obedience, Saul's redirected purpose, and Barnabas's risky encouragement. Together, they show that God can make much of your obedience.

In Acts 9, Saul is on his way to Damascus to imprison followers of Jesus when a light from heaven stops him in his tracks. He hears his name called, goes blind for three days, and the entire direction of his life changes.Chase Cofer walks through the story of Saul's encounter on the road to Damascus and the role of Ananias, an ordinary disciple Jesus sends to lay hands on him. It's a message about how mercy interrupts, how transformation often comes through faithful, unnamed people, and what it looks like to say "here I am" when Jesus asks something costly of us.This sermon is part of our series Church on Fire, a journey through the book of Acts.

Who have you decided is "too far gone"? We all have that person in our lives—the one whose heart seems too hard, whose past seems too dark, or whose skepticism seems too deep for God to reach. But what if the reach of Jesus is longer than your resistance?In this powerful installment of our Unstoppable series, Pastor Talaat McNeely dives into Acts chapter 9 to explore one of the most radical transformations in history: the conversion of Saul of Tarsus.Whether you're running at full speed in the wrong direction, feeling stuck in a "waiting room" of life, or being nudged to reach out to someone "unreachable," this message is a reminder that God's grace doesn't stop where our limitations begin. Discover how divine interruptions lead to radical redirection and why no one is ever truly beyond the reach of the King.What You'll Learn In This Episode:The Power of Divine Interruption: Why Jesus meets us at our highest point of hostility, not just our lowest point of need.Breaking the "Certainty" Trap: How religious pride and self-sufficiency can be the biggest barriers to God's work in our lives.The Grace of the "Waiting Room": Why God sometimes uses seasons of "blindness" and stillness to prepare us for our greatest assignments.The Ananias Assignment: How ordinary obedience becomes the bridge for someone else's breakthrough.Episode Timestamps (Estimated Progression)[00:00] – Introduction: The "Too Far Gone" Question. Exploring why we often box God in based on our own limitations and the people we've quietly concluded will never change. [08:15] – The Hostility of Saul. Understanding the man before the miracle: a religious leader breathing threats and moving with legal authority against the church. [12:30] – Scripture Reading: Acts 9:1–22.[15:45] – Principle 1: When Jesus Interrupts, Everything Changes. Why Jesus often meets us at the height of our resistance rather than the point of our "openness." [21:20] – "Why Are You Persecuting Me?" The powerful reality that Jesus is so united with His people that what touches you, touches Him. [25:50] – Principle 2: When Jesus Redirects, Pride Gets Broken. Identifying "religious pride" and how Jesus dismantles our self-sufficiency. [29:10] – The South Korea Waiting Room. A personal story from Pastor Talaat's military service on how God uses isolation and "blindness" to get our full attention. [35:40] – Principle 3: When Jesus Reaches You, You Don't Stay the Same. Transformation isn't just adding spirituality; it's a total rewiring of our life and community. [38:15] – The Three Chairs: Which One Are You? A practical guide to identifying your current spiritual posture and your next step. Key Takeaways & The Three Chairs:Chair 1: The Saul. You feel skeptical or disqualified by your past. Your Step: Stop running and ask, "Who are you, Lord?" Chair 2: The Self-Sufficient. You love Jesus but have "pride pockets" you haven't surrendered. Your Step: Embrace the "blindness," stop trying to figure out the next ten steps, and let Him lead you by the hand. Chair 3: The Ananias. You are an ordinary disciple being nudged toward someone "unreachable." Your Step: Move toward the person you'd rather avoid; your obedience is their bridge. Notable Quotes:"The grace of God doesn't stop where our limitations begin." "Hostility was his oxygen... and this is the man that Jesus has decided to use." "The church is not a museum for good people. It's a workshop for changed people." Connect with Purpose City Church:Website: https://www.purposecitychurch.com/Instagram: @wearepurposecity Plan Your Visit: Join us this Sunday in the Chicagoland area! Giving: https://purposecitychurch.churchcenter.com/giving/to/tithes-offering

In Acts 9, we see that God saves people no one expects, through servants no one would choose, to accomplish what no one can stop. Tyler walks through Saul's story and highlights four movements of grace: God's radical intervention, Ananias's reluctant obedience, Saul's redirected purpose, and Barnabas's risky encouragement. Together, they show that God can make much of your obedience.

Send us Fan MailWe define hypocrisy as stage acting and name how it keeps us bound when our image matters more than our integrity. We connect the cost to marriage, family, and spiritual witness, then walk through clear steps and prayers that help us live honest and free. • Defining hypocrisy as pretending outwardly without inward growth • Freedom versus bondage through shame, guilt, insecurity, fear, and addiction • Separating real faith declarations from fake performance • Why hypocrisy harms marriages, kids, friendships, and our witness • Church as a hospital for honest people • How hypocrisy shows up in marriage through unequal standards • Acts 5 and the warning of Ananias and Sapphira • Couples conspiring to hide problems and why it backfires • Building wise accountability with trusted mentors and pastors • Signs of slipping into hypocrisy like defensiveness and people pleasing • Practical steps to get free including repentance and integrity • Renouncement prayer and a closing prayer for freedom make sure that you hit the subscribe button, hit the alert icon so that you can be the first to get the content. We want you to share today with other people. You can find all of that out at kenandabitha.com. GET THE BETTER MARRIAGE BOOTCAMP HERE:Better Marriage Bootcamp (kenandtabatha.com)Better Marriage 90-Day Devotional:90 Day Better Marriage Devotional - Ken and Tabatha (square.site)DOWNLOAD THE FAMILY MEETING OUTLINE HERE ⬇️https://www.kenandtabatha.com/pl/2148103888