15. September 2010 by Bernice Davis.

Hello Everyone: 

In today’s lesson, it contains one of the most popular stories of the New Testament Church.  It is the story of Ananias and Sapphira.  The story picks up from Chapter 4 which ended with how the church was on one accord and they had all things in common.   It ended with how those that had sold their possessions and laid them at the apostles feet so that it could be evenly distributed among those that had not. 

Today’s story talks about a couple that sold their property also but decided to hold back some of the selling price.  Here are the details.

Acts 5: 1 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With 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. 3 Then 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? 4 Didn’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 to men but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. 7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” 9 Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” 10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

This is a great example of “telling a lie when the truth will do.”  They could have given any amount to the church.  It was their land.  They didn’t have to sell it and when they did sell it, the text states that that didn’t have to give all the money to the apostles.  The problem came when they lied and said that they gave the entire selling price of the land.   It was a lie.  He conspires with his wife to tell the same lie.     So un-necessary.   Giving is free will.   No one was forced in the early church to give and no-one should be forced now.   They wanted to appear to be sacrificing when in actually they held back some of the profits they made from the sell. 

Be honest in your giving.   That’s all God requires.  Don’t put on fronts.  Don’t give to be seen.  Don’t give to compete with others.  Don’t give under pressure.  God loves a “cheerful giver.”

 Stay encouraged everyone and don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

14. September 2010 by Bernice Davis.

Hello:

Welcome back from the weekend.   Our last lesson talked about how the religious rulers (Sanhedrin) held the Peter and John and tried to force them not to preach Jesus.   They were afraid to punish them because the people were so excited about the healing of the lame man, that they feared unpopularity with the crowd so they let them go.  Today’s lesson picks up with them returning home.

Here is our text for today:

Acts 4:23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: ” ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?

26 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. ‘ 27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.

29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34 There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Once Peter and John gave their praise report, it instantly provokes praise and adoration to God through prayer.   The people were so excited about the work that was going forth that it drew them closer together as a community.  They began to sell their possessions to make sure that all needs in the community were met.  The text teaches that they were all of one heart and mind and no-one claimed that any of his possessions was his own but shared everything that they had.   Wow…..  what a different picture of the church from what we “mostly” see and experience today.

Stay encouraged everyone and don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

10. September 2010 by Bernice Davis.

Hello Everyone: 

In today’s lesson, we learn the reaction of the religious leaders to the first miracle done by Peter and John.

Here is our story:

Acts 4:1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is ” ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. ‘ 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” 13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” 18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

I love this story.  You can see that from the beginning of the church, there have always been opposing forces which have attempted to stop the spread of Christianity. 

The first miracle did not go well with the religious leaders.  Killing Jesus did not solve their problems because he had left behind a group of followers that were proclaiming him as Lord and Savior and people were being added to the church by the thousands. 

The religious leaders threatened them and they were instructed to not preach Jesus.  The disciples responded with one of my favorite lines of scripture which is “we would rather obey God rather than man.”   Over the years, I have seen people used this scripture to justify breaking the law because they feel God has instructed them so and use this scripture as proof.

The bible teaches us to obey the laws of the land and to obey the powers that rule over us for government is for law and order.  It is only when government tries to get us to deny our faith that we stand firm in what we believe.  However, even in that stand as with the disciples, there still will be consequences for going against any established law.  In this incidence, they did not punish the disciples for they feared the people because so many were celebrating the miracle of the healed man but in other circumstances , they will be beaten and imprisoned for their proclamation of Jesus as Lord and savior.

It is texts like these, that remind me of the sacrifice that Christians before us and still today (especially in countries that are hostile towards Christianity) made/make concerning spreading the gospel.  We are blessed people to still be in a country where we can freely share our faith. 

Have a great weekend everyone and let us all continue to lift up Pastor Marvin Sapp, the church that he pastors and his family for the loss of his wife.  We are blessed to just be “alive.” 

Live each day to its fullest, don’t get caught up the trivial, Stay free, live holy unto our God and acknowledge HIM in all your ways and HE will direct your paths. 

 Stay encouraged everyone and don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

9. September 2010 by Bernice Davis.

Hello Everyone: 

In today’s lesson, we learn what the people’s response to concerning the first miracle of the church. 

Here is our story:

Acts 3:11 While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see. 17 “Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the LORD, 20 and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you–even Jesus. 21 He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.’ 24 “Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. 25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

The people were astonished that the disciples could do miracles.  Peter took the opportunity to give glory to God.  He instructed them that the healing that they just witnessed came from Jesus.   Peter reminds them that Jesus indeed was the Christ that the Old Testament prophets spoke of and that all that happened to him was fulfillment of prophecy.   Peter instructs them that even though they acted in ignorance along with their leaders, he was commissioning them to “repent” and turned to God that their sins may be wiped out. 

He also instructs his audience that as promised to Abraham when the messenger comes, he would come first to the seeds of Abraham to bless them by turning them from their wicked ways through acceptance of Jesus as their savior.

 Stay encouraged everyone and don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

8. September 2010 by Bernice Davis.

Hello Everyone: 

In today’s lesson, we learn about the first miracles of the church. 

Here is our story:

Acts 3: 1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer–at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Stay encouraged everyone and don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

7. September 2010 by Bernice Davis.

Hello Everyone:

Welcome back from the holiday weekend.  I took a short holiday break.  For those of you that follow me in other countries, we just celebrated our Labor Day weekend.  It is my annual tradition to walk up and around a place called Stone Mountain here in Georgia and I can tell that my working out daily is helping because the mountain was much easier to climb this time around.  After I finished the eight mile journey of up and around, I almost started to do it again, but I changed my mind..  (lol).

We will resume our study on Acts tomorrow, but today I’ll leave you with where we left off on the Proverbs reading.  

Proverbs 17:10 A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool. 11 An evil man is bent only on rebellion; a merciless official will be sent against him. 12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly. 13 If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house. 14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. 15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent– the LORD detests them both. 16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom? 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. 18 A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor. 19 He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction. 20 A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble. 21 To have a fool for a son brings grief; there is no joy for the father of a fool. 22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

 Stay encouraged everyone and don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily. 

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

2. September 2010 by Bernice Davis.

Hello Everyone: 

Today’s lesson is the response of the people to Peter’s sermon.  

Here is our text:

Acts 2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the LORD our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the LORD added to their number daily those who were being saved.

We can see from the text that the first sermon preached by one of the apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ in an open forum added about 3000 members to the body of Christ in one day.

The church had a great beginning.  All the believers were on one accord and everyone sold their possessions and shared with the ones who were in need.   They were busy about spreading the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Stay encouraged everyone and don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

1. September 2010 by Bernice Davis.

Hello Everyone: 

Today’s lesson is Peter’s response to him and the people being called drunk after they had been filled with the holy ghost and begin to speak in other terms.  It is categorized as his first sermon.  

Here is our text:

Acts 2:14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 ” ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.

20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the LORD. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.’ 22 “Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.

24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him: ” ‘I saw the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, 27 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ 29 “Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay.

32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.

33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, ” ‘The LORD said to my LORD: “Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ‘ 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both LORD and Christ.”

Tomorrow, we will study the response of the audience to Peter’s sermon. 

Stay encouraged everyone and don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »