A Problem and It's Solution

I thought the reflection on this reading was enlightening and relevant to those who read it today. Odd to think that Satan could use something as banal as administrative work to sidetrack the mission of the Church. But thinking about it more shows that it’s not so strange after all. This point helped me to realize that it is absolutely central to stick to the bottom line of the church; that is the fellowship of believers worshipping God and expanding His Kingdom for others. I feel that I cam continually reminded of the fact that a church who falls behind her core purposes of worshipping through God’s truth is destined to fail. I don’t want to be the kind of believer who is attracted to the pews because of any other type of fringe benefits, though as a sinner- I admit that I am

I’m glad the wise fathers of our faith were keen and spirit filled enough to identify the problem and find a solution. It’s encouraging to know that despite the same kinds of problems we may encounter today, God always had a plan to help us through and become victorious, in all the ages..

No matter how many times I read the story of this couple, Ananias and Sapphira, it's always been a mind bothering to me personally. It's so hard for me to grasp the fact that their punishment was way to severe for their act. They weren't given a chance to repent of their sins and make it right before God. It's not just physical death but perhaps eternal condemnation in result of their sin. I do understand that it was nothing wrong to keep back of their belongings if they chose to do so, rather they were punished because they lied. They wanted the credit for their generosity and they were willing to lie for their own glory and gain. They mocked God. They deceived God. With their hypocrisy and deceit brought forth God's wrath upon themselves.
According to Stott, there were reasons why this particular incident in the history of early church had to be recorded. There were lessons to learn and Stott mentioned clearly in the book.
What I learned from the passage addition to Stott's comment?
Who are we to put degree of level on our own sins as well as others! I believed that Ananias and Sapphira thought that what they were about to do wouldn't be so bad. What they said was half true and half lie. They thought they were only dealing with someone who was standing right in front of them. However, Peter said "You have not lied to man but to God" (Luke 4:3-4).
Everything we do is accountable. Moreover,God knows every detail of conditions of our hearts and hidden motives. There is absolutely nothing we can hide from God.
Question is that even knowing this truth, can we still live like Ananias and Sapphira? I think we all need to exam our hearts today!

Continuance of Persecution

He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when the day is named,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian...
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say, "These wounds I had on Crispin's day."
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember with advantages
What feats he did that day; then shall our names...
Be in their flowing cups freshly remember'd...

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother...
And gentlemen in England now abed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us...
Henry V

Peter's second sermon

In sharing about Christ I often fear that I might start sounding like a Bible nerd or a dogmatic preacher. I might try to share on a more personal level but feel the danger of displaying Christianity as some self-help lifestyle in which you choose Jesus to be God and your best friend or, as the solution that changed you from a so called "sinner" to a "good" Christian person.
I was sobered by how Peter called out to the crowd to declare Jesus as the Christ. As Stott pointed out, Peter spoke with " outspoken courage". Stott goes on to also point out the "Christ-centeredness" of Peter's sermon. Peter did not focus on the miracle or his testamonies of how He met Jesus, nor did he play on the heart strings of the people. Peter was bold and proclaimed the truth. There was no sugar coated message of how Jesus is the answer to all your problems...He's a friend in time of need...your personal shepherd whom God sent because He loves you so much. Please don't get me wrong, it's just sobering and refreshing on how Peter declared Jesus as the Christ, convicted people of their mistake and called them to repent. It is a call to righteousness. It is not a call to come and save yourself by trusting in Jesus.
As I read Peter's sermon, I was also convicted of not meditating enough on the attributes of Jesus such as the ones Peter shared. Instead, I think I focus a little too much on the attributes of Jesus that serve me.
I realized once again that I must spend more time meditating on the Christ as He is revealed in the holy Scripture because there is the danger of letting my relationship with Him become stagnate and crowded with my personal feelings and views on Him- and God. I realized that in order to give a true witness to Jesus you must truly know Him better.