FAMILY AND FAITHFULNESS

INTRODUCTION FAMILIES ARE CENTRES OF INFLUENCE, HENCE GREAT CARE SHOULD BE EXERCISED WHEN DECISIONS ARE MADE. MOST DECISIONS THAT RUN BIG COMPANIES, CHURCHES, AND INSTITUTIONS ARE FIRST DISCUSSED AND AT TIMES MADE AT HOME. HOME INFLUENCE USUALLY MANIFESTS ITSELF OUTSIDE.

Lets analyze the following family

ACTS 5:1 - 11 Ananias and Sapphira These two loved their church They were equally touched with the spirit of sharing that was manifesting those days They decided to sell their property In response to the Spirit of God The decision to sell was inspired

It was their property\ After selling it was their money They still had the right to decide to : 1. surrender the money to church, 2. take a portion and remain with the other, 3. take the whole amount to church and ask the disciples to give them a part for their intended project.

In sharp contrast to the example of benevolence shown by the believers was the contact of Ananias and Sapphira, whose experience traced by the pen of inspiration has left a dark stain upon the history of the early church (AA). Afterwards Ananias and Saphira grieved the Holy spirit by yielding to feelings of covetousness. They began to regret their promise and soon lost the sweet influence of the blessing that had warmed their hearts with a desire to do large things in behalf of the cause of Christ. They thought they had been too haste that they ought to reconsider their decision. They talked the matter over and decided not to fulfill their pledge..

They saw however that those who parted with their possessions to supply the needs of their poorer brethren were held in high esteem among the believers, and ashamed to have their brethren know that their selfish so grudged that which they had solemnly dedicated to God, they deliberately decided to sell their property and pretend to give all the proceeds into the general fund, but really to keep a large share for themselves, Thus they would secure their living from the common store and at the same time gain the higher esteem of their brethren (AA Chap. 7).

Vs. 2 He kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it …… Peter asked a question that pertained to truthfulness and faithfulness: it was simple, clear and straight. What was suppose to be his answer??? Discuss Are we not doing the same today? Vs. 8 Sapphira’s answer, “Yes for so much.” Another lie from the spouse

Are our families not living a lie in terms of that which is due to God? Vs. 8 “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” This same question is coming right into your family, your business, your livelihood, and whatever your source of income is. IS THIS ALL??? UNFORTUNATELY MANY ARE FOUND ON ANANIAS & SAPPHIRA’S SIDE and they answer YES, while they lie.

The faithful Raven Raven (Gunguo) the faithful steward 1 Kings 17: 4 – 7 The raven is a very greedy bird But at God’s instruction it delivered what it was suppose to deliver to Elijah Who is better and faithful between you and the raven.

In the case of Ananias and Saphira the sin of fraud against God was speedily punished. The same sin was often repeated in the after history of the church and is committed by many in our time but though it may not be attended by the visible manifestation of God’s displeasure, it is no less heinous in His sight now than in the Apostles’ s time. The warning has been given, God has clearly manifested His abhorrence of this sin, and all who give themselves up to hypocrisy and covetousness may be sure that they are destroying their own souls.

LET US REMEMBER AND REMIND EACH OTHER AS WE LIVE AS FAMILIES, THAT GOD EXPECTS US TO BE FAITHFUL TILL THE END, WHETHER THINGS ARE WORKING IN OUR FAVOR OR NOT. EVEN SO COME LORD JESUS!! AMEN