The Church Cannot Lie to God

Fellowship

Based on what has happened with you since the last time we met, what is something you are thankful for?
What has stressed you out this week, and what do you need for things to be better?
What are the needs of the people in your community, and how can we help each other meet the needs we’ve expressed?
What was the story last time we met? What did we learn about God and people?
In our last meeting, you decided to apply what you learned. What did you do, and how did it go?
Who did you share something with from the last story? How did they respond?
We identified several needs last time we met and planned to meet those needs. How did it go?
Now, let's read today's story from God...

Acts of the Apostles 5: 1-11

¹ But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. ² He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it was the full amount. With his wife’s consent, he kept the rest. ³ Then Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. ⁴ The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!” ⁵ As soon as Ananias heard these words, he fell to the floor and died. Everyone who heard about it was terrified. ⁶ Then some young men got up, wrapped him in a sheet, and took him out and buried him. ⁷ About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ Peter asked her, “Was this the price you and your husband received for your land?” “Yes,” she replied, “that was the price.” ⁹ And Peter said, “How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too.” ¹⁰ Instantly, she fell to the floor and died. When the young men came in and saw that she was dead, they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. ¹¹ Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.

Application

Now, let’s have someone retell this passage in their own words, as though they were telling a friend who has never heard it. Let's help them if they leave anything out or add anything by mistake. If that happens we can ask, "Where do you find that in the story?"
What does this story teach us about God, his character, and what he does?
What do we learn about people, including ourselves, from this story?
What do we learn from this story about being the church?
How will you apply God's truth from this story in your life this week? What is a specific action or thing you will do?
Who will you share a truth from this story with before we meet again? Do you know others who would also like to discover God's word in this app like we are?
As our meeting comes to a close, let's decide when we will meet again and who will facilitate our next meeting.
We encourage you to make note of what you said you will do, and to re-read this story in the days before we meet again. The facilitator can share the story text or audio if anyone doesn't have it. As we go, let's ask the Lord to help us.

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