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SAPPHIRA LIES TO THE HOLY GHOST

               PETER QUESTIONS SAPPHIRA


               Act 5:7  And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was
               done, came in.


               Not one man or woman has gone to Sapphira and told her what had happened to her husband.
               They all stay in the service and worship the Lord.  All present have a renewed reverence for the
               Lord.

               Act 5:8  And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she
               said, Yea, for so much.


               Peter gives Sapphira an opportunity to tell the truth before the congregation, but she also lies.
               She is not held accountable for her husband’s sin unless she is in agreement with it.  Her answer
               reveals her heart.

               PETER CONFRONTS SAPPHIRA


               Act 5:9  Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of
               the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall
               carry thee out.

               Now a word of wisdom comes to Peter and he explains what is about to happen to her.  The
               same men who had buried her husband will bury her.


               SAPPHIRA GIVES UP THE GHOST

               Act 5:10  Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young
               men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.


               The same sin brought the same judgment.

               Ananias and Sapphira are not judged because they did not bring all the money they received.
               They are judged because they lied.

               Act 5:11  And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.


               The honeymoon period of Acts 2 is over, and a new commitment has settled into the hearts of
               the people.

               This story teaches on the importance of commitment to the Word of God and the local church.
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