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(Clip) Revival and the Sin of Lying to the Holy Spirit
Erlo Stegen
0:00
0:00 7:22
Erlo Stegen

(Clip) Revival and the Sin of Lying to the Holy Spirit

Erlo Stegen · 7:22

Erlo Stegen warns against lying to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and unity within the church as exemplified in the early Acts church.
This sermon emphasizes the unity and purity within the early Christian church, highlighting the importance of repentance, cleansing, and being of one heart, mind, and spirit. It delves into the story of Ananias and Sapphira, revealing the consequences of deception and the significance of being truthful before God, even in matters of possessions and unity with one's spouse.

Full Transcript

We are experiencing every day that the Lord's name is above every name. When the Christians repented, cleansing their lives, they can be so many things amongst Christians. Bitterness. Unforgiveness. One Christian having something against the other Christian. If you read in the book of Acts, the early church were of one heart, one mind, even one word. So, if we read in the book of Acts, the early church were of one mind, one heart, one spirit. And if we see that after the death of Jesus, they did more than all those who did all over the world, all the preachers who did all over the world. More than their own money, more than their own property. Some people would sell everything and bring it to the feet of the apostles. Strange that they brought it to the feet of the apostles. If somebody gives me a check and gives me money, I don't put it at my feet, I put it here close to my heart. But the apostles said, put it at our feet. But the apostles said, put it at our feet. Where is your money? Close to your heart or under your feet? It can start with the wife as well. And said, look, let's not give everything, we just do as it is everything. We don't know what will happen to the church in future. We don't know what will happen to the church in future. And they thought, maybe one day Peter and John will die, and what will be of our money, what will be of our future? So, let's cut in half the money we took and give the other half to them. And Ananias came, he was held half, and he gave the other portion. But Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, who is not only a Holy Spirit, but the Spirit of Truth as well. And the Holy Spirit said to Peter, Peter, there is something wrong here, there is a rat smelling here. And he confronted Ananias and said, Ananias, did you sell that portion for this amount? And he told him a white lie. To save him out of that awkward situation. And he said, yes. He said, Peter, why do you lie to the Holy God, to the Holy Spirit? You don't lie to me, but to Him. You lied to me, but you lied to the Holy Spirit, you lied to the Holy God. Because you had that land and it was yours. You could have done anything with it, you could have kept the whole money. It was yours. But why do you lie? You haven't lied to me, but to the Holy Spirit. And as Ananias heard those words, he fell down dead. After three hours his dear wife came. Peter held the pistol to her hand. And he challenged her and said, Sapphira, have you sold that portion for this amount? Dear sisters, what should she have said? She had agreed with her husband, she was one with her husband. We always cry and say, oh shame, the married people aren't one. No, this couple was one and had agreed. She couldn't let her husband down and reveal his lying. And Peter, full of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of truth, said, Sapphira, why did you become one with your husband? Becoming one with your husband in something that is not right before God.

Sermon Outline

  1. I. The Early Church's Unity and Generosity
    • Christians were of one heart, mind, and spirit
    • They shared possessions and supported apostles fully
    • Their unity led to powerful witness and growth
  2. II. The Sin of Ananias and Sapphira
    • They lied about the proceeds from selling land
    • Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, confronted their deceit
    • Their lie was not just to men but to the Holy Spirit
  3. III. The Consequences of Lying to the Holy Spirit
    • Ananias fell dead immediately after confrontation
    • Sapphira also died after lying to Peter
    • Their deaths served as a warning to the church
  4. IV. Application for the Church Today
    • Call for genuine repentance and honesty
    • Encouragement to maintain unity and truthfulness
    • Warning against hypocrisy and deceit in the body of Christ

Key Quotes

“Peter, why do you lie to the Holy God, to the Holy Spirit?” — Erlo Stegen
“You haven't lied to me, but to the Holy Spirit.” — Erlo Stegen
“The early church were of one mind, one heart, one spirit.” — Erlo Stegen

Application Points

  • Examine your heart for any dishonesty before God and confess it promptly.
  • Strive to maintain unity in your church by practicing transparency and forgiveness.
  • Respect and honor the Holy Spirit by living a life of truth and integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is lying to the Holy Spirit considered so serious?
Because the Holy Spirit is God Himself, and lying to Him is a direct offense against God's holiness and truth.
What does the story of Ananias and Sapphira teach about church unity?
It highlights the importance of honesty and integrity within the church to maintain true unity and fellowship.
How can believers avoid the sin of hypocrisy in the church?
By living transparently before God and others, confessing sins, and seeking genuine repentance.
What role does the Holy Spirit play in confronting sin?
The Holy Spirit reveals truth, convicts of sin, and empowers believers to live righteously.
Is the example of Ananias and Sapphira applicable to modern Christians?
Yes, it serves as a solemn reminder to uphold integrity and fear God in all actions.

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