SATURDAY January 28, 2023
A Cleansed Church
So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things. And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.
Acts 5:11-13
How was the early Church functioning? It was as the believers were united. They remained in one mind, in one heart, and in one accord. As they were baptized with the Holy Spirit, God began to multiply the church. Empowered by His Spirit, they became witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and in the uttermost parts of the world.
All of a sudden, Satan tried to infiltrate the work of God by using Ananias and Sapphira. Through their sinful influence, he attempted to pollute the Church. They lied and sinned against the Holy Spirit, but the eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3). God showed that He was on the throne––He judged their sin, and they lost their lives. He immediately removed them and their sin, so that He could continue to do a mighty work among the people. He continued to do miracles and wonders through His apostles.
God allowed the death of Ananias and Sapphira to happen because He wanted to keep His Church pure––holy. God’s judgment cleansed His Church. God could not work effectively unless the sin in the Church was dealt with. Fear came upon the hearts of the people. They knew God was on the throne.
How is the Church cleansed today? Through the teaching of the Word of God. As the Holy Spirit convicts people, they are to confess and repent of their sin. Yes, we sin daily, but the Scriptures tell us: If we confess our sins, He [Jesus] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). We need to keep short accounts with God and confess our sins to Him daily.
Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion; it is like a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
