Prayer Point for the Week – Let us pray for our country and it’s new administration on this inaugural week.
Questions for Reflection:
Does God seem different in the Old Testament than He does in the New Testament? In what ways? How does the text portray God? Does it affect your relationship with Him in any way?
The first city the Jews attacked after they crossed the Jordan River was the city of Jericho. It was completely destroyed. Read Joshua 2. Was God’s grace evident? If so, how? What did Rehab possess that granted her God’s favor?
It is more than likely that the Jews during the time of Jesus did not completely understand the love and grace of God. What title did Jesus use to address and teach about God? How did Jesus portray God in His teaching?
In today’s text, the Lord moved swiftly against Ananias and Sapphira because of their sin. Should we interpret this to mean that we will be struck down if we are struggling with sin? Read John 8:1-11. What does this tell us about God’s justice and mercy? How should we treat those who are struggling with sin?
Some would classify Ananias’ sin as a “little white lie.” How did Peter categorizes this sin? According to James 2:10, what does each sin have in common? Read Proverbs 6:16-19. How does God categorize these 7 sins? Did Ananias’s sin fall into any of the sins listed there?
Some would say that Ananias and Sapphira received no mercy. Read Revelation 2:20&21. What insight do these verses give you into the purpose of Peter’s confrontation with the wayward couple?
How did the people respond to this couple’s death? How did the Holy Spirt move following this judgment? How were the efforts to win souls affected?
