Acts 4 ends with a description of the nearly ideal church community—deeply sacrificial unity, powerful apostolic ministry, and a fellowship marked by grace. But all of this is to be short-lived. Chapter 5 begins with the sad narrative of Ananias and Sapphira’s deception, which marks the beginning of superficiality in a community accustomed to sincerity. Superficiality, also known as pretense, is one of the great enemies of the church and will neutralize its power to effect change and growth in the lives of people. Possibly, this is the reason the LORD responded to severely to Ananias and Sapphira. Are we willing to tolerate this dangerous threat to the church?

Marks of a Pure Church