A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day – April 30, 2020
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 15:26)
Acts 5 is probably one of the least taught chapters in the New testament. I understand that, because it is the story about Ananias and Sapphira. This is the couple that conspired to deceive the Holy Ghost and paid for it with their lives. That is scary stuff! Let’s take a closer look at this event.
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. (Acts 5:3-4)
But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart that you should lie to and attempt to deceive the Holy Spirit, and should [in violation of your promise] withdraw secretly and appropriate to your own use part of the price from the sale of the land? As long as it remained unsold, was it not still your own? And [even] after it was sold, was not [the money] at your disposal and under your control? Why then, is it that you have proposed and purposed in your heart to do this thing? [How could you have the heart to do such a deed?] You have not [simply] lied to men [playing false and showing yourself utterly deceitful] but to God. (Acts 5:3-4. AMPC)
What concerns me the most is that a great portion of our modern-day church looks at the Holy Ghost as a third party (separate from God). Some even disrespect the Holy Ghost and make fun of the gifts of the Spirit. That is a terrible mistake! The Holy Ghost is God. Take a close look at the above scriptures. Ananias and Sapphira did not lie just to the Holy Ghost but to God. The Holy Ghost is part of the Trinity. The Holy Ghost is God, just like Jesus is God. They are separate and yet one. I know that is hard for us to understand sometimes but that is the truth.
The Holy Ghost was sent by Jesus to lead us into all truth. He was sent to be our guide and comforter. Matthew 12 explains a lot about what our relationship should be with the Holy Ghost. We should respect and honor the Spirit of God. We should learn to listen and heed what the Holy Ghost is telling us. We should not attribute the gifts of the Spirit to Satan. That is blasphemy!!!
There have been many times in my life that if I had not listened, and obeyed what the Spirit was saying to me, my family and I would have made the wrong move. That is still happening today. You must develop a personal relationship with the Holy Ghost. You must listen and do what the Spirit is saying to you. Ananias and Sapphira promised one thing and did another. That boils down to a lie!!!
The only sin in the Bible that is unforgivable is blasphemy of the Holy Ghost. That tells me that our relationship with the Holy Ghost is crucially important!!! (Matthew 12:31)
