⚓ Floatie: A Holy Fear
Acts 5:1–11 (1)But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, (2)and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. (3)But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? (4)While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” (5)When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. (6)The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.
(7)After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. (8)And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” (9)But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” (10)Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. (11)And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.(ESV)
✒️ Forge: The God Who Knows the Heart
The early church was marked by generosity, but Ananias and Sapphira introduced hypocrisy. Their sin was not withholding money—they were free to give or not give. Their sin was lying to the Holy Spirit, pretending to offer all while secretly keeping back.
This echoes the judgment of Achan, who secretly kept devoted things and brought disaster on Israel (Joshua 7:1). It also echoes Nadab and Abihu, who offered unauthorized fire and were struck down (Leviticus 10:1–2). God has always dealt severely with false worship in the moment of new covenant beginnings.
The message is unmistakable: God will not tolerate deceit in His house.
⚒️ Anvil: The Challenge of Integrity
How often do we present ourselves as more generous, more holy, more devoted than we are? Hypocrisy is lying not just to people but to God. Jesus warned: “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them” (Matthew 6:1)(ESV).
The challenge is integrity: living before God’s face (coram Deo), where nothing is hidden. The Spirit is not fooled by appearances.
🔥 Ember: A Word for Today
Great fear came upon all who heard. That fear was not terror that drives away, but reverence that draws near in truth. The modern church often treats God casually. Perhaps what we lack is holy fear—the awe that refuses to trifle with Him.
🌿 Covenant Triumph: Purity in the Church
Though severe, this judgment protected the early church. It reminded all that God’s presence is holy, His Spirit is not mocked, and His people must walk in truth. The covenant community thrives not when it looks impressive, but when it is honest. God purifies His house because He intends to dwell in it.
[⚓ Floatie] [✒️ Forge] [⚒️ Anvil] [🔥 Ember] [🌿 Covenant Triumph]
This post follows the Forge Baseline Rule—layered truth for the discerning remnant.
Walking With Christ 
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