Acts 5: Liar, liar...pants on fire!

In the movie Liar, Liar, Jim Carrey plays the role of a lawyer who is a divorced father. Surprisingly (wink, wink, nod, nod) he is a consummate liar to his ex-wife, son, and fellow coworkers. Throughout the movie, he uses his smooth talk to get himself out of situations or to garner a promotion at work. Then one day, his young son makes a birthday wish. He wishes that his dad can never tell a lie. So from that day on, Jim Carrey is not able to lie again and the adventure begins for him to be truthful with everyone.

In Acts Chapter 5, we find a married couple, Ananias and Sapphira. Ananias had just sold some property. He wanted to take that money and give it to the apostles just like others had done.

"For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the
money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet," Acts 4:34-35

But here is the problem: Ananias (and his wife) kept back some of the money for themselves. They gave the impression that they gave it all, but Peter quickly detected their deceit.

3Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart
that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the
money you received for the land? 4Didn't it belong to you before it was sold?
And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of
doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God." Acts 5:3-4

What happens next? Ananias aka Liar I dies. Instantly. Right there! They scoop him up and bury him! Now his wife comes and Peter asks the wife a simple question. "Is this the money from your sale of the land?" "Yes," Sapphira says "this is the money". What happens next? Sapphira aka Liar II dies. Instantly. Right there! They scoop her up and bury her right next to her husband.

What is the point of the story? Don't lie? YES. God sees lying as a sin and there are consequences when we sin. Yes. But an important point is that God wants us to be truthful and honest with him. He demands truth over lies no matter if they are the little white lies we think we will get away with. Live honestly before God. Make it part of your character.

At the end of Liar, Liar, Jim's character discovers that life is better when we are truthful. He discovers that being truthful leads to a better life with his ex-wife and son. His relationships are real. What in your relationship do you need to be honest about? Jim got a second chance. Ananias and Sapphira did not. Won't you take a second chance with God so no one says to you, "Liar, liar...pants on fire."

Easter Sunday...you are invited!

My son at his best....

Sunday afterthoughts 03.21.10

I enjoyed the Sunday morning worship. Our young people were the highlight of the service. With that, here are my Sunday afterthoughts:

• I will be taking (okay I have been taking) a break from my blog posting of the book of Acts. We are going to Kentucky this week to see my son graduate from his job training. He is a US Marine. We are proud of him.
• When packing, we bring only the necessities. When we pack to live for Jesus, we need the necessities. All else is extra or is unnecessary.
• Jesus was a master storyteller and he gave us the responsibility of knowing and understanding the stories (aka parables).
• When we worship, are we worshipping to be seen or to connect to God? Check out Psalm 25:12.
• Too all my friends on Twivotion, I really love what you do! You help me worship with others Monday through Friday.
• My wife and church secretary (aka my daughter) made 30 sandwiches while my son-in-law and I got out the chips and water to fundraise for a church computer. $5 for a lunch raised us about $125! Beat that Subway. :-)
• Looking forward to my trip to Kentucky. We will see our son soon. Semper Fidelis!

Sunday afterthoughts 03.14.10

Here are my Sunday afterthoughts:

• It is great to have visitors, especially when they feel loved.
• One of my deacons was back and was serving like no other. I praise God for him!
• My message doesn't impact people, God's message does!
• We had people who came forward to be prayed for and prayed up!
• Jesus was a transformer of lives and if we don't let him transform us, then we are pew warmers.
• I learned that I am a "leper" and have been one of the nine instead of the one who thanked God. Luke 17:11-17
• An unhappy Christian is an oxymoron. Psalm 68:3
• I don't have religion, I have a relationship with Jesus Christ and you can too!