Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: Trouble From Within - Pastor Ben Hodges

Two forces repeatedly threatened the early church:Persecution: opposition from outside the group, often a power struggle, integrity problem, or financial.Pollution: opposition from within the group, often a power struggle, integrity problem, or financial.The way forward is the same in both instances: prayerful, bold, faithful leadership of self and others.Barnabas: The Leader with IntegrityActs 4:32-37Barnabas is introduced as an example of godly generosity.He is selfless and authentic.He becomes a key leader in the early church — trusted, humble, encouraging.Ananias and Sapphira: Craving the Platform of InfluenceAct 5:1-11Their action mimics Barnabas externally, but with a corrupt motive.They wanted the credit of generosity without the cost.This was not about money—it was about lying to God.Christian leadership and influence begins and ends with character.Good Self-Leadership: The Strength of IntegrityBarnabas didn’t need recognition. He gave because he wanted to obey God’s, further the mission of the church, help others.True spiritual leadership is marked by private integrity, not public applause.He becomes a partner to Paul, a disciple-maker, and a reconciler in conflict (Acts 9, 11, 15).Ananias and Sapphira led by pretense. They weren’t forced to give (Acts 5:4), but they chose to lie for influence.They may have been great “leaders,” but they were terrible Church leaders.God exposed the issue — to preserve protect the witness and holiness of His church.The Holiness of God and the Fear of the LordActs 5:3-5Notice: Peter confronts. Good church leaders do not avoid confrontation of sin in church leadership.God is not casual about holiness.This was the foundation of the church. God was establishing a holy people.Just like Achan in Joshua 7, God exposes hidden sin early to protect His people.Acts 5:11We’ve lost the fear of God in many churches today.We want His power, but not His purity.We want His blessing, but not His correction.This is not about perfection, it is about submission to Christ and a repentant heart.Hebrews 4:13Acts 5:12-16